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Big Driver
Now a Lifetime original movie, Stephen King's haunting story about an author of a series of mystery novels who tries to reconcile her old life with her life after a horrific attack and the one thing that can save her: Revenge.
Tess Thorne, a famous mystery writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing engagement. Advised to take a shortcut at the suggestion of the event’s planner, Tess sets out for home, well after dark. On a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out, and when a man in a pick up stops, it is not to help her, but to repeatedly assault her and leave her for dead. Tess survives, and she plots a revenge that will bring her face-to-face with another stranger: the one inside herself, capable of gruesome violence.
Tess Thorne, a famous mystery writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing engagement. Advised to take a shortcut at the suggestion of the event’s planner, Tess sets out for home, well after dark. On a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out, and when a man in a pick up stops, it is not to help her, but to repeatedly assault her and leave her for dead. Tess survives, and she plots a revenge that will bring her face-to-face with another stranger: the one inside herself, capable of gruesome violence.
148 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2010
796 people are currently reading
2958 people want to read
About the author
Stephen King
2,614 books886k followersStephen Edwin King was born the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. After his father left them when Stephen was two, he and his older brother, David, were raised by his mother. Parts of his childhood were spent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father's family was at the time, and in Stratford, Connecticut. When Stephen was eleven, his mother brought her children back to Durham, Maine, for good. Her parents, Guy and Nellie Pillsbury, had become incapacitated with old age, and Ruth King was persuaded by her sisters to take over the physical care of them. Other family members provided a small house in Durham and financial support. After Stephen's grandparents passed away, Mrs. King found work in the kitchens of Pineland, a nearby residential facility for the mentally challenged.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
Stephen attended the grammar school in Durham and Lisbon Falls High School, graduating in 1966. From his sophomore year at the University of Maine at Orono, he wrote a weekly column for the school newspaper, THE MAINE CAMPUS. He was also active in student politics, serving as a member of the Student Senate. He came to support the anti-war movement on the Orono campus, arriving at his stance from a conservative view that the war in Vietnam was unconstitutional. He graduated in 1970, with a B.A. in English and qualified to teach on the high school level. A draft board examination immediately post-graduation found him 4-F on grounds of high blood pressure, limited vision, flat feet, and punctured eardrums.
He met Tabitha Spruce in the stacks of the Fogler Library at the University, where they both worked as students; they married in January of 1971. As Stephen was unable to find placement as a teacher immediately, the Kings lived on his earnings as a laborer at an industrial laundry, and her student loan and savings, with an occasional boost from a short story sale to men's magazines.
Stephen made his first professional short story sale ("The Glass Floor") to Startling Mystery Stories in 1967. Throughout the early years of his marriage, he continued to sell stories to men's magazines. Many were gathered into the Night Shift collection or appeared in other anthologies.
In the fall of 1971, Stephen began teaching English at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
December 5, 2014
Before I sunk my teeth into BIG DRIVER- I was talking to a Goodreads friend... and she warned me that this may not be the short story for me. I assured her I would go into it forewarned- I do love when a woman gets revenge on a man that is deserving of it.
This book ticked that box for me...but that was the only box it ticked. It started out much stronger than its finish...and in between was kind of hard to take.
Tess Thorne makes a comfortable living writing cozy mysteries- but sometimes a woman can't live on cozy mysteries alone- and a speaking engagement or two is needed. So Tess is delighted when Ramona Norville- a librarian in Chicopee, Massachusetts- gives her a call to do just that.
On her way home- Tess hits a bump in the road...literally, and as luck would have it- a trucker arrives on the scene to come to her aid in no time at all...
...but all luck unfortunately isn't good luck..and soon Tess is fighting for her life.
...and when her ordeal is done- Tess has a decision to make- is she going to be the victim?
...Or is he?
BIG DRIVER is a short story in the anthology FULL DARK, NO STARS- I bought it as an e-book single. Was it worth picking up?? Yes, I am glad I read it. Was it an enjoyable read???...abso-F!#$%-lutely NOT.
May 18, 2023
أنت في أمان بصحبة جهاز تحديد المواقع العالمي. لن تعدم أن تصل وجهتك مهما توغلت في دروب مجهولة و طرق مختصرة لم تعرفها من قبل أو لم يطرقها بشر منذ سنين طويلة. إلا إذا ...
المشكلة دائما في لكن و إلا إذا و هذه الكلمات الإعتراضية التي تفسد حياتنا.
إمرأة مستقلة و ناجحة إلى حد ما تجد نفسها فجأة ضائعة في طريق مجهول بدون شبكة هاتف و بإطار مثقوب و مصير مجهول. ثم يظهر هذا العملاق عارضا خدماته التي يتضح إنها تتلخص في الاغتصاب و القتل و الرقص على جثث الضحايا.
إذا نجت من كل ذلك فهل تخبر الشرطة بما حدث و تتعرض للفضيحة و انتهاك الخصوصية و هي الكاتبة المشهورة أم تصمت و تعطي للجاني الفرصة لاغتصاب و قتل المزيد من النساء أم تنتقم لنفسها بنفسها و هي الرقيقية التي لا تكاد تحسن استخدام السلاح؟
كانت هذه هي القصة الثانية في مجموعة ظلام دامس. لا نجوم
April 4, 2020
Absolutely outstanding and phenomenal novella by Stephen King (it can also be found in the Full Dark, No Stars Anthology and I think it was also made into a movie). Tess, a writer, regularly gives readings in libraries. She writes about a club of elderly women acting as sleuths and exchanging recipes. Her books are primarily read by elderly ladies. After one of her lectures she is raped and tortured by a big hick. Will she go to the police or does she have different plans? What about the lady that hired her? There are references to movies like Death Wish, now you can guess that the novella takes a turn into a revenge tale. It really does so far I will say without giving any spoilers. And this in a absolute brilliant way. Does Tess lose her mind? What about her talking with the navigation system, her cat or the dog (incredibly tight writing here)? I was very fond of this intriguing and unusual tale of revenge and can highly recommend it. What a novella! Here you can clearly see what a phenomenally gifted author Stephen King is. Uncanny page turner at its best!
