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Karen's Reviews > Holly
Holly
by
Okay. Let me just explain two things.
One.
Stephen King scares me. So, I have not been a particular fan of his, which means I have not read his books. I know. It started as a youngster when I saw a couple of movies that were based on his novels. That did me in. So, anytime his books came out, I just stayed clear.
Until now.
So…
What changed?
This one.
But…
I know I am in trouble.
Because…
I am coming in with the 6th book in the series. My second thing to discuss.
So…
Two.
This may have put me at a disadvantage.
Although, in reading the synopsis, prior to making the decision to read the book, it assured me, that Holly was on her own for the first time.
Which…
Made me feel, that maybe Holly and I could be comfortable in this circumstance.
Let’s see if it worked.
It begins with Holly Gibney, a private investigator, our main protagonist, (Hence: the title of the book), attending her mother’s funeral.
When…
She is approached by a woman asking for her help to find her missing daughter.
And…
Thus, the story goes.
Into…
Darkness.
A lot of darkness.
Apparently, the missing young woman vanished from Red Bank Avenue, a derelict strip of self-storage units, warehouses and empty lots. Up the hill from the avenue, the retired professors Emily and Rodney Harris live in a row of expensive Victorian houses.
Now…
The Harrises are considered respected members of the college community.
But…
What really goes on in their basement?
And…
This is why I haven’t read a Stephen King novel before.
Can I just say the crimes described felt a bit queasily believable?
Perhaps that should be considered a compliment to this writer.
But…
Even though this book does have a high body count, please note…
Most of the deaths through these pages aren’t caused by its villains – they are from Covid. Holly’s investigation begins in July, 2021, as hospitals are piling up with patients and temporary morgues.
And…
In this regard, even Holly shares…
“When this is over, no one will believe it really happened. Or if they do, they won’t understand how it happened.”
Still…
The evil within the characters is on full display...
And…
It is obvious that King is bending the rules of a police procedural, by revealing the perpetrators’ identities in the opening chapter.
But…
As readers knowing this early, gives the narrative more urgency, especially as the gruesome nature of their crimes becomes more obvious.
As an author he knows how to point the difference between right and wrong – and evil.
The question to readers is what toll does it create? After staring directly at the worst sorts of evil a human can commit…
Do we come away stronger? Or just very, very sad?
To be honest, I had nightmares at least two nights in a row.
And…
I know it was from reading this book.
So…
This book is my one and done.
by
Karen's review
bookshelves: complex, creepy, dark, gripping, haunting, intense, page-turner, riveting, spine-tingling, twisted, uncomfortable
Oct 23, 2023
bookshelves: complex, creepy, dark, gripping, haunting, intense, page-turner, riveting, spine-tingling, twisted, uncomfortable
Okay. Let me just explain two things.
One.
Stephen King scares me. So, I have not been a particular fan of his, which means I have not read his books. I know. It started as a youngster when I saw a couple of movies that were based on his novels. That did me in. So, anytime his books came out, I just stayed clear.
Until now.
So…
What changed?
This one.
But…
I know I am in trouble.
Because…
I am coming in with the 6th book in the series. My second thing to discuss.
So…
Two.
This may have put me at a disadvantage.
Although, in reading the synopsis, prior to making the decision to read the book, it assured me, that Holly was on her own for the first time.
Which…
Made me feel, that maybe Holly and I could be comfortable in this circumstance.
Let’s see if it worked.
It begins with Holly Gibney, a private investigator, our main protagonist, (Hence: the title of the book), attending her mother’s funeral.
When…
She is approached by a woman asking for her help to find her missing daughter.
And…
Thus, the story goes.
Into…
Darkness.
A lot of darkness.
Apparently, the missing young woman vanished from Red Bank Avenue, a derelict strip of self-storage units, warehouses and empty lots. Up the hill from the avenue, the retired professors Emily and Rodney Harris live in a row of expensive Victorian houses.
Now…
The Harrises are considered respected members of the college community.
But…
What really goes on in their basement?
And…
This is why I haven’t read a Stephen King novel before.
Can I just say the crimes described felt a bit queasily believable?
Perhaps that should be considered a compliment to this writer.
But…
Even though this book does have a high body count, please note…
Most of the deaths through these pages aren’t caused by its villains – they are from Covid. Holly’s investigation begins in July, 2021, as hospitals are piling up with patients and temporary morgues.
And…
In this regard, even Holly shares…
“When this is over, no one will believe it really happened. Or if they do, they won’t understand how it happened.”
Still…
The evil within the characters is on full display...
And…
It is obvious that King is bending the rules of a police procedural, by revealing the perpetrators’ identities in the opening chapter.
But…
As readers knowing this early, gives the narrative more urgency, especially as the gruesome nature of their crimes becomes more obvious.
