Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Scribner (2014), Edition: 1ST, Hardcover, 448 pages
Description
"In a mega-stakes, high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely and winning heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands. In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the "perk" and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy. Brady Hartfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again. Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady's next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member buckeyematrat
I was excited for the release of Mr Mercedes as soon as I saw the premise on King's website last year. When the book came out in June, I was in the middle of reading 2 other books. Then, I started reading the review on here and they were all over the place. This caused me to hesitate and read
What I found was a great detective story with shades of the Dead Zone, Carrie and Psycho. Now, before those of you that have already read Mr. Mercedes start getting your pitchforks and torches ready to storm my house while shouting at the top of your lungs about blasphemy, let me explain. The story is a straight up detective story. If you're waiting for something supernatural or Twilight Zone-esque to happen, you're going to grow cobwebs waiting for it. But that shouldn't deter you from enjoying the story. It still has the interesting characters that King can do so well. Bill is the retired detective not enjoying his retirement and stews over the murder he never solved. When a letter comes through his mail slot from the killer gloating about Bill not catching him and that he should just kill himself, this is the spark that Bill needs to get "back on the case". Trying to solve the mystery of the unknown killer that happens to "live among us" is where it evoked a little déjà vu of The Dead Zone (minus the supernatural). The sheltered "weird" girl with the overbearing mother reminds me of Carrie (again, minus the supernatural). And, the relationship of the killer with his mother is very reminiscent of Psycho. Even the killer himself feels like someone we all know. The whole time while reading Mr. Mercedes, I had the feeling that I've met people like the killer and that he could truly be "among us". Is the story original? No. Do I care? No. It was an entertaining story with good characters and plot that made you turn the pages and I enjoyed every bit of it. Now does it rank up at the top of King's best work? I don't know. If you're the type of person that whines that everything King puts out these days is not The Stand or The Shining, then you'll probably find a reason to bitch about Mr. Mercedes. If you're simply looking for a good story told with King's flair, pick it up and decide for yourself. 4 1/2 stars.
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something else hoping that there would be a more clear consensus after some more time. No such luck. The reviews spanned both ends of the spectrum. It's great. It's terrible. It's only ok. Ugh. Finally, I got tired of listening to all the noise and decided to read it and decide for myself.What I found was a great detective story with shades of the Dead Zone, Carrie and Psycho. Now, before those of you that have already read Mr. Mercedes start getting your pitchforks and torches ready to storm my house while shouting at the top of your lungs about blasphemy, let me explain. The story is a straight up detective story. If you're waiting for something supernatural or Twilight Zone-esque to happen, you're going to grow cobwebs waiting for it. But that shouldn't deter you from enjoying the story. It still has the interesting characters that King can do so well. Bill is the retired detective not enjoying his retirement and stews over the murder he never solved. When a letter comes through his mail slot from the killer gloating about Bill not catching him and that he should just kill himself, this is the spark that Bill needs to get "back on the case". Trying to solve the mystery of the unknown killer that happens to "live among us" is where it evoked a little déjà vu of The Dead Zone (minus the supernatural). The sheltered "weird" girl with the overbearing mother reminds me of Carrie (again, minus the supernatural). And, the relationship of the killer with his mother is very reminiscent of Psycho. Even the killer himself feels like someone we all know. The whole time while reading Mr. Mercedes, I had the feeling that I've met people like the killer and that he could truly be "among us". Is the story original? No. Do I care? No. It was an entertaining story with good characters and plot that made you turn the pages and I enjoyed every bit of it. Now does it rank up at the top of King's best work? I don't know. If you're the type of person that whines that everything King puts out these days is not The Stand or The Shining, then you'll probably find a reason to bitch about Mr. Mercedes. If you're simply looking for a good story told with King's flair, pick it up and decide for yourself. 4 1/2 stars.
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LibraryThing member RidgewayGirl
I've lately only been reading Stephen King's collections of short stories, finding his novels somewhat longer than they need to be. He is a talented writer, though, able to bring a character or a scene to life in a way few popular authors can. But I had to read Mr Mercedes when I found out that it
Bill Hodges is a retired detective who is struggling with retirement when he receives a letter from a man who murdered several people by driving a Mercedes through a crowd of people waiting to enter a job fair. Hodges had investigated the crime, and it was one of the few he had been unable to solve before he retired. Soon, with the help of an intelligent and computer-savvy teenager and the sister of the woman who had owned the Mercedes in question, Hodges is, once again, trying to solve this crime.
There's always a question mark next to a book by an established author writing in a genre that they aren't known for. Will they respect the parameters of the genre, or even know what they are? King delivers here; not only does he stay well within each unwritten rule of the genre, but he does so in a way that demonstrates a real understanding of the hard-boiled private detective novel. What's more, [Mr Mercedes] is a good book. The characters, from Hodges himself, to the tertiary characters, are all fully developed. King follows the rules of the genre, but in a way that makes them appear less like strictures, than like naturally occurring events that had to happen that way. And he has created a lovely team of investigators, from Hodges, whose gruff exterior hides the inevitable warm heart, to Jerome, the ivy-league bound seventeen-year-old who forms an unlikely friendship with both the retired cop and to Holly, who is one of the best characters King has written - an anxiety-prone, unattractive woman in her forties who is valued by the other two for who she is. I hope so much that the next novel in the series includes all three characters.
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was a crime novel. Bill Hodges is a retired detective who is struggling with retirement when he receives a letter from a man who murdered several people by driving a Mercedes through a crowd of people waiting to enter a job fair. Hodges had investigated the crime, and it was one of the few he had been unable to solve before he retired. Soon, with the help of an intelligent and computer-savvy teenager and the sister of the woman who had owned the Mercedes in question, Hodges is, once again, trying to solve this crime.
There's always a question mark next to a book by an established author writing in a genre that they aren't known for. Will they respect the parameters of the genre, or even know what they are? King delivers here; not only does he stay well within each unwritten rule of the genre, but he does so in a way that demonstrates a real understanding of the hard-boiled private detective novel. What's more, [Mr Mercedes] is a good book. The characters, from Hodges himself, to the tertiary characters, are all fully developed. King follows the rules of the genre, but in a way that makes them appear less like strictures, than like naturally occurring events that had to happen that way. And he has created a lovely team of investigators, from Hodges, whose gruff exterior hides the inevitable warm heart, to Jerome, the ivy-league bound seventeen-year-old who forms an unlikely friendship with both the retired cop and to Holly, who is one of the best characters King has written - an anxiety-prone, unattractive woman in her forties who is valued by the other two for who she is. I hope so much that the next novel in the series includes all three characters.
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LibraryThing member vcg610
When I hear the name Stephen King, I still think of scary movies, like Cujo, Carrie, or The Shining...but boy, I have been selling author King short for way too long. Mr. Mercedes is a fast moving and absorbing "detective vs. serial killer" story that is as good as any I've read. Stephen King just
In this book Bill Hodges, a great detective in his day, has now retired and is living without purpose or mission anymore. He has gained weight, watches endless daytime tv, and is dealing with some serious depression. What turns him around is a long letter that clearly is from the perpetrator of the greatest unresolved case of his career. Several years prior an unknown assailant drove a stolen Mercedes into a group of unemployed folks who had lined up overnight to participate in a Job Fair, killing eight and injuring many others. The letter is taunting him. The author seems to know he has contemplated suicide, and even offers to counsel with him online if Bill thinks it would help.
