You Like It Darker
 | This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (January 2024) |
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Stephen King |
|---|---|
| Audio read by | |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Horror |
| Publisher | Scribner |
Publication date | May 21, 2024 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover), eBook, Audiobook |
| Pages | 512 |
| ISBN | 978-1668037713 |
| Preceded by | If It Bleeds |
You Like It Darker is a collection of twelve stories by American author Stephen King, set to be published by Scribner in May 2024. It delves into the darker aspects of life, both metaphorically and literally. Known for exploring themes such as fate, mortality, luck, and the unexpected turns of reality, the book comprises a mix of new and previously published stories. Each narrative, distinct in its approach, collectively contributes to this volume, marking its first comprehensive assembly.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The book was announced on November 6, 2023, via Entertainment Weekly, which provided a look at the book's wraparound cover, table of contents, and an excerpt from "Rattlesnakes", a sequel to King's 1981 novel Cujo.[8]
Stories
| # | Title | Originally published in |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Two Talented Bastids" | Previously unpublished |
| 2 | "The Fifth Step" | March 2020 issue of Harper's Magazine |
| 3 | "Willie the Weirdo" | Spring 2022 issue of McSweeney's (#66) |
| 4 | "Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream" | Previously unpublished |
| 5 | "Finn" | Finn e-book (2022) |
| 6 | "On Slide Inn Road" | October/November 2020 issue of Esquire Magazine |
| 7 | "Red Screen" | Red Screen e-book (2021) |
| 8 | "The Turbulence Expert" | Flight or Fright (2018) |
| 9 | "Laurie" | stephenking.com (2018)[9] |
| 10 | "Rattlesnakes" | Previously unpublished |
| 11 | "The Dreamers" | Previously unpublished |
| 12 | "The Answer Man" | Previously unpublished |
Selected stories
The collection has a diverse range of stories, each delving into unique aspects of the human experience, often through a lens of supernatural or psychological horror.[8] Each story in You Like It Darker offers a distinct exploration of themes such as fate, grief, the supernatural, and the often-blurred line between the known and the unknown.[4] Notable stories within the collection include:
Rattlesnakes
Serving as a sequel to King's 1981 novel Cujo, this tale follows a grieving widower who, in search of solace, travels to Florida. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he receives a peculiar inheritance, accompanied by significant conditions.[8][10]
Two Talented Bastids
This story unravels the concealed secret behind the remarkable abilities of the titular characters, offering a narrative rich in mystery and revelation.[8]
Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream
Focusing on the impact of a sudden and unprecedented psychic event, this tale explores the profound upheaval caused in numerous lives.[8]
The Dreamers
A narrative centered around a reticent Vietnam veteran who, upon responding to a job advertisement, discovers that certain realms of the universe are better left undiscovered.[8] Stephen King said that though it's very rare that he scares himself with what he writes, a story in the upcoming collection titled The Dreamers was "so creepy" that he "couldn’t think about it at night".[11]
The Answer Man
This story probes the dual nature of prescience, contemplating whether it constitutes good fortune or a curse, and reflects on how lives marked by profound tragedy can still hold significance.[8]
Publication
The collection will be published in May 2024 by Scribner. It will be available in physical, digital and audio book formats.[12]
Critical response
Philippa Pride, Stephen King's UK editor, says: "You Like It Darker is a collection of long stories and short tales with unexpected twists. We at Hodder are so excited to champion this book by the ultimate storyteller, who has long been a master of the short fiction form. The book’s publication will play a key part in a major anniversary year for Stephen King. There is a story here for every reader, which will continue to resonate long after they have finished the book – from the terrifying sound of a squeaky wheel on a double stroller to the heartwarming feeling of a puppy protecting her master. Nobody does it better!"[1][13]
See also
References
- ^ a b Pride, Philippa (2024). "YOU LIKE IT DARKER, A NEW COLLECTION OF STORIES, IS COMING IN MAY 2024". Stephen King Books UK. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Constant, Paul (January 18, 2024). "The most anticipated books of 2024: from Stephen King to Kathleen Hanna". The Seattle Times. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "You Like It Darker". Stephen King's Official Website. 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ a b "You Like It Darker: Stories by Stephen King". Barnes & Noble. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ King, Stephen (2024). "You Like It Darker. Stories by Stephen King". Simon & Schuster. Scribner. ISBN 978-1-6680-3771-3. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ King, Stephen (2024). You Like It Darker: Stories. Scribner. ISBN 978-1668037713.
- ^ "You Like it Darker, by Stephen King". Cemetery Dance Publications. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ a b c d e f g Collis, Clark (November 6, 2023). "Read the start of Stephen King's Cujo sequel in excerpt from story collection, You Like It Darker". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ King, Stephen. ""Laurie"" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ^ Lynn Tozan, McKenzie (7 November 2023). "We're Screaming: New Stephen King Short Story Collection & 'Cujo' Sequel: 'You Like It Darker". Lit Shark. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ Reed, Betsy (August 16, 2023). "Stephen King says he may continue the Talisman series". The Guardian. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "You Like It Darker: Stories". Kazoo Books. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
- ^ "You Like It Darker. Stephen King". Goodreads. 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-21.
