The Outsider

4/5 stars

When a boy is found brutally murdered, the town of Flint County is astonished when beloved sports coach and teacher is arrested for the crime. With several eyewitness accounts and DNA evidence, it appears they will have no trouble convicting, but as more details arise, it becomes apparent something even more horrific is happening. 

This was a solid read. The first half was almost entirely a crime drama. It was filled with witness interviews and police investigations. It wasn’t until later on that a supernatural element appeared. The story was paced pretty well and followed the movements of multiple characters allowing readers to gather important information with each perspective. 

While classified as a horror, I didn’t find it to be particularly scary. It was a page-turner and definitely thrilling, but I would put it more in the crime category than anything else. Overall, I really enjoyed this and would recommend for those who want to read a King book but still be able to sleep at night.