Stephen King, END OF WATCH

This is the third book in a trilogy that began with MR MERCEDES AND FINDERS KEEPERS.  All three feature retired police detective Bill Hodges and his antagonist Brady Hartsfield.  The first two books were something of a departure for King, being mysteries or suspense fiction rather than his usual horror novels.  I particularly enjoyed MR MERCEDES as a fine example of mystery fiction.

Although King tries to make END OF WATCH stay within the naturalistic boundaries of mystery fiction, it comes very close to the supernatural due to Hartsfield’s unusual abilities, and many may feel it is closer to a horror story than a crime novel. For most this will not make the story any less enjoyable, and there is a certain satisfaction at seeing the story arc come to a conclusion.  Others, however, may find the plot a bit strained and slow to develop at times.  I wouldn’t recommend reading END OF WATCH if you haven’t read the first two, but if you have, it is well worth the effort.