by Stephen King
Narrator: Jessica Hecht
Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Kristen Connelly, Joan Allen, and Anthony La Paglia, Stephen King’s short story, “A Good Marriage” from Full Dark, No Stars is now available as a stand-alone audio edition! Bob Anderson, Darcy’s husband of more than twenty years, is away on one of his business trips, when his unsuspecting wife looks for batteries in the garage. Her toe knocks up against a box under a worktable and she discovers she doesn’t know her husband at all, but rather has been living with a stranger. This horrifying discovery, rendered with bristling intensity, could be the end of what Darcy though was a good marriage…
I was excited to obtain a copy of the audio version of A Good Marriage by Stephen King. The story originally published in the anthology Full Dark, No Stars. It is being released as a standalone in preparation for the motion picture release. A Good Marriage was dark and suspenseful. It will leave the reader asking, “How well do I know my significant other?’’
At around three hours in length, A Good Marriage is the perfect fall listen. I can assure you that if you grab the ear-buds it will make the task of raking leaves an easy accomplishment. I ended up listening to this while cleaning my home and found myself frequently sitting as the tension increased.
Bob and Darcy Anderson have been married for almost twenty-six years. He is a traveling executive, and she stayed home to raise their two children. Their lives scream suburbia, from the cars they drive to the community Cub Scout events. While Bob is away on one of his business trips, Darcy accidentally stubs her toe on a box beneath Bob’s workbench. When straightening it, she makes a shockingly, horrifying discovery.
As Darcy begins to uncover the truth, she suffers from a mixture of emotions. On one hand she is horrified and on the other hand she is worried about what this will mean for the children and herself. When Bob returns and discovers, she knows his secret the tale becomes intense. It was chilling, and totally creep-tastic like only King can deliver. Darcy’s inner thoughts as she struggles with her newfound discovery-brilliant. Facing her husband while determining what to do, kept me enthralled as King spun this mind-boggling tale. King brought both of these characters to life, exposing their flaws making them feel very real. They could be your next-door neighbors. Or maybe Darcy is the lady who sat next to you at the last PTA meeting. Perhaps the gentleman who held the door open for you at church on Sunday shares Bob’s secret. *shivers*
Jessica Hecht was the reader of this tale, and I thought her tones and slow breaths added to the overall suspense.
Fans of Stephen King and suspenseful horror stories will enjoy A Good Marriage.
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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Kim
I love Stephen King. I’ve been reading his books since I was thirteen. I think I started with Christine. This sounds really good! I’ve just added it to my TBR pile, thanks to your review. Thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
I grew up with him too. My first was Talisman.
Jamie
Great review! I read Full Dark No Stars when it first came out and it is what made me fall in love with King! In the review you mentioned how Bob and Darcy felt so real, and I felt that I should point out that King took inspiration from a real serial killer, the BTK Killer, and his wife. King wrote about it in the afterword. Apparently the poor woman was criticized as having had to have known her husband’s secret, that they couldn’t have been married that long without her knowing. So he tried to imagine what it would be like, King is really brilliant!
kimbacaffeinate
I did read about his inspiration, and remember watching a documentary about the BTK Killer, thanks for sharing. I am so glad you love King.
Tyler H Jolley
I actually read Full Dark No Stars years ago. I loved this novella. The story is horrific, but so real. It’s one of the many reason I love his work.
kimbacaffeinate
For some reason my hubby failed to buy me the collection *eyes hubby watching Flyers game* It felt old school, and I am delighted to be able to listen to them Tyler 🙂
B. Jangles
Oh, I’ve read it a long time ago! I am so excited to watch the movie (it is on my Halloween movies list).
kimbacaffeinate
I am excited about the movie 🙂
Busy Brunette
Woo! This makes me so excited to read this book! I love Stephen King and have been looking for some eerie reads before Halloween. I definitely know what I’ll be checking out next! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, another King fan! Enjoy
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I haven’t read Stephen King in such a long time! this one sounds great.
kimbacaffeinate
This is old school King, and I hope you try it!
Paij Slater
this sounds so fantastic! I have to admit I have never read Stephan King. I have seen plenty of his movies, but never read. I am anxious to read this!
kimbacaffeinate
This is a good one, suspenseful without too much.
