If It Bleeds

Written by:
Stephen King

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
702
Narrator
93
Release Date
April 2020
Duration
15 hours 12 minutes
Summary
*#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER*

Includes “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone”—now a Netflix original film starring Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell!

From the legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary collection of four new “exceptionally compelling novellas that reaffirm [King’s] mastery of the form” (The Washington Post).

Readers adore Stephen King’s novels, and his novellas are their own dark treat, briefer but just as impactful and enduring as his longer fiction. Many of his novellas have been made into iconic films, including “The Body” (Stand by Me) and “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption” (Shawshank Redemption).

The four brilliant tales in If It Bleeds prove as iconic as their predecessors. In the title story, reader favorite Holly Gibney (from the Mr. Mercedes trilogy and The Outsider) must face her fears, and possibly another outsider—this time on her own. In “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” an intergenerational friendship has a disturbing afterlife. “The Life of Chuck” explores, beautifully, how each of us contains multitudes. And in “Rat,” a struggling writer must contend with the darker side of ambition.

If these novellas show King’s range, they also prove that certain themes endure. One of King’s great concerns is evil, and in If It Bleeds, there’s plenty of it. There is also evil’s opposite, which in King’s fiction often manifests as friendship. Holly is reminded that friendship is not only life-affirming but can be life-saving. Young Craig befriends Mr. Harrigan, and the sweetness of this late-in-life connection is its own reward.

“An adroit vehicle to showcase the…nature of evil” (The Boston Globe), If It Bleeds is “exactly what I wanted to read right now,” says Ruth Franklin in The New York Times Book Review.
Reviews
Profile Avatar
Sherri F.

I never tire of Mr King’s books. Will Patton brings Holly Gibney, my favorite King character, to life! Another wonderful read.

Profile Avatar
Michael F.

This book of four novellas is extremely entertaining and beautifully written. Mr. King has wonderful grasp of the English language and he uses the thoughts and feelings of his characters to create fascinating stories which, in Kingsian fashion, deal with the supernatural. He uses some characters and a village from his previous works, but it all moves creatively as the main characters deal with strange events, people and, in one novella, a rat. There are few books where one does not want the story to end, and the novella If It Bleeds is certainly one. Highly recommended.

Profile Avatar
craig specht

this was a good book, the narrators did a great job.

Profile Avatar
Teresa D.

love King's short stories! Messed up!

Profile Avatar
Desmond

What I think, hmmmm.....well you knew I was a rat when you saw me lol. superb story telling!

Profile Avatar
Tammy E.

Loved it and for sure the return oh Holly berry..

Profile Avatar
Christine P.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! I enjoyed each story but especially If It Bleeds! I have a special place in my heart for Holly Gibney!!

Profile Avatar
JoAnn M.

Absolutely loved all 3 stories. The narrator, Steven Weber did not due Holly Gibney justice in If it Bleeds. His voice was too old and his representation of Holly was weak.

Profile Avatar
Richard M.

Definitely not one of his best. The story with Holly is barely worth listening to.

Profile Avatar
Roxann W.

All 4 books kept my attention. Wasn’t so sure about the rat, but that even turned out good!

Profile Avatar
Allison M.

Great book and stories. Nice to see little tie ins here and there. Also the narrator that did the chainsaw noise was ON POINT lol

Profile Avatar
Nmc5359!

Awesome, a very good read.

Profile Avatar
Jenn

I think the stories were good, could have been better but overall good. The first two were the most interesting to me, I would have liked if they were longer. Narrator was great for both the first and second, the 3rd and 4th it was a meh for me. Enjoyed the audio.

Profile Avatar
MTCowGirl

I think this is probably one of Mr.Kings worst books. If he would have left politics out of it, but most of his characters say what they think of political people. Don’t forget how much he hates the people. I don’t care to hear about who’s side he’s on. I read books to escape from the news and political anything. I don’t recommend this book! Shame on you Stephen King

Profile Avatar
Christopher K.

Great series of stories. Kept me entertained.

Profile Avatar
Carol Kariainen

The King of short stories. Loved them!

Profile Avatar
Susan N.

Glad to see Holly back. All the stories were interesting. Will Patton is a great narrator.

Profile Avatar
Suev3

As with all the King books I have read or listened to this one was exceptional. I loved the idea of four novellas. It was hard to pick a favorite. The narrators did a great job. I was happy to see my favorite narrators, Stephen Weber and Will Patton do the narrating. I was also glad that he brought Holly Gibney back. She is one of my favorite characters.

Profile Avatar
Dorte E.

I Think the first novel was really good. The rest of the novels did not catch my interest and I felt a big bored and disappointed.

Profile Avatar
Bernal79

I will read (listen) to any thing written by him. I like the short story books for my long drives.

Profile Avatar
Rebecca H.

I enjoyed 3 of the 4 stories very much... the other was alright. I really didn't like the narrator... his inflection and cadence were very distracting to me

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

I loved this book! all four stories were great ,if it bleeds was my favorite , I love holly gibney.

Profile Avatar
John R.

Will Patton reading Stephen King continues to be a joy!

Profile Avatar
Jennifer C.

I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I had understood that it was 3 separate short stories in one. In the author's notes at the end he states that the stories are told in reverse order. I don't know if that makes a difference or not. It was highly enjoyable and I would recommend it.

Profile Avatar
Susan Wagner

Loved these stories.

Profile Avatar
Stacy S.

Lots of bad press surrounding this title but I enjoyed each story.

Profile Avatar
Anonymous

loved it! he is such an amazing storyteller!

1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$29.99
View Cart