As an author he knows how to point the difference between right and wrong – and evil.
The question to readers is what toll does it create? After staring directly at the worst sorts of evil a human can commit…
Do we come away stronger? Or just very, very sad?
To be honest, I had nightmares at least two nights in a row.
And…
I know it was from reading this book.
So…
This book is my one and done.
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Reading Progress
October 18, 2023
–
Started Reading
October 18, 2023
– Shelved
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
complex
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
creepy
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
dark
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
gripping
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
haunting
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
intense
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
page-turner
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
riveting
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
spine-tingling
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
twisted
October 23, 2023
– Shelved as:
uncomfortable
October 23, 2023
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 59 (59 new)
message 1:
by
Chris Cox, a librarian
(new)
Oct 19, 2023 12:50PM
I was thrown off a bit when the Bill Hodges series became the Holly Gibney series. I believe I missed the book in the series where that changed,
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Chris Cox, a librarian wrote: "I was thrown off a bit when the Bill Hodges series became the Holly Gibney series. I believe I missed the book in the series where that changed,"I haven't read any Stephen King at all, so I have no answer for you Chris. I am doing a complete no no on this one - starting at #6 - in the middle. Oh no!
The only Stephen King i have ever read has been Pet Sematary. In fact, I had listened to it and it was narrated by Michael C Hall, the guy who is in the show Dexter. Needless to say, I had pretty chilly flashbacks for days after finishing the book...
I have only read one book by him. That was it…
Great review. I just finished it myself. If you want a non scary SK book Billy Summers was excellent 😊
Super review. SK does know how to do scary.
Great review, Karen. I think I’ve only read one of his before, not because I’m scared but because they’re honkers 😂. Now you know to stay away 🙅♀️
Terrific review, Karen! I also have nightmares if I immerse myself in this genre. That's why I avoid it completely. I hope you can sleep better today. 🤗
Mansuriah wrote: "Love reading your review, Karen! :)"Thank you so much Mansuriah! 🥰
Arunimaa wrote: "The only Stephen King i have ever read has been Pet Sematary. In fact, I had listened to it and it was narrated by Michael C Hall, the guy who is in the show Dexter. Needless to say, I had pretty c..."Oh my Arunimaa! 🥹
Denise wrote: "I have only read one book by him. That was it…"Thank you for understanding, Denise! 🙂
Alisonbookreviewer wrote: "Great review. I just finished it myself. If you want a non scary SK book Billy Summers was excellent 😊"Thank you so much Alison🥰
Liz wrote: "Super review. SK does know how to do scary."Thank you very much Liz 💕
Heather Adores Books wrote: "Great review, Karen. I think I’ve only read one of his before, not because I’m scared but because they’re honkers 😂. Now you know to stay away 🙅♀️"Thank you Heather!!!! 😂
Mica Santos ⇢ wrote: "Terrific review, Karen! I also have nightmares if I immerse myself in this genre. That's why I avoid it completely. I hope you can sleep better today. 🤗"Thank you so much Mica! 🥰Yes, I definitely slept - overslept, in fact! Definitely needed it! 😁
🤣🤣🤣 Sorry it spooked you, dear. I’ve only read a few of his. He can be quite long winded 😔
Nikki wrote: "🤣🤣🤣 Sorry it spooked you, dear. I’ve only read a few of his. He can be quite long winded 😔"Thank you Nikki! 🙂Yes - he doesn't hold back on his politics or his thoughts!
Great review- sorry it spooked you, think I may pass! 💜
Ceecee wrote: "Great review- sorry it spooked you, think I may pass! 💜"Thank you Ceecee.🙂Good decision!
WONDERFUL review! Ha, okay I'm going to be honest I didn't realize this was late in a series until right now. Glad you still enjoyed it, makes me want to try it anyways as well. Haven't read a recent King in a long time, sounds spooky.
s.penkevich wrote: "WONDERFUL review! Ha, okay I'm going to be honest I didn't realize this was late in a series until right now. Glad you still enjoyed it, makes me want to try it anyways as well. Haven't read a rece..."SOUNDS SPOOKY?! Thank you, Steve. I was hoping I could find a subtle way to get across how this book made me feel! 😁
Wow… I’m so sorry you got so spooked… it’s a no thanks for me!I read Carrie and Christine and that’s it… not too bad 😊
I've only read a couple of SK, Karen. Love your review!!
Karen wrote: "Wow… I’m so sorry you got so spooked… it’s a no thanks for me!I read Carrie and Christine and that’s it… not too bad 😊"
Good for you for trying Stephen King, as well, Karen! 🙂I completely understand your "no thanks!"
