Finders Keepers by Stephen King

 After having read the prequel Mr. Mercedes, I had my doubts that a sequel could rival it. I was pleasantly surprised. Before reading any description, I assumed we'd pick up where we left Bill Hodges and Brady Hartsfield. Bill in quiet retirement, Brady bashed up and barely alive in the hospital. But instead we fall back decades to the murder of an iconic author by thugs interested mostly in his cash on hand. Morris Bellamy, the sharpest of the thugs and coincidentally a super-fan of Author John Rothstein, is interested in revenge though. He loved Rothstein's Jimmy Gold novel series - but he was enraged with the last installment's ending. After murdering Rothstein, he discovers additional manuscripts along with the cash in a safe. A series of events leads this discovery to a trunk hidden out of sight on a stream bank.

Author, Stephen King

We flash forward again to present day when a kid stumbles upon the cash and manuscripts Morris Bellamy stole and hid. Morris is in prison for rape (never found as murderer of Rothstein) but due to release soon and return to his treasure. The kid, Pete Saubers, will have to decide what to do with the manuscripts (he's also a big Jimmy Gold fan) and the cash but regardless, Morris is bound to be upset. And he's killed before but this time he's desperately thirsty to finally read what happens to Jimmy Gold. A kid in his way would prove a small obstacle.

Things get complicated with a parole officer, Bill Hodge's involvement in the case and Pete's family. Find out who ends up with what, how the cards fall for Morris and check back in briefly with Brady of Mr. Mercedes. You can find Finders Keepers at your local library or purchase it on Amazon.

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

As a fan of Stephen King, I jumped right into Mr. Mercedes as soon as it was delivered to my doorstep. I wasn't disappointed whatsoever. In fact, I struggled finding a stopping point because I would become so engrossed in the story.

Mr. Mercedes is an exciting read as we jump back and forth between protagonist (retired cop Bill Hodges) and antagonist (Brady Hartsfield, mentally unstable and living with mom). Due to a number of factors, Brady's life was troubled from birth. His alcoholic mother offers no comfort, just additional stress. Brady's had enough and crashes - he crashes through a crowd of people with a stolen Mercedes. The thrill is medicinal, but he's seeking another.

Author, Stephen King

Here enters Bill Hodges, the retired cop who never found Brady (the Mercedes killer). Retirement is tough for him and he struggles with thoughts of suicide. Only when Brady starts playing with fire, teasing Bill anonymously, does he step up out of his gloom and into danger to solve the case once and for all.

My favorite part of Mr. Mercedes has to be the internal moments with Brady Hartsfield. I can't recall a character I've read about in the past which struck me so significantly. Brady is sick - really sick. His thoughts are twisted, his actions are questionable, his health is wavering and no one is safe. King paints a picture so raw yet real of this danger through the thoughts of Brady.

I encourage you to check for Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King at your local library. You can also purchase Mr. Mercedes on Amazon.