Needful Things

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Stephen King

Master storyteller Stephen King presents the classic #1 New York Times bestseller about a mysterious store than can sell you whatever you desire—but not without exacting a terrible price in return.

The town of Castle Rock, Maine has seen its fair share of oddities over the years, but nothing is as peculiar as the little curio shop that’s just opened for business here. Its mysterious proprietor, Leland Gaunt, seems to have something for everyone out on display at Needful Things…interesting items that run the gamut from worthless to priceless. Nothing has a price tag in this place, but everything is certainly for sale. The heart’s desire for any resident of Castle Rock can easily be found among the curiosities…in exchange for a little money and—at the specific request of Leland Gaunt—a whole lot of menace against their fellow neighbors. Everyone in town seems willing to make a deal at Needful Things, but the devil is in the details. And no one takes heed of the little sign hanging on the wall: Caveat emptor. In other words, let the buyer beware…

Please! No Distracting Keyboard Music

I am a die hard Stephen King fan. I hang in every word in every book. That is why I was annoyed during this reading to hear really primitive synthesizer music playing during pivotal parts of this book.

The most annoying instance was during a part in which a character was in a fugue/dream state imaging herself at an Elvis Presley concert. The music almost drowns out the narrator (a very capable Stephen King himself reads) and is so silly that there is no way to take the passage seriously.

Please get rid of this insipid unnecessary distraction.

Castle Rock....the unluckiest place on earth

So, first off...the story itself...great classic Stephen King. Not one of my favorites, but great story just the same. Lots of characters, but if you roll with it, you figure out who’s who and how they’re connected. It’s not as important in most cases WHO the characters are, but what’s happening to them and the effect the store owner Mr Gaunt has on them...and the effect they in turn have on the town. So don’t let it stress you out too much.

This actually sat in my library for months. I purchased it with one of my credits in the middle of a King binge....many of which I was re-reading, but this one I had never read.The reason I hadn’t gotten around to it was because King was narrating it. I had listened to two book narrated by King. Hearts in Atlantis and Desperation. I was less than impressed with either, but after getting used it, it’s not too bad....but just didn’t feel like having to get used to it again. But it was the only King I had left to listen to in my library, and I’d never read it...so..

It was the usual seeming monotone at first, but quickly became pretty amazing. He had SO many characters to portray, and you could tell he probably REALLY likes this story, and there is a plus side to the author narrating his own book, he knew exactly how he wanted the characters to come across, and he really got into it. And of course he’s got that Maine accent DOWN. I believe he did a wonderful job conveying the emotions...and there were tons of emotions....everybody in the Rock was losing their freaking minds. Maybe it’s because I went in with lower expectations, but it was pretty awesome. My only critique would be that his bible-thumping, fire and brimstone reverend came across sounding a little bit like a caricature of an Italian restaurant owner somehow lol....but I gave him a pass on that. For those hesitant to listen for that reason, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The music added was hokey, but not a big deal....it wasn’t like it was played that much. People can be so picky. I came for the story, and I got the story....well told

Ruined by the producers.

Great story. Good narration. Absolutely atrocious production. Music and silly sound effects at every plot twist. It completely drowns out the narration and distracts from the actual story. There is also echos and background noise in many parts. I love the story and Stephen King, but the producers really hurt this audio version.

Music is terrible

This is a classic Castle Rock story, and while King’s reading isn’t the greatest, there’s something about hearing the great man give voice to his creation. However, the “music” is horrible. Horrible! It’s like someone took an old Casio keyboard, drank a fifth of whiskey, and hit record. This should be remastered and the “music” removed.

One of my favorites

Who can read his stories better than the man himself? Excellent performance by great author.

top-notch:except fot the loud, poorly placed music

top-notch:except fot the loud, poorly placed music. king is a FINE narrator, but the production values leave something to be desired.

Hell in a small town

Mr Gaunt is the perfect horror, giving everyone just what they want! Follow along as Stephen King weaves a new reality. Will not disappoint.

Old recording

The book is phenomenal, however, the recording is old. There's a weird echo and sometimes there's audio static.

weird music

This book and the performance were fantastic, but the interstitial music really takes away from the experience. It's loud, almost never matches the tone of the scene, and is totally unnecessary. Cheery video game style muzak plays during a murder scene that really didn't need it. Author's words are enough without that.

Good story, poor choice of music during narration.

Musical segments ruin a crucial moment in this story. Music to round-out a chapter is fine but during narration is not.