If it Bleeds is a collection of four new novellas —Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, The Life of Chuck, Rat, and the title story If It Bleeds— each pulling readers into intriguing and frightening places.
A collection of four uniquely wonderful long stories, including a stand-alone sequel to The Outsider.
News people have a saying: 'If it bleeds, it leads'. And a bomb at Albert Macready Middle School is guaranteed to lead any bulletin.
Holly Gibney of the Finders Keepers detective agency is working on the case of a missing dog - and on her own need to be more assertive - when she sees the footage on TV. But when she tunes in again, to the late-night report, she realizes there is something not quite right about the correspondent who was first on the scene. So begins 'If It Bleeds' , a stand-alone sequel to The Outsider featuring the incomparable Holly on her first solo case.
Dancing alongside are three more long stories - 'Mr Harrigan's Phone', 'The Life of Chuck' and 'Rat'.
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4/5 stars
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone
This was classic Stephen King: at first you are not entirely sure where it is going, but when it gets to it, you’re all wrapped up in it. I liked the use of modern technology with a paranormal twist.
The Life of Chuck
This opens on society dissolving into a post apocalyptic hellscape and some oddly timed billboards that say, “39 great years! Thanks Chuck!” but this is only a layer of the story. This one reminds me a bit of The Egg by Andy Weir, and may well be my favorite from this collection because of the way the story builds in reverse order and ties together beautifully in the end.
If It Bleeds
The titular story follows Holly Gibney, previously seen in the Bill Hodges trilogy as well as The Outsider. This story is a billed as a stand-alone story that occurs after the events of The Outsider; however, there are several references to The Outsider and the Bill Hodges trilogy, so I think it is easy to understand and enjoy if you have read those previous works.
I love Holly’s quirkiness and am glad that we’ve continued to see her thrive. If It Bleeds is the same formula as the previous books in this series: mystery with a paranormal twist. It’s suspenseful and keeps you engaged.
Rat
Solid spooky vibes from this one. A passionate writer sets out to write a novel despite the poor results of his last attempt. He decides to isolate himself at his father’s old cabin to write where he ends up falling ill after an encounter at the gas station. Things go from bad to worse when he becomes trapped there by a storm, and is where the story gets wild. 🐀
Overall a great collection of stories!
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