You like it darker by Stephen King

You Like It Darker is a masterclass in suspense and psychological horror, showcasing Stephen King’s ability to weave complex characters with unnerving plots. The title echoes Canadian singer songwriter Leonard Cohen’s haunting 2016 song, ‘You Want It Darker’. King delivers narratives that are uniquely his own – dark and introspective tales of fear, regret, and the thin line between reality and nightmare.

The better stories include ‘Rattlesnakes’ which is a sequel to King’s 1981 novel, Cujo. Forty years after their deaths from rattlesnake bites, elderly woman Alita Bell insists that she can still hear and see her twin sons. King masterfully balances tension and raw emotion, creating a tale that blends supernatural horror with themes of grief and resilience.

‘Willie the Weirdo’ is a poignant and unsettling tale about an eccentric boy named Willie and his bond with his equally strange grandfather. The story explores themes of isolation, familial connection, and the darkness within human nature. It leaves the reader with a feeling of unease only an author as accomplished as King can successfully create.

In the novella ‘Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream’, a school janitor is haunted by a prophetic dream of a buried body that proves disturbingly real. As he becomes entangled in a murder investigation, the story explores themes of innocence and fate asks questions what we know as reality.

You Like It Darker may not resonate with readers seeking fast-paced action. Many of the stories are slow-burn and psychological in nature, rather than conventional horror. However, for those who particularly appreciate King’s ability to unsettle, this book is a chilling addition to his extensive body of work.

Themes: Short Stories, Horror, Psychological Thriller, Ghosts, Paranormal, Murder, Death, Grief, Resilience, Family.

Rose Tabeni