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You Like It Darker is a collection of twelve stories by American author Stephen King, published by Scribner in May 2024.[1] The book was announced on November 6, 2023, via Entertainment Weekly, which provided a look at the book's wraparound cover, table of contents, and an excerpt from "Rattlesnakes", a sequel to King's 1981 novel Cujo.[2]
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Stephen King |
|---|---|
| Audio read by |
|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Horror |
| Publisher | Scribner |
Publication date | May 21, 2024 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover), eBook, Audiobook |
| Pages | 502 |
| ISBN | 978-1668037713 |
| Preceded by | If It Bleeds |
Stories
edit| # | Title | Originally published in | Type[3] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Two Talented Bastids | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 2 | "The Fifth Step" | March 2020 issue of Harper's Magazine | Short story |
| 3 | "Willie the Weirdo" | McSweeney's 66 (Spring 2022)[nb 1] | Short story |
| 4 | Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 5 | "Finn" | Finn e-book (2022) | Short story |
| 6 | "On Slide Inn Road" | October/November 2020 issue of Esquire | Short story |
| 7 | "Red Screen" | Red Screen e-book (2021) | Short story |
| 8 | "The Turbulence Expert" | Flight or Fright (2018) | Short story |
| 9 | "Laurie" | stephenking.com (2018)[4] | Short story |
| 10 | Rattlesnakes | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 11 | The Dreamers | Previously unpublished | Novella |
| 12 | The Answer Man | Previously unpublished | Novella |
Selected stories
editNotable stories within the collection include:
Two Talented Bastids
editThis story unravels a concealed secret that's shared regarding the otherworldly genesis of the artistic abilities and the remarkable careers of childhood friends from a small Maine town: painter David "Butch" LaVerdiere and author Laird Carmody. [2]
Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream
editFocusing on the impact of a sudden and unprecedented psychic event, this tale explores the profound upheaval caused in numerous lives.[2]
Rattlesnakes
editServing as a sequel to King's 1981 novel Cujo, this tale follows a grieving widower named Vic Trenton who, in search of solace after the death of his beloved ex-wife Donna, travels to Florida. His journey takes an unexpected twist when he receives a strange inheritance from a new neighbor who tragically lost her twin sons, which is accompanied by King's supernatural contentions.[2][5]
The Dreamers
editA narrative centered on a reticent Vietnam veteran who, upon responding to a job advertisement, discovers that certain realms of the universe are better left undiscovered.[2] Stephen King said that though it's very rare that he scares himself with what he writes, a story in the upcoming collection titled The Dreamers was "so creepy" that he "couldn’t think about it at night".[6]
The Answer Man
editThis story probes the dual nature of prescience, contemplating whether it constitutes good fortune or a curse, and reflects on how lives marked by profound tragedy can still hold significance.[2]
Publication
editThe collection was published on May 21, 2024 by Scribner. It is available in physical, digital and audio book formats.[7]
In July 2024, King noted that his 2016 short story "The Music Room" had been omitted from the collection due to him forgetting about it, but that it would "probably" be included in the paperback edition.[8]
Critical response
editThe book debuted at number one on The New York Times fiction best-seller list for the week ending May 25, 2024.[9]
In his USA Today review, Brian Truitt commends Stephen King's You Like It Darker for its array of twelve dark and engaging stories. The collection is praised for revisiting familiar characters and settings while exploring new horrors, such as deadly snakes, ghosts, and mad scientists. Truitt highlights King's ability to blend horror with deeper themes of talent, unrealized dreams, and existential musings. Despite some less impactful stories, the collection is noted for its gripping narrative and ability to evoke fear.[10]
Kirkus Reviews points out that while some stories might feel less developed, the overall collection remains engaging. The review appreciates the familiar "King staples" and notes that the stories successfully revisit old haunts and characters, providing a mix of suspense and horror.[11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Pride, Philippa (2024). "YOU LIKE IT DARKER, A NEW COLLECTION OF STORIES, IS COMING IN MAY 2024". Stephen King Books UK. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ a b c d e f Collis, Clark (November 6, 2023). "Read the start of Stephen King's Cujo sequel in excerpt from story collection, You Like It Darker". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Vincent, Bev (May 20, 2024). "Bev Vincent explores You Like it Darker by Stephen King". CemeteryDance.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ King, Stephen. ""Laurie"" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ Lynn Tozan, McKenzie (7 November 2023). "We're Screaming: New Stephen King Short Story Collection & 'Cujo' Sequel: 'You Like It Darker". Lit Shark. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Reed, Betsy (August 16, 2023). "Stephen King says he may continue the Talisman series". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "You Like It Darker: Stories". Kazoo Books. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Lilja, Hans-Åke (July 10, 2024). "Always Holly: new book, Talisman 3 & The Dark Tower". Lijas-Library.com. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
He talks about the new book, You Like It Darker and mentions that he totally forgot about The Music Room but that it probably will be in the paperback edition.
- ^ "Combined Print & E-Book Fiction". The New York Times. June 9, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
- ^ Truitt, Brian (May 21, 2024). "Review: Stephen King knows 'You Like It Darker' and obliges with sensational new tales". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
- ^ "You Like It Darker by Stephen King. The disturbing stories in King's latest collection will seep into your psyche and haunt you". Kirkus Reviews. May 1, 2024. Retrieved 2024-05-31.