Way Better than Mr. Mercedes

[the_last_gunslinger]

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.

Spoiler

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.

 

[staropeace]

I loved the first one....not this one much.

 

[the_last_gunslinger]

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.

 

[Spideyman]

Have enjoyed them both. I look at them as beginning- the set up of characters and their actions/ the middle-- an adventure and mystery to be solve/ the end (End Of Watch) a hold onto the seat of your pants as SK wraps up the trilogy.

 

[AnnaMarie]

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.)

 

[morgan]

I enjoyed both books, but preferred Finders Keepers as well.

 

[GNTLGNT]

...I've liked both of them, for different reasons-should be an interesting wrap up....maybe Flagg is behind it all!.....bwahhahahahaha....

 

[Sunlight Gardener]

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.

 

[Saigrim]

I cannot wait for the final act. That final scene in the room with Brady made my neck hairs stand on end. Creepy sh**!

 

[Saigrim]

...maybe Flagg is behind it all!

He'd have to come back as spider poo.

Spoiler

Mordred did make a tasty snack out of him after all.

 

[GNTLGNT]

He'd have to come back as spider poo.

Spoiler

Mordred did make a tasty snack out of him after all.

Spoiler

....but only on one level of The Tower.....

 

[Saigrim]

Spoiler

....but only on one level of The Tower.....

Ah...the Ol' "Level of the Tower" angle. Our new whipping boy.

On another level, Roland looks like Richard Simmons and leads an exercise class at Blue Heaven. "Let's get ready to SWEEEEEAAAAAAAT!"

All good!

 

[80sFan]

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.

Spoiler

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]

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]

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.

 

[Arcadevere]

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

 

[dallywhitty]

I really liked Mr. Mercedes but I loved Finders Keepers. Of of his more recent output, I think it's one of his best along with Full Dark, No Stars and 11/22/63.

 

[r4smith]

Exactly how I feel about these books.

I agree with this too.. Only my second post: Just finished Finders Keepers, liked it a lot better than Mr. Mercedes, couldn't put it down. Now to start on End of Watch (and then compare all three).

 

[Dana Jean]

I agree with this too.. Only my second post: Just finished Finders Keepers, liked it a lot better than Mr. Mercedes, couldn't put it down. Now to start on End of Watch (and then compare all three).

welcome!

 

[GNTLGNT]

....welcome!....