Hodges begins to analyze the letter, separating truth from lies, looking for clues to who must have written it. Far behind the times technologically, he asks the neighborhood kid who does his lawn for help with the computer. Hodges has unexpectedly acquired the most useful and competent sidekick he has ever had. Jerome Robinson has some natural analytical skills of his own, and Hodges begins to find other ways to use Jerome's strengths. Hodges may be retired, but he now has a mission.
King follows the perspective of Hodges alternately with the perpetrator, whose plan to psychologically destroy Hodges turns on it's head as Hodges warms to the case. Hodges knows his investigation is very much at odds with his retired status, but as it becomes more personal, he postpones turning the info he has gathered over to his former partner, and soon comes to the chilling realization that the mysterious Mr. Mercedes intends to act again, and only Hodges and his "civilian sidekicks" have a shot at stopping him.
Interesting characters, including a few with definite quirks in the psychological norms department, (though not necessarily evil) populate the book. Author King has developed likable characters that readers will be rooting for as the suspense begins to mount.
Definitely a satisfactory read!
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has the ability to tell a good story, no matter the genre.In this book Bill Hodges, a great detective in his day, has now retired and is living without purpose or mission anymore. He has gained weight, watches endless daytime tv, and is dealing with some serious depression. What turns him around is a long letter that clearly is from the perpetrator of the greatest unresolved case of his career. Several years prior an unknown assailant drove a stolen Mercedes into a group of unemployed folks who had lined up overnight to participate in a Job Fair, killing eight and injuring many others. The letter is taunting him. The author seems to know he has contemplated suicide, and even offers to counsel with him online if Bill thinks it would help.
Hodges begins to analyze the letter, separating truth from lies, looking for clues to who must have written it. Far behind the times technologically, he asks the neighborhood kid who does his lawn for help with the computer. Hodges has unexpectedly acquired the most useful and competent sidekick he has ever had. Jerome Robinson has some natural analytical skills of his own, and Hodges begins to find other ways to use Jerome's strengths. Hodges may be retired, but he now has a mission.
King follows the perspective of Hodges alternately with the perpetrator, whose plan to psychologically destroy Hodges turns on it's head as Hodges warms to the case. Hodges knows his investigation is very much at odds with his retired status, but as it becomes more personal, he postpones turning the info he has gathered over to his former partner, and soon comes to the chilling realization that the mysterious Mr. Mercedes intends to act again, and only Hodges and his "civilian sidekicks" have a shot at stopping him.
Interesting characters, including a few with definite quirks in the psychological norms department, (though not necessarily evil) populate the book. Author King has developed likable characters that readers will be rooting for as the suspense begins to mount.
Definitely a satisfactory read!
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LibraryThing member ecataldi
I was due for a fast paced thrill ride and Stephen King's latest thriller certainly did the trick. King takes a departure from his darker horror novels to create a wonderful crime thriller which is certainly less creepy than some of his other materials, but still dark.
The story follows retired
Suspenseful, thrilling, and disturbing, this is a must for fans of crime novels and Stephen King. Readers will also enjoy the black teen that Hodges uses as a sidekick. Witty and insanely smart, that kid could have his own series! Hands down my favorite character. I want a Jerome in my life!
The story follows retired
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police detective Bill Hodges, a man on the verge of withering away in his La-z boy chair. Life holds no excitement for him, that is until, he receives a letter in the mail from the Mercedes Killer, one of the few men that eluded capture while Hodges was still active duty. The Mercedes Killer was responsible for running down dozens of people standing in line at a job fair in a stolen Mercedes, killing eight and critically wounding many others. He got away without a trace but he's not done with the fun. Now he wants to make the fat ex-cop his next project. Little does he know that this might just be the wake up call that Hodges needs to get on with his life.Suspenseful, thrilling, and disturbing, this is a must for fans of crime novels and Stephen King. Readers will also enjoy the black teen that Hodges uses as a sidekick. Witty and insanely smart, that kid could have his own series! Hands down my favorite character. I want a Jerome in my life!
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LibraryThing member ssimon2000
This one was terrible! I can't go any further, and is going into the abandoned book shelf. This is really disappointing because I've been a Constant Reader since Carrie was originally published.
The characters have no compelling personalities, the antagonist is vile and seems to have been written
While I enjoyed The Colorado Kid and Joyland, both books somewhat outside of his normal genres, King needs to rethink his venture into the world of crime thrillers.
The characters have no compelling personalities, the antagonist is vile and seems to have been written
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by King as one with every bad/evil quality he could think of. The protagonist is completely unrealistic, as well, and I would venture to say that he's more insane than the bad guy. And what's with the sidekick switching to the southern slave slang all the time? Is that really necessary? It does nothing for the story. While I enjoyed The Colorado Kid and Joyland, both books somewhat outside of his normal genres, King needs to rethink his venture into the world of crime thrillers.
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LibraryThing member tsutton
Hundreds of unemployed citizens line up for a job fair in the early morning hours of a Midwest city. A stolen Mercedes plows through the unsuspecting crowd, driven by a lone driver in a clown mask. When the chaos is over, eight innocent people are dead and more than a dozen more are injured.
Retired
"I'm going to kill you. You won't see me coming."
Mr. Mercedes succeeds in hitting several of my favorite reading elements: a page-turning suspense thriller, well-developed, sympathetic characters, and a seriously creepy bad guy who got under my skin.
The telling of this story in the present tense, a departure from King's regular writing style, has the benefit of moving the narrative along at a rapid pace, which in turn heightened the race-against-the-clock feel for both Brady (the murderer) and Hodges and his crew.
At times the plot feels contrived, particularly the constant rationalization of why Hodges refuses to turn to the police for help even after it becomes clear that Brady is becoming unraveled. This, however, does nothing to diminish the suspense of the novel, as Hodges runs into roadblocks in his investigation and Brady grows more desperate and disorganized.
As usual, King's character development is unparalleled, with a connection being forged between the reader and characters that are only alive for ten pages. While on the surface some of the characters appear to be formulaic (the suicidal, retired detective, the brilliant tech-savvy young kid, the psychopathic maniac with mommy issues, etc.), King's development of these characters is still successful. They are sympathetic and accessible, with even Brady having his moment of sympathy (albeit a very, very brief one).
This book is classic King, probing the conflict between good and evil both within his characters and between them, though this time played out with purely human elements. Despite not being as strong a showing as his last few novels, this was a solid start to what will hopefully be an enjoyable trilogy.
Retired
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police detective Bill Hodges spends his days watching talk shows, haunted by the unsolved cases he left behind. When a letter arrives claiming to be from the Mercedes Killer, he decides to investigate on his own instead of going to the police. In doing so, he must match wits with a crazed psychopath, for whom one murderous rampage was not enough."I'm going to kill you. You won't see me coming."
Mr. Mercedes succeeds in hitting several of my favorite reading elements: a page-turning suspense thriller, well-developed, sympathetic characters, and a seriously creepy bad guy who got under my skin.
The telling of this story in the present tense, a departure from King's regular writing style, has the benefit of moving the narrative along at a rapid pace, which in turn heightened the race-against-the-clock feel for both Brady (the murderer) and Hodges and his crew.