November 5, 2018
Big Driver by Stephen King is a bit of a cross between a horror and thriller as the events involved certainly are considered horrific but are very real. And that leads to the content warning with this story being about rape but with also a lot of violence.
Tess Thorne is a famous author and has been out at a promotional event signing autographs and answering questions from the fans. After the event while Tess is driving she takes a route suggested to get her home faster but runs into some trouble with debris in the road.
With a blown out tire and a rarely traveled road Tess has images of many horror movies in her mind but tells herself to calm down. When another driver comes along Tess hopes for help but instead finds herself living out her worst nightmare.
Big Driver is one of those books that was quite thought provoking. As much as one could question why did you do this or that rape is something that does happen and as horrible as that is the victims then have to live with what happened to them. King took this thought and gave one extreme reaction to the event that was compelling to read with a few twists and turns along the way.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Tess Thorne is a famous author and has been out at a promotional event signing autographs and answering questions from the fans. After the event while Tess is driving she takes a route suggested to get her home faster but runs into some trouble with debris in the road.
With a blown out tire and a rarely traveled road Tess has images of many horror movies in her mind but tells herself to calm down. When another driver comes along Tess hopes for help but instead finds herself living out her worst nightmare.
Big Driver is one of those books that was quite thought provoking. As much as one could question why did you do this or that rape is something that does happen and as horrible as that is the victims then have to live with what happened to them. King took this thought and gave one extreme reaction to the event that was compelling to read with a few twists and turns along the way.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 27, 2018
This was pretty damn brutal even for a Stephen King book. At times it was a little hard for me to take. One thing I really didn't like about this story was how the rape-revenge story not only didn't seem original, but the book kept making references to many movies I felt this was copying. I am a huge King fan, but I don't think this was one of his better stories. I give the story 3 stars.
As far as the narrator went, I thought she did a great job. I've seen a few reviews that said she was annoying. I don't think it was her that was annoying, but probably more the way King writes was what they were having a problem with. I'd give the narration 5 stars.
Story ***
Narration *****
Overall ****
As far as the narrator went, I thought she did a great job. I've seen a few reviews that said she was annoying. I don't think it was her that was annoying, but probably more the way King writes was what they were having a problem with. I'd give the narration 5 stars.
Story ***
Narration *****
Overall ****
April 25, 2021
Story & audio 3.5 stars**
Narrator Jessica Hecht
Narrator Jessica Hecht
February 14, 2015
Big Driver
A shocking beginning leads to a true horror of a story for every female alive! When returning home from a speaking engagement, cozy women's mystery author Tess is stranded on an isolated back road with a blown tire and no cell phone service (of course) and when a 6' 6" GIANT steps out of a small F-150 pick-up to lend aid, his assistance soon turns to utter violence as she is.....(you can guess)
What happens next though is truly amazing (and the best part of the story) as Tess (with the help of her inner voice and GPS Tom) takes charge, decides not to be a victim and seeks her revenge! Great ending!
Fair Extension
Streeter is a happily married man who lives in Derry, Maine (oh no! isn't that where IT lives?) with his wife and two children, but sadly does not have long to live; and while returning home from a doctor visit stops (to empty a sick bag) on the side of the road and notices a weird little man (with sharp pointed teeth) and a sign reading "Fair Extensions". Elvid(?) soon makes Streeter a proposition he does not quite believe, but cannot resist, however.......there are two conditions he must fulfill that result in a very nasty outcome. (for someone)
This is one wickedly horrid short story!
May 30, 2023
This story is from Full Dark, No Stars and it's much better than the first novella in the collection - 1922. Stephen did some great writing here.
We follow a female author during one of her speeches at a library. Things go from pleasant to ghastly, quick.
This is a REVENGE tale. I never understand the allure of a revenge tale until a few years back. I finally get that there are horrible things we all go through in some way or other and for the majority of us, life goes on and we endure. A revenge tale gives us the fantasy of being able to fight back and win justice from the wrong doers. So, now I can see the value of these tales. It feels good to think someone got justice against these bullies.
This revenge tale is about the rape of the author. Stephen gives plenty of details, but thankfully, he doesn't go into the grisly details of it all. There's enough to get the horror of it. The rest is all about the revenge.
The story is over 100 pages and it's another dark tale. This collection is turning out to be very grim.
We follow a female author during one of her speeches at a library. Things go from pleasant to ghastly, quick.
This is a REVENGE tale. I never understand the allure of a revenge tale until a few years back. I finally get that there are horrible things we all go through in some way or other and for the majority of us, life goes on and we endure. A revenge tale gives us the fantasy of being able to fight back and win justice from the wrong doers. So, now I can see the value of these tales. It feels good to think someone got justice against these bullies.
This revenge tale is about the rape of the author. Stephen gives plenty of details, but thankfully, he doesn't go into the grisly details of it all. There's enough to get the horror of it. The rest is all about the revenge.
The story is over 100 pages and it's another dark tale. This collection is turning out to be very grim.
June 11, 2021
Big Driver is a novella by Stephen King. It was first published as one of four novellas in his “Full Dark, No Stars” and later on its own. The narrator is Tess, a confident and successful modern woman, well in control of her life and destiny—or so it seems.
“Tess didn’t believe in past lifetimes, or future ones for that matter—in metaphysical terms, she thought what you saw was pretty much what you got—but she liked the idea of a life where she was not a small woman with an elfin face, a shy smile, and a job writing cozy mysteries.”
Tess Thorne’s life is pretty comfortable. As the author of a popular series of “The Willow Grove Knitting Society” cosy mysteries, in which a group of old ladies solve (tasteful, bloodless) crimes, she is under no illusions that she is a great writer. But it pays the bills. Plus accepting about a dozen paid speaking engagements a year injects a welcome extra burst of income, allowing for a bit of luxury in her solitary life with her cat, Fritzy.
We get to know Tess quite well, sensing that she is vaguely aware that she is not using all her talents. Writing stories, attending library talks, and saving up for the future cannot be all there is. She is more than that. But we carry on with this tale, describing her easy, deceptively comfortable life.
We learn that Tess likes to pick and choose where she will speak. She does not like to fly, but prefers to drive everywhere. Tess Thorne likes to be in control.
