The Outsider Stands Tall

Okay cards on the table I love Stephen King's books and this one was no disappointment! I'd be lying if I said it was one of his very best but it's not a huge distance away making it well worth five stars in my view. What starts off reading very much like a police procedural boxing King's latest set of well-drawn characters into a seemingly impossible paradox later descends into more familiar King territory.

In Will Patton I think I may have discovered a new favourite narrator though I'd add caveats to that. I think he was excellent, he really conjured all the vivid colour out of King's writing. The caveats though are that some might find he speaks on the slow side and others who listen in noisier environments might find he goes a bit quiet on occasion. However, for someone who doesn't have those issues it's a real masterclass that he delivers.

Anyone considering this book who has not yet read the Mr Mercedes series might want to consider listening to those first to get even more out of this one. I'd have no hesitation recommending this as a stand-alone story. However, references back to that series including the return of one of its best characters will mean those who are familiar with it will get more out of this book.

In truth I'm not sure the Outsider is going to be remembered as anything like a pinnacle of King's career but it certainly stands above most in the genre.

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77 people found this helpful

A true Stephen King

I was skeptical about this book as I read lots of reviews and most said it wasn't his best.
I haven't read any Stephen King books for years after Pet Cemetery gave me nightmares lol! I found this a great listen. Not sure I would have got through it had I bought the book. But as an audible I thought it was really good. I will definitely be purchasing another as I feel I have rediscovered Stephen King

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2 people found this helpful

Stephen King at his best

I absolutely loved this book, the narrator is one of my favourites. Definitely recommended. An appearance from a character from another Stephen King book was a welcome surprise. Disappointed when it finished.

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2 people found this helpful

Disturbing but yet captivating

The narration was great for a supernatural tale, which will disturb and intrigue you. Only King could come up with one! A great listen.

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2 people found this helpful

nice story and well read

a very good audio book whether you like Stephrn King or have never listened to one of his books before . I really liked the subplot and the characters. makes me want to read more about them . do your self a favour and get this book .

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2 people found this helpful

Yet another great King story

This is a brilliant book, and a great edition to the Bill Hodges trilogy, without actually being a Bill Hodges book.

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2 people found this helpful

Contemporary King

A real god story. Set in a recognisable time. King is up to date. go read.

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2 people found this helpful

Not my favourite

While I was very happy listening to this I was disappointed by the supernatural element. I was expecting a straightforward detective story, akin to Mr Mercedes, but this book rapidly took on a different element.
If you like the supernatural element you will love this book - great narration and very good story.

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1 person found this helpful

Loved the story, not so much the narration

This is a great story, and classic King. I haven't read the books connected with this such as Mr Mercedes, but you don't need to have done to enjoy The Outsider.

The thing to consider when buying this, and I'm sure others have commented on it, is the narration. The narrator gets into character quite heavily for the individual characters, and there is one inparticular that turns what should be a sympathetic heroine, into a voice you will dread...and not in a good way.

The combination of Kings more subtle clues and the overacting to suggest that 'this character has autism' is extremely heavy handed, and also totally innacurate, in my experience. The character comes across via her voice as an elderly lady android and it really takes you out of the story. I very nearly had to give up a couple of times as good narration can make or break an audiobook, and though the guy is talented, he ain't subtle! Other voices also grate to varying degrees. Others may like this approach saying all that's as it does help differentiate the characters at least.

I'm glad I finished, and had I have read the book, I think I would be raving about it a lot more.

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1 person found this helpful

Superb King

loved this book. Usual Stephen King genre, just wanted to keep listening, the climax builds throughout the book. Excellent.

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