Stephen King - You Like It Darker *SPOILER FREE REVIEW* of his new collection for 2024!

It's here! Brand new Stephen King!
Yep, You Like it Darker - the newest short story collection from Stephen King was published on Tuesday 21 May 2024 and in this video I will give you my spoiler-free thoughts on all 12 stories collected here! Also, if you fancy sticking around right until the end, I will round up the Easter Eggs I spotted.
Let's go!
00:00 Intro
00:14 Welcome
02:24 Unboxing my of You Like it Darker
03:23 Two Talented Bastids
09:02 The Fifth Step
11:24 Willie the Weirdo (with guest appearance from Floyd)
13:12 Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream
16:46 Finn
17:51 On Slide Inn Road
19:54 Red Screen
22:32 The Turbulence Expert
24:40 Laurie
26:19 Rattlesnakes
29:24 The Dreamers
30:41 The Answer Man
34:14 Ranking all 12 stories
42:43 Final thoughts on You Like it Darker
47:38 Easter eggs & outro
-------------------------------------------------
Subscribe, comment & like!
Download my eBook for free by subscribing to my newsletter! davemussonauthor.com/newsletter
Check out the Constant Writers podcast on KZbin: • Constant Writers
Check out the Constant Writers podcast on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2xvWbbJ...
Buy The Ultimate Stephen King Quiz Book on Amazon: mybook.to/kingquizbook
Buy The Ultimate Stephen King Quiz Book on Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Find me on Instagram: / davemusson
Find me on Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/davemusson/
Check out my band Chapter Nineteen and our song 'Stephen': • Chapter Nineteen - Ste...
Listen on Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/6B7CiN...

[@angelaholmes8888]

Definitely will check out this book but it's going to be a awhile long waiting list at the library

[@DaveReadsKing]

It’ll be worth the wait for sure!

[@susanmctavish6639]

I was thinking about reading Nightmares and Dreamscapes again. The stories are just soo crazy from what I remember.

[@DaveReadsKing]

That’s a very accurate memory! Wildly varying quality but a few bangers for sure!

[@BeckywiseTheDancingClown]

I really like what you said about the first story and how it's okay if you don't become famous from a creative endeavour. We do these things for the love of them, not the accolades. I can relate!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Exactly that!

[@MaryRose86]

I’m so excited this was released a week before my birthday 🎉 I got it immediately but haven’t had a chance to read it yet

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! And happy birthday!

[@MaryRose86]

@@DaveReadsKing thank you 🙏🏼

[@user-mi4ik1xx8y]

happy birthday, bro.

[@coldweekeneds4324]

I’m honestly happy with You Like It Darker, unlike Fairy Tale and Holly. These short stories are really really good. Rattlesnakes is so amazing and a really good sequel to Cujo. I’ve also been aware of Finn back in 2022, although I’ve never had the change read it, but happy it went into this short story collection, it’s really good. Actually all those short stories are amazing. I hope Stephen King makes more stories like this and not about freaking Holly Gibney!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Same!

[@knittenpurl4274]

I love the close-ups of the first pages. That paper texture looks wondrous.

[@DaveReadsKing]

It’s definitely a nice edition 😊

[@michaelmoore5471]

You got me hooked on Stephen King, thanks for the honest review. Looking forward to reading my copy

[@DaveReadsKing]

Excellent! My work is done!

[@michaelmoore5471]

@@DaveReadsKing Keep up the good work

[@DaveReadsKing]

@michaelmoore5471 I’ll do my best, thank you!

[@michaelmoore5471]

@@DaveReadsKing Who is your next favourite author for horror ?

[@DaveReadsKing]

@michaelmoore5471 good question! I also really like Joe Hill, Grady Hendrix, Caitlin Marceau, Jamie Stewart, Jack Harding, Kealan Patrick Burke, Rowan Hill, and Michael R Goodwin

[@QueenCityHistory]

You forgot the mention in Two Talented Bastids with the mention of Harlow ME and the Methodist road being dirt and then paved like in Revival

[@DaveReadsKing]

Good catches!

[@lukesittenauer4109]

I'm about halfway through, and I'm loving it so far. The only story I've read from it before is Slid in Road.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice!

[@Israel_Abramtzev]

Dear Dave, thank you for your "extended" review,. I watched all the 56:15 minutes and it was very enjoyable. I didn't read the book yet, but I'll share with you my thoughts, as soon as i read the book......Until then, wish you a pleasant sunday.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Same to you!

[@julesb7783]

Great review, can't wait to get my teeth into this collection.

[@DaveReadsKing]

😊😊😊

[@hellebartelsen8208]

My top 3: 1) Rattlesnakes 2) On Slide Inn Road 3) Laurie. Rattlesnakes is definitely the best one and it was genuinely scary. Apparently, I have a thing for his Florida stories. I almost put Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream as number three. I get your criticisms, and I thought the ending was a bit forced and too hurried somehow, but I had such fun reading it!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice top 3! And I get you on Danny Coughlin - I enjoyed reading it, but I just wanted a bit more bang for my buck

[@isobelryan818]

Thanks for this! Love your channel!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thanks!