“She just hated it: the crowding, the indignity of the full-body scans, the way the airlines now had their hands out for what used to be free, the delays… and the inescapable fact that you were not in charge. That was the worst.”
When she is approached by a librarian called Ramona Norville, who asks her to speak to her group at a library in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Tess is well aware that she is a last-minute filler: a replacement for an author who has cancelled. But the remuneration is good, it is an easy drive, and the talk she will give is the same one she has given many times before. Tess can even specify exactly how long the questions afterwards will take, and leave the library to get home the same evening. It’s a tempting offer, and she accepts.
After her talk, the librarian helpfully tells her of a shortcut which she often uses herself. It’s in the middle of nowhere, but only lasts a short distance. She could easily speed through it, and it would save her quite a bit of time. Tess jumps at the chance of being back home earlier, to relax and feed her cat. Annoyingly though, there is some building debris in the road—planks of wood with nails in—and not surprisingly Tess gets a flat tyre. She’s well aware that this would probably happen to the next driver to come along too, so like a good citizen she picks up all the debris, and throws it into a ditch by the side of the road, before calling for help on her mobile phone. One van with “Zombie Bakers” painted on the side does actually pass her before she has finished, but although it veers alarming across the road, it manages to avoid the rubble.
Another vehicle comes up, a Big Driver. When I saw the title of this book, I assumed this to be a large vehicle, but equally it could be the person driving it. Here we have a pick-up truck, driven by a giant of a man, who straightaway laughs off his size, and helpfully offers to change her tyre. Tess, relieved but still in “I can handle this” mode, accepts and says she will pay him 50 dollars.
At this point, what has become a brutal and gruesome story, with graphic violence, becomes interesting from a moral point of view. What is Tess to do? She has gone through every woman’s worst nightmare—and some men’s, come to that—but surely she has some responsibility for what happens now? It is up to her.
What really bothers Tess Thorne, when she thinks about going to the authorities, is what the newspapers will make of her story—making the most of the fact that she writes a popular series about elderly ladies who knit—and worse still, whatever will her fans say? She is used to youngsters coming up and wanting her autograph, but invariably they say: “My gran loves your stories”. No, there would definitely be a backlash from her fans, and her name and reputation would be dragged through the mud. What helps her reach a decision as she slowly makes her way to safety, is that nobody stops, or offers help of any kind, despite her appearance. She decides to stay quiet, and instead, immediately starts doing investigative work herself, taking on the mantle of feisty, vengeance-seeking detective. Since her stories feature a well-spoken genteel grandmother, Doreen Marcus, it is difficult to see how this figure could be her inspiration, but we will pass over that ...
Many of Stephen King’s stories feature a writer as the protagonist, and many also feature , but this is the only one I know of to deal exclusively with this theme, including a grim and complex aftermath, as a direct consequence. Tess has been hardened by her experience, and turns herself into the sort of vigilante, determined on retribution, none of her acquaintances would recognise, or believe was in her. But Tess thinks:
“How many unsuspected selves could a person have, hidden deep inside? She was beginning to think the number might be infinite.”
As the story proceeds, a barkeeper inadvertently provides Tess with clues. The connection we learn is unexpected and there is a neat twist near the end of the story, which nearly wrecks Tess’s carefully laid plans. However, Tess’s reaction to this is unlikely, and psychologically inconsistent with her character.
As well as these events lacking credibility, the ending is a bit of a damp squib. Tess’s concerns now seem out of synch with her experiences. Does Tess feel guilt? Would she have felt any more or less guilt, if she had acted another way? None of this seems to hold together. Tess now has a soulmate, but this in itself puts her at risk. Is it likely that she would never contact this person again? Or will she also seek them out? Is Tess now truly on the rampage, meting out punishment for victims as well as the perpetrators of crimes? The line between execution and revenge becomes muddled. Is this retributive justice, or something else?
Stephen King’s story telling skills can be quite engaging, for those who are not put off by the sheer foulness, depravity and horror he usually includes (which I admit, I am). I do enjoy supernatural stories, although I find Stephen King’s use of the supernatural element to often feel contrived, convenient, and thus ultimately frustrating. In fact this is not a supernatural story as such. There are no paranormal phenomena. It concentrates on psychological realism, and the horror comes out of the appalling situation an ordinary person is put into, and what they feel they have to do to resolve it.
But Stephen King usually cannot resist putting in a few weird, inexplicable touches, even in his “straight” horror stories. In this case we have voices in Tess’s head. She is advised on how to proceed by Fritzy, Tomtom her satnav, and occasionally one of the characters in her novels. These voices are written overtly, and she holds conversations with them. Yet nowhere else are we given any indication that Tess is losing her mind. It’s just Stephen King’s whimsy.
I quite like that aspect, as it can provide humour. However it does not work here, either in psychological terms as explained, or with any consistency as a supernatural element. It does not lead anywhere; it is a cheat. The idea of a mystery writer using the skills of her own protagonists to track down villains, is also nice, and could work. There is a nod to metafiction, as Tess often thinks of scenes from suspense films and novels she knows, and applies them to her own situation. She seems to oddly be almost aware of writing her own story:
“It was the way she felt when the strings of some outlandish plot actually started to come together, pulling tight like the top of a nicely crafted tote-bag. She always felt both surprised and not surprised when this happened.”
There are many references to storytelling and popular culture. The “Sound of Music” film, plus lots of trolls, stuffed toys and ornaments in one almost unbearably tense scene, certainly add an off-kilter feel, as a ghastly backdrop contrast to the violence portrayed.
In the end though, I find this a disquieting but essentially manipulative story. It jumps on the tired bandwagon of “female in peril” stories, then switches to an apparently modern feminist take, with the female turned feisty, in what she herself calls “New Tess mode”, and becomes a piece about revenge. And yet this new, empowered, foul-mouthed female is apparently so worried about her reputation that she becomes a lawless vigilante?
I also find heavily homophobic implications in this story. unmistakable and distasteful. Perhaps it is intended to be the protagonist who labels her a “dyke”, rather than the author himself through her thoughts. Perhaps also this word has been “reclaimed”—but both of these duck the real issue. Stephen King can surely do better than to depict yet another negative stereotype: a predatory lesbian.
