Never Flinch: A Novel Hardcover – May 27, 2025

This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have been reading this author's stories since I was really young. I enjoy how they are well written and how his attention to details make the stories realistic. This one is no different. It is a well written story that is hard to put down and engaging. In this story Holly is back in another thriller case solving. She finds herself doing a bodyguarding job on top of a serial killer running around her community. She isn't part of the serial killer case but she finds herself working it behind the scenes. I enjoyed her character and how the others are supportive to each other. Holly, Kate and Izzy are my favorites of the story. They are strong women who know what they want and how to get it. I enjoyed their determination and how they had me coming back for more. I enjoyed watching the growth of the story which made it easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is a must read. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this must read.

Holly Gibney has a lot on her plate: there’s a serial killer at work, someone that her friend Izzy is trying to flush out; a feminist speaker is on tour and requires Holly’s services as a bodyguard because, in addition to the usual pro-life crowd, there’s also a stalker after her; and legendary singer Sista Bessie is coming out of retirement to put on a string of shows, and she wants Holly’s friend Barbara to be a part of it. Not to mention the annual charity baseball game between the cops and the firemen, which always draws a crowd. And everything is coming to a head all at the same moment…. By now, I don’t imagine there’s a reader out there who doesn’t know about Stephen King and his work, and presumably one either likes his work or does not; there’s not a lot of “meh” around his books. I have been enjoying his work for many years, in fact used to buy his new book each June (which is when they reliably would come out; sometimes one in December too), read it and then give it to my late mother for her birthday (or for Christmas), and here he displays his usual tricks of the trade: relatable and succinctly drawn characters, ratcheting up of tension amid a sense of inevitability, and little details that anchor the story in real, contemporary American life. In addition, he’s got one of my favourite characters of his in Holly Gibney; it’s been a joy to see her grow and develop as a private investigator and a person, and I love the fact that she’s an unprepossessing middle-aged lady who almost might be anybody. As with everything these days, there are some parts of this book that will upset people for ideological reasons, but also as ever, Mr. King’s writing is compelling and a great ride; recommended!

A gripping new installment in the **Holly Gibney series**, this novel not only solidifies Holly as one of King's most complex and endearing protagonists but also elevates the series to new literary heights.This time around, the narrative is **extremely intricate and brilliantly structured**, weaving together multiple perspectives and timelines with King's signature finesse. Fans of *Mr. Mercedes* and *If It Bleeds* will find familiar threads, but *Never Flinch* carves its own dark, twisting path that never feels repetitive. Every character has weight, every choice has consequences, and every chapter turns like a loaded gun.The story delves deeper into Holly’s psyche than ever before, revealing both vulnerability and courage in equal measure. King's portrayal of trauma, obsession, and moral ambiguity is as sharp as ever, and the slow-building dread pays off with a terrifying and emotionally resonant climax.**SPOILER ALERT — STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK!**OK. Now that we’re on the same page...**STEPHEN KING, STOP TRYING TO KILL BARBARA!**Seriously. **Jerome's sister** has been through enough, and just when we think she might catch a break, King yanks the rug out from under her again. The emotional gut-punch in the third act was brilliantly executed, yes—but *come on*, Steve, let her live a little!In short, *Never Flinch* is everything fans could hope for in a King novel: smart, scary, layered, and packed with heart. Just maybe ease up on Barbara next time.

Holly Gibney, introduced in Mr. Mercedes, has gone on to be a stand out character appearing in several more books and TV shows as well as a book named after her.She has faced villains both human and supernatural. She has a unique outlook and thought process and her supporting characters are all good in their own way.This is a mystery, more in the vein of Joyland or Colorado Kid then The Outsider or It Bleeds. It is fast paced with a lot going on but I never felt confused.Fan of Holly or King's mysteries this is for you.

Stephen King is one master storyteller!In this latest novel, I’m horrified, curious, tearful, and laughing at the characters, their thoughts, actions, and antics. Holly is back, along with Barbara, Jerome, Izzy, and others from this series. New characters, from the psychotic/horrible to the sublime, riff rhythms both discordant and transcendent ~ just like the times we live in.For some reason, I’m thinking this fictional story mirrors the surreal political and cultural changes evolving now. I also can see glimpses of the stories, songs, and singers opening possibility portals into a better future ahead.***** Stars