At times the plot feels contrived, particularly the constant rationalization of why Hodges refuses to turn to the police for help even after it becomes clear that Brady is becoming unraveled. This, however, does nothing to diminish the suspense of the novel, as Hodges runs into roadblocks in his investigation and Brady grows more desperate and disorganized.
As usual, King's character development is unparalleled, with a connection being forged between the reader and characters that are only alive for ten pages. While on the surface some of the characters appear to be formulaic (the suicidal, retired detective, the brilliant tech-savvy young kid, the psychopathic maniac with mommy issues, etc.), King's development of these characters is still successful. They are sympathetic and accessible, with even Brady having his moment of sympathy (albeit a very, very brief one).
This book is classic King, probing the conflict between good and evil both within his characters and between them, though this time played out with purely human elements. Despite not being as strong a showing as his last few novels, this was a solid start to what will hopefully be an enjoyable trilogy.
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LibraryThing member arubabookwoman
I don't like horror novels, and many of Stephen King's novels fill that genre so I don't read them. However, I've enjoyed many of his books which don't include horror elements (although they usually involve science fictional elements). This book is a straight-forward crime novel, and it won a 2015
The novel begins as a line is forming in the predawn hours for a job fair. Suddenly, a lone driver in a large Mercedes deliberately plows through the line, killing 8 people and wounding 15. Later the abandoned Mercedes is found with a clown mask on the front seat. The driver is never caught.
Fast forward several months to retired cop Bill Hodges, who regrets the failure to catch the Mercedes killer. He's also at loose ends, not sure what to do with himself now that he's retired, and contemplating suicide when he receives a letter from an individual claiming to be the Mercedes killer. The letter taunts Hodges and threatens more crimes. Hodges can't resist responding (rather than turning the letter over to authorities), and the cat and mouse game is on.
This is quite a good mystery. The pov character alternates between Hodges and Mr. Mercedes, a suitably creepy murderer. There are lots of other characters to love and hate and plenty of plot twists and turns. King is apparently turning this into a series, and there is already a second novel featuring Hodges as the crime solver.
Highly recommended.
3 1/2 stars
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Edgar for the best first novel (not sure what that means since obviously King has written many, many other novels).The novel begins as a line is forming in the predawn hours for a job fair. Suddenly, a lone driver in a large Mercedes deliberately plows through the line, killing 8 people and wounding 15. Later the abandoned Mercedes is found with a clown mask on the front seat. The driver is never caught.
Fast forward several months to retired cop Bill Hodges, who regrets the failure to catch the Mercedes killer. He's also at loose ends, not sure what to do with himself now that he's retired, and contemplating suicide when he receives a letter from an individual claiming to be the Mercedes killer. The letter taunts Hodges and threatens more crimes. Hodges can't resist responding (rather than turning the letter over to authorities), and the cat and mouse game is on.
This is quite a good mystery. The pov character alternates between Hodges and Mr. Mercedes, a suitably creepy murderer. There are lots of other characters to love and hate and plenty of plot twists and turns. King is apparently turning this into a series, and there is already a second novel featuring Hodges as the crime solver.
Highly recommended.
3 1/2 stars
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LibraryThing member DavidO1103
Very good; brilliantly read by Will Patton. Great characters (the good guys, anyway). The bad guy was little too creepy for me (that's what kept it from being a full 5 stars.
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
When a Mercedes mows down a line of people waiting in the fog for a job fair, the police are stumped. Det. Hodges, the lead detective on the case, later retires, but when he receives a letter from “Mr. Mercedes”, taunting him, he decides to investigate on his own.
I really liked this. As with
I really liked this. As with
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most of King's books, the story is told from more than one point of view: Det. Hodges and Mr. Mercedes. In addition to liking the story, I really liked a couple of the secondary characters: Jerome, the smart, young black boy who will soon be going to college; and Holly, related to the woman who's Mercedes was originally stolen, grew on me, though I wasn't crazy about her at first. Show Less
LibraryThing member eleanor_eader
Stephen King writes readable prose. Mr Mercedes has that going for it.
But good lord, this is the weakest thing Mr King has ever presented us with. I have never, ever, put a book of his down because the writing was mundane or the characters poorly fleshed out, but if I hadn't been so completely
The problem isn't that the book is bad. It's that it's bad in areas that King has already proven he can do absolutely brilliantly in. Some of his latest stories have been power-houses of writing skill, but all the re-visitation here is in tired tropes rather than learned craft. At one point I began to theorise world-echos of other books; there's good stuff that has been ripped from earlier work, as well as the poor stuff. When Brady Hartfield used a wheel-chair stucco'd with decals to gain access to an event filled with girls I was thrust so far out of that story I might as well have been reading Rose Madder. The only problem being, Norman Daniels was a hundred time more convincing a hunter/killer than Mr Mercedes.
I won't list all the recognisable keynotes in King's repertoire here… his use of them is not what bothers me. His laziness in not bothering to use them well does. Worth mentioning, is the saving grace of Mr Mercedes ... Holly Gibney is one of King's 'special' characters, but in a non-psychic way, so that's refreshing. She is well written. King allows her to turn in a person ex machina (I know I made that up), but her part in the ending redeems this.
None of the other characters do so well … Hodges, the protagonist Det. Ret., is inadvertently written as a dangerous idiot. Jerome, his black side-kick (*you WILL notice he's black, because King has made sure to give him some sort of Ebonic Tourette syndrome) is that and little more. More importantly, an author shouldn't be writing about serial killers if he's not going to be consistent. Brady Hartfield is a cold sociopath. Who feels affection. And is wickedly clever. Except when he makes stupid mistakes. He's a grand planner of multiple-victim killings, whose next big plan is poisoning a dog.
I love King's writing. I like the serial-killer genre of thrillers. I suppose King has recently grown fond of them, too, and after reading a couple, decided to write one of his own. That's, honestly, the only explanation; and that still leaves unexplained all the times he's written strong antagonists (including abused-turned-psycho killers), plotted and paced well, knocked characters out of the park, and kept us all riveted to the page.
To summarise: Mr Mercedes is so lazy it's almost insulting.
But good lord, this is the weakest thing Mr King has ever presented us with. I have never, ever, put a book of his down because the writing was mundane or the characters poorly fleshed out, but if I hadn't been so completely
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astonished by it, that's probably what would have happened here. For the first time in my life, I wish a Stephen King book had been shorter. This astounds me.The problem isn't that the book is bad. It's that it's bad in areas that King has already proven he can do absolutely brilliantly in. Some of his latest stories have been power-houses of writing skill, but all the re-visitation here is in tired tropes rather than learned craft. At one point I began to theorise world-echos of other books; there's good stuff that has been ripped from earlier work, as well as the poor stuff. When Brady Hartfield used a wheel-chair stucco'd with decals to gain access to an event filled with girls I was thrust so far out of that story I might as well have been reading Rose Madder. The only problem being, Norman Daniels was a hundred time more convincing a hunter/killer than Mr Mercedes.
I won't list all the recognisable keynotes in King's repertoire here… his use of them is not what bothers me. His laziness in not bothering to use them well does. Worth mentioning, is the saving grace of Mr Mercedes ... Holly Gibney is one of King's 'special' characters, but in a non-psychic way, so that's refreshing. She is well written. King allows her to turn in a person ex machina (I know I made that up), but her part in the ending redeems this.
