This was the final King collection of novellas that I had to read. You're familiar with the saying, 'Save the best for last', aren't you? Well, if this isn't the very best King novella collection, then it's incredibly close! King truly hit his stride here. I would assert that it contains some of his finest storytelling. Before I provide my overall rating, let's take a look at each individual story.

The Langoliers - Sometimes it can take a while for a story to truly engage my mind and prevent it from wandering. However, this was not the case with 'The Langoliers'. The concept was so distinct. Everything about this story exuded originality. This might be the most impressed I've been with King after finishing one of his stories.

5/5

Secret Garden, Secret Window - I approached this one already being familiar with the movie. Another unique concept, but what was truly remarkable was how King was able to craft Shooter and Mort. I won't go into excessive detail, but what King aimed to achieve with these characters, he accomplished flawlessly.

4/5

The Library Policeman - Oh my! This story was something special. It was the one in the collection that compelled me to keep reading. If it were a TV show, it would be like LOST. You simply had to move on to the next section once one ended. It did have some dragging moments, and there was one extremely disturbing scene - one of those scenes that makes you wonder if King had perhaps gone too far in writing it. Nevertheless, this was a powerful story.

4/5

The Sun Dog - This was the weakest of the four stories. It took a long time to capture my attention. I kept finding myself zoning out and losing track of what was happening. It did become somewhat interesting eventually, but then it fizzled out. It simply failed to make me connect with the characters, and the climax is now a blur to me. There were some great Easter eggs, though, being a Castle Rock story!

3/5

I cannot recommend this collection highly enough. It's the only novella collection that gives 'Different Seasons' a real run for its money. They should convey to you just how excellent it was!

4.5/5

The Langoliers
The longest and perhaps the most renowned of the collection (owing to the 90's mini-series), "The Langoliers" presents such a captivating concept. Ten slumbering passengers on a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to Boston awaken to discover that everyone else on the flight has vanished, including the pilot! This is a delightful little Sci-Fi horror piece by King, with a strong Doctor Who atmosphere, so one might expect to like it even more. However, it's rather telling that a story with a page count longer than some of King's novels was included in this collection. The ideas of an aircraft without a pilot and a deserted airport are eerily effective, but it just seems to lack something, especially with the large group of characters.

Secret Window, Secret Garden
Another story that I was acquainted with through the adaptation (starring Johnny Depp), where King delves into the familiar topic of the writer. This felt very similar to several of the other novels he penned around this time, although the main focus is on plagiarism. Successful novelist Mort Rainey is accused of copying John Shooter's story, and the need to prove that his tale was published first soon leads to a little mystery surrounding the events. It's an interesting exploration of where authors draw their inspiration from. King mentions Dracula as an inspiration for 'Salem's Lot in the introduction as an example. Like many mystery novels, once you know the Whodunit, it can detract from much of the enjoyment, which I also found to be the case here.

The Library Policeman
Who would have thought that libraries could be creepy places? Of course, it's true that kids love to be scared, and I can thank Goosebumps for my love of horror. So, it makes sense that the threat of an overdue book could result in more than just a fine. It's the librarian Ardelia Lortz who warns Sam Peebles that he must return the books on time. She's such a great character and one of the most memorable in the collection. For the most part, this was a rather enjoyable read, but the darker tones of suppressed trauma ultimately transformed what I thought would be an oddball novella into something quite different.

The Sun Dog
Speaking of both plagiarism and Goosebumps, did R. L. Stine use this story as inspiration for Say Cheese and Die? This story features a Polaroid camera that develops strange pictures. It had such a cool concept as 15-year-old Kevin Delevan received the camera for his birthday, but with each snap, he soon starts to notice a black figure slowly getting closer and closer in each picture. It's always enjoyable to have stories set in King's Castle Rock, and the appearance of a few familiar characters helps推动 the plot along. But like the other three novellas in this collection, it's just too long. All four stories would have benefited from being shorter.

