End of Watch by Stephen King is the final book in a trilogy--something I didn't realize when I pulled it from the shelf at the library. I wish I'd read Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers first, and yet the novel functioned well as a stand-alone, and I had no trouble quickly engaging with the characters. In fact, my biggest complaint about the book is that there will be no more adventures for Bill and Holly. King wrapped the series up and tied the knot. A crime thriller with a supernatural component, End of Watch has characters who are a little off the beaten path of the typical crime novel formula. Although the first two books evidently did not include the supernatural element, it is just that paranormal aspect which makes it a great R.I.P. choice, and King makes it work in a chilling way.
Taut and suspenseful, I was on edge throughout. The more I think about it, the more I want of Holly. I don't want her character to just disappear into the ether.
Library copy. Read in Sept.; blog review scheduled for Oct. 3.
Detective Fiction/Paranormal. 2016. 469 pages.
Why did this particular installment not appeal to me as much? Probably because Pendergast is mostly absent, and I'm not sure how I feel about the way Constance's character is developing. Also, the opening chase scenes, which were far too long, felt like page fillers. (And what happened to the second woman on the plane?) The usual headlong pace of these novels was off here in many ways. As much as I've enjoyed these novels--in which logic and reason play little part--this entry was...strangely boring.
Read in Sept.; blog review scheduled for Oct. 3.
NetGalley/Grand Central Publishing
Mystery/Suspense. Oct. 18, 2016. Print length: 416 pages.
I really should read more Stephen King.
ReplyDeleteThis made a good R.I.P. book!
DeleteMy husband gobbled down the first two in the series as soon as they came out but this one has has kind of shrugged off. I will have to let him know that it is a good one.
ReplyDeleteI might even like the first two better--without the supernatural--but I did enjoy End of Watch. The supernatural element may be why your husband was hesitant about it.
DeleteI didn't know about Preston's & Child's new book. I'm a little sad that it's not a better read, but then I think most authors find it hard to maintain excellence in all their novels. I like their first ones best, and have found their last efforts a little hit and miss...some I've loved, and some not so much. I guess I won't be in too much of a hurry to check this one out of the library. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree this series is uneven, but for some reason the Pendergast character has always drawn me back. :)
DeleteThat's too bad about Preston and Child's book. I've only read three books in the series--and that was nearly forever ago.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read a King book in a long while. I miss his older books and I'm glad to hear his latest series are a good read, at least End of Watch is. :)
ReplyDeleteI did read Mr. Mercedes but just haven't gotten around to the other two installments. I keep hearing great stuff about them though so I hope one of these days to get to them. Preston & Child - I think somehow I've missed reading a single book in this series. I guess starting at the beginning would probably be best.
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