None of the other characters do so well … Hodges, the protagonist Det. Ret., is inadvertently written as a dangerous idiot. Jerome, his black side-kick (*you WILL notice he's black, because King has made sure to give him some sort of Ebonic Tourette syndrome) is that and little more. More importantly, an author shouldn't be writing about serial killers if he's not going to be consistent. Brady Hartfield is a cold sociopath. Who feels affection. And is wickedly clever. Except when he makes stupid mistakes. He's a grand planner of multiple-victim killings, whose next big plan is poisoning a dog.
I love King's writing. I like the serial-killer genre of thrillers. I suppose King has recently grown fond of them, too, and after reading a couple, decided to write one of his own. That's, honestly, the only explanation; and that still leaves unexplained all the times he's written strong antagonists (including abused-turned-psycho killers), plotted and paced well, knocked characters out of the park, and kept us all riveted to the page.
To summarise: Mr Mercedes is so lazy it's almost insulting.
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LibraryThing member wb4ever1
I am a long time reader of Stephen King, but the last novel of his that I read, REVIVAL, was far from one of my favorites, and left me wondering if the King of Horror’s mojo might be running low after all these years. I am happy to say that the latest book of his that I’ve read, MR. MERCEDES,
MR. MERCEDES is a change of pace for King, in that there is nary a horror trope in sight – no killer clowns, vampires or haunted Plymouth Furies. Instead, this book, the first in a trilogy, is a straight up crime and suspense drama set in an economically distressed Midwest city dealing with the Great Recession, where early one morning a Mercedes Benz deliberately plows through a crowd of applicants outside of a job fair, killing eight and injuring many more. The killer gets away, but nearly a year later, Bill Hodges, the cop who initially investigated the killer, dubbed “Mr. Mercedes” by the press, receives a taunting letter from the psycho who pulled off this atrocity. Hodges is now retired, living alone, watching daytime TV, and drifting into suicidal depression. That is until “Mr. Mercedes,” whose real name is Brady Hartsfield, mails his letter, but instead of being pushed over the edge, Hodges decides to get back into the game, and track down Hartsfield on his own. From there the story proceeds, as Brady Hartsfield plans his next crime, and Bill Hodges, with a pair of most unlikely allies, begins to sniff out his very cold trail.
King dedicated this book to the great crime novelist, James M. Cain, the author of the book that became the movie, DOUBLE INDEMNITY, but instead of Cain, I felt King was channeling his inner Alfred Hitchcock. In fact, I think if the movie Master of Suspense had been around today, he would have jumped at a chance to make MR. MERCEDES into a film. The story is told in a way that has plenty of the situational irony found in the best of Hitchcock’s films, as the reader is given vital information that the characters in the story are not aware of – yet. And we watch and wait for the inevitable consequences. King uses a present tense, omnipotent POV – sort of like a God’s eye view – to tell his story, using short sections focused on Hodges, then Hartsfield, then secondary characters, to build the suspense. For the most part, the big gross out scenes that we expect from the usual King book is lacking, but there is one twist about midway through that has a hell of a nasty payoff, and will surely make any reader pause before they put that next hamburger in their mouth.
Hodges makes for a most sympathetic protagonist, an overweight retired cop who is given a new lease on life when he goes back to doing what he was he was born to do, even briefly finding love again. Likable also is Jerome, the neighborhood teenager whose competence with computers is of great help to Hodges, and Holly, the woman with problems who becomes an ally after a relative becomes another one of Hartsfield’s victims. Outside of the killer, there are few of King’s usual hateful secondary characters; even Holly’s mother and uncle come off as more annoying than anything else. King has always had a knack for creating mentally unhinged evil, and in Brady Hartsfield, he has come up with a particularly vile piece of work, one that Norman Bates would likely have avoided.
I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the Bill Hodges trilogy, FINDERS KEEPERS and END OF WATCH, and to watching the upcoming mini-series based on MR. MERCEDES. After four decades, King can still give us great fiction that speaks to the here and now, quite an accomplishment for a writer who gave us Pennywise, Randall Flagg, Mr. Barlow, the creatures in the mist, and all the other monsters that have scared generations in the best and most wonderful way.
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completely dispenses with that worry. I found it to be a compulsive page turner from beginning to end, with a plot that grabbed me in the first chapter and then proceeded to build the suspense nicely right through to the edge of your seat climax at the end.MR. MERCEDES is a change of pace for King, in that there is nary a horror trope in sight – no killer clowns, vampires or haunted Plymouth Furies. Instead, this book, the first in a trilogy, is a straight up crime and suspense drama set in an economically distressed Midwest city dealing with the Great Recession, where early one morning a Mercedes Benz deliberately plows through a crowd of applicants outside of a job fair, killing eight and injuring many more. The killer gets away, but nearly a year later, Bill Hodges, the cop who initially investigated the killer, dubbed “Mr. Mercedes” by the press, receives a taunting letter from the psycho who pulled off this atrocity. Hodges is now retired, living alone, watching daytime TV, and drifting into suicidal depression. That is until “Mr. Mercedes,” whose real name is Brady Hartsfield, mails his letter, but instead of being pushed over the edge, Hodges decides to get back into the game, and track down Hartsfield on his own. From there the story proceeds, as Brady Hartsfield plans his next crime, and Bill Hodges, with a pair of most unlikely allies, begins to sniff out his very cold trail.
King dedicated this book to the great crime novelist, James M. Cain, the author of the book that became the movie, DOUBLE INDEMNITY, but instead of Cain, I felt King was channeling his inner Alfred Hitchcock. In fact, I think if the movie Master of Suspense had been around today, he would have jumped at a chance to make MR. MERCEDES into a film. The story is told in a way that has plenty of the situational irony found in the best of Hitchcock’s films, as the reader is given vital information that the characters in the story are not aware of – yet. And we watch and wait for the inevitable consequences. King uses a present tense, omnipotent POV – sort of like a God’s eye view – to tell his story, using short sections focused on Hodges, then Hartsfield, then secondary characters, to build the suspense. For the most part, the big gross out scenes that we expect from the usual King book is lacking, but there is one twist about midway through that has a hell of a nasty payoff, and will surely make any reader pause before they put that next hamburger in their mouth.
Hodges makes for a most sympathetic protagonist, an overweight retired cop who is given a new lease on life when he goes back to doing what he was he was born to do, even briefly finding love again. Likable also is Jerome, the neighborhood teenager whose competence with computers is of great help to Hodges, and Holly, the woman with problems who becomes an ally after a relative becomes another one of Hartsfield’s victims. Outside of the killer, there are few of King’s usual hateful secondary characters; even Holly’s mother and uncle come off as more annoying than anything else. King has always had a knack for creating mentally unhinged evil, and in Brady Hartsfield, he has come up with a particularly vile piece of work, one that Norman Bates would likely have avoided.
I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the Bill Hodges trilogy, FINDERS KEEPERS and END OF WATCH, and to watching the upcoming mini-series based on MR. MERCEDES. After four decades, King can still give us great fiction that speaks to the here and now, quite an accomplishment for a writer who gave us Pennywise, Randall Flagg, Mr. Barlow, the creatures in the mist, and all the other monsters that have scared generations in the best and most wonderful way.
