A gripping and absorbing thriller

This Stephen King at his best - he is really much more than a horror writer, for those who don't already know that. It's his superb characterisation that is so special. His characters are fully realised, to the point that you feel you know them - even the evil ones. This is an "old fashioned" thriller, by which I don't mean dated or predictable, but simply a rattling good story which is scary, humorous, and moving - all human life is there as a disreputable newspaper used to say. It is hugely enjoyable and I found it difficult to pause once I had started. The narrator gives a beautifully judged performance and I would recommend this book to anyone - especially those who think Stephen King is not for them.

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29 people found this helpful

Cliched, Predictable but Brilliant

Yes, it's nicked part of almost every private-eye-hunts-serial-killer book ever written, from Wilkie Collins to Chandler and beyond. Yes, you could plot the beginning, middle and end without too many mistakes.

But that old formula in a great storyteller's hands can grip like nothing else, which is why we're still watching Sherlock and why JK Rowling's equally cliche-ridden latests are selling like hotcakes.

In other words, couldn't put it down (or whatever the audio equivalent may be). Highly recommended, have already downloaded the follow-up.

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23 people found this helpful

King on form yet again

Mr Mercedes has great pace, almost breathless sometimes . If you have ever liked a Stephen King novel, then I reckon you will like this one very much. Some decent characters, lots of action and tension - a classic page-turner, well read by Will Patton. But too straightforward, dare I say simple, for this fan - hence only 4 stars. Best for me would be Bag of Bones or Hearts In Atlantis, both available unabridged from audible. But don't get me wrong - Mr Mercedes is a really great listen!

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17 people found this helpful

A below-par detective story

I should start this review by explaining that I'm on a roll with Stephen King right now, having recently completed the excellent '11-22-63' followed by 'The Stand' (Brilliant) and then 'The Dome' (absolutely gripping). I therefore approached 'Mr Mercedes' with a deal of anticipation at enjoying the newest offering from one of the master story-tellers of our time.

I'm still not sure what happened, but this book was largely a bit of a let-down. The overall premise (a retired cop being stalked by a criminal he failed to catch) is sound enough, but as the story unfolds it's all a bit clumsy. Added to this there are two significant plot twists that you can see coming a mile away, and Mr King is known for being able to spring twists and turns on the reader out of the blue.

And that's the rub; the writing style just isn't King's. The dialogue doesn't snap the way it does in his other works, and the storyline is pedestrian at best.

On a plus note, Will Patton's narration was excellent, just the right amount of inflection so you could tell the characters apart without it decending into a radio play. Would like to hear more from him

I think I'll get one of his classics next, just to remind myself how exceptional a writer King is.

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13 people found this helpful

Hard to stop listening

Great story from the outset, one of those you know within 10 minutes you are going to really enjoy. Characters are all great and you begin to quickly believe in each of them as genuine and believable people, even Mr Mercedes himself. There are no paranormal elements in this book at all, which Stephen King is obviously best known for. This was what drew to listen to the book, I was interested to see how that worked out and all I can say that it worked out very well indeed. I believe this may be part 1 of a planned trilogy and it would be great to go back to these superb characters for another story how ever this book has definite ending which does not leave you waiting for the story to complete in the next instalment.

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11 people found this helpful

Oh this is good!

Mr Mercedes
King at his best. There have been a couple of Stephen King novels that have not grabbed me 'Dream Catcher' and 'The Gunslinger' to name but two, but the characterisation, compelling story coupled with the outstanding narration from Will Patton make this a blinding book. I found it really hard to put down.
Full 5 star rating from me

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10 people found this helpful

Mr Mercedes -Stephen King

Well Mr King does it again what a story, as soon as this book started I new it was going to be one of those books that you just could not stop listening too. Right from the start of the book it all happens then the story comes together as retired policeman Bill Hodges goes back to a case that was never solved which little does he know that he his being watched himself from the crazy psychopath its so gripping well recommended great narrator too.

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7 people found this helpful

So, so brilliant

Would you listen to Mr Mercedes again? Why?

An exciting read. A great story and I just didn't want it to end. King can really get the reader to get inside a character's head. I loved and was rooting for the main character, Bill Hodges, and I was utterly mesmerised by the bad guy. Both very believable.
This is a fantastic book. I have come late to Stephen King - but more like this please, SK!

Will Patton is now one of my favourite narrators on the back of this - along with Jeff Harding.

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7 people found this helpful

So disappointed its over...

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

What a sad moment when this wonderful story came to an end. I almost never write reviews but this King classic was so gripping, my usual 10 minutes listen before sleep turned into a conflicted obsession of wanting to hear more and not wanting it to end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mr Mercedes?

The finale doesn't disappoint and doesn't suck and wasn't in a hurry to get there as some novels head towards an obvious end, this still had gripping content right to the end

What about Will Patton’s performance did you like?

Will Patton's ability to portray each of the characters in such a believable way, I was so sucked in and it was all totally real to me - took me there and dumped me right in the middle.

Any additional comments?

Just brilliant, I want another one just like this for my holiday - heck, maybe I'll even listen to it again!

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6 people found this helpful

Best King Novel. Best Narration!

Would you consider the audio edition of Mr Mercedes to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version but this audio version was just amazing

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mr Mercedes?

When the mother eats the burgers

What does Will Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Will Patton's narration is absolutely fantastic. he brought every character to life and, very subtly, gave each character and chapter a beautifully effective change of tone that seemed to put you right inside the head of the characters. His portrayal of the killer was particularly impressive and carried, at once, a chilling coldness and sick humour that you could not help but grin at. Best characterisations i have heard since The Cuckoos Calling

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, i bought it on holiday and hoped it would last me for the full two weeks but i just couldn't stop listening to it. Finished it in just four sittings. I hoped it wouldn't end

Any additional comments?

I have around 200 books in my audible library (or thereabouts) and this is in my top 2 fiction without a doubt. Only the Cuckoo's Calling comes close to this in my opinion

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6 people found this helpful