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53 pages 1 hour read

Billy Summers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Stephen King

Billy Summers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southwestern United States • 2010s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Billy Summers by Stephen King is a 2021 thriller which follows Billy Summers, a 44-year-old Iraq war veteran and former Marine sniper turned contract killer who only targets "bad guys." As he takes on his final job of assassinating another hitman, Joel Allen, complications arise, forcing Billy to navigate unexpected challenges while preparing his escape and assuming his new identity. This novel contains depictions of sexual violence and rape, allusions to pedophilia and child abuse, graphic violence, and the use of bigoted and racist language, including racial slurs.

Suspenseful

Dark

Mysterious

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.4

222,529 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's Billy Summers is praised for its engrossing storytelling and well-developed protagonist. The novel masterfully blends crime and thriller elements, keeping readers hooked. However, some critics find the pacing uneven, with occasional lulls in excitement. Overall, it remains a compelling read that showcases King's narrative prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Billy Summers?

A reader who would enjoy Billy Summers by Stephen King is likely a fan of suspenseful thrillers with rich character development and moral complexity. Similar readers might also appreciate The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn for their gripping plots and psychological depth.

4.4

222,529 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Billy Summers

A hired killer and Iraq War veteran with a hidden intellectual side, known for using multiple aliases and a strict moral code in carrying out his work. He is engaged in one last assignment and has a history marked by tragedy and violence.

A young business student and barista whose life becomes intertwined with Billy's after experiencing a traumatic event. She is characterized by her resilience and plays a significant role in the narrative.

A New York-based broker and Billy's longtime associate who manages his jobs and financial affairs. He is adept with computers and creating new identities for his clients.

A charming yet morally questionable criminal and casino owner in Las Vegas who facilitates jobs for others, including Billy. He initially hires Billy for an assignment that becomes more complex.

A powerful media mogul whose actions catalyze many events in the narrative. He remains largely unseen throughout the story, influencing events from the shadows through his agents.

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southwestern United States • 2010s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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