I try to make sure I share my literary love with more than just a couple of genres, and typically peg the October-ish time frame for a thiller … and then just go straight to the Stephen King shelf at the bookstore. Because he never fails to deliver.
King has been somewhat of an interesting conversation starter these days with friends, when they see me with one of his books. Either someone is surprised I like his work, or that he still is writing. And my answers are always “yes” and yes.” In fact, 1978’s “The Stand” remains one of my favorite novels of all time, and the 78-year-old is still quite the prolific writer, publishing almost annually.
With his latest, “Never Flinch,” readers are treated to another Holly Gibney murder mystery, this time involving a supposed avenger of a miscarriage of justice, out to atone an unnecessary death by matching an eye for an eye. And because Gibney can walk and chew gum at the same time, she’s also taken on a security client — a maybe just little bit more than little narcissistic women’s rights crusader on a cross-country speaking tour, that has attracted a fair share of both fans and haters. (I just know someone somewhere is currently posting Corrie/Kate fan fic, aren’t they?)
For anyone who’s read other Holly Gibney-focused stories, you’ll be pleased to hear she’s emerging even more into her own with this adventure, King’s turned down the gore just a notch or two from his previous novel, “Holly,” and fan favorites including Barbara and Jerome Robinson feature prominently. She’s developing an even closer relationship with the Buckeye City PD and Izzy Jaynes, and her old partner Pete Huntley makes an occasional cameo. Finally, it’s always nice to get a few shout outs to her mentor, Bill Hodges, as well.
Now — is this the best thriller of 2025? I don’t know — it’s the best thriller that I’ve read in 2025. As much as I love everything King has written in the last 15-20 years or so, going back to 11/22/63, I still personally rank his late ’70s and ’80s work as my favorite. Reading the afterward here, it sounds like King is slowing down a bit. Maybe a little frustrated with himself. Nonetheless, I found “Never Flinch” to be an absolute page turner with a signature supernatural mic drop at the end. Now I need to know if Trig’s daddy is done just yet.
Looking forward to find out, Stephen.
LitzyDitz 