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The needle
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1975
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 6, 2024
3.5, rounded up.
King's 15th novel from 1975; my 20th of his books to read in my ongoing deep dive into his works.
It somewhat seems that mid-career, either of his own volition, or because of some urging from his publishers, perhaps, King decided to go a more commercial route than usual, crafting what emerges as a standard genre psychological thriller. As such, it isn't bad, and contains his usual carefully constructed characters, eminently readable prose, and a few surprises - but it is definitely second-tier King IMHO.
Given that many/most of his books revolve around repressed homosexuality, I had somewhat presumed that what was bothering Bob, the secretive, yet charmingly indigent younger brother of stalwart doctor Lorna was probably the 'love that dare not speak its name' - and, in fact, halfway through the book that is indeed what Lorna suspects his 'problem' to be.
Turns out to be something even more 'aberrant' , and once that is revealed, and due to the way in which the book has been structured and the giveaway title, I had pretty much figured out the ending with 40 pages to go. Again, that DOESN'T make it a BAD book - I was just expecting a little bit more from this now revered author. It's still a quick, enjoyable read.
King's 15th novel from 1975; my 20th of his books to read in my ongoing deep dive into his works.
It somewhat seems that mid-career, either of his own volition, or because of some urging from his publishers, perhaps, King decided to go a more commercial route than usual, crafting what emerges as a standard genre psychological thriller. As such, it isn't bad, and contains his usual carefully constructed characters, eminently readable prose, and a few surprises - but it is definitely second-tier King IMHO.
Given that many/most of his books revolve around repressed homosexuality, I had somewhat presumed that what was bothering Bob, the secretive, yet charmingly indigent younger brother of stalwart doctor Lorna was probably the 'love that dare not speak its name' - and, in fact, halfway through the book that is indeed what Lorna suspects his 'problem' to be.
Turns out to be something even more 'aberrant' , and once that is revealed, and due to the way in which the book has been structured and the giveaway title, I had pretty much figured out the ending with 40 pages to go. Again, that DOESN'T make it a BAD book - I was just expecting a little bit more from this now revered author. It's still a quick, enjoyable read.
March 26, 2023
3.5
Published in 1976, this book deals with topics that were not often addressed in that time period - homosexuality, pedophiles and sex trafficking. Definitely one to think about. I will be reading more of Francis King’s books.
Published in 1976, this book deals with topics that were not often addressed in that time period - homosexuality, pedophiles and sex trafficking. Definitely one to think about. I will be reading more of Francis King’s books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews