Camela Haris's Reviews > Holly

In the audiobook of Stephen King's latest , Holly Gibney is back, and this time, the stakes are even higher. As the narrator’s voice begins to weave the tale, you’re immediately drawn into the mystery of a young woman’s disappearance. Holly and her associates take on the case, but soon you hear through the narration that this isn’t just an isolated incident—there’s a web of disappearances to unravel. The tension builds steadily as you realize, long before Holly does, that this could be the work of a serial killer.

Stephen King’s villains, brought to life through the narrator’s chilling portrayal, may be some of his most unsettling yet. The narration shifts between different timelines, offering you glimpses into the killers’ actions while Holly is still in the dark. It’s a clever narrative device that keeps the tension high, and hearing the killers as ordinary, almost harmless people makes the inevitable betrayal of their victims that much more horrific. The audiobook makes their sinister nature feel all too real.

Audiobook version: Holly - (Audiobook)

The story is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the narrator’s tone captures the weight of these real-world concerns—masking, vaccinations, illness, grief—it’s all woven into the plot. If you’re a listener who resonates with King’s political leanings, you might appreciate this added layer. But be warned: this audiobook doesn’t offer much of an escape from the present day. Instead, it feels like a reflection of our recent reality.

Justine Lupe takes over narration duties, stepping into the shoes of Holly for this audiobook. While her performance is solid and captures the essence of Holly’s character, fans of Will Patton might feel a bit of a disconnect. Patton’s previous narrations of Holly have become almost synonymous with the character, and hearing a new voice can feel like when a beloved TV character is suddenly recast. It’s jarring at first, but as the story progresses, Lupe settles into the role and delivers a compelling performance.

In the end, the audiobook version brings Holly’s latest case to life in a way that grips you from start to finish. If you’re a fan of Holly’s adventures, this audiobook is a must-listen, leaving you eager for whatever Stephen King has in store for her next.