jonathan_piers's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
robringer's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
matilynacrowder's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
The Outsider
4 Stars
The mystery begins from the first pages with the horrific murder of a young boy and the arrest of the suspect against whom an abundance of physical and eye-witness evidence has been accumulated. The problem arises when it becomes clear that the suspect, a well-liked and well-respected member of the community, has a solid and unimpeachable alibi. How can a man be in two places at once?
Genre note: Stephen King writes horror/paranormal mysteries. Anyone expecting a traditional thriller or who-dun-it is bound to be disappointed.
Series note: This book includes a character and references to plotlines from King's Bill Hodges trilogy. Nevertheless, the story is completely unrelated, and it is possible to read and enjoy The Outsider as a standalone.
Once again, King demonstrates his unbelievable skill at both plotting and characterization. The first part of the book detailing the murder, the evidence, the arrest, and the enigma surrounding the alibi is gripping and had me eagerly turning the pages. The characters, whether sympathetic, selfish, annoying or just plain hateful, are all well-developed and contribute to the intensity of the atmosphere and the story.
The second section, in which the supernatural explanation emerges, contains numerous elements familiar to King's works and, for me, is particularly reminiscent of IT -. While some readers may find this to be unoriginal and tedious, it is one of the highlights for me.
The climax and resolution are exciting and also somewhat heartbreaking, which is also to be expected from King.
On a final note, the audiobook is narrated by Will Patton, who is an absolute pleasure to listen to. His vocal range, cadence and pacing are all excellent.
4 Stars
The mystery begins from the first pages with the horrific murder of a young boy and the arrest of the suspect against whom an abundance of physical and eye-witness evidence has been accumulated. The problem arises when it becomes clear that the suspect, a well-liked and well-respected member of the community, has a solid and unimpeachable alibi. How can a man be in two places at once?
Genre note: Stephen King writes horror/paranormal mysteries. Anyone expecting a traditional thriller or who-dun-it is bound to be disappointed.
Series note: This book includes a character and references to plotlines from King's Bill Hodges trilogy. Nevertheless, the story is completely unrelated, and it is possible to read and enjoy The Outsider as a standalone.
Once again, King demonstrates his unbelievable skill at both plotting and characterization. The first part of the book detailing the murder, the evidence, the arrest, and the enigma surrounding the alibi is gripping and had me eagerly turning the pages. The characters, whether sympathetic, selfish, annoying or just plain hateful, are all well-developed and contribute to the intensity of the atmosphere and the story.
The second section, in which the supernatural explanation emerges, contains numerous elements familiar to King's works and, for me, is particularly reminiscent of IT -
Spoiler
The monster feeding off children, the threats against the protagonists working to destroy the evildoer, the human helper seduced into aiding the creature, and the showdown undergroundThe climax and resolution are exciting and also somewhat heartbreaking, which is also to be expected from King.
On a final note, the audiobook is narrated by Will Patton, who is an absolute pleasure to listen to. His vocal range, cadence and pacing are all excellent.
tms98's review
4.0
Starts out as one of the most intriguing mysteries I have read, written in the Stephen King way we all know, Holly comes into the story around the middle of the book, which means the supernatural follows her around. Still a really satisfying end and a fun adventure to read.
drinn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
subject_a22__the_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tajaymes's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Started off sooo strong. Slowed down some in the middle (as most of Kings work does for me) then once Holly was introduced into this one I was HOOKED. I love her character and can’t wait to read his new novel based on her! It went a way different direction than I was expecting but overall such a great read, I enjoyed throughout!