Title: THE COLORADO KID
Author: Stephen King
ISBN: 9781789091557
Publisher: Hard Case Crime
Pages: 205
Source: Private Copy
On an island off the coast of Maine, a man is found dead. There’s no identification on the body. Only the dogged work of a pair of local newspapermen and a graduate student in forensics turns up any clues, and it’s more than a year before the man is identified. And that’s just the beginning of the mystery. Because the more they learn about the man and the baffling circumstances of his death, the less they understand. Was it an impossible crime? Or something stranger still…? No one but Stephen King could tell this story about the darkness at the heart of the unknown and our compulsion to investigate the unexplained. With echoes of Dashiell Hammett’s THE MALTESE FALCON and the work of Graham Greene, one of the world’s great storytellers presents a moving and surprising tale whose subject is nothing less than the nature of mystery itself.
Official Summary
06 June 2024
Stephen King’s “The Colorado Kid” is a fascinating exploration of mystery and the human urge to unravel the unknown. Set on a small island off the coast of Maine, the story begins with the discovery of an unidentified dead man, sparking an investigation that unfolds over more than a year. King crafts a narrative that is as much about the process of uncovering secrets as it is about the secrets themselves.
One of the most compelling aspects of “The Colorado Kid” is its deep sense of place. King captures the essence of the Maine island, infusing the setting with a rich atmosphere that is both haunting and beautiful. The local newspapermen, Vince Teague and Dave Bowie, bring the island to life with their dogged determination and sharp investigative skills. Their dynamic with Stephanie McCann, adds an intriguing layer to the story, blending youthful curiosity with seasoned experience.
King’s storytelling shines through in the way he handles the mystery. Rather than delivering a straightforward whodunit, he delves into the nature of mysteries themselves. The story raises questions about the limits of human understanding and the often elusive nature of truth. This philosophical underpinning sets “The Colorado Kid” apart from typical mystery novels, making it a thought-provoking read.
The novel also pays homage to classic noir fiction. However, King infuses his unique style, creating a tale that is both familiar and refreshingly original. The characters are well-drawn, their dialogues sharp and realistic, adding to the authenticity of the narrative.
In “The Colorado Kid,” Stephen King delivers a moving and surprising tale that lingers long after the final page. It’s a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his ability to turn even the simplest premise into a profound exploration of human nature. This book is a must-read for fans of mystery and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, contemplative story.
Also by Stephen King
Elevation
Castle Rock is a small town, where word gets around quickly. That’s why Scott Carey wants to confide only in his friend Doctor Bob Ellis about his strange condition he’s losing weight without getting thinner, and the scales register the same whether he is in his clothes or out of them, no matter how heavy they are.
Scott also has new neighbors who have opened a “fine dining experience” in town, although it’s an experience being shunned by the locals: Deirdre McComb and her wife Missy Donaldson don’t exactly conform to a lifestyle the community approves of. And now Scott seems trapped in a feud with the couple over their dogs dropping their business on his lawn. Missy may be warm and friendly, but Deirdre is as cold as ice.
As the town prepares for its annual Thanksgiving 12K run, Scott begins to understand the prejudices the women face, and tries to help. Unlikely alliances form, and the mystery of Scott’s affliction brings out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others.
From the master storyteller Stephen King comes this compelling tale about finding common ground despite differences, a magical story with deep resonance for our time.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He made his first professional short story sale in 1967 to Startling Mystery Stories. In the fall of 1971, he began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co., accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has since published over 50 books and has become one of the world’s most successful writers. King is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to the American Letters and the 2014 National Medal of Arts.
Stephen lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. They are regular contributors to a number of charities including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities.
I discovered my love for reading when I picked up a book by Stehen King and I have considered him a master in the world of fiction ever since. I do not consider myself worthy of reviewing his work, and usually shy away from the task – after all, what do I know – the man’s a genius. Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review…. your support is always appreciated. Until next time…. Happy Reading!
