Never Flinch by Stephen King, narrated by Jessie Mueller is the fourth audiobook featuring Holly Gibney. Holly is an intuitive private investigator who has been featured in previous King novels included the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, Holly, & the Outsider. While admittedly not my favorite King novel, I found myself drawn to the case and devoured Never Flinch.
by Stephen King
Series: Holly Gibney #4
Narrator: Jessie Mueller, Stephen King
Length: 14 hours and 44 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x
From master storyteller Stephen King comes an extraordinary new novel with intertwining storylines—one about a killer on a diabolical revenge mission, and another about a vigilante targeting a feminist celebrity speaker—featuring the beloved Holly Gibney and a dynamic new cast of characters.
When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to “kill thirteen innocents and one guilty” in “an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man,” Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think. Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an unhinged act of retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realizes that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help.
Meanwhile, controversial and outspoken women’s rights activist Kate McKay is embarking on a multi-state lecture tour, drawing packed venues of both fans and detractors. Someone who vehemently opposes Kate’s message of female empowerment is targeting her and disrupting her events. At first, no one is hurt, but the stalker is growing bolder, and Holly is hired to be Kate’s bodyguard—a challenging task with a headstrong employer and a determined adversary driven by wrath and his belief in his own righteousness.
Featuring a riveting cast of characters both old and new, including world-famous gospel singer Sista Bessie and an unforgettable villain addicted to murder, these twinned narratives converge in a chilling and spectacular conclusion—a feat of storytelling only Stephen King could pull off.
Thrilling, wildly fun, and outrageously engrossing, Never Flinch is one of King’s richest and most propulsive novels.
I love Holly. She is quirky, neurodivergent and has an incredible knack as a private detective. Her friend on the police force seeks her aid unofficially for a series of murders where the serial killer is seeking vengeance. She also takes on a new role as bodyguard for a feminist speaker who has already escaped two attacks.
Both of the cases were intriguing and hit on feminist issues. The two cases shed clear light on issues as one believes he is punishing sinful women and the other seeks to stop what he perceive to be a radical feminist. It was fascinating how the world viewed these crimes and perps.
Holly served as the moral compass in these investigations. Splitting her time and resources between the two cases. She really is quite clever. I did feel her neurodivergent differences took a back seat in this story. However, maybe that is a good thing, as her skills as a detective took center stage.
A cast of familiar characters as well as new ones rounded out Never Flinch as the storylines increased in intensity. I can’t put my finger on why this wasn’t a five star listen but even King wasn’t fully satisfied. I do however hope we get more stories with Holly.
Jessie Mueller narrates and does a wonderful job voicing Holly and the rest of the characters. She helped set the tone and enhanced the suspenseful thriller as it unfolded. Stephen King does the afterward and I always appreciate his thoughts.
Fans of private PI’s and feminist themes will enjoy this new addition to the Holly Gibney books.
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.
About Jessie Mueller
Jessica Ruth “Jessie” Mueller (born February 20, 1983)[1] is an American actress and singer. She started her career in Chicago and won a Joseph Jefferson Award in 2008 for her role as Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel. In 2011, she moved to New York City to star in the Broadway revival of On a Clear Day You Can See Forever. She won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in the lead role of Carole King in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, and originated the lead role of Jenna in the musical Waitress on Broadway.
Stay Caffeinated!
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I’m so behind on Stephen King books. And since I haven’t read that series, I probably won’t get to this one either. Glad that you enjoyed it though. Great review!
Katherine
I’ve read a Stephen King novella and really enjoyed it but have been too scared to read more of his work. This sounds good. I’ll have to look for the first one on audio.
Mary Kirkland
It’s been a long time since I read a Stephen King book but this sounds good.
Nadene
It’s been ages since I read anything by this author, but this series looks really good.
Sophia Rose
Holly does sound like an interesting detective character. Maybe whatever was distracting you won’t be there in further books since the earlier ones were okay.
Anne- Books of My Heart
I want to read this Holly series at some point. I read the series it spun off from, at least where she was briefly a character.
Bree Dalton
I’ve never been one to read Stephen King novels but I am obsessed with the cover for this one.