You Like It Darker

Stories

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Will Patton, Stephen King

Length: 20 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER.

“You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to digest. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in You Like It Darker, listeners will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

“Two Talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

©2024 Stephen King (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

Long Live The King

This is another wonderful anthology from King. The stories are dark and many catch you off guard just as the twists and turns of the lives we live play out. Each story hooks you and keeps you reading. Each story is filled with the observations and empathy I’ve come to know and love while visiting many of the other tales spun by The One and Only.

Not Classic King but that might be a good thing.

Like my review says this is not classic King. If you are looking for Night Shift or Skelton Crew type stories you will be disappointed. What you will get is a mix of stories and in my opinion,one really great novella. Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream is, in my opinion, the best story here and I highly enjoyed it. If you liked stories like Joyland or the Colorado kid then I think you will enjoy Dannys story. The others are good and all were a joy to listen to.
As much as I enjoy early King stories I enjoy these new stories and im glad he is evolving in his writing instead of just writing the same ol same ol.
I hope you find this review helpful and if you are on the fence about getting this book you should give it try even if its just for Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream.

lots of nostalgia...

by Mr. King and Will Patton is a dream to listen to per usual

King x Patton = The BEST

Best narrator and best author on audible, can’t be beat! Hard to put down collection of short stories

What stood out was how well the story's portrayed a sence of mystery in every word.

I could easily say that I wish the story's were longer because you can't get enough.

Knockout narration in collection of fantastic tales

This is a near perfect collection of short stories. King doesn't shy away from the dark side of life but that's what makes the stories so gripping. This was a truly fantastic collection of short stories with some of the best narration you can get with Will Patton! can't recommend it enough!

Fantastic!

The only thing I disliked was that eventually, it had to end. Will Patton as always is seamless in his portrayal of characters. The stories are varied and very, very good. The most chilling is the second story. My favorite is the last. The Afterword, as always is a lovely visit by King, despite someone else reading it. I wish it would've been him, but if he couldn't read it that day, fair enough. King is my all time favorite author, and even if he isn't yours, you will enjoy this collection. Cheers!

I loved all the stories, some were short and sweet and some felt like novellas

I loved Will Patton as narrator. The stories were all good but some that really stood out were The Answer Man and Rattlesnakes (not exact title). I really didn’t think I would but as 50 year old myself, I enjoyed how SK embraced his aging real life experience in some of the short stories. It really made me realize that we think of aging as a shutting down of the mind and spirit, but these stories portrayed men in the latter stages of life with a vigorous mind if somewhat limited body and a strong thirst for life.

It’s Stephen King

If you love Stephen king like I do, it’s a fun collection of super short and 4 hour short stories. Narrator is great. Some leave you wanting more…well they all do. If you’re like me you love Kings character development. I have not read any of his “horror” novels but I’ve read/listened to over a dozen of his books and love him as a writer. Is this as good as a long novel…no…but it’s certainly worth it. It’s also 3 times as long as most books so it’s a great value.

A fine collection of tales from the greatest living storyteller.

I enjoyed each and every one of these stories. King once again proves he is a master of his craft, weaving tales of horror, wonder, and profound humanity (and inhumanity) seemingly effortlessly. It must also be noted that Will Patton's voice is the perfect vehicle for King's particular brand of fiction, he captures the campfire tale tone that makes King's work feel so personal in a way few other narrators have been able to do. Highly, highly recommended.