Play Book Tag discussion

Finders Keepers – Stephen King
Digital audiobook performed by Will Patton
3***

Book two in the Bill Hodges trilogy, featuring the former detective, now a PI, and his team of misfits and amateurs.

This time the murder is an old, cold case – John Rothstein, a reclusive J.D. Salinger-type author, who was murdered in his home – and King begins with the event in 1978 that resulted in his death. Then we fast-forward to 2009 and join a young boy whose family is struggling with the aftermath of the mass killing that took place in Mr Mercedes (book one of this series). When Pete Saubers stumbles upon the chest containing Rothstein’s notebooks, along with a significant amount of cash, he decides to use the money to help his family. He doesn’t know that Rothstein’s killer has been in prison, dreaming of his stash. Morris Bellamy didn’t go to prison for Rothstein’s murder, however, and when he’s released on parole, he’s livid to discover his treasure missing. It’s bad enough that the money is gone, but the loss of those notebooks has Bellamy blind with rage … and intent on finding out who took the notebooks.

King is a master crafter of the suspense genre. He keeps the reader turning pages while offering complex characters and motivations. I love Holly – a woman with some significant issues, but who has found a “home” employed as Hodges’ assistant. Hodges is not without his own demons and difficulties, but seems to be recovering from his alcohol-fueled depression, and thriving in this new endeavor. The supporting cast is equally strong, including the young people.

I’ve read reviews that criticized King for using elements of Misery - chiefly a crazed fan of a writer. But despite that very basic tie, I found this book quite different.

Also .. while it doesn't impact the content of the book ... can I just say that I hate the cover art of this series. I don't need all that dripping blood to get the idea this is a mystery/ suspense / thriller / murder plot.

Will Patton is a great narrator and does a fine job with the many characters in this book. I really like the way he voices Holly and Hodges. He even does a passable job of voicing the young girls.


LINK to my review

Just started the audio of this and has me hooked- what an opening scene!!