by Stephen King
Narrator: Will Patton, Danny Burstein, Steven Weber
Length: 15 hours and 12 minutes
Genres: Horror
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
From #1 New York Times bestselling author, legendary storyteller, and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary collection of four new and compelling novellas—Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, The Life of Chuck, Rat, and the title story If It Bleeds—each pulling you into intriguing and frightening places.
The novella is a form King has returned to over and over again in the course of his amazing career, and many have been made into iconic films, including “The Body” (Stand By Me) and “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” (Shawshank Redemption). Like Four Past Midnight, Different Seasons, and most recently Full Dark, No Stars, If It Bleeds is a uniquely satisfying collection of longer short fiction by an incomparably gifted writer.
If It Bleed by Stephen King is a collection of four novellas, a favorite format for this King fan. Buckle up and enjoy these four chilling tales…
Fun fact; Most of Stephen King’s short-stories were adapted to film. You might be familiar with Children of the Corn, Shawshank Redemption, Lawnmower Man, Skeleton Crew and In the Tall Grass to name just a few.
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
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Narrated by Will Patton. This story is told by Craig, whom we first meet as an adolescent boy. He reads, waters the plants and befriends Mr. Harrigan, a retired businessman who reportedly made millions.
Each holiday or special occasion Mr. Harrigan’s sends young Craig a personal letter and encloses a scratch lottery ticket. One of those tickets won the big cash prize and to thank Mr. Harrigan, Craig buys him one of the first iPhones. Mr. Harrigan is old school, but Craig soon has him using the phone. When Mr. Harrigan dies, Craig slips the phone into his casket and a strange relationship begins from beyond.
First, Will Patton is a favorite narrator, particularly for King’s stories. His voices and tone enhance the stories and pull me in. The tale is atmospheric and has just the right touches of paranormal woo-woo to raise the hair on the back of your neck.
The Life of Chuck
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Narrated by new to me narrator Danny Burstein. Fresh, captivating and chilling. I devoured this with all its creepy connections. The story is told in parts. The first is the end of the world where ads pop up thanking Chuck Krantz for 39 years!! Then we follow Chuck Krantz’s life. Some things are better left unknown…..
The story unfolded brilliantly and the connections to everything happening once again prove King rules. Burstein did a stellar job with the narration and multiple characters. His tone enhanced the tale and I look forward to hearing more of his narrations.
If It Bleeds
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Narrated by Will Patton. Eep! This was so good. If you are a fan of the Outsider and the Mr. Merćedes trilogy you are in for a treat. This tale begins when Detective Ralph Anderson from the Outsiders opens an envelope and finds a thumb drive titled If It Bleeds and other goodies. The package contains a note from Holly Gibney. (Outsiders and Mr. Mercedes character) warning him that is she is dead, and he pursues this to be careful. Right away I knew this would be good. I was wrong… it was outstanding!
A tragedy in Pineborough, Pennsylvania, sets Holly on edge. She wonders why the reporter on scene seems off. Holly investigates and ends up experiencing déjà vu. That is all I am saying. It was brilliant.
Will Patton was perfect for the narration from Holly to the reporter. I got goosebumps and couldn’t set this down.
Rat
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Narrated by Steven Weber. I’ve enjoyed Weber before and easily slipped into this story about writer Drew Larson, who received some recognition for a short-story but hasn’t been able to write beyond that. He goes off to the family cabin to write when a story forms, leaving his wife and kids at home.
When Drew arrives at the isolated cabin, he comes up with a plan. Things begin well as he writes his western story, but as the sense of foreboding build, a storm rolls in as Drew once again finds himself with writer’s block and horrible cold. He soon makes an unthinkable bargain…. Eep!
If It Bleeds rocked on Audio and was just the horror fix I needed. From the stellar cast of narrators to King’s ability to weave tales that make you turn on the lights, this was the perfect collection. Audio has become my preferred format for all of King’s books.
Buckle up and listen to these four chilling tales… If It Bleeds by Stephen King #audiobook #horror #FaveNarrators #creeptastic Share on X
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
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
I haven’t read anything by Stephen King before, but I keep hearing great things about his work. It’s good to know he has shorter works. This might be a good intro!
Olivia Roach
I watched the Shawshank Redemption film last year and head over heels loved that film. I heard it was adapted from a short story and have wanted to read it since. However, it is good to note that the other novellas in the collection are well worth reading too!
Barbara Strickland
I wish I was brave enough.
Flora
What a great collection! If only I was brave enough to still be reading King. 😉
Trish @ Between My Lines
Love King, and these sound like a nice mix of novellas. The first one in particular really got my imagination, with it’s communication from the other side vibes.
Katherine
The only Stephen King I’ve ever read was the novella A Good Marriage and it was so good and so creepy. It definitely stuck with me even years later. I’ll have to look for this collection.
Kimberly
That was made into a film or series for Netflix, I think.
Lindy@ A Bookish Escape
I didn’t realize this was a book with short stories! I’m glad to hear all of them were really good. This sounds perfect for Fraterfest! Thanks for sharing! Fantastic Review Kim!
Lover of Romance
Stephen King…..glad you loved this one here. He is a classic to read.
Tyler H. Jolley
Oh snap Kimba! I’ve been so wrapped up in other things right now I completely missed this release! I’m so glad you posted this and I’m starting it tonight. I’ll revisit this post when I’ve read it and see what you thought of it. Happy reading!
Nadene
It has been awhile since I read his books. I need get back to them. I have quite a few on my shelf. This one looks good too.
Stephanie@Fairday's Blog
I had no idea that so many of his novellas were turned into movies. Wow! So glad you enjoyed this set. 🙂
sherry fundin
okay…another for the list that keeps on growing. lol i’m actually reading a lot more books that i want to read instead of them all being review books
Ethan
We posted our reviews of this on the same day!
I enjoyed all of the stories, but the Life of Chuck was less successful to me. I loved seeing Holly tackle another case though!
Debbie S Haupt
Glad you got your King fix Kim. 🙂
Cindy
I am up for this one! Thanks for sharing!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters
I’m such a scaredy-cat! But I admit, I’m interested in listening to a horror novella.
verushka
Alright, I am the hugest wuss when it comes to horror, but it’s really hard to resist these narrators. Maybe though, a novella might be easier to take horror in small doses!
Kimberly
These are more like campfire tales. You’ll get the chills…