4⭐️s

As with most King short story/novella collections, this one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. There are certain moments within these stories that truly stand out and are among King's most memorable. For example, that flashback scene in The Library Policeman is so vivid and disturbing that it has left a lasting impression on me. In fact, lisps now terrify me thanks to that story. On the other hand, there are also some moments that I wish my memory would simply neglect.

All of these stories are quite long and very strange. I have an undying love for everything about The Langoliers. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite novellas of all time. However, I could easily do without the other two stories in this collection.

Thematic similarities can be found throughout these stories. The tenuousness of one's grip on reality is a recurring theme, as is the exploration of what happens when that grip begins to weaken.

One thing I'll walk away with from this collection is a newfound distaste for red licorice.

When it comes to ranking the stories, The Langoliers takes the top spot, followed by The Library Policeman. Secret Garden, Secret Window and The Sun Dog come in at third and fourth respectively.

I read this collection once, many years ago. At that time, I didn't remember liking it much. Now, I'm doing a reread, and I want to explore in more depth the reasons behind my initial reaction. The plan is to go through each novella as I finish it, so we'll just have to wait and see.

The Langoliers - I think this story was the main culprit that made me dislike this collection when I first read it. I felt it was overly long and uninteresting. Moreover, I couldn't suspend my disbelief for an idea as cosmically absurd as tiny balls of teeth devouring yesterday. Sadly, I still didn't like it. I give it 2 stars.

Secret Window, Secret Garden - I liked this one a lot more than The Langoliers, but it's still not my favorite in this book. Admittedly, I think this story suffered from having too much epilogue. It would have been a lot better with just the original ending. But that's just my opinion. I rate it 3.5 stars.

The Library Policeman - This is one of my all-time favorite King stories. This stuff is truly terrifying. Maybe it's because libraries are one of the few places where I feel safe and cozy, or maybe it's just because this stuff is simply terrifying. I give it a full 5 stars.

The Sun Dog - The first time I read this, I hadn't read any of the Castle Rock stories, so I was lacking some background knowledge, which I think affected my enjoyment. That, and the reminder of R.L. Stine's Say Cheese and Die! However, now that I've read The Dead Zone and Needful Things, I think my appreciation for this story has increased significantly. I rate it 4 stars.

I'm glad I reread this collection because I liked it much better this time around than the first time. It won't ever replace Skeleton Crew or Night Shift, but perhaps it's because there is less variety with only four (very long) stories. It's a middling sort of book from King's catalogue, but it's still far superior to many others. I'm increasing my former rating to 4 stars.

I look forward to exploring more of King's works in the future and seeing how my opinions may change with each reread.

The Langoliers 4

Theotrel's idea, from the many that his "used" Polaroid Sun 660 camera downloads: Instead of immortalizing the world around it, it continuously photographs the same terrifying dog that, although it doesn't actually exist in reality, appears capable, at every moment, of taking on flesh and bones and killing attacking. And here in front of it is just a fifteen-year-old child. If it weren't King, an idea like this would be exhausted on the pages of a short story (at most). But because it is His Eminence, the Polaroid's Dog easily became yet another (thrilling) novel of horror and suspense.

It's not Cujo, although it resembles it, nor is it Needful Things, even if the little shop of Pop Merrill in the story reminds one of that of Needful Things. But it is valuable, it doesn't "bore" and in many ways it justifies the expectations of its reader.

This book contains two truly creepy stories.

The first one is "The Langoliers", which tells the tale of a planeload of people who find themselves trapped in dead time. The idea of being stuck in a timeless void, with no way out, is enough to send shivers down anyone's spine.

The second story is "The Library Policeman", which is about a childhood boogeyman that comes alive. The thought of a terrifying figure from one's past suddenly emerging in the present is both terrifying and fascinating.

In addition to these two stories, the book also contains "Secret Window, Secret Garden", which is the prototype for the novel The Dark Half. This story adds another layer of mystery and horror to the collection.

Overall, this is an excellent collection of stories that are sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a fan of horror or just looking for a good scare, this book is definitely worth checking out.

