A review by laplantesteph
Finders Keepers by Stephen King

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Finders Keepers by Stephen King is the second installment in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, and I have to say, I enjoyed it just as much as the first book. 

The story begins with a young Morris Bellamy, who breaks into the home of reclusive author John Rothstein, hoping to steal the notebooks that contain the continued story of his favourite literary character, Jimmy Gold. Along with the notebooks, Morris also takes a large sum of cash. Morris ends up in prison right after the theft, but not for this crime, and not before hiding his stolen possesions. 

Fast forward 35 years, and Pete Saubers, a young boy, stumbles upon the hidden treasure at a time when his family desperately needs the money. As Pete tries to sell the notebooks, he unknowingly puts himself in grave danger, because Morris has been released from prison. As the story unfolds, it’s up to Bill Hodges, Holly Gibney, and Jerome Robinson to protect Pete and his family from the dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get back what’s his. 

One thing I really appreciated about Finders Keepers was how the book was broken into distinct parts. The first section focuses entirely on Morris Bellamy’s backstory, giving us a deep dive into his character. I don’t know how Stephen King does it, but each section feels like its own separate story, yet they all come together perfectly to form one cohesive narrative. I was so absorbed in Morris’s part that I didn’t even think about what was happening with Bill Hodges until his character appeared in the story. King really knows how to pull you into each moment, keeping you completely engaged. 

This book is a little different from Mr. Mercedes in that it’s not so much a mystery novel. Instead of trying to solve a case, our main characters are focused on protecting Pete Saubers, with the limited information they do have. It’s Pete’s sister who starts to sense that something is off and reaches out for help, which brings Bill, Holly, and Jerome into the picture. 

From the moment I started reading, I had a hard time putting the book down. It’s eerie, intense, and had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next. I’m definitely looking forward to the third book in the trilogy, though I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to Bill Hodges and his place in Finders Keepers.