by Stephen King
Narrator: Jessica Hecht
Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
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
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 🙂
Jon
This one looks brilliant! I think I’ll check out the story and the movie, thanks for the awesome review!
-Jon from Bookish Antics!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Jon. I thought the audio was better, but the movie was good,
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.
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.
kimbacaffeinate
This was scary in the realness of it all.
Kiran J.
I haven’t read any Stephen King book though I want to… I’ve actually got “Misery” but just can’t get to it for some reason 🙁 Great review, Kimberly 🙂
Book Maniac Reviews
kimbacaffeinate
Oh Misery is dark and creep-tastic!
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 😀
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Sharonda!
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!
kimbacaffeinate
It is part of the anthology: Full Dark, No Stars.
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.
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
Thanks, and yes this screams fall.
Sharon - Obsession with Books
This sounds great Kimba! I’m not sure I could watch the movie though, I’m a big scaredy cat these days 😉
A wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate
It has suspense, and is a little dark…but nothing too bad. (the movie)
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.
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… 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was intense at times 🙂
Mary
Just set my DVR. This looks creepy as hell and really dark.
kimbacaffeinate
I am looking forward to watching. 🙂
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.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Sherry!
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 …
kimbacaffeinate
Totally, the audio was only 4 hrs..you so got this:)
kindlemom1
Bummer for some reason it won’t let me watch the trailer. It sounds fantastic though and I definitely want to watch it!
kimbacaffeinate
I think I fixed it Ali..that was weird
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.
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*
Busy Brunette
What a great review! This made my heart start racing just reading about it- I can’t wait to check out the movie!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks 🙂 enjoy!
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:)
Angela Adams
Another great review!! Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
You’re welcome. Are you a King fan Angela?
Angela Adams
One of the few “non-romance” genres I read. Mr. King has an amazing imagination!
kimbacaffeinate
I love everything he has written and co-authored. The Talisman is one of my favorites 🙂
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.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes King and Fall..like chocolate and peanut butter 🙂