This is yet another re-read for me. Oh, I'd say it's been at least 8 or 9 years since I've read it. But I remember liking it a lot back then. My friend had a copy and I didn't. I had dark thoughts of booknapping and possible ransom. Happily, I have my own copy nowadays to read whenever I please. I don't know why it's taken me so long to re-read this book, but I'm glad it's been patiently waiting for me.

So far, "The Langoliers" was excellent. SK does the "small-group of survivors coping with and end-of-the-world sort of scenario" so well. They are among my favorite of stories. This group was great. I immediately fell for Nick, the tough British agent with the take-charge manner and good looks. I also really liked Albert "Ace" Kaussner. He was funny and yet I had the sense that he was stronger than he seemed. Even Mr. Toomy, the insights into his background were fascinating. Seeing into why he is the way he is. And of course, Dinah. Her ability to see so well into her surroundings and insights into people, all while being blind, she was a great character. I always like reading about deserted locations, world without people. And when they got to the Bangor Airport, at first, I was like, all right, no one's around, but you got this big whole place to take over, you're safe. But, of course nobody's safe, that'd be silly! As they tried to figure out what was going on, the fact that the world they had entered was "expired" and dead, useless, like a husk. I have to say that I do not like that theory about time-travel, lol. It's always been a dream to travel back in time and experience the people and places and things of the past. I would be sorely disappointed to go back to that! Then add in the craziness of the langoliers and Toomy doing his thing. My heart was pumping, I couldn't put the book down. Then, they get away, but will they be ok? The ending was actually rather happy though, and I liked it. I sort of want to see the movie now, but I know it definitely won't live up to my imagination.

"Secret Window, Secret Garden" I'm saving this one for last, because I'm going to read along to the audio I found at the library booksale. And partially because I love the movie and have watched it many times. Now if only I could find a cassette player!

"The Library Policeman" was the one that stuck out in my mind from my past reading the most. Most likely due to what happened to Sam as a child. But I didn't remember the details of the story, and the details are what makes the story. As the story opens, Sam is just an average small-town guy, insurance salesman/realtor, friendly with most people in town, but with no real deep connections. However, as the strange things start to add up, and uncomfortable memories try to surface, Sam grows stronger. I liked the atmosphere as he walked into the library the first time. I could picture the gloomy, old-fashioned place, the spookiness of being alone in the stacks. Ardelia Lortz was an excellent baddy, like the wolf wearing the sweet looking grandma as a disguise. I was creeped out by her before even knowing what she was. When Sam lost his books, and was rushing trying to find them, and trying to find out about Ardelia, I was rushing right along with him, knowing something bad was going to happen if he didn't find those books. Once Sam told the truth to Naomi and Dave, and they joined in as bigger parts in the story, it really got rolling. I enjoyed Dave's backstory about Ardelia. It gave him much more depth, and I liked finally hearing about what it was that Ardelia had done, because I had been just as baffled as Sam when he tried asking what the deal was with everyone freaking out when they heard her name. The last quarter of the story flew by, and when Sam finally unlocked the memory from his childhood that had been buried for so long, I felt relief, like now he could go on and do battle. What happened to him was terrible, and I was so glad he could defeat his demon and emerge stronger and better for it. This story was more than just another spook tale, it was about the things people keep locked away in their memories, and the power those memories can hold.

"The Sun Dog" I vaguely remember used to be my favorite in the collection, and I still think it's a great, entertaining story. It was cool going back to Castle Rock, and Pop Merill was a great character, lol, full of character. I could picture his junk shop perfectly. I was intrigued by the idea of the camera, what world was it taking pictures of, and why? And what exactly was the dog? I wanted to know more. Then, there was a part, where Kevin was dreaming, he dreamt that he was in Oatley, wearing a backpack, asking an old man with a shopping cart if there was anywhere hiring, and the old man started shouting, "fushing feef!". Kevin was somehow seeing/dreaming about something that happened to Jack Sawyer in The Talisman. I had to smile. Even if it meant nothing really in the big scheme of things in the DT universe, it still brought me joy seeing that little part. The end was a bit rushed I thought, but it did serve to make me rush a little, blood pressure was up and I was reading faster than normal, like I had to hurry b/c something bad was going to happen. The dog will be back though, and the epilogue of the story sort of reminded me of the ending of a scary movie with 6 sequels, but it was alright. There was some hinting of more things to come in Castle Rock, which I'm guessing is detailed in Needful Things: The Last Castle Rock Story if I remember correctly. That's another one that's on the 'need to re-read b/c it's been a few years' list.