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LibraryThing member rivkat
Seven years ago someone plowed into a line of jobseekers outside a job fair, killing seven (including a baby) and maiming others. Now one of the detectives on the case has retired, and someone sends him a letter claiming to be the killer. It’s a good setup, without any supernatural elements, and
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King does his usual good job of ramping up the tension of whether the ex-cop will find the killer before he strikes again. It’s maybe a bit too self-aware—there’s a reference to watching It on TV, and the amazing woman with whom the ex-cop hooks up as part of the investigation lampshades about how she’s the sexy blonde—but in the end the appeal of a ragtag band of outsiders trying to stop a slaughter outweighs that. Show Less
LibraryThing member Iira
Got hooked and stayed hooked. Tried to read slowly so it wouldn't end - but it did. They always do.
LibraryThing member sturlington
Months after someone plows a Mercedes into a crowd of job seekers, the killer sends a taunting letter to the lead investigator on the case, now retired, prompting him to restart the investigation as an amateur detective.
Mr. Mercedes represents a departure for Stephen King from the horror genre he
Read because I am a fan of the author (2014).
Mr. Mercedes represents a departure for Stephen King from the horror genre he
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is best known for, which is refreshing for long-time fans like me who feared his more recent offerings had become somewhat repetitive. There isn't a single supernatural element in this crime novel, although there is plenty to make your stomach turn, with a truly reprehensible villain whose head King takes us into. Although King is trying his hand at the crime genre, he shakes it up a little by making his detective a retired cop, instead of an active-duty one, and by giving him a couple of unusual sidekicks. This novel does have two typical King trademarks: engaging characters whom the reader comes to care about, and a fast-paced, suspenseful plot that keeps the pages turning. There are also one or two surprises along the way (including one scene that I won't reveal but that just made the book for me, it was so unexpected but perfectly right). While Mr. Mercedes does not stand out as a great Stephen King novel that I'll want to read again and again, it is a very entertaining read, which makes it a perfect mid-summer release, just in time for beach reading season.Read because I am a fan of the author (2014).
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LibraryThing member Edward.Lorn
MR. MERCEDES has an opening that epitomizes Stephen King's mastery of character. In a few short pages, King captures with well-placed dialogue and introspection the struggles of two people who are trying to keep their heads above water in our unstable economy. Then everything goes terribly wrong
When we're introduced to Det. Ret. K. William Hodges, our protagonist, the reader is still reeling from the opening pages, but King manages the segue well enough, tossing us into a rather humorous scenario unfolding on Hodges's television. He's watching a Jerry Springer-style talk show (which also gives a nod to Dr. Phil), and hilarity ensues. The juxtaposition is startling, like an ice cube down your back on a hot day, and you're wondering how you could be laughing after having read such a horrific opening only moments before. Because Stephen King. That's how.
For all of this novel's strengths, the ending shines the brightest. One could say this is because King's written some lackluster endings over the past decade (the exception being JOYLAND, which I gave five stars to as well), but the truth of the matter is that MR. MERCEDES has one of the most satisfying conclusions I've ever read. Sheer perfection. The last half of this book is a race to the finish, and by the time I reached the section entitled PROCLAMATION I was out of breath and both physically and mentally exhausted. I was blind-sided by the reveal at the 50% mark. Then again at the 65% mark. Both of these events coupled with the tragic opening gave me a sense of dread so thick I almost had a panic attack. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Brady was going to win.
Ah, yes, Brady. Brady Hartsfield is Annie Wilkes ramped up to the umpteenth degree. He's a real-life monster that chills you to your bone. And his crazy escalates as the novel progresses. I've always loved books that put me in the minds of their antagonists, but Brady's the first heavy whose head I simply wanted to GTFO of. A perfect match for Brady is his equally insane mother. Their relationship is revolting, and they both meet fitting ends. Poor Frankie. Poor, poor Frankie.
Here's where the nerd in me comes out. King references IT, CHRISTINE, and Joe Hill's HEART SHAPED BOX. I believe there is a reference to CREEPSHOW, as well, but I haven't been able to confirm that yet. It's been years since I saw that movie. I loves me some Easter eggs, yes I does.
In summation: One of King's best works, period. If you hate King, I'm apt to believe MR. MERCEDES would be the first book of his you'd enjoy, because it's bereft of lag and strenuous detail. If you're new to King, you can't go wrong by starting here. If you're a Constant Reader, you'll be pleasantly surprised. My highest recommendation.
(And yes, this one will be in my top twenty, but I have to figure out which book is getting dumped for this one, and that might take some time.)
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for these two people (three, if you count the most unfortunate soul in the crowd), and the reader realizes that anything, and everything, is possible in this shocking and brilliant thriller.When we're introduced to Det. Ret. K. William Hodges, our protagonist, the reader is still reeling from the opening pages, but King manages the segue well enough, tossing us into a rather humorous scenario unfolding on Hodges's television. He's watching a Jerry Springer-style talk show (which also gives a nod to Dr. Phil), and hilarity ensues. The juxtaposition is startling, like an ice cube down your back on a hot day, and you're wondering how you could be laughing after having read such a horrific opening only moments before. Because Stephen King. That's how.
For all of this novel's strengths, the ending shines the brightest. One could say this is because King's written some lackluster endings over the past decade (the exception being JOYLAND, which I gave five stars to as well), but the truth of the matter is that MR. MERCEDES has one of the most satisfying conclusions I've ever read. Sheer perfection. The last half of this book is a race to the finish, and by the time I reached the section entitled PROCLAMATION I was out of breath and both physically and mentally exhausted. I was blind-sided by the reveal at the 50% mark. Then again at the 65% mark. Both of these events coupled with the tragic opening gave me a sense of dread so thick I almost had a panic attack. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Brady was going to win.
Ah, yes, Brady. Brady Hartsfield is Annie Wilkes ramped up to the umpteenth degree. He's a real-life monster that chills you to your bone. And his crazy escalates as the novel progresses. I've always loved books that put me in the minds of their antagonists, but Brady's the first heavy whose head I simply wanted to GTFO of. A perfect match for Brady is his equally insane mother. Their relationship is revolting, and they both meet fitting ends. Poor Frankie. Poor, poor Frankie.
Here's where the nerd in me comes out. King references IT, CHRISTINE, and Joe Hill's HEART SHAPED BOX. I believe there is a reference to CREEPSHOW, as well, but I haven't been able to confirm that yet. It's been years since I saw that movie. I loves me some Easter eggs, yes I does.
In summation: One of King's best works, period. If you hate King, I'm apt to believe MR. MERCEDES would be the first book of his you'd enjoy, because it's bereft of lag and strenuous detail. If you're new to King, you can't go wrong by starting here. If you're a Constant Reader, you'll be pleasantly surprised. My highest recommendation.
(And yes, this one will be in my top twenty, but I have to figure out which book is getting dumped for this one, and that might take some time.)
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LibraryThing member seasonsoflove
I was so excited to find a brand new copy of this book at a book swap I recently attended. I had just added it to my TBR wishlist and there it was, sitting there for free.
This was definitely a good read, certainly not perfect, and I didn't love it like I loved The Shining (though I doubt I will
So, the good first. This is a gripping story. There is so much suspense, something King is a master of, and such great foreshadowing. My heart was pounding in my chest as I got closer to the ending. King makes you care about the characters and what is going to happen, and keeps upping the tension as the book goes on. He doesn't pull any punches, and the book is better for that.
