You Like It Darker: Stories

Written by Stephen King

Narrated by Stephen King and Will Patton

From legendary storyteller and master of short fiction Stephen King comes an extraordinary new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER.

“You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that delve into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in You Like It Darker, readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

“Two Talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: May 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9781797174631

Stephen King

Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. Among his most recent are 11/22/63, Under the Dome, and the Dark Tower novels Cell, From a Buick 8, Everything's Eventual, Hearts in Atlantis, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, and Bag of Bones. His acclaimed nonfiction book, On Writing, was also a bestseller. He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

Reviews for You Like It Darker

[Cheri Karr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it. The involvement of past characters from other books was unexpected.

[Sean Bigard · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great collection of short stories from the horror King!

[Collette Hamilton · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sooooo Gooood! Mr. King never disappoints. I will never think of rattlesnakes the same way.

[astowers0613 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Despite Stephen King’s own admission that he struggles with writing short stories, I’ve always been a huge fan of his short story collections. YLID is no exception. I loved this book, and as always, Will Patton is an extraordinary narrator. I hope he continues to narrate more of King’s work in the future because I find myself going back to re-listen to all of the books he’s read thus far over and over again. His narration just sucks me into the story and doesn’t let go. Absolutely phenomenal.

[Misty Holloway · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a great read! I loved the new and old short stories!!!

[Sheila Panegasser · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing, as always. Mr King has the ability to: put you on the edge of your seat, make your skin crawl, bring a warm thoughtful smile to your face. I’ll be able to listen to this over and over.

[Sylvania Chadwick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

King may have a hard time writing short stories, but boy does he excel at it!

[evan small · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent as always. Some stories have that classic King style, but all of them were great.