It’s all gloss. Tess seems happy enough to go back to her fatuous, shallow and convenient lifestyle, which as an educated and intelligent person, she had already begun to question. In its portrayal of personal vengeance masquerading as strong feminist principles, it has definite similarities to Stieg Larsson’s novels.
Ultimately, the skill of the author, the psychological build-up, gripping scenes and then fast-paced speed of the read, are not enough to rescue this book. It is cold, disturbing, dark, brutal, merciless and above all hollow. It pretends to have a moral core, but it is a sham. The violent scenes may provide a vicarious thrill, in that Tess is fighting for oppressed women everywhere, but this kind of retribution is a twisted brand of integrity. Perhaps for some readers, who readily identify with Tess, there may be cathartic benefits in the justice she metes out. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it, but I’ll leave you with “Variety”’s verdict on the film. (Yes, there is a film, but I won’t be watching it!)
“An odious film. “Big Driver” peddles tired exploitation nonsense, in the form of a simpleminded revenge yarn. As vehicles go, it’s more of a garbage truck than anything.”
“Tess didn’t believe in past lifetimes, or future ones for that matter—in metaphysical terms, she thought what you saw was pretty much what you got—but she liked the idea of a life where she was not a small woman with an elfin face, a shy smile, and a job writing cozy mysteries.”
Tess Thorne’s life is pretty comfortable. As the author of a popular series of “The Willow Grove Knitting Society” cosy mysteries, in which a group of old ladies solve (tasteful, bloodless) crimes, she is under no illusions that she is a great writer. But it pays the bills. Plus accepting about a dozen paid speaking engagements a year injects a welcome extra burst of income, allowing for a bit of luxury in her solitary life with her cat, Fritzy.
We get to know Tess quite well, sensing that she is vaguely aware that she is not using all her talents. Writing stories, attending library talks, and saving up for the future cannot be all there is. She is more than that. But we carry on with this tale, describing her easy, deceptively comfortable life.
We learn that Tess likes to pick and choose where she will speak. She does not like to fly, but prefers to drive everywhere. Tess Thorne likes to be in control.
“She just hated it: the crowding, the indignity of the full-body scans, the way the airlines now had their hands out for what used to be free, the delays… and the inescapable fact that you were not in charge. That was the worst.”
When she is approached by a librarian called Ramona Norville, who asks her to speak to her group at a library in Chicopee, Massachusetts, Tess is well aware that she is a last-minute filler: a replacement for an author who has cancelled. But the remuneration is good, it is an easy drive, and the talk she will give is the same one she has given many times before. Tess can even specify exactly how long the questions afterwards will take, and leave the library to get home the same evening. It’s a tempting offer, and she accepts.
After her talk, the librarian helpfully tells her of a shortcut which she often uses herself. It’s in the middle of nowhere, but only lasts a short distance. She could easily speed through it, and it would save her quite a bit of time. Tess jumps at the chance of being back home earlier, to relax and feed her cat. Annoyingly though, there is some building debris in the road—planks of wood with nails in—and not surprisingly Tess gets a flat tyre. She’s well aware that this would probably happen to the next driver to come along too, so like a good citizen she picks up all the debris, and throws it into a ditch by the side of the road, before calling for help on her mobile phone. One van with “Zombie Bakers” painted on the side does actually pass her before she has finished, but although it veers alarming across the road, it manages to avoid the rubble.
Another vehicle comes up, a Big Driver. When I saw the title of this book, I assumed this to be a large vehicle, but equally it could be the person driving it. Here we have a pick-up truck, driven by a giant of a man, who straightaway laughs off his size, and helpfully offers to change her tyre. Tess, relieved but still in “I can handle this” mode, accepts and says she will pay him 50 dollars.
At this point, what has become a brutal and gruesome story, with graphic violence, becomes interesting from a moral point of view. What is Tess to do? She has gone through every woman’s worst nightmare—and some men’s, come to that—but surely she has some responsibility for what happens now? It is up to her.
What really bothers Tess Thorne, when she thinks about going to the authorities, is what the newspapers will make of her story—making the most of the fact that she writes a popular series about elderly ladies who knit—and worse still, whatever will her fans say? She is used to youngsters coming up and wanting her autograph, but invariably they say: “My gran loves your stories”. No, there would definitely be a backlash from her fans, and her name and reputation would be dragged through the mud. What helps her reach a decision as she slowly makes her way to safety, is that nobody stops, or offers help of any kind, despite her appearance. She decides to stay quiet, and instead, immediately starts doing investigative work herself, taking on the mantle of feisty, vengeance-seeking detective. Since her stories feature a well-spoken genteel grandmother, Doreen Marcus, it is difficult to see how this figure could be her inspiration, but we will pass over that ...
Many of Stephen King’s stories feature a writer as the protagonist, and many also feature , but this is the only one I know of to deal exclusively with this theme, including a grim and complex aftermath, as a direct consequence. Tess has been hardened by her experience, and turns herself into the sort of vigilante, determined on retribution, none of her acquaintances would recognise, or believe was in her. But Tess thinks:
“How many unsuspected selves could a person have, hidden deep inside? She was beginning to think the number might be infinite.”
As the story proceeds, a barkeeper inadvertently provides Tess with clues. The connection we learn is unexpected and there is a neat twist near the end of the story, which nearly wrecks Tess’s carefully laid plans. However, Tess’s reaction to this is unlikely, and psychologically inconsistent with her character.
As well as these events lacking credibility, the ending is a bit of a damp squib. Tess’s concerns now seem out of synch with her experiences. Does Tess feel guilt? Would she have felt any more or less guilt, if she had acted another way? None of this seems to hold together. Tess now has a soulmate, but this in itself puts her at risk. Is it likely that she would never contact this person again? Or will she also seek them out? Is Tess now truly on the rampage, meting out punishment for victims as well as the perpetrators of crimes? The line between execution and revenge becomes muddled. Is this retributive justice, or something else?
Stephen King’s story telling skills can be quite engaging, for those who are not put off by the sheer foulness, depravity and horror he usually includes (which I admit, I am). I do enjoy supernatural stories, although I find Stephen King’s use of the supernatural element to often feel contrived, convenient, and thus ultimately frustrating. In fact this is not a supernatural story as such. There are no paranormal phenomena. It concentrates on psychological realism, and the horror comes out of the appalling situation an ordinary person is put into, and what they feel they have to do to resolve it.