Where the book is not so perfect isn't as obvious, at least to me it wasn't. But some of the characters seem to verge on stereotypes, which seems especially odd when King frequently has characters comment on seeing past stereotypes and realizing who people really are. I suspect King is trying to make his readers see past the stereotypes he has written out, but it comes across as clunky sometimes, and took me out of the book a bit.
Would I recommend this book? I would, and I plan to read the rest of the trilogy. But know going in this is a dark book, with a really twisted villain, strong language, and some highly uncomfortable situations. If you can hold on for the ride though, it's well worth it.
This was definitely a good read, certainly not perfect, and I didn't love it like I loved The Shining (though I doubt I will
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ever love a King book like I loved that one). But it was a long book that flew by, and I couldn't put it down.So, the good first. This is a gripping story. There is so much suspense, something King is a master of, and such great foreshadowing. My heart was pounding in my chest as I got closer to the ending. King makes you care about the characters and what is going to happen, and keeps upping the tension as the book goes on. He doesn't pull any punches, and the book is better for that.
Where the book is not so perfect isn't as obvious, at least to me it wasn't. But some of the characters seem to verge on stereotypes, which seems especially odd when King frequently has characters comment on seeing past stereotypes and realizing who people really are. I suspect King is trying to make his readers see past the stereotypes he has written out, but it comes across as clunky sometimes, and took me out of the book a bit.
Would I recommend this book? I would, and I plan to read the rest of the trilogy. But know going in this is a dark book, with a really twisted villain, strong language, and some highly uncomfortable situations. If you can hold on for the ride though, it's well worth it.
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LibraryThing member TheGrandWorldofBooks
Wow, and I ever glad I just borrowed this from the library instead of waiting until I could afford to buy it. I read this book so much faster than I ever imagined I would, because I simply couldn't put it down. It was just that good. I started it on my weekend from work, and pretty much immersed
I realize it's probably a little cliched to gush over a Stephen King book, but how can I not when it really was genuinely that good? I rarely read a book where you find out who the bad guy is right away and I still enjoy the book anyway. Anyone who knows my reviews knows that I like to be surprised. And I'll admit I was disappointed at first when it comes out almost right away who the bad guy is. But then almost immediately that doesn't matter, because there was so much else about the book that was hidden in shadows of mystery that it definitely appeased my need for mystery.
The characters were amazing, too. I don't know what goes on in Stephen King's head when he creates some of his characters, but he creates some of the CRAZIEST characters I've ever read about. And I always think that I've read about some crazy characters in some of the books that I've read. I'm fairly certain that Mr. Mercedes tops them all. I don't know how he comes up with the stuff that he writes and what goes through his head in order to get that onto paper, but it must be rather frightening at times, I would think. But as bad and crazy as Mr. Mercedes was, his good characters were so good at the same time. Two sides of the same coin, and what makes him such an amazing writer, I suppose.
This book has an amazing pace, amazing characters all around, and was just generally awesome. I loved it. And it wasn't 1000 pages long, which was perfect, I think. It was exactly the right length for the story.
I highly recommend it for fans of Stephen King, or for fans of a good mystery. If you've never read Stephen King before and want to dive in with something that isn't scary, this would be a great place to start.
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myself in the world of Mr. Mercedes, and then when my Monday rolled around, I took the book to work and finished it up on my breaks. So I read this 400+ page book in just 3 days. Wow! I can't remember the last time I read a book that long that fast. It's been years, probably.I realize it's probably a little cliched to gush over a Stephen King book, but how can I not when it really was genuinely that good? I rarely read a book where you find out who the bad guy is right away and I still enjoy the book anyway. Anyone who knows my reviews knows that I like to be surprised. And I'll admit I was disappointed at first when it comes out almost right away who the bad guy is. But then almost immediately that doesn't matter, because there was so much else about the book that was hidden in shadows of mystery that it definitely appeased my need for mystery.
The characters were amazing, too. I don't know what goes on in Stephen King's head when he creates some of his characters, but he creates some of the CRAZIEST characters I've ever read about. And I always think that I've read about some crazy characters in some of the books that I've read. I'm fairly certain that Mr. Mercedes tops them all. I don't know how he comes up with the stuff that he writes and what goes through his head in order to get that onto paper, but it must be rather frightening at times, I would think. But as bad and crazy as Mr. Mercedes was, his good characters were so good at the same time. Two sides of the same coin, and what makes him such an amazing writer, I suppose.
This book has an amazing pace, amazing characters all around, and was just generally awesome. I loved it. And it wasn't 1000 pages long, which was perfect, I think. It was exactly the right length for the story.
I highly recommend it for fans of Stephen King, or for fans of a good mystery. If you've never read Stephen King before and want to dive in with something that isn't scary, this would be a great place to start.
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LibraryThing member zmagic69
Well it is summertime and therefore darn near every author has a new book out, and Stephen King is no exception. Actually this year he has another book coming in late fall as well. One thing you can say about Mr King is he doesn't know the word retirement. As far as we know he still writes all of
Mr Mercedes is a story, obviously but it is hard to categorize. It is more like the type of story he usually writes as a short story, but in this case the book is 436 pages.
1. It is not a Stephen King horror book. If you are reading it and expect something along these lines you will be disappointed.
2. It is not a mystery, at least not in the conventional way. You know who the bad guy is early in the book, what you are repeatedly presented with is just how evil he really is.
3. The good guys are predictable and you can pretty much figure out how it is going to end.
Some other things to keep in mind if you are going to read this book:
This is most definitely not suitable for kids. The bad guy/killer is 100 bad he hates pretty much everything and everybody. He expresses this hate in very graphic detail: pretty much every racist, misogynistic, four letter word comes out of his mouth and onto the page. It also touches on some rather sick fantasies of the killer as well as less than accepted family relationships. It this is going to be a problem, don't read this book. The book is edgier than most Stephen King Books, a lot like something written by his son Joe Hill.
So what is the book about?
Here is a portion of the description of what the book is about from Daniel Kraus at Booklist:
Retired Detective Bill Hodges is overweight, directionless, and toying with the idea of ending it all when he receives a jeering letter from the Mercedes Killer, who ran down 23 people with a stolen car but evaded Hodges’ capture. With the help of a 17-year-old neighbor and one victim’s sister (who, in proper gumshoe style, Hodges quickly beds), Hodges begins to play cat-and-mouse with the killer through a chat site called Under Debbie’s Blue Umbrella. Hodges’ POV alternates with that of the troubled murderer, a Norman Bates–like ice-cream-truck driver named Brady Hartfield. Both Hodges and Hartfield make mistakes, big ones, leaving this a compelling, small-scale slugfest that plays out in cheery suburban settings.
So now that you know the book's premise, the question is is it worth reading? I think so. Not everything Stephen King writes is going to be up to the standards and excellence of The Stand, or Under The Dome, It, who am I kidding we could go on and on. If you like King's style of writing you will enjoy this book. It may be 436 pages but it is still a fast read. I will take a 3-4 star Stephen King book over most of the drivel that is currently being published and occupying the what's new shelves at most bookstores, and it will almost always be more enjoyable than anything the establishment critics are falling all over themselves to endorse.
