Later

Book review, full book summary and synopsis for Later by Stephen King, a horror story about the secrets we keep buried and a boy who can speak to the dead.

Synopsis

In Later, Jamie Conklin is a boy who can see and speak to the dead. But the dead often have secrets, some that perhaps others would like to keep hidden, and using his special abilities come at a cost.

Soon, Jamie gets drawn into a police investigation by an NYPD detective gone rogue, and what follows is fast-paced horror story about the loss of innocence and the secrets we keep buried.

(The Full Plot Summary is also available, below)

Book Review

Later, by Stephen King, came out earlier this month. I started getting into Stephen King books about two years ago, but have really started appreciating his books and stories. They’re at times a little hit and miss, but I have to say I love how readable his books are and how much variety there is in his plots.

Later, for me at least, was a hit. It’s a page-turner from beginning to end. Later deals with a boy with the ability to see dead people. This is revealed in the first chapter of the book, so no, it’s not a spoiler. If I had to guess, maybe they didn’t mention it on the cover to avoid sounding like a rip off The Sixth Sense? Who knows.

Either way, rest assured that this book is nothing like that. Jamie knows he sees dead people and in most cases it’s not a huge deal. However, because the ghosts are compelled to answer his questions honestly, he gets drawn into a police investigation, and the story continues from there.

It’s a quick and snappy, plot-heavy book that clocks in at a svelte 272 pages. I’ve struggled through some entertaining, but perhaps overlong Stephen King novels until now, and I have to say, I strongly prefer the slimmed down version of his writing.

King enhances the “creepiness” of the book by narrating it in a light and matter-of-fact tone, but occasionally throwing in a detail that hints at something darker and a bit foreboding. As Jamie grows up, the novel grows darker as he’s faced with some uncomfortable truths and his abilities lead him into dangerous situations.

And while this is definitely a page-turner, it’s a testament to King’s skill that even with all that plot twisting around, he does manage to create moments of gravitas.

As a half-joking side note, I found it interesting (?) that one part of the book involves someone ghostwriting a book for a popular novelist. The book is published and no one suspects a thing — what are you trying to tell us here, Stephen? (UPDATE — I just read Billy Summers, and at one point the main character tells another character to write the ending to a book, saying that it should be easy to emulate the style of it. Hmmm. The plot thickens. I’m still half-joking, but now I’m also intrigued.)

Two Caveats

One caveat I’d give to people interested in this book is that the “Hard Case Crime” imprint that published book might lead some people to think that this is a mystery-slash-detective novel. It’s not. It’s a horror thriller-slash-suspense novel that happens to involve a police investigation in one part.

On a separate issue, whenever a book mentions politics, I feel compelled to mention it, mostly because I know some people do not like to have it thrust upon them by surprise. As such, here’s my warning: there is one chapter where King discusses the differing politics of two of the characters, one liberal and one conservative. I think most would consider King to be liberal, and you can tell based on how he narrates this section. It’s not a major part of the book at all, just a page or two in passing, but I’m just letting people know so they can judge whether they want to skip this book.

Read it or Skip it?

It really doesn’t need to said that King is obviously a very experienced and prolific writer with a firm grasp of his craft. His skill can be seen in how effortless the prose, pacing and story feels in Later.

This is a very quick and snappy horror story with some thriller-slash-mystery elements, and it’s something you can easily read in one afternoon, maybe two. It’s almost more of a novella than a full-fledged novel. If you’re a Stephen King fan, definitely go for it. If you’ve never read one of his books, but are curious, this could be one to consider to help you gauge whether you’d like his other works as well.

I think, at worst, Later could be accused of being a bit forgettable; this book is not going to change your life. But it does manage to carry a bit more weight than your average page-turner, and it’s a great read for someone looking for a fast-paced book to dive into that’ll easily draw them in.

See Later on Amazon.

Later Audiobook Review

Narrated by: Seth Numrich
Length: 6 hours 32 minutes

I had to stop listening to the audiobook because I actually found the narration a little too fast and mumble-y. (I’m someone who typically listens to audiobooks at normal speed. I don’t like to miss small details since I’m trying to write up reviews and explanations of these books.)

I think it’ll be serviceable for most people, but if you’re unsure or certainly hard of hearing at all, make sure to listen to a sample first before buying to see if you think his narration works for you.

Hear a sample of the Later audiobook on Libro.fm.

Book Excerpt

Read the first pages of Later

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