The Outsider by Stephen King
Genres: Romance, LGBTQ+, Romcom
Pages: 576
Cover: Paperback
Age rating: 14+
Buy on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
​
​
​
​
An unimaginable offense. A confusing study. King has produced one of his most disturbing and engrossing stories at a time when his brand has never been stronger. The body of an eleven-year-old boy is discovered in a town park.
Fingerprints and eyewitnesses identify one of Flint City's most well-liked residents. He is Terry Maitland, a husband, father of two kids, English teacher, and Little League coach. A swift and highly visible arrest is made by Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland used to coach. Anderson and the district attorney quickly supplemented Maitland's alibi with DNA evidence in addition to the fingerprints and witnesses. They appear to have a strong case.
King's gripping narrative accelerates as the inquiry deepens and terrifying revelations start to surface, creating intense tension and nearly intolerable suspense. Although Terry Maitland appears like a good man, is he hiding something? As only Stephen King can, you will be shocked when the answer is revealed.
SPOIL ALERT!
I LOVE THIS BOOK. IT WAS ONE OF THE CUTEST, MOST ADORABLE, AND FUZZY THINGS I HAVE EVER READ. Now, I rarely read romcom, but this one had my whole heart. First of all, the dialogues were hilarious. I remember laughing out loud so many times while reading this. The dynamic between Dylan and Jonah was adorable and endearing; it's so enjoyable to see how they started annoyed at each other, then warmed up and became more open, becoming each other's person.
​
Jonah is a diva. Passing out on the bed of your opponent because you are drunk after you ask him to fight you, yep, one way to make an introduction. I love his relationship with his sisters; it's heartwarming and so sweet. He's basically a single mom at this point. Dylan is THE MAN, seriously, where are these green flag men in real life? He's caring, introverted, lowkey, compassionate, and THAT ONE SCENE where he asks Jonah to name space facts while kissing Jonah, the buzz was insane. Their banter and kiss with each other were my favorite things; it felt so natural and sweet.
​
The character development here was so good as well. What made this romance stand out to me is that the characters' arc just doesn't revolve around them being with each other, it tackles their struggle and daily lives as well, and how they learn to overcome those independently.
​
​