All in all, another great collection by my favorite author. I liked the introductions to each story. I always like it when "Uncle Stevie" writes his extras, it's like getting to know the stories and the author better, and ya gotta like the conversational tone of those writings, forewords, afterwords, intros, what have you.

Stephen King is a master of the horror and suspense genre, and his latest novel is no exception.

This great work of his has the power to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, filled with countless moments of intense suspense and anticipation.

Although it is a very long read, with just a few pages shy of 1000, it is well worth the time and effort.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, despite the fact that it took me almost a week to complete.

The story is complex and engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that twists and turns in unexpected ways.

King's writing is as excellent as ever, and he manages to create a truly immersive and terrifying world that will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

If you are a fan of horror and suspense, then this novel is a must-read.

These are truly remarkable novellas penned by the maestro of storytelling, Stephen King!!

As a matter of fact, I delved into these stories during my early twenties, and to this day, I vividly recall just how outstanding they are..

"Four Past Midnight" is composed of four captivating novellas:

** The Langoliers**

** Secret Window Secret Garden**

** The Library police**

** The Sun Dog**

I must admit that this book ranks among the primary instigators that got me completely hooked on the novels of the King..

Each and every one of them is masterfully crafted and elaborated, brimming with vitality and armed with an almost electric and irresistible grip, forcefully and swiftly propelling the reader to follow the stories right to the very end!!

All four novellas receive my wholehearted support and recommendation. If you're in the mood for a thrilling tale filled with suspense, featuring astonishing twists and the inexplicable lurking behind ordinary people, events, and everyday objects like a Polaroid camera, then welcome aboard and fasten your seatbelt tightly - enjoy the ride--

"The Langoliers" earns three stars ***

The story commences by introducing a group of individuals, each headed towards an adventure, and by some stroke of destiny, they all come together and survive a flight on an aircraft..

The characters are exquisitely depicted and manage to tug at your emotions, making you feel as if they are almost living beings..

During the flight, they all fall asleep, and upon awakening, they find themselves trapped in a mysterious and perilous world!!

They have to overcome even a murderous madman..

But the real terror that is approaching to claim them all is only recognizable at the beginning by a noise that grows louder and louder!!!

"Secret Window Secret Garden" also gets three stars ***

This is my absolute favorite story!!!

It explores plagiarism and offers a meticulous study of a man being pushed to the brink of his breaking point and then gradually losing his mind!!!

A successful writer discovers that his wife is having an affair with another man, resulting in a nervous breakdown and leaving him spiritually mutilated!!

Particularly, I adored the fact that the events are predominantly set and unfold in a cabin surrounded by the abundant nature of the woods in North America!!!

"The Library Police" likewise receives three stars ***

Trauma and sexual abuse are among the main threads in the story!!

Woven tightly into a supernatural tale that only Stephen King can spin..

"The Sun Dog" earns two stars**

A birthday gift turns into a nightmare!!

The focus is on a Polaroid camera that captures images of an unseen world..

Slowly but inexorably, the disaster unfolds without mercy..

At the end of the day, this story was a bit too much for me, demanding a bit too much of my imagination..

Well-written, but it failed to convince me at all!!

However, when considered as a whole, this collection of stories merits four solid and greasy stars!!!

Happy reading, my Goodreads friends, and thank you for reading my reviews!!!

Dean;D

Stephen King is a renowned author with a vast body of work.

If you have to read only one thing of his, this collection is an excellent choice.

It contains a selection of his most captivating stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The tales are filled with suspense, horror, and unexpected twists that are characteristic of King's writing style.

Whether you are a long-time fan or new to his work, this collection is sure to leave you impressed.

So, don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the genius of Stephen King by choosing this collection.

Thank you for considering it as your next read.

Another absolute hit