[@user-cy1bt8qu7z]

❤❤❤❤ I love Stephen king currently reading Lisney s story

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! I love Lisey’s Story!

[@langreeves6419]

Great Novel!

[@JThomasS]

I’m finding Lisey’s story hard to digest… half way through atm, a lot of it I find myself skim reading as it meanders so much😅

[@langreeves6419]

@@JThomasS I don't think it would be very enjoyable if you just skim read.

[@aidenbrightmore5068]

Hey dude! this is my first time on your channel. Currently reading You Like It Darker and loving it. Loved the video dude!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thanks so much!

[@RealHollarius]

Really enjoyed the book. Especially the longer stories. I was really invested in Danny Coughlin, loved Rattlesnakes and especially the Answer Man. Red screen and The Fifth Step on the other hand, felt like already heard twice. After reading Willie the Weirdo a second time ... I like it. But the end is too close to a very old story ...

[@DaveReadsKing]

I’m with you on Willie. Rattlesnakes was the champion got me - such a clever way to do a Cujo sequel

[@scottwoods8496]

Great job Dave! Still reading myself.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! Enjoying it?

[@scottwoods8496]

@@DaveReadsKing Not gonna lie: I'm struggling with it. I love him in short forms, but the ideas are too pat for my taste. But I'm not done yet, so it could turn around!

[@DaveReadsKing]

@scottwoods8496 I can see that for sure. Did you get to Rattlesnakes yet?

[@scottwoods8496]

@@DaveReadsKing Not yet!

[@ericcartman7361]

Since The Long Walk movie is going to start filming in July, I can’t wait to see who they cast as the walkers and The Major. Hoping they go with unknowns for the walkers and an A-lister for The Major, but most important, the movie needs to be good

[@DaveReadsKing]

Yep! If the movie is good I don’t care who they cast

[@jaymckay4086]

Got the book a day before release date and absolutely devoured it. My favorite story is maybe Two Talented Bastids, Willie The Weirdo ( which I can't understand why no one likes it), the Answer Man, and The Dreamers. Cheers from Bangor!!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! For me, I didn’t like Willie the Weirdo as it felt like a weak remix of Gramma…it was just unsatisfying

[@jaymckay4086]

@DaveReadsKing I didn't get Gramma vibes but I liked how the grandfather becomes the kid at the end. So grampa really did see all those historical things. Crazy! Cheers

[@janeeeeee593]

im so excited to read thissss

[@DaveReadsKing]

👍👍👍

[@johnkaufman5474]

'Bates" could also reference Kathy Bates, star of Misery.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Good shout! I think the fact it had an educational slant pushed towards the Carrie reference

[@ashleyswshr]

Great in depth review. Just picked this one up the other day. His short stories are my favorite.

[@DaveReadsKing]

He’s still a master at that particular form of writing!

[@ashleyswshr]

@DaveReadsKing I completely agree. So many people arent fans of his short story collections, but theyre my favorite. There is nothing better than The Man in the Black Suit or Lunch at the Gotham Cafe. I think a lot of people dont like short stories because the endings can be dubious. I like it though, it gives me a thrill.

[@Billthenerd]

Just got it today I hope it’s good!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Enjoy!

[@simonbeech5421]

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Carrie i'm re reading all of King's Novels and short stories, in no particular order. So far i'm 23 books in, including The Dark Tower series and the main novels connected to the DT universe: Stand, Salem's lot, Insomnia, Heart's In Atlantis. It's amazing how much i've enjoyed these old classics and learned so much more on 2nd, 3rd & in some cases 4th reading. I've now stopped with the old for the brand new, and i'm making my way though You like It Darker. Loving this collection. It's up there with his best. Thanks for your reviews Dave, always very informative and entertaining.

[@DaveReadsKing]

You’re welcome! Hope you continue to enjoy your reread!

[@MatthewSantry]

With a title like ‘You like it darker’, I was a bit confused when the first couple of stories were barely ‘dark’ at all. ……and then I got to Rattlesnakes. Holy crap was that a great classic creepy King story! Cujo was my first introduction to King (over 30yrs ago) and I was very nervous about a sequel, but I agree with you, it was great! Great review/video as always.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thanks! And yeah, Rattlesnakes…oof!

[@seppuku-]

Daveeee it’s been a minute, I can’t wait to read this after my current read. Great content as always friend!

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thank you! Good to hear from you again 😊

[@JesseHelsius]

Just finished it today. My rankings from least favorite to most are Red Screen Willie the Weirdo Laurie Finn The Turbulence Expert On Slide Inn Road Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream The Fifth Step Two Talented Bastids The Dreamers The Answer Man Rattlesnakes

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@littleaussierippa]

My feelings on the stories in this book are very mixed. I was initially pretty excited to hear that King was finally getting away from the detective thrillers and delving back into more horrific tales. But upon reading this I'd say it was only ok. The stand out story is Rattlesnakes by a country mile. I loved that one. I quite enjoyed Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream and Two Talented Bastids as well. The others unfortunately didn't really do it for me. I've struggled getting through several of King's books over the last few years. Sleeping Beauties, The Bill Hodges trilogy, Fairy Tale Billy Summers and Holly have all been misses for me. I don't know why but I just can't get into his stuff like I used to.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Fair enough!

