Holly

Who is this book for?

• Holly is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven crime thrillers with a touch of horror.
• Fans of Stephen King's recent work, especially those who have followed Holly Gibney's character development through previous novels, will appreciate this deep dive into her psyche.
• Readers interested in stories set during the COVID-19 pandemic and those who don't mind strong political opinions in their fiction will find the book engaging.
• Liberal-leaning readers who enjoy social commentary woven into their thrillers may particularly connect with the narrative.
• Those who appreciate slow-burn mysteries with a focus on character interactions and gradual revelations rather than constant action will find this book satisfying.

Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?

• Readers who are looking for an escape from real-world issues like the COVID-19 pandemic or current political divisions may find Holly frustrating.
• Conservative readers or those who prefer their fiction to be apolitical might be put off by the frequent liberal commentary.
• Fans of King's more supernatural or horror-focused works may be disappointed by the lack of those elements in this more grounded thriller.
• Those who are sensitive to graphic violence or disturbing content should approach with caution.
• Readers seeking a fast-paced, action-packed thriller might find the pacing too slow, especially in the first half.
• Finally, those unfamiliar with Holly Gibney's previous appearances in King's work may feel they're missing important context and character development.

Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book

• Engaging and suspenseful plot with dark, twisted villains
• Strong character development for Holly Gibney
• Skillful blending of crime thriller and horror elements
• Compelling writing style that keeps readers engaged
• Interesting exploration of grief and coping mechanisms
• Clever references to other King works and pop culture
• Realistic portrayal of life during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Satisfying conclusion that wraps up the story well
• Insightful social commentary on current events
• Effective use of multiple perspectives to build tension

Things people didn't like as much about this book

• Excessive focus on COVID-19 and political topics
• Repetitive mentions of masks, vaccines, and pandemic protocols
• Slow pacing, especially in the first half of the book
• Predictable plot with villains revealed early on
• Heavy-handed political commentary that may alienate some readers
• Graphic and disturbing content that may be too intense for some
• Lack of supernatural elements some King fans expect
• Dated references and dialogue for younger characters
• Overlong and could have benefited from editing
• Departure from Holly's character in previous books