If It Bleeds: Mr. Harrigan's Phone, the Life of Chuck, If It Bleeds, Rat

Name: If It Bleeds: Mr. Harrigan's Phone, the Life of Chuck, If It Bleeds, Rat
Price: 11.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Stephen King
ISBN: 9781982138004

✍️ Stephen King

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A collection of four long horror stories by Stephen King featuring Holly Gibney and other characters.

This book gathers four distinct narratives that explore different facets of fear and human connection. The lead story centers on a detective handling a case that reveals discrepancies in media reporting. The other three tales offer separate experiences, one involving a mysterious telephone and another focusing on a life well-lived. A final story introduces a rodent character. King provides context for each piece through personal notes, showing how these ideas developed. The work fits within the broader tradition of American suspense fiction, blending everyday settings with uncanny events. It is suitable for readers who appreciate detailed character development alongside supernatural intrigue.

Key Themes

Literary Context

Published in 2022 by Pocket Books, this collection sits within the contemporary American horror genre. It draws on the tradition of long-form short fiction popularized by King. The stories reflect modern anxieties about news media and personal agency, grounded in realistic settings like middle schools and detective agencies.

Stephen King

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Horror Fiction

🏛 Pocket Books 📅 2022 🌐 English 📔 Mass Market Paperbound 📐 Book ISBN: 9781982138004

📝 Description: If It Bleeds: Mr. Harrigan's Phone, the Life of Chuck, If It Bleeds, Rat

Stephen King presents a collection of four long stories in this volume published by Pocket Books. The title story, 'If It Bleeds', follows Holly Gibney as she investigates a missing dog case that intersects with a school bombing. This narrative serves as a standalone sequel to his previous bestseller, The Outsider. The protagonist must determine why the news correspondent on the scene seems incorrect while managing her own personal growth. The remaining tales include 'Mr Harrigan's Phone', 'The Life of Chuck', and 'Rat'. These works demonstrate King’s range across horror, thrillers, and suspense genres. An author’s note within the book explains the origins of each piece, offering insight into his creative process. The collection appeals to readers who enjoy complex character studies mixed with supernatural elements. Those seeking straightforward action without psychological depth may find the pacing deliberate. This edition contains 457 pages and carries the ISBN 9781982138004. It targets fans of gothic fiction and those interested in how media shapes perception of tragedy. The stories draw on American cultural touchstones, such as local news cycles and school environments. King’s reputation for versatile storytelling is evident in the varied tones of each chapter.