Title: Later.
Writer(s): Stephen King.
Narrator(s): Seth Numrich.
Genre(s): Horror, Thriller.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio.
Format: Audiobook.
Release Date: March 2nd, 2021.
Length: 6 Hours and 32 Minutes.
My Overall Rating:
Known mostly for his savviness within the horror genre, writer Stephen King has also explored genres that have given him the opportunity to brilliantly exploit his writing talents. Within the mystery genre, he recently ventured into a fascinating world filled with crime and sketchy people while adding a little supernatural twist that horror fans will recognize as a trademark trope within the genre. The great thing about tropes is that within the right hands, they don’t dwindle down to clichés and predictable turns of events. Published by Hard Case Crime, where he also delivered The Colorado Kid and Joyland, writer Stephen King offers a solid and gripping story where innocence clashes with despair in a test of righteousness.
What is Later about? The story is narrated by Jamie Conklin and tells his story since his young days when he lived with his single mother, Tia, in New York City. Set in the early 2000s, it introduces us to the main character’s peculiar life as a child with the ability to see and hear things that others can’t as he hides this unfathomable ability from others until he’s slowly dragged into trouble. Despite being told to keep it all a secret, it’s when an NYPD detective requires his aid in the pursuit of a killer who’s causing trouble beyond the grave that little Jamie finds himself asking questions about right and wrong although he just wants to be left alone in a world where evil has many faces.
“As I said at the beginning, this is a horror story.”
— Stephen King
Brilliantly narrated by Seth Numrich, effortlessly voicing the protagonist’s narration across a decade of events, writer Stephen King concisely and brilliantly paces this story as he quickly establishes Jamie Conklin’s unique abilities and his perspective on life from his unusual angle. While the core mystery appears a bit later on (pun very much intended), the narrative primarily focuses on the limited cast of characters and their relationship with one another but also with Jamie Conklin, brilliantly establishing a key generational gap (childhood/adolescence versus adulthood) that dictates the character’s place in the world. Without losing his audience in a landmine of exposition, readers are able to acknowledge and somewhat understand the diverse struggles lived by the adults, whether it is romantically or professionally, and see the selfish motives come from a mile away as the protagonist is forced to comply despite his innocent and just desires.
The supernatural elements are also cleverly handled, leaving it ambiguous and enigmatic yet sufficiently explored to allow readers to believe in this world without asking themselves too many questions. It is especially through this facet that writer Stephen King joyfully channels his horror inclinations as he details certain elements in such a vivid fashion that the mind can easily imagine it all in its gory splendour. Even more refreshing is the bond explored between Jamie and his mom, written in such an authentic and candid way that you’d think these characters were based on real people. The overall mystery ultimately builds up wonderfully, keeping you glued to this story, as the final moments crank up the intensity to end things on a convenient and excellent note.
Later is a riveting crime thriller with a touch of horror as one boy’s unnatural ability puts him in the middle of an adult’s self-centered world of recognition and survival.
Roars and Echoes 
Sometimes I wonder how King does it. He just writes and writes and writes and seems to write more winners than losers 🙂
and there are always kids involved. Sometimes I found that worked and at others it really didn’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The same can’t be said about the movies based on his books though hahahah And yes, I’m always impressed by how he does kids. Scary good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like more of his movies fail than succeed…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly. Most of his movies are awful adaptations. Even the recent one, Firestarter, has flopped…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll refrain from going off on an anti-hollywood “reeeeeeee” here, but there really isn’t any good reason for movies based on his stories to flop. He can tell good stories…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I believe I read someone was ghostwriting for him, which might explain the “writes and writes.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Really? Maaaaaaaan, that’s disappointing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
All I could find online was that he was ghostwriting himself under a pseudonym just to see if his stories can sell without his real name on them. I do hope the idea of him having ghostwriters isn’t true though…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh man, that’s way too shocking for it to be underreported online though. It seems more like he was ghostwriting himself under a different name, just to see if his stories can still sell without his name being obviously on them, based on my quick research.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’m sure there are ways to make that quiet (non-disclosures and such). I don’t argue one way or the other because I’m not 100% and either way it doesn’t affect me. My world kind of did shatter when I learned about ghostwriting, though. It’s like hiring a chef to cook dinner and then taking all the praise from your guests for yourself. Or saying you built a house when you just nailed one 2×4… It’s MAD!
LikeLiked by 1 person
100%. I imagine ghost-writing was way more prominent and possible in the pre-Internet era but, with “intellectual property” and “reputation” being so important to people today, I can hardly imagine the necessity of such practices…
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s such a great character writer. After having grown up on his stories and then putting him aside for a very long time I’ve been slowly dipping my toes back into King’s work. I could see this being one I’d enjoy. I love how he’s tried different genres over the years even if sometimes still including elements of horror.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree. He gives them such an authentic touch, it’s impressive. I definitely recommend this one to everyone who wants to enjoy a “lighter” King story. It’s also particularly shorter than most of his other novels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved this too. He has a way with getting to the heart of his characters like no one else😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! I was mesmerized by how well he portrays the protagonist in this story. 😀
LikeLike
Ok that one does not sound to have too many horror elements so I might be able to enjoy it! Because Stephen King can be so scary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s definitely one you could try! Hope you try a King story someday, Sophie. 😀
LikeLike
No one can write stories about children facing difficult situations like King does, and Jamie is only the latest of his so very successful portrayals. I’m very glad you enjoyed it, as it comes across clearly from your heartfelt review. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely! I’ve noticed so far that he portrays children quite wonderfully and makes his stories all the better! Thanks for reading, Maddalena! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just the other day I was talking to a friend of mine about Stephen King’s books as she selected what I think was precisely this book at the library! A child that “sees things” is already a great element to make any story a bit more creepy and interesting, so I’d be really curious to check that one out, especially as I only read one book of King and it was a veeery long time ago!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, what he sees isn’t exactly something you’d wish you want to be able to do but for this story, it was awesome to experience it through the character. Definitely try this one out someday. It’s short and easy to get into too! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
A kid in a world of adults… I already pity him… Kids should be kept away for as long as possible.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Confronted with a cold, cold work quite fast. At least they learn to handle it earlier rather than later!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A mystery/thriller might be the King I’ll finally enjoy 😉 Great review, Lashaan!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Ola! 😛
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Lashaan! I should get King’s books from library now. How was your experience with audiobook?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yesha! I enjoy his stories and have had some really great narrators so far for his books. I think his stuff is worth checking out as audiobooks so far. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Changing genres is an interesting transitioning for Stephen King. Great review – it sounds like another success for Stephen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely one that’s worth checking out! Thanks for reading, AoC! 😀
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading. 🙂
LikeLike
I enjoyed this too! I heard Lucy Liu will play the mom in an upcoming limited series adaptation of this book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhh, I hadn’t heard but that sounds interesting! I’m curious about how they’ll adapt the more supernatural elements.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I forgot about this one, Lashaan. Enjoyed reading your thoughts here, and this is probably one story I need to read down the road. I too am amazed by how prolific King has been with his writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This was quite a neat read and one I’d recommend to anyone for a sweet and short story by Stephen King. He sure can write a lot, can’t he? Not all are winners, unfortunately.
LikeLiked by 1 person