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  • The Outsider

  • Written by: Stephen King
  • Narrated by: Will Patton
  • Length: 18 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,401 ratings)

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The Outsider

Written by: Stephen King
Narrated by: Will Patton
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Publisher's Summary

An unspeakable crime. A confounding investigation. At a time when the King brand has never been stronger, he has delivered one of his most unsettling and compulsively listenable stories. 

An 11-year-old boy's violated corpse is found in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City's most popular citizens. He is Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon add DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad. 

As the investigation expands and horrifying answers begin to emerge, King's propulsive story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can. 

©2018 Stephen King (P)2018 Simon & Schuster

What the critics say

"Narrator Will Patton turns this story into an audio blockbuster.... King's usual sprawling cast of characters is also present, and suffice it to say that Patton does them all justice." (AudioFile)

Featured Article: Stephen King’s 32 Best Audiobooks: The Definitive List

Stephen King is one of the most prolific authors of all time. He has published 61 novels, more than 200 short stories, and six nonfiction books—and he shows no sign of stopping. With such an extensive portfolio, choosing one audiobook can be daunting. We’ve compiled a list of the 32 best Stephen King audiobooks to make the choice easier. Whether you’re looking to get stuck into one of his creepy, classic stories or a sci-fi novella, you’ll find a title on this list that will get your heart racing.

What listeners say about The Outsider

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not a Waste of Time

First Stephen King novel I’ve ever read/ listened too. I enjoyed the story- it got a bit predictable in the middle and end.

If you’re looking for horror, this story is not for you. It’s more of a police procedural story with some science fiction elements.

-Kyle

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24 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

King is at it, again!

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook!

King is a master storyteller, and this is another home run.

A gripping story, that doesn’t let you go. It was well narrated and just sucked me right in.

A future classic, for sure.

Highly recommended!

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Horrifying and Creepy!!!

This book is a perfect combination of old school crime drama and supernatural suspense. Stephen King’s writing displays it’s quality here.

The blend of characters, crime and eerie supernatural mystery is presented with the expert mixture that left me feeling uneasy and shocked.

Will Patton did a fantastic job of giving life to the characters and situations.

Truly suspenseful and amazingly creepy. WONDERFUL

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Its okay.

One of the main character is female and it was almost comical listening to this narrator's rendition of her voice. It really took away from the story for me but it was an okay listen on a 12 hour drive nonetheless.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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This was fantastic!

This was my first Stephen King novel and I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the suspense, the characters and plot.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Disturbing but exceptional

This is disturbing scariness that sticks with you. I suggest you listen to it with the lights on and a crowd of people nearby. The voices are spectacular and Patton really added to the terrified enjoyment I experienced.

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3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Interesting build with a very bland ending

The story was interesting for the most part, especially near the middle but after the initial trip to Marysville, the book goes downhill with a very rushed and uninteresting death of the antagonist.

The narrator was fantastic and did an exceptional job of telling the story with his various characters. Definitely made the entire thing tolerable.

Purchased mainly to listen to alongside the release of the HBO series and it really makes the show more clear. Overall I do not regret listening by any means just not a favorite.

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2 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Just Awful

I don’t know what is worse, the writing or the narrator who can’t decide whether he is reading a 1930s detective novella or a western. The characters are flat, the writing is simple and the dialogue is just ludicrous. The female characters are the worst. Who shouts “help my man” when her husband is shot. If this book didn’t have King’s name on it then it wouldn’t have been published. I can’t believe there is even one 5-star review. Must be from bots created by the publisher. Just awful.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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captivating story

my husband and I enjoyed many hours of listening. We would discuss what's next in the story.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

one of the best from King

Outstanding performance. Will Patton did a fantastic job. His Holly was so endearing. I'm not a bit King fan but did enjoy this one.

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