Never Flinch

A new tale from my favorite author—and featuring my favorite character set—didn't disappoint in the slightest. Never Flinch is riveting from start to finish, packed with compelling characters, a gripping plot, and timely nods to current events.I love seeing once again Holly, Barbara, and Jerome—King's recurring ensemble never fails to feel like old friends. Izzy and new character Corrie were great and hope to see them again, and even Sista Bessie left a lasting impression, though I suspect we may have seen her for the last time.King’s ability to blend suspense, emotion, and relevance is as sharp as ever. I couldn’t put it down.

A non-horror , crime thriller but still Stephen King . Very enjoyable and you'll page-turn to the end to learn who survives and who does not . I get a kick out of King's author hints about what is to befall his characters . Very enjoyable and lots of fun .

This is in regards to the Audible version.The narrator was very good in vocalizing the emotions of each of the characters.I liked this book because it didn't have a supernatural element (like the other Holly Gibney books). I would have liked a better resolution to the Chris/Chrissy storyline. It was easy to follow the two storylines, and I really liked the countdown chapters towards the end.

Full disclosure, to me, Stephen can nearly do no wrong. To say I'm a big fan - well, understatement isn't even close. Never Flinch, another "Holly" story is another easy to read exciting story. He gets grief for not returning to the horror genre but his ability to get your heart racing is still there - regardless of the genre. Bravo Stephen no disappointment from this fan.

King returns character Holly Gibney back to doing what she does best,using her special self depreciating personality to solve crime. She brings along old friends, familiar to readers as if they are once again reunited for sleuthing the depths of depravity. Bill Hodges would be so proud of how introvert Holly is keeping Finders Keepers alive and well.

I give very few 5 star reviews because a really great book is a rarity and almost all Stephen King books deserve 4 1/2 or 5 stars! Typical King story that gets you hooked from the start and I really enjoy the character of HOLLY who was introduced way back in Mr. Mercedes. “Never Flinch” is a welcome addition to Holly’s journey.

The very best thing in this book is the storytelling. I wasn't sure, at first, about the author being in cahoots with the reader and giving out little hints. I began to really appreciate that little quirk. The story itself is the second best thing. The weaving of the two stories together is masterful. Add in the varied characters, especially Sista Bessie, and the result is a very satisfying read.

It's a tough standard to be held to, but my feeling is this wasn't the best of his works - not even the best Holly Gibney; but it does have some very good new characters, and a lot of expansion of some we've met before. I cannot say much about the story without giving spoilers, and I will not do that. It did not seem overlong, and there is plenty of action and easily enough twists. By way of praise, I will point out there was nothing supernatural and no gore for the sake of it.

Too many elements of Never Flinch seem forced. Although I have always loved the way Stephen King draws on his own life experiences and inner fears to spin a great novel, the focus on creating an evil character from a religious pro-lifer seems forced. Siting key portions of the novel in Mingo Auditorium once again seem forced. Making Barbara and Jerome Robinson two perfect, talented young people also seems forced. Nevertheless, Never Flinch is a page turner, and won't deter me from reading the next installment of the life of Holley Gibney and her crew.

This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. I have been reading this author's stories since I was really young. I enjoy how they are well written and how his attention to details make the stories realistic. This one is no different. It is a well written story that is hard to put down and engaging. In this story Holly is back in another thriller case solving. She finds herself doing a bodyguarding job on top of a serial killer running around her community. She isn't part of the serial killer case but she finds herself working it behind the scenes. I enjoyed her character and how the others are supportive to each other. Holly, Kate and Izzy are my favorites of the story. They are strong women who know what they want and how to get it. I enjoyed their determination and how they had me coming back for more. I enjoyed watching the growth of the story which made it easy to read. This is a fast paced story that is a must read. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this must read.

Another very, very good novel by S King. I guess you can say I’m a fan. There are NO novels of King that I have not read.That said, NEVER FLINCH is an anomaly, or perhaps the most recent evidence of King’s evolution from arguably the English language’s premier author of SF-tinged horror to just an A-list author of fiction. To my recollection, this is the first ( and thus obviously) King novel with not even a whiff of the woohoo SF, fantasy, horror or anything other than a really tight crime story.The hero(ine) is once again, the indomitable Holly Gibney. Small, slim, middle-aged, but sharp as Sherlock, Holly (Hols, Hollyberry) is perhaps the most enduring, most frequent, and seemingly favorite of all King’s creations. By my count, she has now been featured in 6 King novels and shorter works.This time there are not one but two psychotic antagonists. No one, I mean no one but Stephen King does psychotics better. Paranormal or no. But both crazy as can be.More later

I could not put this book down. It was nice to hear from Holly, Barbara, and Jerome again. I highly recommend this book to especially anyone who enjoys Stephen King Books , and also anyone who enjoys an excellent crime plot with every type of interesting character. SK has been my favorite author for over 40 years and I have tried to read all of his books. Holly berry is not quite the Gunslinger but I hope to read more about her in the future. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because the Authors Political Views in random places in the book - whether a person agrees with them or not they have no place in a work of fiction. Stephen find another platform - you won't piss off 47% of your readers and your future book sales will be much higher - its not dollars its the number of fans lost. SK still does not disappoint with the the plot and weaving all of the characters together for an excellent read !

