A collection of four uniquely wonderful long stories, including a stand-alone sequel to the No. 1 bestseller THE OUTSIDER.
News people have a saying: 'If it bleeds, it leads'. And a bomb at Albert Macready Middle School is guaranteed to lead any bulletin.
Holly Gibney of the Finders Keepers detective agency is working on the case of a missing dog - and on her own need to be more assertive - when she sees the footage on TV. But when she tunes in again, to the late-night report, she realises there is something not quite right about the correspondent who was first on the scene. So begins 'If It Bleeds', a stand-alone sequel to the No. 1 bestselling THE OUTSIDER featuring the incomparable Holly on her first solo case - and also the riveting title story in Stephen King's brilliant new collection.
Dancing alongside are three more wonderful long stories from this 'formidably versatile author' (The Sunday Times) - 'Mr Harrigan's Phone', 'The Life of Chuck' and 'Rat'. All four display the richness of King's storytelling with grace, humour, horror and breathtaking suspense. A fascinating Author's Note gives us a wonderful insight into the origin of each story and the writer's unparalleled imagination
The series
In towns where shadows hide more than secrets and the ordinary can turn deadly in an instant, a quiet, meticulous investigator steps into the spotlight. The Holly Gibney series follows her as she navigates crimes that twist the mind and expose the darker corners of human nature. Each story is a carefully crafted puzzle, drawing readers into small towns, abandoned buildings, and suburban streets where danger often wears a familiar face. Her keen observation, relentless curiosity, and unorthodox methods bring clarity to mysteries that others cannot solve, and her journey is as much about personal growth as it is about uncovering the truth.
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The series balances psychological suspense, tense investigation, and moments of dark humor, creating an atmosphere where the ordinary feels fragile and the stakes are always real. Through intricate plotting, morally complex characters, and richly described settings, readers experience a world where trust is scarce, motives are hidden, and every choice has consequences that ripple outward. Holly’s perspective grounds the uncanny in human resilience, showing how courage often emerges not in grand gestures but in quiet, persistent determination.
Blending crime procedural, psychological thriller, and subtle horror, the series explores the depths of obsession, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. Every revelation deepens the tension, every encounter tests both intellect and empathy, and the narrative lingers long after the last page, inviting readers to return again and again to its shadowed streets, intricate mysteries, and the quietly formidable investigator at its heart.
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