The Outsider

Critically acclaimed, The Outsider (2018) is one of Stephen King’s later works, the 58th novel of 63, in addition to 20 novellas, over 120 short stories, and five nonfiction books. King has been one of the most prolific and popular writers of the late 20th century. Best known as a horror writer, King has a strong crossover appeal to readers outside the genre, with writing that spans and blurs the boundaries between horror, supernatural, suspense, mystery, science fiction, and fantasy. He has won more than 30 awards for his fiction. His books and short stories have been made into 39 films (with another 16 planned as of 2022) and 13 television series (seven more in planning). He has written nine screen adaptations himself and made cameo or voice appearances in 11 movies, including one in which he played himself. The Outsider was made into a 10-part HBO television series starring Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn.

This study guide references the Simon & Schuster Kindle edition.

Plot Summary

The story opens with Detective Ralph Anderson outside the Flint City ballpark preparing to arrest Terry Maitland for the most heinous child murder in Oklahoma’s history.