The Outsider by Stephen King

The Outsider

by Stephen King

A compelling and chilling suspense novel, which will delight all readers of King's bestselling Hodges Trilogy.

Following the phenomenal success of his Bill Hodges series, MR MERCEDES, FINDERS KEEPERS and END OF WATCH, all Number 1 bestsellers, Stephen King has written an unputdownable crime thriller with a unique twist.

When an eleven-year-old boy is found murdered, forensic evidence and reliable eyewitnesses undeniably point to the town's popular Little League coach. But the jailed suspect, arrested in a public spectacle, has an alibi, and further research convinces Detective Ralph Anderson that the coach was indeed out of town. So how can he have been in two places at the same time?

A compelling and chilling suspense novel, which will delight all readers of King's bestselling Hodges Trilogy.

(P)2018 Simon & Schuster Audio

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

5 of 5 stars

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Five Reasons to Grab your Headphones and Listen to The Outsider

  • The quiet town of Flint City is rocked when a stellar member of their community is arrested for a heinous crime involving the violated and murder of an eleven-year-old boy. Eyewitness accounts and DNA evidence place him at the scene. However, family man, Terry Maitland, a little league coach, and popular English teacher has an alibi. Is he a clever killer or is something else at play? Chilling right?  The Outsider had so many elements that draw me to Stephen King again and again. The man can spin a story and his characters though flawed become real. While I am no longer that little girl reading King by flashlight he still makes me believe in the impossible and hear things go bump in the night.

  • Detective Ralph Anderson, orders a quick and very public arrest. As Maitland continues to claim his innocence, Anderson struggles. His got tells him this man who once coached his son is telling the truth. But DNA evidence doesn't lie or does it? Anderson continues to investigate even though the DA says they've got their man. Twists, turns and discoveries held me spellbound.

  • King wove a brilliant tapestry of uncertainty, mystery, magic and folklore as the narrative unfolded. His characters are complex, flawed and realistic. He tapped into morality, disbelief and guilt. The public arrest of Maitland sits heavy on Anderson's chest.

  • Holly, Holly, Holly! Fans of the Mr. Mercedes series *raises a hand and shouts ME!* will be excited to see Holly Gibney,  Bill Hodges' assistant become involved in the case. Her storyline and how it tangles and joins with Anderson's was superb, creeptastic and all King.

  • Will Patton narrates and has done several of King's novels. I admire this narrator. Seriously, he could recite the phone book and I would remain attentive listening. His voices soothes even as he makes the hair on the back of your neck rise delivering the low suspenseful build up King is famous for. He gives each character a unique and identifiable voice and captures their emotions. Through tone he creates an addition layer of suspense and fear.

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 June, 2018: Finished reading
  • 3 June, 2018: Reviewed