Review Tuesday: IF IT BLEEDS by Stephen King

IF IT BLEEDS

by Stephen King

A collection of novellas by the "KING" of horror.

I am not TOO late for this one. IF IT BLEEDS by Stephen King came out April 21, 2020. He collected four novellas under one cover. The stories are, each, too long to be considered short stories, but not long enough to dedicate to its own book. So fans are treated to FOUR eclectic tales with this offering. I will briefly discuss each story without giving away too much.  

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone

When a youngster is able to communicate with a dead man on his cellphone, bad things happen to bad people. 

This was a strange tale with some serious creep-out factor intertwined. 

The Life of Chuck

After 39 great years the world of Chuck comes to an end. 

During your own life you create your own world. It comes to an end when do, doesn't it? This is a clever look into one man's life and world as he expires at an early age.

 

Rat

A writer makes an awful deal with a rat to finish his book. Or does he?

A writer who has been trying, unsuccessfully, for YEARS to get a proper book written wants to take one last stab at it. He has it set in his mind. Writing it will be like taking dictation. What can go wrong? The idea of deals with the Devil for success wakes you wonder, did it happen, or not?

If It Bleeds

A creature that feeds from misery and despair can't wait for disasters to occur and creates his own. 

Another shape-shifting creature known as an outsider shows up to feed off misery. Apparently he's been around a while has gotten tired of waiting for horrors to occur to feed off misery. He creates his OWN horror so he can be front and center when it occurs. 

That whole dynamic is creepy to start with, but you are also introduced to the interpersonal relationships of the characters and then everything has an added layer of urgency. 

I own a huge collection of King novels, yet never seem to get around to reading them. Since I got this one as a gift, I felt compelled to read it as a show of appreciation for the kindness. I was well rewarded! Clever and original ideas that keep you turning the pages. This book is perfect for a fan of horror, or even a casual fan of the works of King. I don't have to recommend this to regular fans as I am sure they already read this and enjoyed it!

I would like to thank Meteor Echo for gifting me the book! 

AMAZON