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his own stuff, not like James Patterson or Clive Cussler who slap their name on a book in bold type and add With Some other author, with Stephen King it is All Stephen King. Mr Mercedes is a story, obviously but it is hard to categorize. It is more like the type of story he usually writes as a short story, but in this case the book is 436 pages.
1. It is not a Stephen King horror book. If you are reading it and expect something along these lines you will be disappointed.
2. It is not a mystery, at least not in the conventional way. You know who the bad guy is early in the book, what you are repeatedly presented with is just how evil he really is.
3. The good guys are predictable and you can pretty much figure out how it is going to end.
Some other things to keep in mind if you are going to read this book:
This is most definitely not suitable for kids. The bad guy/killer is 100 bad he hates pretty much everything and everybody. He expresses this hate in very graphic detail: pretty much every racist, misogynistic, four letter word comes out of his mouth and onto the page. It also touches on some rather sick fantasies of the killer as well as less than accepted family relationships. It this is going to be a problem, don't read this book. The book is edgier than most Stephen King Books, a lot like something written by his son Joe Hill.
So what is the book about?
Here is a portion of the description of what the book is about from Daniel Kraus at Booklist:
Retired Detective Bill Hodges is overweight, directionless, and toying with the idea of ending it all when he receives a jeering letter from the Mercedes Killer, who ran down 23 people with a stolen car but evaded Hodges’ capture. With the help of a 17-year-old neighbor and one victim’s sister (who, in proper gumshoe style, Hodges quickly beds), Hodges begins to play cat-and-mouse with the killer through a chat site called Under Debbie’s Blue Umbrella. Hodges’ POV alternates with that of the troubled murderer, a Norman Bates–like ice-cream-truck driver named Brady Hartfield. Both Hodges and Hartfield make mistakes, big ones, leaving this a compelling, small-scale slugfest that plays out in cheery suburban settings.
So now that you know the book's premise, the question is is it worth reading? I think so. Not everything Stephen King writes is going to be up to the standards and excellence of The Stand, or Under The Dome, It, who am I kidding we could go on and on. If you like King's style of writing you will enjoy this book. It may be 436 pages but it is still a fast read. I will take a 3-4 star Stephen King book over most of the drivel that is currently being published and occupying the what's new shelves at most bookstores, and it will almost always be more enjoyable than anything the establishment critics are falling all over themselves to endorse.
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LibraryThing member phoenixcomet
Stephen King's first foray into a detective novel, and quite frankly, I hope to see Bill Hodges, ex-cop again. The killer known as Mr. Mercedes, stole a Mercedes and then intentionally plowed it into job seekers gathered in the early morning for a job fair, killing 8 and dreaming of killing a whole
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lot more. In his need to inflict pain and suffering, he drives Olivia Trewlawly, the skittish owner of the Mercedes to commit suicide through subtle manipulation and guilt. When he attempts to do the same thing to the Det-Ret (retired detective) who was the lead on the case, Kermit William Hodges, his plan backfires and Hodges goes on the hunt. Enlisting 2 unlikely allies, Hodges seeks to put an end to Mr. Mercedes. Show Less
LibraryThing member KatieHeflin
I listened to this book on audible.com and WOW, blew.me.away! Will Patton rocked at narrating this book!
POTENTIAL SPOILERS****
One early early morning, well before the sun has even come up, hundreds and then thousands of people stand by a building where a job fair with be hosted that morning. A man
A mercedes benz comes around the corner, faces all the people outside the building and then SLAMS into them, not once, but twice. Bumping over bodies and creating carnage and hysteria.
A year later we are taken to the point of view of retired cop Detective Hodges, who is sick of daytime TV and spends his days watching trash on the television, eating too much pie and takeout, and playing with his late father's gun. Bored to nearly death with his life, until he receives the mail one morning and inside is a large smily face and the writings of the alleged mercedes killer who killed 8 people last year, including the mother and baby. The Merc Killer talks about how sexually excited it made him to run over those people and how he even wore protection just in case he left any DNA behind in the stolen car. He tells the cop that the cop should kill himself and it only fuels the semi-suicidal retired cop to stay alive for just long enough to find this guy once and for all.
A game of cat and mouse ensues.
We find that the woman of the stolen Mercedes Benz has killed herself, likely rattled with guilt that it was her car that killed all those people and from there on Detective Hodges takes lead after lead, and maintains an email relationship with the psychopath, in order to keep him talking.
The second point of view is the killer: Brady Hartfield. THIS had me spinning in my seat constantly wanting to figure out how this person thought. I was sickened more than a few times, beyond mention and that says a lot from me. Brady was really turned on by the killing. It thrilled him and he hooped and hollered from such joy. He hated most people, imagined shoving butcher knives in their throats, or maiming them beyond recognition. The few people he loved weren't really even there much of the time. His lover and MOTHER, was an alcoholic who spent her life in a daze. His younger brother was dead, killed by him and his mom when he became too much of a problem many years ago. The sickest thing for me was the relationship of mother and son. It was just horrifying. His mother would "relieve his headaches" by performing oral sex for him and neither of them thought any thing odd about it.
Detective Hodge finds unlikely allies in his lover's cousin, half crazy Hollie and Hodge's lawn boy and good friends, teenager Jerome and it is truly a race against time.
This is one of the best novels I have read in such a long time. The ending was amazing, and really shocked me. I thought I knew what would happen but everything changed in a second and I was so thankful for that. I cannot wait to check out more of Stephen Kings novels because this is the first. Wow.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS****
One early early morning, well before the sun has even come up, hundreds and then thousands of people stand by a building where a job fair with be hosted that morning. A man
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is chatted up by a young woman, while she tries to keep her sleeping baby warm and quiet. They are all there desperate and hopeful to receive a job. A mercedes benz comes around the corner, faces all the people outside the building and then SLAMS into them, not once, but twice. Bumping over bodies and creating carnage and hysteria.
A year later we are taken to the point of view of retired cop Detective Hodges, who is sick of daytime TV and spends his days watching trash on the television, eating too much pie and takeout, and playing with his late father's gun. Bored to nearly death with his life, until he receives the mail one morning and inside is a large smily face and the writings of the alleged mercedes killer who killed 8 people last year, including the mother and baby. The Merc Killer talks about how sexually excited it made him to run over those people and how he even wore protection just in case he left any DNA behind in the stolen car. He tells the cop that the cop should kill himself and it only fuels the semi-suicidal retired cop to stay alive for just long enough to find this guy once and for all.
A game of cat and mouse ensues.
We find that the woman of the stolen Mercedes Benz has killed herself, likely rattled with guilt that it was her car that killed all those people and from there on Detective Hodges takes lead after lead, and maintains an email relationship with the psychopath, in order to keep him talking.
The second point of view is the killer: Brady Hartfield. THIS had me spinning in my seat constantly wanting to figure out how this person thought. I was sickened more than a few times, beyond mention and that says a lot from me. Brady was really turned on by the killing. It thrilled him and he hooped and hollered from such joy. He hated most people, imagined shoving butcher knives in their throats, or maiming them beyond recognition. The few people he loved weren't really even there much of the time. His lover and MOTHER, was an alcoholic who spent her life in a daze. His younger brother was dead, killed by him and his mom when he became too much of a problem many years ago. The sickest thing for me was the relationship of mother and son. It was just horrifying. His mother would "relieve his headaches" by performing oral sex for him and neither of them thought any thing odd about it.
