Toni

Book 2, in the Bill Hodges Trilogy

“Finders Keepers” is a straight forward thriller of around 450 pages or so and is a direct sequel to “Mr. Mercedes”. The storyline features some of the characters introduced in the first book although it takes a while for the connections to appear. It revolves around the murder of the reclusive writer John Rothstein, his missing notebooks and the release of his killer from prison after 35 years..

In his unique style, Mr. King’s narrative switches back and forth between two main characters and between two timelines 1978 and 2014. More than half the book is setting up the stage with its main players: Morris Bellamy, Rothstein’s killer and Peter Saubers, who found Bellamy’s hidden treasure years later. By mid-way we finally see Hodges and his associates appear with all their skills to save the day. Although by that time I was wondering where was he? The story was pretty good even without him I assure you.

This is a densely plotted novel with many threads coming out of everywhere although we know that the authors will nicely do so not to leave us floundering but rather to capture our imagination in a powerful way. The tale is sly and often poignant, it is all about Morris. Gripping setup, a group of resourceful heroes, an antagonist capable of terrible violence, intense writing this novel delivers all. Although “Finders Keepers” may be less intense than its prequel it is nevertheless captivating.