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You Like It Darker

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Stephen King, Will Patton
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Summary

'You like it darker? Fine, so do I', writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life - both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to listen to. King writes to feel 'the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind', and in You Like it Darker, listeners will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

'Two Talented Bastids' explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In 'Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream', a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny's most catastrophically. In 'Rattlesnakes', a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance - with major strings attached. In 'The Dreamers', a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. 'The Answer Man' asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King's ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

©2024 Stephen King (P)2024 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
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Editorial Review

Pace yourself
Did you know that May is International Short Story Month? And what better way to enjoy it than having the king of horror himself, Stephen King, release a new anthology of dark and disturbing tales. You Like It Darker features 12 short stories, some new and some fan favourites, just in time to add frightful flair to my list of short stories to binge this month. As a long-standing fan of Stephen King, I was really excited to catch the mentions of popular characters like Cujo and well-established multiverse locations like Castle Rock and Derry, Maine. You Like It Darker is one of King’s longer anthologies, so take your time. You have the whole month of May to finish! —Nicole R., Audible Editor

What listeners say about You Like It Darker

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How does he STILL have it?

Honestly, the man is 76. How on earth has he consistently put out fantastic stories for most of his life. He is an old man now and still able to write such amazing stories. I loved You like it darker. Some of the stories in it weren’t far off novels. You will definitely find something you like in this. It will be a sad day indeed when Stephen King dies. What a man.

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Good and dark

An excellent mix of short to medium length stories that will not disappoint. Very much worth a look.

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Genius

As a constant reader King keeps on giving. Superb as usual. Can't wait for the next book

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Brilliant collection

I enjoyed almost all the stories, and some were fantastic. Some are short, some long. Classic Stephen King!

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Classic, enthralling and addictive!

Excellent stories, great narrative and Stephen king at his best! I could listen to the narrator all day but his voice totally matches the stories.

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Narration good but not so much by the author

Historically I've loved Stephen King's work. I find his recent books less stimulating, but that could just be me and my changing tastes in literature. I don't enjoy all the references re masks etc. The stories seem more superficial than in his heyday. Compare this collection of short stories to eg Different Seasons or Skeleton Crew, and it won't come out favourably. But, I enjoyed it, I can't say otherwise. Some stories weren't memorable, others hit me hard. My favourite was the last story 'The Answer Man'. Very thought provoking and believable characters. He's good at characters and can still make readers believe that there's something more to the world that we can't always see, can't escape from and one day it might come and get us. Not a masterpiece, but a good way to spend 20 hours or so. Will I be buying his next offering? Highly likely. Once you're a constant reader, it's hard to let go...

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Respect

Respect to SK who (in the credits) talks of his ideas and grounding. Loved the answer man and TOTALLY agree with directions to follow. Strange directions and (would we really) following them. As always, worth the read… but would you end it there?? 🤷🏻‍♀️… x

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You like it darker

As usual King writes with a profound knowledge of human nature both good and bad. These stories vary slightly but there are stand out ones that match some of his classics. One to listen to with glee as usual!

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Excellent characterization

Stephen King; always so original. I don't know how he does it. I don't think he does, not entirely. My only complaint; one of the stories was a tad too long; some of the characters started to become repetative. Other than that excellent as always. Oh and Stephen King nearly always includes something about baseball! I'm sure it's great if you love it!

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Just, wow - but, of course it is!

Okay, I've only just finished the first story but I had to write this. Both story and narration are captivating and sublime. I am in heaven being transported by both.

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