Big Driver by Stephen King

October 18th, 2014 Kimberly Review 48 Comments

18th Oct
Big Driver by Stephen King
Big Driver
by Stephen King
Narrator: Jessica Hecht
Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4 cups

Now a Lifetime original movie, Stephen King's haunting story about an author of a series of mystery novels who tries to reconcile her old life with her life after a horrific attack and the one thing that can save her: Revenge. Tess Thorne, a famous mystery writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing engagement. Advised to take a shortcut at the suggestion of the event’s planner, Tess sets out for home, well after dark. On a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out, and when a man in a pick up stops, it is not to help her, but to repeatedly assault her and leave her for dead. Tess survives, and she plots a revenge that will bring her face-to-face with another stranger: the one inside herself, capable of gruesome violence.

Big Driver was originally published in Stephen King’s acclaimed collection, Full Dark, No Stars. It has been released as a standalone in celebration of the movie adaption. Tonight, Big Driver, will premiere on Lifetime Movie Channel. I was so excited to receive a copy of the audio edition of Big Driver. As a Stephen King fan, this one gave me the chills and thrills I crave from his novels. Dark, haunting, creepy and engaging I devoured this short audio.

Tess Thorne a famous mystery writer is preparing to leave a book signing engagement when the event’s planner suggests a short-cut home. Night has fallen as she travels a deserted lonely stretch of highway. The unthinkable happens when her tire blows out. She has no cell phone reception, and there is no sign of life. A man stops to help her out, and Tess finds herself living a nightmare we all fear. She is brutally assaulted and left for dead. Tess survives, and begins to plot her revenge. The tale that unfolds is sinister and brilliant.

Big Driver is dark, gritty, and twisted. Stephen King’s portrayal of Tess is nothing short of chilling. Her transformation after the encounter had me holding my breath. Filled with unexpected twists and turns I found myself stopping my chores and holding my breath. King never fails to amaze me, from Tess’s inner conversations to the chills he send running down my back.

The tale is horrifying and graphic. It is filled with adult content and violence as the author holds nothing back. King will have you holding your breath, as he allows you to experience everything. Even as I wanted to stop listening, I found myself drawn further into the tale.

Jessica Hecht did an excellent job of portraying Tess Throne. She allowed me to connect and experience Tess’s changes. It is times like this where I feel the narration enhances the chills and thrills.

My DVR is set, and I cannot wait to watch the movie adaption of Big Driver set to air tonight at 8 pm eastern on the Lifetime movie channel. I recommend you set your recorders, and read or listen to it first.

Big Driver Movie Trailer

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

48 Responses to “Big Driver by Stephen King”

  1. vvb

    Oops, I missed it. The trailer and your review makes it sound like another fab King read. I’ll have to keep an eye out for a tv repeat or the DVD.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think Lifetime is still playing it..check your local listings 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Jon. I thought the audio was better, but the movie was good,

  2. B. Jangles

    Stephen King is everywhere and I don’t mind it. Actually, I love it! I’ve read the story as a part of Full Dark, No Stars but I am thinking of listening this audiobook because I haven’t listened to an audiobook for a very very long time. Thank you for this review! 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These are great audios, they have released a few of the stories for movie tie ins. I think the audio adds a wonderful element.

  3. Lily B

    oops, never heard of this, I hope they do a good job on the movie ;/ I really liked Salem’s Lot but the movie felt like a disaster.

  4. sharonda

    this has been one of my shows to catch on TV…gah! now I can’t wait to watch it, been recording it too 😀

  5. laura thomas

    I watched it twice! Funny, but I don’t think I’ve read the story. Thought I read everything by King but his most recent. Is this from a newer collection?
    I love that it was about an author too!

  6. Berls

    So I have yet to read a Stephen King book – I’m just so not good at graphic and scary! But I like suspense and this definitely has that feel written all over it. The preview for the Lifetime movie looks good – I wonder if it’s available on On Demand since I missed it (or reruns). It definitely sounds good! Did you enjoy the movie?

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It will probably air quite a few times Berls ..check the listings

      • Berls

        I checked yesterday actually and it was coming on AS I checked, so we watched it. I’m glad I watched it, I couldn’t have read it. I enjoyed the movie though – she sure was nuts huh? I would have had nightmares if I had read that though – too graphic for me in that first part. And so real and possible! Gives me the chills!

        • kimbacaffeinate

          Seriously..I told my hubby this is why I don’t like to ever drive alone.

  7. A Belle's Tales

    I’m glad you enjoyed this one so much, and that it didn’t disappoint in the scary department. It sounds perfect for this time of year.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It has suspense, and is a little dark…but nothing too bad. (the movie)

  8. Melanie Simmons

    It’s been a long while since I watched anything on Lifetime, but I don’t think of Stephen King when I think of a Lifetime Movie (at least not his horror stuff, maybe Stand By Me or something along those lines). Great review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Lifetime has some darker stuff along with the HEA Romances.

  9. Sarah

    After watching that trailer, I doubt I would be able to listen to this audiobook without nightmares. Still, I think I’ll give it a shot, even though I’m not a fan of them… 🙂

  10. sherry fundin

    I love it. This is one of the few books of King’s I haven’t read. The movie looks so scary good and I do like dark. I will be setting my DVR, because it is football Saturday. LOL
    Thanks so much for sharing this. I saw the promos, but a reminder is all good.

  11. Christy

    Dammit, dammit, dammit … I wanted to read this before I watched it. I have the TV programmed to turn there when it comes on. I wonder if I still have time …

  12. kindlemom1

    Bummer for some reason it won’t let me watch the trailer. It sounds fantastic though and I definitely want to watch it!

  13. Jess

    Love Stephen King and this sounds very intriguing. I especially like that the audio is good too! I had no idea it was going to be a Lifetime movie. Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      You are welcome. It airs a couple times tonight, and I am sure Lifetime will play it a few nights.

  14. Laurel-Rain Snow

    This one sounds really good, and I have been watching the previews for the Lifetime movie, which I’m going to record.

    Thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Me too. I have informed hubby he needs to watch it with me. *I am tough on the outside, but scared on inside*

  15. Tanja

    I’m too much of a coward to give Stephen a try. I actually did some time ago and well I’m not ready for this. Anyhow I’m so happy that you’re enjoying his books and I truly hope you’ll continue to do so. Great review, Kim 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      It’s ok Tanja. I like dark sometimes, but also love my fluffy and steamy romances:)

  16. Melliane

    Wow you have many King books these days, it’s so nice! The perfect month to read them that’s sure! You really make me want to go back to them, you’re terrible lol.