Mr. Mercedes

A Novel

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Will Patton

Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

2015 Audie Award Finalist for Fiction and Solo Narration—Male

In a mega-stakes, high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely and winning heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands.

In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes.

In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the "perk" and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy.

Brady Hartfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again. Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady's next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands.

Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.

©2014 Stephen King (P)2014 Simon & Schuster

Great story

This was my first audiobook and it was a great choice. The narration was very good. The story was good and had a good flow. Would highly recommend if you like stephen king.

Awesome

Good first venture into the world of detective novels for Mr. King. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to continue the series.

A master storyteller at the top of his game

This is not King's deepest, most insightful book, nor his most complicated. In fact, the story itself could easily be summed up in a two parter of a police procedural. It is, however, King at the top of his game, confidently telling this story of a mass murderer, his plot to do another mass murder, and the retired cop who stops him. Much more than the some of its plot points.

superb gritty classic gumshoe

like a script from True Detective - modern and timeless, dirty and frightening. Mr. Mercedes delivers thrills, squirms and heart-pounding excitement. Must read!

King delivers again

good story, a more nuanced procedural. No supernatural stuff, just one criminal and one ex cop.

Great story, great narrator!!

Where does Mr. Mercedes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was there with the best of them. I tend to only listen to books that I feel sure that I will like. Stephen Kings's last few have been very enjoyable so I felt this would be good and I was not disappointed.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, I listen on my iPod when I am out walking and I enjoyed the suspense so much that I walked many more miles than usual.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

I always love Will Patton. The James Lee Burke books are among my very favorites and the narration brings them to life. Patton did not disappoint with this novel.

Who was the most memorable character of Mr. Mercedes and why?

Of course the maniac was memorable and was well portrayed, but I especially enjoyed Holly and her interesting background and skills.

Any additional comments?

I am always worried after listening to something that I like so much that the next book will be a disappointment. That's why I choose carefully

More like 3 1/2 stars all around

What made the experience of listening to Mr. Mercedes the most enjoyable?

Will Patton

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I wouldn't go that far. However, There were a few parts I couldn't wait to get back to...wondering what would happen next. This book moved too slow for my taste, and I was disappointed in the lack of creepiness King is known for.

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Everything. He's one one of my favorites.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Holly made me laugh. I love crazy :-)

Any additional comments?

No ghosts, creatures, monsters or super natural characters in this one. This is pure old school detective writing. I personally do not enjoy that genre so this book almost got 3 starts. However, King can tell a story and it did hold my interest.

Stephen King Never Disappoints Me!!

If you think Stephen King is just a "horror writer" you will be truly surprised at his new "detective" novel. Now I do admit to being a fan and have read every thing King has written, but he is a wonderful storyteller and can create characters you will love and/or hate, but never forget. I loved his retired detective, Hodges, and was sorry to see this story end. It is not as long as many of King's works, but a great read (listen??) nevertheless! Will Patton is the perfect reader for this novel!

great book

Great book. I enjoyed it very much. couldn't stop listening to it. I can not wait to listen to the next one. Mr. King is master of words.

loved it

it was a little slow starting but then I couldn't get enough. on to book #2 in the trilogy