Later

Powell's Midyear Roundup

The Best Books of 2021 (So Far)

Another solid King novel, his third in the Hard Case Crime series. There's certainly nothing unique about the story. It's a coming-of-age tale of a kid with a special power (or is it a curse?), but it's done well, as King tends to do, and if you're a fan of the bestselling author, this is a must-read. If you're not a fan, Later is a good gateway to other works.  Recommended By Jeffrey J., Powells.com

SOMETIMES GROWING UP MEANS FACING YOUR DEMONS

The new novel by the world’s most popular author — first publication anywhere!
Featuring an original cover painting by Paul Mann
Will also be available as a limited-edition hardcover with two cover paintings by Gregory Manchess

The son of a struggling single mother, Jamie Conklin just wants an ordinary childhood. But Jamie is no ordinary child. Born with an unnatural ability his mom urges him to keep secret, Jamie can see what no one else can see and learn what no one else can learn. But the cost of using this ability is higher than Jamie can imagine — as he discovers when an NYPD detective draws him into the pursuit of a killer who has threatened to strike from beyond the grave.

Later is Stephen King at his finest, a terrifying and touching story of innocence lost and the trials that test our sense of right and wrong. With echoes of King’s classic novel It, Later is a powerful, haunting, unforgettable exploration of what it takes to stand up to evil in all the faces it wears.

"Crave chills and thrills but don't have time for a King epic? This will do the job before bedtime. Not that you'll sleep." Kirkus

"Gory and unnerving, this twisty chiller has sufficient sins and revelations to keep readers pursuing the action to its breathless conclusion. King fans are in for a treat." Publishers Weekly

"Later is a beautiful story about growing up and facing your demons — whether they’re metaphorical or (as sometimes happens when you’re in a Stephen King novel) the real thing. It’s terrifying, tender, heartbreaking and honest, and we’re so excited to bring it to readers." Charles Ardai, the Edgar Award-winning editor of Hard Case Crime

Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine, in 1947, the second son of Donald and Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King. He made his first professional short story sale in 1967 to Startling Mystery Stories. In the fall of 1971, he began teaching high school English classes at Hampden Academy, the public high school in Hampden, Maine. Writing in the evenings and on the weekends, he continued to produce short stories and to work on novels. In the spring of 1973, Doubleday & Co., accepted the novel Carrie for publication, providing him the means to leave teaching and write full-time. He has since published over 50 books and has become one of the world's most successful writers. King is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to the American Letters and the 2014 National Medal of Arts.

Stephen lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. They are regular contributors to a number of charities including many libraries and have been honored locally for their philanthropic activities.