Suz wrote: "I've only read a couple of SK, Karen. Love your review!!"Thank you so much Suz! 🙂
When I was a teenager (40 years ago?! When did that happen?!) I read a lot of his books, mostly because of peer pressure. The Shining, Christina, Cujo, Carrie, The Stand.... I did fine until there was one that involved animal cruelty. I draw the line with that. I have watched the movie It and liked it a lot, but like you said, when it's something that CAN happen, a little too realistic, that can really mess with me. I don't need nightmares. If I want to be horrified I will simply watch the news. Fantastic review Karen. I like your style.
Having read “Misery” and the stories in “Full Dark, No Stars” this month, I might try some lighter fare next time I pick up a King story. It’s good to go out of your comfort zone sometimes, Karen. 👏
Excellent review, Karen. I love you poetic buildup. And I'm afraid of Stephen King as well. :D
Mama Cass wrote: "When I was a teenager (40 years ago?! When did that happen?!) I read a lot of his books, mostly because of peer pressure. The Shining, Christina, Cujo, Carrie, The Stand.... I did fine until there ..."Thank you so much Mama Cass. 🥰And yes, we get enough in the news!!! 🥹
Chris Cox, a librarian wrote: "Having read “Misery” and the stories in “Full Dark, No Stars” this month, I might try some lighter fare next time I pick up a King story. It’s good to go out of your comfort zone sometimes, Karen. 👏"
Thank you so much Chris! 🥰
Rosh wrote: "Excellent review, Karen. I love you poetic buildup. And I'm afraid of Stephen King as well. :D"Thank you very much Rosh.🥰 Nice to know I am not alone! 😉
Awesome review, Karen! I get you! I can’t do Stephen King. I read Pet Cemetery as a kid and it scared my socks off. I also watched Salem’s Lot and that was the end of me!!
Christina wrote: "Awesome review, Karen! I get you! I can’t do Stephen King. I read Pet Cemetery as a kid and it scared my socks off. I also watched Salem’s Lot and that was the end of me!!"Thank you Christina! 🥰I can see your socks being knocked off, too! He really is so vivid...and they have done such a great job of taking his books to screenplay, too. So, I am glad I challenged myself to read one book - but, done, is done! 🥹
He scares me too from when I was a teen and read Pet Semetary. Yep, won't read him again as I find his stories disturbing. Great review. You did it and now you can move on without thinking twice.
Jen CAN wrote: "He scares me too from when I was a teen and read Pet Semetary. Yep, won't read him again as I find his stories disturbing. Great review. You did it and now you can move on without thinking twice."You are so right Jen! I did it! Yes! ✔
Excellent Review!! Sorry about the nightmares though!! I have not read King in some time and did not read this because of the series and not read the others, may check this out after your review!!
Kara wrote: "Excellent Review!! Sorry about the nightmares though!! I have not read King in some time and did not read this because of the series and not read the others, may check this out after your review!!"Thank you so much Kara! 🥰Certainly as a SK fan, you will know what is best for you. 🥹
I got this from the library and then, because I also have not read much Stephen King, decided maybe I needed to have read the prior books featuring Holly first. Maybe over the holidays when I usually catch up on books I missed for the year, I will go back and read the others.
Jen wrote: "I got this from the library and then, because I also have not read much Stephen King, decided maybe I needed to have read the prior books featuring Holly first. Maybe over the holidays when I usu..."
That probably will be a good decision, Jen - but that will be a lot of SK, too! 😳
Great review Karen! Stephen King also scares me. My one and done was It when I was in my teens. 30 years later and I still avoid his novels and movies based on them.
Jenna 📚whose nose is always in a book📚 wrote: "Great review Karen! Stephen King also scares me. My one and done was It when I was in my teens. 30 years later and I still avoid his novels and movies based on them."Thank you Jenna. 🙂It is nice to know I am not alone!
Kay wrote: "Glad you enjoyed Karen!!💕"In an odd way, maybe... well, not sure, I did... Thank you Kay! 🙂
Fair enough! ☺️ But, if you haven’t read 11/22/63 you really MUST! 😘
If you want Stephen King that's not very scary, try 11/22/63 and Under The Dome. Both are excellent
Jayme wrote: "Fair enough! ☺️ But, if you haven’t read 11/22/63 you really MUST! 😘"You know, come to think of it, I tried. I really did. It was even a gift to the LFL a few years back, too. But, I walked away from it. 🥹
I'm usually too much of a scaredy-cat for Stephen King, too, but I'm excited to read this one!
I keep seeing this come up on people’s “best” lists, but I’ve also steered clear for many years. There was one with an intelligent talking dog I read many years ago I’d like to revisit - lol. But think I’ll sit this one out. Thanks for the great review, as always.
Danai wrote: "I'm usually too much of a scaredy-cat for Stephen King, too, but I'm excited to read this one!"We should all have at least one Stephen King in our life! Right?! Danai! 🙂