But Stephen King usually cannot resist putting in a few weird, inexplicable touches, even in his “straight” horror stories. In this case we have voices in Tess’s head. She is advised on how to proceed by Fritzy, Tomtom her satnav, and occasionally one of the characters in her novels. These voices are written overtly, and she holds conversations with them. Yet nowhere else are we given any indication that Tess is losing her mind. It’s just Stephen King’s whimsy.
I quite like that aspect, as it can provide humour. However it does not work here, either in psychological terms as explained, or with any consistency as a supernatural element. It does not lead anywhere; it is a cheat. The idea of a mystery writer using the skills of her own protagonists to track down villains, is also nice, and could work. There is a nod to metafiction, as Tess often thinks of scenes from suspense films and novels she knows, and applies them to her own situation. She seems to oddly be almost aware of writing her own story:
“It was the way she felt when the strings of some outlandish plot actually started to come together, pulling tight like the top of a nicely crafted tote-bag. She always felt both surprised and not surprised when this happened.”
There are many references to storytelling and popular culture. The “Sound of Music” film, plus lots of trolls, stuffed toys and ornaments in one almost unbearably tense scene, certainly add an off-kilter feel, as a ghastly backdrop contrast to the violence portrayed.
In the end though, I find this a disquieting but essentially manipulative story. It jumps on the tired bandwagon of “female in peril” stories, then switches to an apparently modern feminist take, with the female turned feisty, in what she herself calls “New Tess mode”, and becomes a piece about revenge. And yet this new, empowered, foul-mouthed female is apparently so worried about her reputation that she becomes a lawless vigilante?
I also find heavily homophobic implications in this story. unmistakable and distasteful. Perhaps it is intended to be the protagonist who labels her a “dyke”, rather than the author himself through her thoughts. Perhaps also this word has been “reclaimed”—but both of these duck the real issue. Stephen King can surely do better than to depict yet another negative stereotype: a predatory lesbian.
It’s all gloss. Tess seems happy enough to go back to her fatuous, shallow and convenient lifestyle, which as an educated and intelligent person, she had already begun to question. In its portrayal of personal vengeance masquerading as strong feminist principles, it has definite similarities to Stieg Larsson’s novels.
Ultimately, the skill of the author, the psychological build-up, gripping scenes and then fast-paced speed of the read, are not enough to rescue this book. It is cold, disturbing, dark, brutal, merciless and above all hollow. It pretends to have a moral core, but it is a sham. The violent scenes may provide a vicarious thrill, in that Tess is fighting for oppressed women everywhere, but this kind of retribution is a twisted brand of integrity. Perhaps for some readers, who readily identify with Tess, there may be cathartic benefits in the justice she metes out. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it, but I’ll leave you with “Variety”’s verdict on the film. (Yes, there is a film, but I won’t be watching it!)
“An odious film. “Big Driver” peddles tired exploitation nonsense, in the form of a simpleminded revenge yarn. As vehicles go, it’s more of a garbage truck than anything.”
November 5, 2014
Big Driver, a story originally published in King’s well-known 2010 anthology Full Dark, No Stars, was recently made into a Lifetime TV movie and aired in October 2014. The movie prompted a tie-in edition of the story, and the audio edition which was pulled from the original anthology audiobook.
Most days, Stephen King’s books are more than I can stomach. I generally read to avoid cruelty and real-life horror, and King’s stories bring precisely that into my merry head-in-the-sand existence. Therefore, I tend to run the other way, except in the case of Dolores Claiborne, which is one of my favorite books of all time. But this Halloween, inspired by Ann Aguirre’s beautiful guest post about human cruelty and evil, I wanted to avoid things that go bump in the night and dedicate my evening to purely human horrors instead. Big Driver seemed like an excellent choice. And it was.
Tess is a writer, but not as famous as some. I didn’t think King even remembered what not being famous was like, but Tess’s life before the attack seemed very realistic. One day, she gets invited to speak in a library and on her way back, she gets attacked, raped, brutalized and left for dead by a huge giant of a man. Slowly, as she quite literally crawls back from the brink of dead, thoughts of revenge start going through her head and she decides not to report the attack to the authorities, but to take matters into her own hands instead.
For this woman, as I saw her, becoming a victim simply wasn’t an option. She was victimized, yes, but she never fell into the mindset of a victim, and even when she came close, she responded with deep and ferocious anger instead. She was far too strong, first to die, and then to publicly become the victim of such a violent crime. Her mental process, the way her thoughts slowly went to revenge and rationalization, was simply astonishing to witness. Then again, King was always a master of characterization, the writer who understands human nature perhaps better than anyone else. With Tess, he showed that he still knows exactly what he’s doing and that he’s more than ready to show us the best and worst parts of being human, and especially those grey areas where we can’t tell which is which.
Jessica Hecht narrated this story with so much heart. Her narration made me extremely uncomfortable at times, which was precisely the point, I suppose. Narrating such and emotionally intense story likely wasn’t easy, and I can’t even imagine reading those awful rape scenes out loud. But she not only read them, she added a little something of her own, and made Big Driver a slightly better read.
This is not something that can be picked up lightly, but I’d highly recommend it. Brace yourselves, though. It’s very difficult to get through.
Most days, Stephen King’s books are more than I can stomach. I generally read to avoid cruelty and real-life horror, and King’s stories bring precisely that into my merry head-in-the-sand existence. Therefore, I tend to run the other way, except in the case of Dolores Claiborne, which is one of my favorite books of all time. But this Halloween, inspired by Ann Aguirre’s beautiful guest post about human cruelty and evil, I wanted to avoid things that go bump in the night and dedicate my evening to purely human horrors instead. Big Driver seemed like an excellent choice. And it was.
Tess is a writer, but not as famous as some. I didn’t think King even remembered what not being famous was like, but Tess’s life before the attack seemed very realistic. One day, she gets invited to speak in a library and on her way back, she gets attacked, raped, brutalized and left for dead by a huge giant of a man. Slowly, as she quite literally crawls back from the brink of dead, thoughts of revenge start going through her head and she decides not to report the attack to the authorities, but to take matters into her own hands instead.