[@RZ-fh4xj]

All stories are about aging...someone in each story is dealing with age, be it the main character or a supporting character. Aging is the theme of this book.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Yep, and it makes sense…King himself is an older chap now

[@johnanile1987]

This was a tough one, but these are my top 3: 1) Rattlesnakes 2) Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream 3) Two Talented Bastids

[@MartinPright]

WOOOOHOOOOO🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@DaveReadsKing]

Here we go!

[@katechambers3302]

Okay I live in Florida and you said Laurie was like the cover and the protagonist adopted a puppy. I already know what will happen--spoiler! You are a good literary reviewer.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thank you, appreciate that 😊

[@matthewmedley8532]

Good review. Got my copy today. Can’t wait to read it.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! Enjoy!

[@nigelmilner1514]

Had to do top 4, couldnt seperate 3 and 4. 1. Rattlesnakes (instant top tier King) 2. The Answer Man 3 Two Talented Bastids 4 Danny Coughlins Bad Dream Great review Dave, just finished last night, for me, thisbis as good as short story telling gets, really really enjoyed it. Wont telll you what id ask the answer man, but know this....id be applying for champons league tickets!!!!

[@nigelmilner1514]

For the record, only one I diddn't completely enjoy ws Finn.

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice!

[@violetfemme411]

My copy is coming tomorrow from Amazon. So likely won't get a lot of sleep, as short stories are often my faves. Especially King shorts!💜

[@DaveReadsKing]

Excellent! He is a master of the form!

[@douglasbunch3313]

For once, the US dust cover is better

[@DaveReadsKing]

I generally prefer the US covers, but the grass is always greener etc

[@jayyy4807]

I just ordered this collection today, i cannot wait to read it!

[@DaveReadsKing]

👍👍👍👍

[@matthewmedley8532]

Just ordered it. Great review.

[@violetfemme411]

New sub here. REALLY like your reviewing style. Looking forward to more 💜

[@DaveReadsKing]

Thank you! I should point out this style is how usually tackle the new releases, while I also do shorter 19-point reviews for his back catalogue. But really appreciate you checking this out and subscribing - hope you enjoy what’s on offer here 😊😊

[@Lostinfo_90]

The king of Stephen King

[@DaveReadsKing]

Who? Not me, surely??

[@Lostinfo_90]

@@DaveReadsKing yes YOU!!!

[@DaveReadsKing]

@Lostinfo_90 aw shucks!

[@wesleydraves1281]

I have some theories about two talented Bastids,(spoilers) like how the two aliens could be of the same species as Dandelo and IT, feasting on emotions of the past via salvaged items from soon to die worlds, and giving humans success in fields they have skill in after encounters with them

[@DaveReadsKing]

Hmmm interesting! I like it!

[@mrcolinwee]

Missed the Ramones from Finn

[@DaveReadsKing]

Good catch!

[@BookishDrummer]

1 Danny Coughlin's Bad Dream 2 Two Talented Bastids 3 The Answer Man 4 The Fifth Step 5 On Slide Inn Road 6 Laurie 7 Rattlesnakes 8 The Turbulence Expert 9 Willie the Weirdo 10 The Dreamers 11 Finn 12 Red Screen

[@DaveReadsKing]

Nice! Thanks for sharing 😊

[@Quwice]

I wish i could wach this but im too jealous

[@DaveReadsKing]

It’ll be waiting for you once you’re ready

[@alifeofarcticsounds1375]

Thanks for the spoiler on Finn 😤 usually live your videos but definitely won’t go to you for already read stories anymore

[@DaveReadsKing]

What was the spoiler?

[@heathen6165]

I got more of a Duma Key sequel to Rattlesnakes, than Cujo

[@DaveReadsKing]

I hear you…difficult to escape Cujo with it being told by Vic Trenton though I guess

[@wolverinescratch]

Got it half price at Waterstones

[@parthk5513]

Do you have to read Cujo before rattlesnakes or is it fine? I don't care of cujo is spoilt.

[@DaveReadsKing]

If you don’t care about Cujo spoilers then no, absolutely not - just jump right into Rattlesnakes! It’s a banger!

[@disneyfan5584]

I've read everything by stephen King except recently. There was too much Trump bashing, almost an obsession of his, apparently. Does this book do the same?

[@DaveReadsKing]

There are a few little digs here and there but it’s nothing compared to what it was in Holly

[@disneyfan5584]

@DaveReadsKing Thank you very much. I'll probably check it out. I just don't like too much politics mixed with my entertainment outlets.

[@DaveReadsKing]

@disneyfan5584 this is one of his best collections in decades, definitely worth a go!

[@krixxset2214]

stop breathing into the microphone ffs.....

[@DaveReadsKing]

I didn’t use a mic for this video, only the built-in one on my phone. So the only way to stop breathing into it would have been to not breathe at all. Think before leaving dumb comments ffs…….