Halloween spooktacular by Stephen King
Review by Robert McCool
Stephen King's latest “The Outsider” ( Simon and Shuster, ISBN 978-1-9821-4824-9) doesn't disappoint.
Everything that can be said about Stephen King has already been said. One of the world's most popular authors can be depended upon to deliver a good old supernatural yarn. Still, he remains a matter of taste to many. He either gives you a case of the shivers, as in this latest novel, or disgusts with too much realism when it comes to violence. So, I don't like everything he's written, but I do like this book.
It follows the exploits of a Detective Ralph Anderson as he investigates the death of a young boy (see what I mean?) and his battle against the El Cuco, or shape-shifter, and the human victims of its impersonations.
The action begins with a mistake made by Ralph when he arrests the local good-guy youth coach for the murder/sexual assault of the youngster without considering the ramifications of the very public arrest, and the following very public shooting death of the suspect.
But there's a problem with the initial arrest. The suspect, Terry Maitland had an undeniable alibi. How could he have been in two places at the same time? Two families are destroyed by these deaths, and the misery grows as the El Cuco feeds off of it.
This happens again. One person, at two places at the same time.
Ralph is joined by an attorney, the DA and others, including an investigative bail-skipper finder woman who discerns the nature of the monster they all face. Toss in a alcoholic detective seeking revenge upon Ralph, and you have one big spectacular climax.
Like I said, I like this book. It is a bit of a return to basics for King, without his over-riding supernatural world made up of many volumes and philosophy. It a spooky story that could keep you up at night in order to finish “just one more chapter”.
I read it at almost non-stop while I ignored the “outside world”. Believe me, with a wife going through home physical therapy it wasn't easy. Fortunately, when I finished it I was able to do the dishes and the ever-present laundry again.
This novel is a get-away, and leaves you with a renewed sense of wonder as to how does he do it so well, so often?
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, November 22, 2024
- Ticket and livestream info for Bluffton Pirates v. Patrick Henry football
- Service of thanks at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran
- Pirate girls basketball beats Hornets in McDonald’s opener
- 100+ voices in Bluffton's Handel's Messiah chorus
- Pirate Worcester named top district defender
- BVHS receives Level 7 achievement in ‘Most Wired’ survey
Thursday, November 21, 2024
- McDonald’s Holiday Tournament, Thursday, November 21
- 2024 Fall Festival in pictures: At the Schumacher Homestead
- Fairy I. Parkins was postmaster of Benton Ridge
- Council committee and residents discuss ADUs, best and worst case scenarios
- BPL hosts Open Crafts and Game Space, November 26
- Women in Business meet November 21
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
- Bluffton Beavers sports roundup, Nov. 13-19
- ODOT prepping for first snow of the season
- Mason named OBL 2024 Banker of the Year
- October 2024 land transfers in Bluffton school district
- November chamber meeting explores member news, Blaze plans and flag etiquette
- Bluffton EMS by the numbers: October 2024
- Children left unattended in running vehicles can lead to abductions
- Icon search function goes from 0 to 30
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
- Tickets and streaming information for Nov. 22 Pirate football playoff game
- Spirit Bus for November 22 football playoff in Findlay
- Tea Bag Exchange & Tasting at BPL, November 21
- Letter: University students learn about Fair Trade
- Join volunteer crew for 2024 Ream Display-Blaze of Lights setup
- Village of Bluffton asks for updated utility billing contact information
Monday, November 18, 2024
- Dorothy P. Moser operated Moser Electric
- Multi-agency active shooter drill to be held at Apollo
- Adopt-a-Family for Christmas via Bluffton Food Pantry
- Pirate football to play Hamler Patrick Henry at Findlay
- The "Brice" Presbyterian Church cornerstone
- Pirate football to face Patrick Henry in region finals