I hadn’t heard of “Holly” until I stumbled upon Stephen King’s latest work, and I have to say, he’s managed to delve into a realm of horror that he hasn’t explored before. For someone known for unsettling readers with children, deranged characters like Annie Wilkes, and even supernatural entities like possessed cars, King takes a sharp turn by focusing on two seemingly harmless retirees in “Holly.” These elderly lovers, former professors from the Midwest, become the unlikely epicenter of tension and dread in King’s narrative, reminiscent of historical figures like Elizabeth Báthory or even modern criminals like Jeffrey Dahmer.
Review of “Holly”
Holly Gibney, a character we first met in “Mr. Mercedes,” now takes center stage as she leads Finders Keepers, her own detective agency. Her latest challenge: solving the mystery behind a young woman’s disappearance. As Holly delves deeper, she uncovers a pattern of missing persons over the years in the same area, seemingly unconnected but linked by subtle threads only her astute mind can unravel. Her investigation points toward a chilling possibility: a serial killer operating in their midst.
From the outset, King reveals the perpetrators: an elderly couple. Throughout the novel, their motives and meticulously planned methods unfold, posing a question: can Holly outwit them, especially when societal assumptions about harmless elderly people shield their dark intentions?
Background
Set in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, “Holly” subtly integrates King’s personal views on contemporary issues. His critique of political correctness and societal prejudices adds depth, resonating particularly through the novel’s antagonists—an elderly, respectable couple whose outward appearance belies their malevolence.
King’s advocacy for vaccination and disdain for conspiracy theories manifest through Holly’s perspectives, mirroring his own stance in a narrative that intertwines personal beliefs with compelling storytelling. While some readers might find his political undertones divisive, they undeniably enrich the novel’s thematic texture and provoke introspection on broader societal norms.
Style
King employs a third-person, heterodiegetic narrator in “Holly,” embedding his trademark elements of irony, everyday references, and a fluid, indirect narrative style. Fans will recognize his narrative voice immediately, even as he adapts it slightly to fit the detective genre, akin to his approach in works like “Bag of Bones.”
Intertextuality abounds, with nods to King’s own works like “Carrie” and pop culture references such as the TV series “Dexter.” His use of free indirect style enhances character depth, allowing readers to vividly imagine the complexities of each person involved in the narrative.
Holly’s stream of consciousness adds another layer, offering glimpses into her thoughts and perceptions that enrich the storytelling without sacrificing pace or intrigue. King’s prose remains grounded yet evocative, portraying characters who are both mundane and unsettlingly real, echoing the horror of everyday life rather than fantastical realms.
Holly is structured into concise, date-labeled chapters that jump across various years, creating a dynamic, non-linear narrative. This fragmented chronology enhances the tension and pacing, juxtaposing Holly’s current investigations with crucial events from the past that shape the unfolding mystery. It’s a departure from King’s usual slow-burn approach, instead opting for a thriller-like cadence that sustains high stakes and constant action.
The alternating viewpoints between “good guys” and “bad guys” further intensify the plot, offering insights into both sides of the conflict and heightening suspense as the story hurtles toward its climax.
“Holly” stands as a testament to Stephen King’s mastery of the thriller genre, offering a compelling narrative that will captivate his loyal readers. While familiarity with previous works like the Bill Hodges trilogy or “If It Bleeds” enhances the experience, “Holly” stands firmly on its own, showcasing King’s ability to evolve while retaining his signature blend of suspense, horror, and social commentary.
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