For this woman, as I saw her, becoming a victim simply wasn’t an option. She was victimized, yes, but she never fell into the mindset of a victim, and even when she came close, she responded with deep and ferocious anger instead. She was far too strong, first to die, and then to publicly become the victim of such a violent crime. Her mental process, the way her thoughts slowly went to revenge and rationalization, was simply astonishing to witness. Then again, King was always a master of characterization, the writer who understands human nature perhaps better than anyone else. With Tess, he showed that he still knows exactly what he’s doing and that he’s more than ready to show us the best and worst parts of being human, and especially those grey areas where we can’t tell which is which.
Jessica Hecht narrated this story with so much heart. Her narration made me extremely uncomfortable at times, which was precisely the point, I suppose. Narrating such and emotionally intense story likely wasn’t easy, and I can’t even imagine reading those awful rape scenes out loud. But she not only read them, she added a little something of her own, and made Big Driver a slightly better read.
This is not something that can be picked up lightly, but I’d highly recommend it. Brace yourselves, though. It’s very difficult to get through.
August 2, 2023
(Read in Full Dark, No Stars)
Boy howdy, do I love me a good revenge yarn, and this one delivered. It didn't deliver it perfectly (think a couple plot holes). But! This did deliver, and I enjoyed reading the whole thing... Well, maybe "enjoy" isn't quite the right word for the first part in which some rather heinous stuff happens, but it was easy to keep turning the pages for the whole thing. I especially liked the conversations Tess (the narrator) had with other people in her head. Well, not always other people. (One was a cat, another the voice of her GPS, and the other was a fictitious character in the books she wrote.) And I guess not always in her head. She sometimes had these conversations with herself out loud, but only when she was by herself. I do this kind of thing all the time, both silently and aloud, and it's nice to see I'm not alone, nor am I crazy; Tess gives me validation...
I liked it. After that, she had to decide on what to do in the aftermath, and I enjoyed reading about that as well.
This isn't for everybody. The opening is rather hardcore. Reader discretion is advised.
Boy howdy, do I love me a good revenge yarn, and this one delivered. It didn't deliver it perfectly (think a couple plot holes). But! This did deliver, and I enjoyed reading the whole thing... Well, maybe "enjoy" isn't quite the right word for the first part in which some rather heinous stuff happens, but it was easy to keep turning the pages for the whole thing. I especially liked the conversations Tess (the narrator) had with other people in her head. Well, not always other people. (One was a cat, another the voice of her GPS, and the other was a fictitious character in the books she wrote.) And I guess not always in her head. She sometimes had these conversations with herself out loud, but only when she was by herself. I do this kind of thing all the time, both silently and aloud, and it's nice to see I'm not alone, nor am I crazy; Tess gives me validation...
I liked it. After that, she had to decide on what to do in the aftermath, and I enjoyed reading about that as well.
This isn't for everybody. The opening is rather hardcore. Reader discretion is advised.
November 28, 2017
Woman is raped and plots revenge. I didn’t want to stop reading.
I love revenge stories and this is good. In typical S King fashion there are some unexpected things. I want happy endings and/or justice for the good guys and the ending met my needs.
For those sensitive about rape scenes: the rape is not explicitly described. There is mention of him punching her more than once.
I usually avoid short stories, but this was worth it. Really good.
The audiobook narrator Jessica Hecht did a fine job.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Short story in the anthology: “Full Dark, No Stars.” Swearing language: I don’t remember, there may have been some. Setting: current day New England area, U.S. Book copyright: 2009. Genre: suspense thriller.
I love revenge stories and this is good. In typical S King fashion there are some unexpected things. I want happy endings and/or justice for the good guys and the ending met my needs.
For those sensitive about rape scenes: the rape is not explicitly described. There is mention of him punching her more than once.
I usually avoid short stories, but this was worth it. Really good.
The audiobook narrator Jessica Hecht did a fine job.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Short story in the anthology: “Full Dark, No Stars.” Swearing language: I don’t remember, there may have been some. Setting: current day New England area, U.S. Book copyright: 2009. Genre: suspense thriller.
February 6, 2017
One of Stephen Kings short stories, Big Driver is a story of a woman wronged, who goes vigilante and gets justice on those who did her wrong.
I quick read, a page turner without all the eerie, far fetched scenarios I expect with King. I liked it though. This woman had some guts and sought her own revenge. Tried, convicted and sentenced!
Entertaining and quick.
I quick read, a page turner without all the eerie, far fetched scenarios I expect with King. I liked it though. This woman had some guts and sought her own revenge. Tried, convicted and sentenced!
Entertaining and quick.
May 15, 2017
Listened to this audiobook with my husband while on a road trip. We hated it. I really disliked the narrator. I didn't think she fit the story at all. She sounded like she was on the verge of laughter all the time. Totally threw the vibe of the book off. We couldn't stand the MC. We were relieved that it was such a short audiobook.
His Rating: 1 star
My Rating: 1 star
His Rating: 1 star
My Rating: 1 star
September 27, 2023
Horrible!!! Rape and very violent. One of King’s novellas. Listened to audiobook.
July 11, 2020
4,3/5
Quality of writing: 5
Plot development: 4
Pace: 5
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of reading: 4
Quality of writing: 5
Plot development: 4
Pace: 5
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of reading: 4
October 3, 2025
a horrifically disturbing read but i guess i should have expected that being stephen king - major trigger warning
March 10, 2017
Memorable, this certainly is. Do I want to remember it? Well. Hm.
Did you ever see that reprehensible bit of snuff, I Spit on Your Grave? I did, when I was significantly younger, not knowing what to expect - I'd been looking at old lists of highly rated horror movies, and somehow, that was ranked up there. And somehow, to this day, gore porn smut still ranks in the horror genre. I don't pretend to understand - I find it infuriating, because I'm sick of watching torture porn, when I only wanted a good old suspenseful monster movie.
And that's more or less how I felt on reading Big Driver - how did I find another piece if effing torture porn??? Perhaps I'm partially to blame, not having checked a synopsis first, but honestly... I thought that I knew King better than that.
