1922

Stephen King delivers a chilling tale of domestic betrayal in this novella. The narrative centers on Wilfred James, who confesses to murdering his wife, Arlette, after they relocate to Hemingford, Nebraska. This move places them on land willed to Arlette by her father, creating a tense dynamic between husband and wife over the property. King structures the story as a first-person confession, drawing readers into the psychological unraveling of a man consumed by greed and resentment. The text explores the dark undercurrents of marriage and the supernatural consequences of violence. It is part of the collection Full Dark, No Stars, originally published in that volume before this standalone edition appeared. The story relies on the tension between rural isolation and familial duty. Readers who enjoy psychological horror and gothic fiction will find much to appreciate here. Those seeking lighthearted entertainment or traditional ghost stories with clear resolutions may wish to look elsewhere. King’s reputation for crafting unsettling narratives is evident in this concise work. The novella format allows for a focused exploration of guilt and retribution. The setting in Nebraska adds a layer of stark realism to the supernatural elements. This edition, published by Scribner Book Company, offers a compact yet intense reading experience for fans of the genre.