Way Better than Mr. Mercedes

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the_last_gunslinger

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2008
904
761
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Michigan
This book was far more engaging for me. My biggest gripe with Mr. Mercedes was that the characters by and large were not that sympathetic, nor likable. I also thought that the general plot of the criminal taunting the retired cop who couldn't crack the case to be fairly generic. In all, still not a bad read; I actually quite enjoyed it.

But with Finders Keepers, I was riveted. I loved the plot, the obsessed fan who hated what had become of his beloved literary series. I was glad that the focus was more on that than Hodges and his compatriots.

What was really surprising was how much I both hated the antagonist while also feeling sympathy for him.
Near the end of the book when those moleskines were set ablaze, I was actually sad that he didn't get to read them. After having spent thirty years in prison, with the only thing keeping him going was the prospect of a new Jimmy Gold novel... Truly great storytelling to make you feel so conflicted about the villain.

I wonder how autobiographical this novel was for King. The first thing that came to mind over Morris Bellamy's malcontent reminded me a little of Dark Tower fans. So many who loved the first four novel, then complain about the last three, that King sold out and was no longer trying. (I'm not one of them, DT 6 and 7 are two of my favorites). But that thought was clearly on my mind as I read.
 

the_last_gunslinger

Well-Known Member
Nov 21, 2008
904
761
37
Michigan
That's cool. Like I said, Mr. Mercedes actually exceeded my expectations. It was a decent read and I tore through it pretty fast. "Finders Keepers," just had a better hook for me, with the literary angle. It also left me eager for the concluding chapter, hinting at what Brady might be up to next.
 

AnnaMarie

Well-Known Member
Feb 16, 2012
7,068
29,564
Other
I loved both books.

I wonder how autobiographical this novel was for King. The first thing that came to mind over Morris Bellamy's malcontent reminded me a little of Dark Tower fans. So many who loved the first four novel, then complain about the last three, that King sold out and was no longer trying. (I'm not one of them, DT 6 and 7 are two of my favorites). But that thought was clearly on my mind as I read.

I wondered that too, and fan reaction to some of DT was at least part of why. I also loved 6 and 7, and when I recommended it to someone I said that "King out-Kinged himself". (I still feel that way.)
 

Sunlight Gardener

Well-Known Member
Jul 22, 2013
375
1,273
I gotta the other way on this one as well. While neither is in my top favorites list, I thought Mr. Mercedes was way more interesting and engaging. I found myself zoning out and getting impatient while reading Finders Keepers. Characters and story didn't grab me all that much.
 

80sFan

Just one more chapter...
Jul 14, 2015
2,997
16,167
Pennsylvania
This book was far more engaging for me. My biggest gripe with Mr. Mercedes was that the characters by and large were not that sympathetic, nor likable. I also thought that the general plot of the criminal taunting the retired cop who couldn't crack the case to be fairly generic. In all, still not a bad read; I actually quite enjoyed it.

But with Finders Keepers, I was riveted. I loved the plot, the obsessed fan who hated what had become of his beloved literary series. I was glad that the focus was more on that than Hodges and his compatriots.

What was really surprising was how much I both hated the antagonist while also feeling sympathy for him.
Near the end of the book when those moleskines were set ablaze, I was actually sad that he didn't get to read them. After having spent thirty years in prison, with the only thing keeping him going was the prospect of a new Jimmy Gold novel... Truly great storytelling to make you feel so conflicted about the villain.

Exactly how I feel about these books.
 

skimom2

Just moseyin' through...
Oct 9, 2013
15,683
92,168
USA
I liked Mr. Mercedes better (until the end), but they were both competent potboilers. Not Mr. King's forte, but workmanlike. FK was better before Hodges and the rest of the Scooby gang appeared.
 

GNTLGNT

The idiot is IN
Jun 15, 2007
87,651
358,754
62
Cambridge, Ohio
I liked Mr. Mercedes better (until the end), but they were both competent potboilers. Not Mr. King's forte, but workmanlike. FK was better before Hodges and the rest of the Scooby gang appeared.
theeth-scooby.jpg
 

Arcadevere

Gentle Lady From Brady Hartsfield Defense Squad
Mar 3, 2016
793
3,689
Manila, Philippines
steamcommunity.com
actually, i both enjoyed Mr. Mercedes and Finders Keepers, well as a detective fiction enthusiast, i'd say if i would choose what to bring everywhere i go, i would say Mr. Mercedes, and also. . . because of my obsession to *cough* Brady *cough*.

FK was better before Hodges and the rest of the Scooby gang appeared.

I agree to this as much as i love eating Tempura
 
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