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You Like It Darker  By  cover art

You Like It Darker

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Will Patton, Stephen King
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Publisher's summary

From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER.

“You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to digest. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in You Like It Darker, listeners will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

“Two Talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

©2024 Stephen King (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Editorial Review

Pace yourself
Did you know that May is Short Story Month? And what better way to enjoy it than having the king of horror himself, Stephen King, release a new anthology of dark and disturbing tales. You Like It Darker features 12 short stories, some new and some fan favorites, just in time to add frightful flair to my list of short stories to binge this month. As a longstanding fan of Stephen King, I was really excited to catch the mentions of popular characters like Cujo and well-established multiverse locations like Castle Rock and Derry, Maine. You Like It Darker is one of King’s longer anthologies, so take your time. You have the whole month of May to finish! —Nicole R., Audible Editor

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What listeners say about You Like It Darker

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Long Live The King

This is another wonderful anthology from King. The stories are dark and many catch you off guard just as the twists and turns of the lives we live play out. Each story hooks you and keeps you reading. Each story is filled with the observations and empathy I’ve come to know and love while visiting many of the other tales spun by The One and Only.

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9 people found this helpful

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lots of nostalgia...

by Mr. King and Will Patton is a dream to listen to per usual

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5 people found this helpful

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  • RJ
  • 05-29-24

King x Patton = The BEST

Best narrator and best author on audible, can’t be beat! Hard to put down collection of short stories

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A fine collection of tales from the greatest living storyteller.

I enjoyed each and every one of these stories. King once again proves he is a master of his craft, weaving tales of horror, wonder, and profound humanity (and inhumanity) seemingly effortlessly. It must also be noted that Will Patton's voice is the perfect vehicle for King's particular brand of fiction, he captures the campfire tale tone that makes King's work feel so personal in a way few other narrators have been able to do. Highly, highly recommended.

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What stood out was how well the story's portrayed a sence of mystery in every word.

I could easily say that I wish the story's were longer because you can't get enough.

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Perfect Stephen King, Fantastic Narration

These stories remind me of the earlier Stephen King horror novels I loved so much: The Stand, The Shining, It, Cujo, etc. You know - ordinary decent people caught in unbelievably horrible situations. I'm so amazed at Will Patton's excellent narration! He does crotchety old men, psychotic cops, frightened children, and despairing middle aged men and women equally well. It's always great to find a book on Audible by one of your favorite writers read by someone who's a joy to listen to.

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He’s the Master

As always, a good juicy slice of our world- the part most of us prefer not to see

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Another Hit

King does it again. This is a top tier collection. Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream, Rattlesnakes, The Dreamers, and The Answer Man all stand out.

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Comfort and horror

Once again our favorite writer mixes the unknown into a plausible reality scaring us into thinking beyond the page. Then giving us the gore we crave of what the paranormal could be.
Thank you Mr. King, I'm looking forward to many more.

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Fantastic!

The only thing I disliked was that eventually, it had to end. Will Patton as always is seamless in his portrayal of characters. The stories are varied and very, very good. The most chilling is the second story. My favorite is the last. The Afterword, as always is a lovely visit by King, despite someone else reading it. I wish it would've been him, but if he couldn't read it that day, fair enough. King is my all time favorite author, and even if he isn't yours, you will enjoy this collection. Cheers!

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