Detective Hodge finds unlikely allies in his lover's cousin, half crazy Hollie and Hodge's lawn boy and good friends, teenager Jerome and it is truly a race against time.
This is one of the best novels I have read in such a long time. The ending was amazing, and really shocked me. I thought I knew what would happen but everything changed in a second and I was so thankful for that. I cannot wait to check out more of Stephen Kings novels because this is the first. Wow.
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LibraryThing member PennyAnne
I am definitely one of Stephen King's "constant readers" and I was really looking forward to reading this book, a definite departure from his more famous horror and paranormal stories. I loved this book - a straight out suspense thriller, very easy to read and an addictive page turner. I liked how
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we knew from the beginning who the bad guy was and even thought the ending was pretty obvious there were a few twists and turns along the way to keep things interesting. Not everything King has written has appealed to me but I do read everything and I enjoy his imagination and writing style even if I don't like the story - however, Mr Mercedes ticks all the boxes - great writing, interesting story, good characters - definitely on my King favourites list! Show Less
LibraryThing member TJCams
A crime thriller from King?!?! Yes! I found this to be a pretty quick read, with the reader being placed into the events of not only the good guy(s), but also the bad.
My first, non horror King book, and the first in a planned trilogy.
If you are looking for typical King, this is not it. However,
My first, non horror King book, and the first in a planned trilogy.
If you are looking for typical King, this is not it. However,
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give it a shot if you want to read a thrilling crime story with very real life possibilities. Show Less
LibraryThing member JGolomb
“...more often than not, murder does out. Something (a certain wifely body in a certain abandoned gravel pit, for instance) comes to light. It’s as if there’s a fumble-fingered but powerful universal force at work, always trying to put wrong things to right.”
Retired Detective Bill Hodges
Stephen King stays away from the supernatural and explores a more Earth-bound and human-centric kind of horror in his latest, “Mr. Mercedes”. The story hits upon a type of tragedy that’s made real-world headlines in the last few years: an out of control car mows down pedestrians standing in a group, caught by surprise, and without any chance escape. While many of these real-life incidents appear accidental, the deaths in Stephen King’s story are quite murderous.
The story is rife with the evocative and foretelling-embued prose I’ve come to love and expect from Stephen King: “Shortly before five A.M., Augi roused from his own half-doze, stamped his feet to wake them up, and realized an unpleasant iron light had crept into the air. It was the furthest thing in the world from the rosy-fingered dawn of poetry and old Technicolor movies; this was an anti-dawn, damp and as pale as the cheek of a day-old corpse.”
A year after the crime, the lead Detective on the case, Bill Hodges, has retired without capturing the notorious Mr. Mercedes. Hodges receives a letter, supposedly from the killer, taunting Hodges back onto the case. Mr. Mercedes writes, “Most people are fitted with Lead Boots when they are just little kids and have to wear them all their lives. These Lead Books are called a CONSCIENCE.I have none, so I can soar high above the heads of the Normal Crowd.”
And from there, we’re off to the races.
Per usual, King’s pace is fast and the plot is tight. He’s able to create attractive personalities with minimal words. Detective Hodges is three-dimensional without being cliched. Mr. Mercedes is cold-hearted, but complex and Kins crafts him out of multi-layered backstory. King is very good with “broken” people, and one of the most “broken” in “Mr. Mercedes” is Holly Gibney, and middle aged woman so wracked with anxiety she’s more child than woman. She plays a key, but relatively small, part only making her first appearance about mid-way through the story. My only wish was for her to receive more print.
The story is terrific. The writing is superb. Stephen King’s stories are a bit notorious for their weak endings, but I didn’t find that to be the case in “Mr. Mercedes”.
Retired Detective Bill Hodges
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considers the case involving Mr. MercedesStephen King stays away from the supernatural and explores a more Earth-bound and human-centric kind of horror in his latest, “Mr. Mercedes”. The story hits upon a type of tragedy that’s made real-world headlines in the last few years: an out of control car mows down pedestrians standing in a group, caught by surprise, and without any chance escape. While many of these real-life incidents appear accidental, the deaths in Stephen King’s story are quite murderous.
The story is rife with the evocative and foretelling-embued prose I’ve come to love and expect from Stephen King: “Shortly before five A.M., Augi roused from his own half-doze, stamped his feet to wake them up, and realized an unpleasant iron light had crept into the air. It was the furthest thing in the world from the rosy-fingered dawn of poetry and old Technicolor movies; this was an anti-dawn, damp and as pale as the cheek of a day-old corpse.”
A year after the crime, the lead Detective on the case, Bill Hodges, has retired without capturing the notorious Mr. Mercedes. Hodges receives a letter, supposedly from the killer, taunting Hodges back onto the case. Mr. Mercedes writes, “Most people are fitted with Lead Boots when they are just little kids and have to wear them all their lives. These Lead Books are called a CONSCIENCE.I have none, so I can soar high above the heads of the Normal Crowd.”
And from there, we’re off to the races.
Per usual, King’s pace is fast and the plot is tight. He’s able to create attractive personalities with minimal words. Detective Hodges is three-dimensional without being cliched. Mr. Mercedes is cold-hearted, but complex and Kins crafts him out of multi-layered backstory. King is very good with “broken” people, and one of the most “broken” in “Mr. Mercedes” is Holly Gibney, and middle aged woman so wracked with anxiety she’s more child than woman. She plays a key, but relatively small, part only making her first appearance about mid-way through the story. My only wish was for her to receive more print.
The story is terrific. The writing is superb. Stephen King’s stories are a bit notorious for their weak endings, but I didn’t find that to be the case in “Mr. Mercedes”.
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LibraryThing member she_climber
I used to be an avid fan of Stephen King, in fact The Stand is still my all-time favorite book. But things started going downhill with his writing, as far as I was concerned and I moved on to other writers. Mr. Mercedes however caught my eye and intrigued me enough to give it a try. I'm glad I did
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as I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I love mysteries and thrillers and I just didn't think that King could pull it off but I found myself really enjoying the characters, and the race between the Det.Ret. and the Perk to see who would come out on top. I will not be so quick to dismiss Stephen King again in the future. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookappeal
A retired, overweight, and slightly depressed cop receives a letter from someone claiming to be the driver of a Mercedes that purposely crashed into a crowd about a year ago, killing several people, including an infant. The unsolved case rankles Bill Hodges and the letter brings him out of his
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retirement funk. Hodges begins his own quiet investigation, baiting the murderer with messages exchanged online. Brady Hartfield lives with his mother and maintains a nearly invisible existence as a computer repair geek and an ice cream truck driver. But Hodges' needling puts him out of sorts and he devises schemes to get back at the unflappable cop. Though Stephen King's plotting has a few holes that are a bit difficult to overlook, he writes a compelling cat-and-mouse game between Hodges and Hartfield, along with some very entertaining side characters for comic relief from the building tension. Show Less
Awards
Audie Award (Finalist — 2015)
Edgar Award (Nominee — Novel — 2015)
Crime Writers' Association Awards (Shortlist — 2015)
RUSA CODES Reading List (Shortlist — 2015)
Hammett Prize (Nominee — 2014)
Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year (Popular Fiction — 2014)
This Mystery is Amazing! (#3 — 2017)
Original publication date
2014
ISBN
1476754454 / 9781476754451