Review Summaries

• Reception is generally positive, with praise for the premise and the emotional stakes. Some readers want a tighter pace or a little more depth in places.

Reviews

• ミス?

  物語に信憑性を与える為についつい細部を書き込んでしまうのは筆者の業なのでしょうか? S&Wのリボルバーにはハンマーブロックという安全装置が組み込まれているので激鉄が当たる１発目のシリンダーの弾を抜く必要はありません。キングに銃器の知識が無い事は承知していますがプロットが破綻しています。

• スティーブン・キングの最新作

  上司の勧めで購入しました。現在はどうなのかわからないですがその時点では翻訳本は出ていませんでした。 随分読むのに時間がかかってしまいましたが読み終えて満足しています。 読んでいくとこれは彼のノンホラー小説なのではないかと思わせるほど普通の推理小説？に思えていましたが後半に本領が発揮されキング節颯烈といったところでしょうか。 それにしてもあとがきには度肝を抜かれました。 本編にはコロナ禍の様子が散りばめられているのですが、なんと実際に書かれたのはコロナ禍より以前なのだとサラリと書かれているのです。 やはりステーブン・キングは天才なんだと思いました。 様々な登場人物の名前が出てくるのでそれを把握するのが私には難しかったです。

• A new Stephen King.

  Ticks all the boxes for me. Not as good as Billy Summers but a really well crafted King. Really enjoyed it (as always)!

• 老夫妻のおぞましさに戦慄を覚えると同時に、HollyとJerome, Barbara兄妹のあたたかさに救われます。

  Holly, Barbara, Jeromeが電話の別れ際に言う”I love you.”が心を打つのです。こんなに良い言葉だったんだと改めて思いました。 連続殺人の犯人の夫妻が仲睦まじく人の脳みそをパフェグラスに入れて生クリームをかけて食べるありさまは、これぞホラーといっていいです。 老い、飢餓、渇き、ここからホラーを書き上げるKing氏はさすがです！

• まだまだ健在、というか最高傑作では？

  ビル・ホッジス三部作、アウトサイダーを読んできて、ＳＫの作品群の中でも好きなキャラクターのホリーが主役。タイトルもそのまま「ホリー」。 スティーヴン・キング史上最も残虐な連続誘拐殺人事件に、探偵事務所ファインダーズ・キーパーズの探偵ホリーが挑戦する。シリアルキラーの正体、そして犯行の動機が、、なんという凄い。 とにかく展開が読めず、ハラハラドキドキ、一気に読んでしまった。 難があるとすると、（このシリーズでは常にそうだが）主人公が最後の最後まで警察や仲間に対して情報提供を保留して、助けを求めないことでピンチに陥るという状況が、いらいらする。 とにかく後期高齢者になろうとするキングがまだまだこんな傑作を創作できることに心底感心する。

• スリリング

  おもしろくて最後まで読み進められた。

• "Holly" - A Riveting Tale of Suspense with Masterful Pacing by Stephen King

  Stephen King's "Holly" is a literary gem that masterfully weaves suspense into its narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This novella not only showcases King's storytelling prowess but also exhibits a remarkable sense of pacing that contributes to the overall gripping experience. The suspense in "Holly" is palpable from the very beginning, drawing readers into a world of mystery and intrigue. King skillfully introduces and develops characters, gradually unraveling a plot that is as enigmatic as it is captivating. The air of tension is maintained throughout, creating a sense of anticipation that makes it difficult to put the book down. What sets "Holly" apart is its exceptional pacing. The narrative unfolds with a rhythmic cadence, carefully dosing out revelations and twists at just the right moments. The story progresses seamlessly, and each chapter leaves you hungry for more. King's ability to maintain this pace without sacrificing depth or nuance is a testament to his mastery of the craft. The novella's brevity doesn't compromise its impact; instead, it heightens the intensity, making every page count. King's prose is both engaging and evocative, immersing the reader in the world he has crafted. The characters are well-drawn, and their development contributes to the overall sense of urgency and suspense. In conclusion, "Holly" is a testament to Stephen King's ability to create a gripping narrative with an impeccable sense of pacing. If you're a fan of suspenseful tales that keep you guessing until the very end, "Holly" is a must-read. King once again proves why he is a master of the genre, delivering a novella that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

• You can trust Stephen King

  I am fascinated to read this book after buying back on 2023 and kept it in my TBR for 2 years almost. No doubt with the plot being twisted and exciting just like King's signature style...it's creepy and insane.. Serial killings...yes you got it right! After conquering horror..he recently stepped into crime thrillers..and winning it

• holly

  perfetto

• buena historia detectivesca con toques de horror

  Entretenida, un poco predecible en algunos puntos, si has leído más de un par de libros de Stephen King sabrás de qué hablo, se le da desarrollo completo al personaje de Holly y por supuesto la historia se enfoca en eso, otro buen libro y otro acierto a la ya de por sí larga lista de éxitos del autor

• Renewed level of respect for Stephen King - great novel

  It had been a few years since I had read a Stephen King book although I devoured them in my teenage years. This one had been getting good coverage so I thought I would try it. I admire that he is still writing novels after so many years. I hadn't realised that Holly Gibney had appeared in previous books but hoped it wouldn't matter (and it doesn't). This was first published in 2023. There are 429 pages with chapters labelled by their date, then each being split into smaller sections. Most of the action is in 2021 but we are frequently taken back to dates during the previous decade. There is a feeling of safety with Stephen King - he's an experienced author and every detail is perfect. I had expected more of a horror novel but was delighted that this book is firmly set in the crime genre. 2021 is a really interesting setting, socially and politically. The US is polarised by the rise of Donald Trump, splitting up friends and families. Covid is well established with a new strain threatening to escalate and differing personal reactions causing more divisions. Throw in some missing people and this book has great potential. There is a definite sense of stepping into Holly's life and having to catch up with her back story. The author makes sure throughout the book that any new reader gradually gets to understand Holly. The pandemic gives a background ripe for rumour and suspicion. Stephen King takes full advantage of the complete confusion that so many were experiencing at the time. Holly is at her mother's funeral when we first meet her - they had a complicated relationship and the reader is allowed to pick through it with Holly as she processes her grief. The descriptions of Holly's feelings about her smoking habit are particularly well written and must be from the author's own experience. I'm not a smoker but almost wanted a cigarette as I read about her complete enjoyment regardless of the negatives. There are two options with a crime novel - identify the perpetrators for the reader at the start then watch the investigator find them or allow the reader to work it out as the detective does. Here, we see the killers early on through a parallel timeline that gradually catches up with the present day (July 21). This creates a tension making the reader encourage Holly and celebrate with her as she gets close to solving the crimes. There is no doubt that Holly will be in danger at some point but you have to have faith that she can beat such a vulnerable couple - can't she??! I was really impressed with every element of this book and am going to buy a few more of the authors recent books. I took my time to read this and got the best out of the story. The ending was as I expected and I was screaming at Holly to call the police which shows my level of engagement. I've definitely got a renewed respect for Stephen King and was particularly interested to read his author's note.

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