Mr. Mercedes: A Novel Audiobook [Free Download by Trial]

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Mr. Mercedes: A Novel by Stephen King

The readers can download Mr. Mercedes: A Novel Audiobook for free via Audible Free Trial.


Summary

In a mega-stakes, high-suspense race against time, three of the most unlikely and winning heroes Stephen King has ever created try to stop a lone killer from blowing up thousands. In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the "perk" and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy. Brady Hartsfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again. Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady's next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.

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5 comments

  • Mr. King's latest work, 'Mr. Mercedes: A Novel', is all too familiar with the disturbing nature of evil. The book takes a unique twist by focusing on the use of a car as the weapon of choice for the deranged antagonist. The author's ability to depict the meeting of insanity and evil is unparalleled, making this book a gripping police procedural. The main character, a retired cop, finds redemption in his pursuit of the monster he failed to catch during his active years. While the plot may have a few rough edges, they are easily forgiven when considering the chilling and realistic portrayal of evil in this tale. The writing style is incredibly cinematic, which comes as no surprise as the book is already in the process of being adapted into a movie. The narrative grabs hold of you, dragging you through the fast-paced world of police work and madness. It's on par with any other book by King and surpasses many. The story delves into themes of addiction and recovery without becoming dull or preachy, but ultimately shines in its bone-chilling exploration of true evil. The book raises the question of whether the acts described are a result of insanity or pure evil, a distinction that is increasingly difficult to make in a world where heinous acts are broadcasted nightly. If you're looking for an exhilarating read, this book is for you, but be prepared for potentially restless nights afterwards.
  • Stephen King's "Mr. Mercedes: A Novel" is an absolute delight, just like the Ice Cream Man passing by. From the moment I got an advance copy on Saturday, I couldn't put it down and finished it by Monday. The story revolves around an intriguing trio of characters: a mentally disabled middle-aged woman still living with her mother, a retired and somewhat dull police detective in his sixties who failed to crack a major case, and a tall, clean-cut African-American high school student. As the plot unfolds, they join forces to race against time and save 4,000 teenage fans at a "Round Here" concert from a deranged Ice Cream Man planning a devastating bomb attack. The tension is heightened as the student's mother and sister are among the concertgoers. This novel showcases King's exceptional storytelling skills, even without relying on the supernatural. The plot twists keep coming, building up to a thrilling climax. It may not be a character-driven masterpiece that will be studied in literature classes for centuries, but the story is captivating, and the characters are developed enough to make you genuinely care about their fate. King is a master at creating various forms of evil in the suspense, thriller, and horror genres. "Mr. Mercedes" fits into the suspense category, although the antagonist, while creepy, is not the darkest villain King has ever created. The evil has a cause, which is somewhat revolting and related to an Oedipal aspect of the story. Readers should prepare themselves for some gut-wrenching moments. While the book falls into the modern-day suspense genre, which is flooded with mediocre works by lesser talents, King's skill still shines through. However, it's not his strongest suit. Although the bomb plot at a teen concert hits close to home, and the internet and car break-in aspects are intriguing, I struggled to suspend my disbelief regarding the combination of the protagonist detective and his peculiar sidekicks. Nevertheless, "Mr. Mercedes" is a perfect beach read. It's a fast-paced, suspenseful story that will keep you hooked until the very end. Narrator Will Patton delivers a stellar performance in the audiobook. His narration is clear, crisp, and understated, perfectly matching the tone of the story. He never overdoes a character, allowing the listener to become fully immersed in the story without being distracted by the narration. Patton's ability to make you forget he's the narrator is akin to the magic of watching a Tom Hanks movie. He earns a solid five stars for his exceptional work. Overall, I give "Mr. Mercedes" four stars in the genre of suspense. While it doesn't stand out as a five-star masterpiece when compared to other talented suspense writers who excel in contemporary, non-supernatural settings, it remains a highly enjoyable read.
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