Stephen King is one master storyteller!In this latest novel, I’m horrified, curious, tearful, and laughing at the characters, their thoughts, actions, and antics. Holly is back, along with Barbara, Jerome, Izzy, and others from this series. New characters, from the psychotic/horrible to the sublime, riff rhythms both discordant and transcendent ~ just like the times we live in.For some reason, I’m thinking this fictional story mirrors the surreal political and cultural changes evolving now. I also can see glimpses of the stories, songs, and singers opening possibility portals into a better future ahead.***** Stars

This is a slow burn of a novel. Holly accepts a job as a bodyguard to a public figure of women's rights. Meanwhile a serial killer is murdering people in an act of atonement for jury members who convicted an innocent man.King never fails to entertain and thrill his readers. This is a straightforward thriller without the paranormal element Holly usual finds. Holly is joined by Izzy, her cop friend, and by Jerome and Barbara. Just don't jump the gun and read the end... In the King mastery it is creep as F.

Holly Gibney, introduced in Mr. Mercedes, has gone on to be a stand out character appearing in several more books and TV shows as well as a book named after her.She has faced villains both human and supernatural. She has a unique outlook and thought process and her supporting characters are all good in their own way.This is a mystery, more in the vein of Joyland or Colorado Kid then The Outsider or It Bleeds. It is fast paced with a lot going on but I never felt confused.Fan of Holly or King's mysteries this is for you.

I love King and have since I was a preteen in the late ‘70s. I have always appreciated his style and how he can pull you in with a single sentence. I am a retired English teacher now and I really am enjoying the Holly books.But one thing is really annoying. I read fiction to escape the real world. I wouldn’t read Stephen King novels if I were interested in reality. I am not a Trump supporter at all and never will be but King has a bad case of TDS! Leave it be please. I get enough of that crap everywhere else; I do not want it in my fiction too.

Holly Gibney has a lot on her plate: there’s a serial killer at work, someone that her friend Izzy is trying to flush out; a feminist speaker is on tour and requires Holly’s services as a bodyguard because, in addition to the usual pro-life crowd, there’s also a stalker after her; and legendary singer Sista Bessie is coming out of retirement to put on a string of shows, and she wants Holly’s friend Barbara to be a part of it. Not to mention the annual charity baseball game between the cops and the firemen, which always draws a crowd. And everything is coming to a head all at the same moment…. By now, I don’t imagine there’s a reader out there who doesn’t know about Stephen King and his work, and presumably one either likes his work or does not; there’s not a lot of “meh” around his books. I have been enjoying his work for many years, in fact used to buy his new book each June (which is when they reliably would come out; sometimes one in December too), read it and then give it to my late mother for her birthday (or for Christmas), and here he displays his usual tricks of the trade: relatable and succinctly drawn characters, ratcheting up of tension amid a sense of inevitability, and little details that anchor the story in real, contemporary American life. In addition, he’s got one of my favourite characters of his in Holly Gibney; it’s been a joy to see her grow and develop as a private investigator and a person, and I love the fact that she’s an unprepossessing middle-aged lady who almost might be anybody. As with everything these days, there are some parts of this book that will upset people for ideological reasons, but also as ever, Mr. King’s writing is compelling and a great ride; recommended!

I do believe I've read everything Stephen King has written - at least I've tried. I preordered this book months ago and started reading it as soon as it appeared on my Kindle.I like the character of Holly Gibney. She's brave and straightforward and loyal to her friends. In this book Detective Izzy Jaynes of the Buckeye City Police Department, Holly's friend, asks Holly to use her expertise to look into a killer in the city. Also, Holly gets called on to be a bodyguard to a women's rights activist that's in the area.I enjoyed Barbara's part of the story very much and the whole storyline with Sista Bessie.Jerome is always a welcome addition to the story too.This is a story, first and foremost, about two killers so its not always light reading but King's writing is always entertaining and worth reading.

A gripping new installment in the **Holly Gibney series**, this novel not only solidifies Holly as one of King's most complex and endearing protagonists but also elevates the series to new literary heights.This time around, the narrative is **extremely intricate and brilliantly structured**, weaving together multiple perspectives and timelines with King's signature finesse. Fans of *Mr. Mercedes* and *If It Bleeds* will find familiar threads, but *Never Flinch* carves its own dark, twisting path that never feels repetitive. Every character has weight, every choice has consequences, and every chapter turns like a loaded gun.The story delves deeper into Holly’s psyche than ever before, revealing both vulnerability and courage in equal measure. King's portrayal of trauma, obsession, and moral ambiguity is as sharp as ever, and the slow-building dread pays off with a terrifying and emotionally resonant climax.**SPOILER ALERT — STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE BOOK!**OK. Now that we’re on the same page...**STEPHEN KING, STOP TRYING TO KILL BARBARA!**Seriously. **Jerome's sister** has been through enough, and just when we think she might catch a break, King yanks the rug out from under her again. The emotional gut-punch in the third act was brilliantly executed, yes—but *come on*, Steve, let her live a little!In short, *Never Flinch* is everything fans could hope for in a King novel: smart, scary, layered, and packed with heart. Just maybe ease up on Barbara next time.

NEVER FLINCH is the newest offering from the master storyteller, and while it isn't his greatest Holly Gibney story...it's a crackling good yarn. There are character we love, characters we come to love, tension and suspense, and the pages, as they usually do with King books, turn themselves. Whenever I hear of a new Stephen King offering, I never flinch. I never hesitate to buy his work quickly and lose myself in his stories. They won't all ascend to the heights of 11/22/63, IT, REVIVAL, etc....but I always have a good time, I have to say. Here's to more good times, yet.