I get it, really - rape is real, and it happens. It ruins lives. It happens far more frequently than is reported. And one cannot simply ignore that it occurs. I know this. Goddammit, though - I don't want to read fiction about it. I find it utterly horrifying. I can't read about it in the news. It's everywhere. The last novel where it came up, Hubert Selby's The Room, I put down and will never touch again. Again, I get it. Rape happens. But to make it so graphic and horrifying... It's not just unnecessary and gratuitous, it's sadistic. Much like the popular obsession many now have with serial killers and mass murderers - it makes me wonder what sort of people are reading this and what they are thinking.
I read through a comments board recently pertaining to the Christy MacK and John Koppenhaver case (attempted murder, rape, abuse, etc) - and the number of comments belittling the victim and minimizing the damage inflicted was utterly horrifying. And I understand King's intent in demonstrating the horrifying damage to a life - people (men!) need perspective and understanding, they need to make sense of how machismo and institutionalized masculinity can utterly destroy women. Rape isn't funny. Abusing women is no joke. "Grab 'em by the pussy" is every bit as damaging, to women specifically, as it is to [immigrants to] state that all immigrants are criminals. I understand the point, really. It's just a horrible, disturbing one, and a very painful way to get that point across. There's really no other effective way to do it, but damnit...
I don't know... Big Driver is a complex, difficult story. I approve of some of it, but much is... very grey. Overall, it's a quick read. It's not easily digested or a fun story. I appreciate it for what it is; I respect it, and sort of hate it as well.
Did you ever see that reprehensible bit of snuff, I Spit on Your Grave? I did, when I was significantly younger, not knowing what to expect - I'd been looking at old lists of highly rated horror movies, and somehow, that was ranked up there. And somehow, to this day, gore porn smut still ranks in the horror genre. I don't pretend to understand - I find it infuriating, because I'm sick of watching torture porn, when I only wanted a good old suspenseful monster movie.
And that's more or less how I felt on reading Big Driver - how did I find another piece if effing torture porn??? Perhaps I'm partially to blame, not having checked a synopsis first, but honestly... I thought that I knew King better than that.
I get it, really - rape is real, and it happens. It ruins lives. It happens far more frequently than is reported. And one cannot simply ignore that it occurs. I know this. Goddammit, though - I don't want to read fiction about it. I find it utterly horrifying. I can't read about it in the news. It's everywhere. The last novel where it came up, Hubert Selby's The Room, I put down and will never touch again. Again, I get it. Rape happens. But to make it so graphic and horrifying... It's not just unnecessary and gratuitous, it's sadistic. Much like the popular obsession many now have with serial killers and mass murderers - it makes me wonder what sort of people are reading this and what they are thinking.
I read through a comments board recently pertaining to the Christy MacK and John Koppenhaver case (attempted murder, rape, abuse, etc) - and the number of comments belittling the victim and minimizing the damage inflicted was utterly horrifying. And I understand King's intent in demonstrating the horrifying damage to a life - people (men!) need perspective and understanding, they need to make sense of how machismo and institutionalized masculinity can utterly destroy women. Rape isn't funny. Abusing women is no joke. "Grab 'em by the pussy" is every bit as damaging, to women specifically, as it is to [immigrants to] state that all immigrants are criminals. I understand the point, really. It's just a horrible, disturbing one, and a very painful way to get that point across. There's really no other effective way to do it, but damnit...
I don't know... Big Driver is a complex, difficult story. I approve of some of it, but much is... very grey. Overall, it's a quick read. It's not easily digested or a fun story. I appreciate it for what it is; I respect it, and sort of hate it as well.
December 17, 2015
I liked this. Malice and menace. Vigilante justice....Stephen King style. This was one of his short stories. One of the best things about his books are the characters. They are so well drawn. He brings light to even the smallest of details that still manages to illuminate something about the character. A little more each time. I love that. I also enjoy his writing. It isn't fluffy or frivolous. It is very focused as he dials into each character and the effect he is going for.
February 8, 2019
Tess Thorne is a mystery writer who's written 12 books a mystery series. She gets an invitation to be a guest speaker. After her appearance she's told she should take a shortcut rather than the main highway, so she does; however, on her way she comes across a block in the road, gets out to remove it, and a man (a GIANT) stops to help her.
After such a traumatic event it's totally understandable why she doesn't want others to know, is afraid to go to the police or a doctor lest everyone finds out what happened so she sets out to get revenge. One thing that made it seem so read to me was how she asked all those questions and had all those fears that anyone would!!! What if he returns, what if he got her address, what was that noise, was that car going by him, and so on. This book had me on the edge of my seat and I loved it.
Do expect a twist or two!
After such a traumatic event it's totally understandable why she doesn't want others to know, is afraid to go to the police or a doctor lest everyone finds out what happened so she sets out to get revenge. One thing that made it seem so read to me was how she asked all those questions and had all those fears that anyone would!!! What if he returns, what if he got her address, what was that noise, was that car going by him, and so on. This book had me on the edge of my seat and I loved it.
Do expect a twist or two!
February 13, 2019
I’m very conflicted about this story. It runs into most of the troubles that most stories do when a straight cis dude writes a woman assaulted revenge tale, but it also was compelling enough that I couldn’t stop listening. I’d have even given it 3.5 Stars if it weren’t for all the completely random and unnecessary homophobia halfway through? I enjoyed the twists throughout even though this is literally like more implausible than even his supernatural books. I really like it when King writes a like “older” woman protagonist even if they do all talk like they’re in a 1950’s sitcom constantly. (I also found it hilarious and more than a little telling that he kept calling the main character “older” even though she was like literally 34 or something.)
August 25, 2020
This was a wild ride
October 31, 2014
First, if you picked this book up on Audible, do not be fooled by the blurb! It is only the Big Driver story, not the anthology of 4 stories it advertises in the details. This was a touch disappointing, but not the book's fault.
I loved this story! Being a huge reader and fan of cozy mysteries, it was great having an author as the lead character. The whole narrative comes from her POV, and is delightful to read. Her perspective is a progressions, from carefree to traumatized. You know where the story is headed but can't help but want to stick with her on the journey.
The attack is very well handled and care is given to keep it from being too devastatingly detailed for the reader. What you do get is her thoughts after. All that she goes through and must consider in her response to this terrible thing that has happened. The storytelling here was beautifully crafted. It will be interesting to see how it translate on camera, there was so much going on internally.
