55 pages • 1 hour read
Mr. Mercedes
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Book Brief
437
Novel • Fiction
Midwestern City • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes, retired detective Bill Hodges investigates a mass murderer who drove a Mercedes into a crowd, killing eight people. The killer, Brady Hartsfield, taunts Hodges with letters, leading him to reignite the case. With the help of neighbors Jerome Robinson and Holly Gibney, Hodges uncovers Brady's plan to strike again, culminating in a tense confrontation at a concert. The novel contains incidents of mass violence, suicidal ideation, child abuse, mental illness bias, and racism, including racial slurs.
Suspenseful
Dark
Mysterious
Gritty
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
383,839 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Stephen King's Mr. Mercedes is praised for its gripping and fast-paced narrative, compelling character development, and successful shift from horror to the crime thriller genre. Some critics note predictable plot points and occasional pacing issues. Overall, it stands out as a strong, enjoyable entry in King’s diverse body of work.
Who Should Read Mr. Mercedes?
Fans of thrilling crime novels with a psychological twist will relish Stephen King's Mr. Mercedes. Readers who enjoyed Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Thomas Harris's The Silence of the Lambs are likely to be captivated by the cat-and-mouse chase between a retired detective and a diabolical killer.
383,839 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Brady Hartsfield
Brady Hartsfield
A deeply disturbed individual with a penchant for chaos and manipulation, who poses a significant threat due to his cunning and ruthless behavior.
Jerome Robinson
Jerome Robinson
A bright and tech-savvy teenager with a humorous disposition, who assists Hodges and offers a refreshing perspective amid the chaos.
Olivia Trelawney
Olivia Trelawney
A wealthy woman whose stolen car was used in a crime, facing posthumous scrutiny and misunderstood for her complex personality and struggles.
Janelle “Janey” Patterson
Janelle “Janey” Patterson
The sister of Olivia Trelawney who enlists Hodges to investigate her sister's death, forming a meaningful connection with him in the process.
Holly Gibney
Holly Gibney
A woman grappling with OCD and anxiety, whose journey towards confidence and independence becomes pivotal in thwarting a dangerous plot.
Peter “Pete” Huntley
Peter “Pete” Huntley
Hodges’s former detective partner, who contrasts with Hodges due to his motivation driven more by personal ambition than a pursuit of justice.
437
Novel • Fiction
Midwestern City • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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