Caffeinated Reviewer

You Like It Darker is a collection of short stories from Stephen King, narrated by Will Patton. A mix of new and old stories filled with chill and thrills from the king of horror.

'You like it darker? Fine, so do I', writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel 'the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind', and in You Like it Darker, readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

'Two Talented Bastids' explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In 'Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream', a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny's most catastrophically. In 'Rattlesnakes', a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance - with major strings attached. In 'The Dreamers', a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. 'The Answer Man' asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King's ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

Twelve tales to entertain you in this collection. Some have been previously published and a few are new. Either way, the perfect audiobook to take along on a road trip!

• Two Talented Bastids – This was a curious story about two struggling friends with a cabin in the woods who became successful, one an artist and the other a writer and how it all came to be. The story is told by the writer’s son after his passing. What happened in those woods? 5 cups.
• The Fifth Step – A creeptastic tale about a stranger’s confession on a park bench. 5 cups.
• Willy the Weirdo – I was familiar with this story and discovered it was published in McSweeney’s Issue 66. A strange boy and his chats with his dying grandfather. Creepy. 5 cups.
• Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream – When Danny awakens from a bad dream about a dead body, it’s so real he investigates and soon finds himself accused of the crime. King weaved a clever tale with interesting characters and I devoured it. 5 cups.
• Finn – This was a creepy tale about a young man with no luck who is accidentally mistaken for someone else. Creepy. 4 cups.
• On Slide Inn Road – A shortcut goes terribly wrong for a family traveling with their grandpa. 4 cups.
• Red Screen – Conspiracy theory hatched and what happens when people believe. A curious tale that will leave you uneasy. 4.5 cups.
• The Turbulence Expert– I will be flying in July and oh boy! 4 cups.
• Laurie- a grieving man receives a dog from his daughter. An interesting tale I listen to previously as a bonus on an audio.
• Rattlesnakes- a gripping tale and sequel to Cujo. This was a creepy tale that kept me listening. 4.5 cups.
• The Dreamers- a good tale that took me back. I could totally see this being a movie. 4.5 cups
• The Answer Man- a twisted tale that kept me listening. I am convinced I would not ask for answers. 5 cups.

You Like It Darker, was narrated by Will Patton and the perfect collections for fans of Stephen King. I loved listened because, hello- Will Patton. The man is perfect for narrating these chilling tales.

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About Stephen King

Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He made his first professional short story sale in 1967 to Startling Mystery Stories. In the fall of 1973, he began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co., accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has since published over 50 books and has become one of the world's most successful writers. Stephen lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. They are regular contributors to a number of charities including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities.

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About Will Patton

William Rankin Patton (born June 14, 1954) is an American actor and audiobook narrator. He starred as Colonel Dan Weaver in the TNT science fiction series Falling Skies. He also appeared in the films Remember the Titans, Armageddon, Gone in 60 Seconds and The Punisher. He appeared opposite Kevin Costner in two films: No Way Out (1987) and The Postman (1997). He won two Obie Awards for best actor in Sam Shepard's play Fool for Love and the Public Theater production of What Did He See?

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

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

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