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
I am finally getting around to it this week (hopefully) 🙂 I am in the mood for scary!
kimbacaffeinate
It is wonderful, not necessary scary, but one of those that is suspenseful.
Melanie Simmons
I love King’s old work, but haven’t tried any of his new work. This sounds interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
This feels very much like his old ones…in his collections.
Christy
And that’s why I’ll never get married. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
:snort:
Valeria
This sounds amazing!! I’ve been trying to read some of King’s novel, because seriously I believe it to be a must when you have such a big love for books. But this audiobook sounds perfect. I’ll most definitely check it out, like right now.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Valerie, he is one of my favorites in this genre
laura thomas
I have the collection and haven’t read it yet! I got it at my fav book store and it’s sitting on my shelf. I’ll be pulling that baby down and getting to this story ASAP. Makes me think of how I felt after reading Gerald’s Game. It could happen to you, that’s what King does oh so well!
Can’t wait for the movie.
kimbacaffeinate
Well enjoy. I have the collection on my wishlist but haven’t picked it up yet.
kara-karina
First this cover grabbed me, then this review made me want to read it even more. Did you say it’s going to be a movie? I want to watch it now! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am excited for the movie too 🙂
blodeuedd
Ohh creepy cover!
kimbacaffeinate
agreed Linda!
Katherine
I want to listen to this one! It sounds so good. I tend to listen while cleaning as well and I think my house would be extra clean the day I listened to this one because I don’t think I’d want to stop. Thanks for sharing!
kimbacaffeinate
Hehe..yes, you will find activities to justify listening!
Lily
I wasn’t aware that this short story was being made into a movie. I remember reading it a while back (I’m a huge Stephen King reader” in another book and getting really spooked by jt. Totally creepy. Lovely review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am looking forward to the movie Lily!
Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Sounds perfect for this time of year and I love that it’s only a short…I’m in the mood for a few novellas and short stories in the next few months.
kimbacaffeinate
This is a wonderful listen, and you can clean your whole house and make it enjoyable!
Ann M. Noser
Your review reminds me of GONE GIRL.
Now I want to read this, too.
I’m discovering WAY TOO many TBR books for the amount of time in my life available for reading. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo yes it has a similar vibe 🙂
kindlemom1
Gah! This sounds so good because of how realistic it is Kim! I have a feeling this will freak me out (in a very good way!).
kimbacaffeinate
I love these types that feel totally real.
Karen
I’ve never heard of this King story! I love that cover too.
kimbacaffeinate
Probably because it was part of anthology.
Rita
I would like to read Full Dark No Stars from which this short came from. I’ve heard good things about it and it fits well with the season.
I have a love-hate relationship with Mr. King, speaking only of books. Stephen King the author I respect the heck out of. Some of his books I really enjoyed but many others were “too far out there” for me or just plain gory. Like Goldilocks, some are too weird, some are too gross, and some are just right 🙂 Thanks.
kimbacaffeinate
I get that, I have enjoyed all of his books, but some stand out for me, and other were ok.
PurpleBook
I definitely have to make some room for this author on my shelves. The book sounds intriguing and pretty scary and I love scary movies/ thrillers, especially the more realistic ones. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
It is scary..but it a suspenseful kind of way, reminds me of Lamb to the Slaughter.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I downloaded this one onto Sparky this week and I’m looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Laurel. I look forward to your take on it
Angela Adams
Thanks for the post! Stephen King is not only a great author but huge baseball fan!!
kimbacaffeinate
Well there ya go another reason to love him. Go Phillies!
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
Oh gosh, this sounds real creepy. The fact that it was written by Stephen King makes it creepy already.
kimbacaffeinate
hehe..yes his name alone can give you chills.
Celine
I can’t wait for the movie! And the audiobook sounds lovely as well (: I saw an interview with King the other day, hearing him talk about the story made me really excited for it
kimbacaffeinate
I saw that interview and enjoyed it. The movie should be fantastic
Jennifer Bielman
This really does sound great. Who doesn’t love Stephen King?
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly!
Melliane
It’s been a while since I read a Stephen King book and this one looks really good and intriguing! I’m curious to discover it as well. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Melliane. It was a perfect read for Fall.
Emma
Haven’t read much Stephen King but this sounds interesting and something scary to read with Halloween coming up.
kimbacaffeinate
It is perfect for the season Emma 🙂