Mr King always has a gift for setting the scene and throwing twists at the reader. His novels are a bit much for me, too wordy at times. However, the short stories and novellas are just the right fit. He has a way of condensing things down to the essentials, while keeping the beauty or the written word intact. The touch or irony is always appreciated. He is right up there with one of my classic favorites, Guy de Maupassant.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jessica Hecht, who is wonderful! I loved her tone and the emotions she infused into the read. She is quite a swift reader, usually I love this, but this time i slowed it down to really enjoy the prose. Her voices were distinct and consistent throughout the read. It was always clear when she was talking in her head or imagining a voice, this is key for the story. I will definitely be looking for more of her work!
This was such a great little read, I was sad to see it end. Now I am looking forward to the Lifetime movie. Maria Bella will be perfect for this character. While I enjoyed the narrator, it would have been a fabulous tie in to have had Maria Bella read the audiobook. Who knows that might happen later!
I loved this story! Being a huge reader and fan of cozy mysteries, it was great having an author as the lead character. The whole narrative comes from her POV, and is delightful to read. Her perspective is a progressions, from carefree to traumatized. You know where the story is headed but can't help but want to stick with her on the journey.
The attack is very well handled and care is given to keep it from being too devastatingly detailed for the reader. What you do get is her thoughts after. All that she goes through and must consider in her response to this terrible thing that has happened. The storytelling here was beautifully crafted. It will be interesting to see how it translate on camera, there was so much going on internally.
Mr King always has a gift for setting the scene and throwing twists at the reader. His novels are a bit much for me, too wordy at times. However, the short stories and novellas are just the right fit. He has a way of condensing things down to the essentials, while keeping the beauty or the written word intact. The touch or irony is always appreciated. He is right up there with one of my classic favorites, Guy de Maupassant.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Jessica Hecht, who is wonderful! I loved her tone and the emotions she infused into the read. She is quite a swift reader, usually I love this, but this time i slowed it down to really enjoy the prose. Her voices were distinct and consistent throughout the read. It was always clear when she was talking in her head or imagining a voice, this is key for the story. I will definitely be looking for more of her work!
This was such a great little read, I was sad to see it end. Now I am looking forward to the Lifetime movie. Maria Bella will be perfect for this character. While I enjoyed the narrator, it would have been a fabulous tie in to have had Maria Bella read the audiobook. Who knows that might happen later!
July 18, 2015
MY THOUGHTS
Big Driver was an incredibly disturbing read for me. At times I wanted to just stop listening but King drew me in too well for that and I found myself pacing and holding my breath, while waiting to see where this was all going.
I certainly didn’t understand or agree with most of the choices that Tess made after surviving the horrid assault, but King made her character and her reasoning believable in the context of what she had been put through. I couldn’t help but cheer for her even whilst I was covering my eyes and cringing… I definitely had mixed feelings throughout. If nothing else King is always good for making one think and question.
Not for the faint of heart as this one is very graphic and certainly only suitable for adult audiences…I nonetheless recommend this short story if you can enjoy something while cringing at the same time!
NARRATION NOTES
Jessica Hecht did a fine job of conveying the multiple voices involved. And to convey the depth of Tess emotions and how the attack affected her. (Yes only one POV here…you’ll have to listen to understand.)
Big Driver was an incredibly disturbing read for me. At times I wanted to just stop listening but King drew me in too well for that and I found myself pacing and holding my breath, while waiting to see where this was all going.
I certainly didn’t understand or agree with most of the choices that Tess made after surviving the horrid assault, but King made her character and her reasoning believable in the context of what she had been put through. I couldn’t help but cheer for her even whilst I was covering my eyes and cringing… I definitely had mixed feelings throughout. If nothing else King is always good for making one think and question.
Not for the faint of heart as this one is very graphic and certainly only suitable for adult audiences…I nonetheless recommend this short story if you can enjoy something while cringing at the same time!
NARRATION NOTES
Jessica Hecht did a fine job of conveying the multiple voices involved. And to convey the depth of Tess emotions and how the attack affected her. (Yes only one POV here…you’ll have to listen to understand.)
March 3, 2019
This short story is why I love King's work. It's scary. I'm talking constantly looking over your back while walking down a dark hall scary. It's sad, frustrating, and realistic, because it deals with real, horrible atrocities in the world. It also gives you something to root for, which is not necessarily always the case with King's work.
Goosie Scale Rating: 8/10
I think King does well with weaving words in just the right way to send a shiver up your spine and make your hair stand. It's usually nothing earth-shattering, but rather what I like to call "easy-reading" (much like John Meyer is easy-listening). It's often not too complicated, and that's this story. It sticks to making you cringe and will have you checking the back seat of your car before you drive at night.
First Sentence Rating: 4/10
"Tess accepted twelve compensated speaking engagements a year, if she could get them."
This opener more than likely is introducing the main character, who possibly is struggling with their career. Other than that, however, this is not an overly powerful or enticing first line.
Goosie Scale Rating: 8/10
I think King does well with weaving words in just the right way to send a shiver up your spine and make your hair stand. It's usually nothing earth-shattering, but rather what I like to call "easy-reading" (much like John Meyer is easy-listening). It's often not too complicated, and that's this story. It sticks to making you cringe and will have you checking the back seat of your car before you drive at night.
First Sentence Rating: 4/10
"Tess accepted twelve compensated speaking engagements a year, if she could get them."
This opener more than likely is introducing the main character, who possibly is struggling with their career. Other than that, however, this is not an overly powerful or enticing first line.
February 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this short story by Stephen King about a cozy mystery writer who find herself in a very difficult situation. Trigger warning: this story deals with rape and abuse. I really think Sai King did a great job of relating the attack, and the ramifications of what it does to a person's psyche. Great short story.
June 25, 2019
Listened to the audio again. .........
Stephen King dips his toes into the waters of 'I Spit On Your Grave' and the like, and does it well. Time to find the movie.
Stephen King dips his toes into the waters of 'I Spit On Your Grave' and the like, and does it well. Time to find the movie.
January 19, 2023
Wow this was brutal a good read not one of his best short stories though
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