Summary
Author: Stephen King (b. 1947)
Publisher: Scribner (New York). 448 pp.
Type of work: Novel
Time: Primarily 2016
Locale: Unnamed midwestern city, United States
In "End of Watch," the thrilling conclusion to Stephen King's Bill Hodges trilogy, the notorious Brady Hartsfield returns with a sinister new approach. Using his mind-bending abilities, he coercively drives his victims to take their own lives. As Bill, Holly, and Jerome race against time to thwart the plans of this once-dubbed Mercedes Killer, they face a perilous battle to prevent him from escalating his deadly influence.
Key Characters
Kermit “Bill” Hodges, a former police detective who now works as a private investigator
Holly Gibney, his exceptionally intelligent but socially awkward partner
Jerome Robinson, his ex-neighbor and a current college student
Brady Hartsfield, a.k.a. Mr. Mercedes, a diabolical killer trapped in a dysfunctional body
Dr. Babineau, one of Brady’s attending physicians
Barbara “Barbie” Robinson, Jerome’s younger sister
Pete Huntley, Bill’s former colleague from the police department
Isabelle Jaynes, Pete’s ambitious new detective partner
Overview of the Trilogy
Stephen King launched his Bill Hodges trilogy with Mr. Mercedes in 2014, setting the stage with the retired detective Kermit William “Bill” Hodges. The tale opens in 2009 with a shocking incident where a Mercedes sedan plows through a crowd waiting for a job fair, leaving eight dead. This act of terror, orchestrated by the psychopath Brady Hartsfield, goes unsolved—until Bill, despite his retirement, takes up the challenge of the case, determined to bring Mr. Mercedes to justice.
Bill's journey in Mr. Mercedes introduces him to Holly Gibney, an awkward yet indispensable ally, and his teenage neighbor Jerome Robinson. Together, they thwart Hartsfield’s murderous ambitions. In the subsequent novel, Finders Keepers (2015), the trio embarks on a new venture, running a detective agency. Although this installment diverges into a new mystery, it sustains the character development and overarching narrative established in Mr. Mercedes.
Return to the Horror Roots
The final installment, End of Watch, reintroduces Brady Hartsfield with a chilling twist, rekindling the supernatural elements for which King is renowned. While maintaining the gritty, suspenseful atmosphere of its predecessors, this novel brings the trilogy full circle by intertwining horror with the detective thriller genre. The focus returns to the intricate character portrayals of Bill and Brady, with Holly's character receiving deeper exploration, further enriching the narrative.
The book’s title, End of Watch, symbolizes the conclusion of Bill's career and his relentless pursuit of justice. Although Bill retired years ago, this story marks his definitive farewell to detective work. His obsession with the unresolved Mercedes Killer case, combined with his mentorship of Holly, highlights both his stubborn perseverance and his tender-hearted nature. As he unravels the mystery of Brady's newfound criminal activities, Bill’s intellect and profound understanding of the case become increasingly apparent.
Brady Hartsfield's Evolution
Central to the plot is Brady Hartsfield, whose return from a debilitating brain injury defies logic. Six years after his defeat in the first book, Brady acquires extraordinary abilities, including telekinesis and the power to project his consciousness into others. These abilities enable him to unleash a fresh wave of terror, manipulating those around him to execute his deadly schemes.
Interwoven Themes and Character Development
The narrative of End of Watch intricately weaves character growth with thematic depth. The prologue echoes a scene from Mr. Mercedes that foreshadows the novel's central focus—the massacre orchestrated by Brady Hartsfield. Right from the start, readers are drawn into Bill’s personal struggle with a lingering health issue, which casts a shadow over his fate.
King immediately...
(This entire section contains 1094 words.)
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redirects attention by immersing Bill in the investigation of Martine Stover's death, a survivor of the original massacre. Bill's former partner, Pete, alerts him to a murder-suicide involving Martine and her mother. At the scene, Holly uncovers a crucial piece of evidence—a Zappit Commander, a seemingly innocuous gaming device, that plays a central role in Brady's chilling plan.
Dangerous Technology
This gaming console, distributed among survivors of Hartsfield’s previous attack, becomes the linchpin of his new strategy. Holly's computer expertise pits her against Brady’s technological manipulations. The Zappit device hypnotizes its users, allowing Brady to plant suicidal thoughts in their minds.
Brady targets not only the massacre survivors but also teenagers from a previous failed attack, including Jerome’s sister, Barbara. Her close brush with death highlights the insidious nature of Brady’s psychological warfare.
Pseudonyms and Manipulation
The Zappit also inspires Brady’s new alias, "Z." He manipulates two key individuals: Library Al, who adopts the name "Z-Boy," and Dr. Babineau, who becomes "Dr. Z." Both are manipulated pawns in Brady’s malevolent game, ultimately becoming casualties of his deadly ambitions.
Exploring Themes of Control and Suicide
Electronic mind control becomes a pivotal theme, as Brady turns suicide into his weapon of choice. Having introduced this theme in Mr. Mercedes, where both Bill and Olivia Trelawney grappled with suicidal ideation, King now elevates it to Brady's primary method of murder. The author concludes with a compassionate note urging those struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek help.
Ironic Conclusions
The novel concludes with poignant irony, sealing the fates of both Brady and Bill. As the tension peaks, Bill learns of his terminal pancreatic cancer, which propels him to resolve the case before his final "end of watch." Brady’s demise is equally ironic, mirroring the destruction he once wielded.
Non-linear Narration
King employs a non-linear narrative approach, interspersing flashbacks to Brady’s formative years throughout the novel. These glimpses into his past offer insight into his evolution but may disorient some readers. The scattered memories of his victims also enrich the narrative by elucidating their susceptibility to Brady's mental manipulations.
Critical Reception
The novel received largely favorable reviews. Daniel Kraus of Booklist praised King’s endearing protagonists and the unique murder method, while Cliff Glaviano from Library Journal appreciated the genre blend. The Publishers Weekly reviewer commended King for his fresh take on recurring themes, affirming that fans will relish the spine-chilling return to horror intertwined with suspense.
Review Sources
- Review of End of Watch, by Stephen King. Kirkus Reviews, 1 Apr. 2016, p. 16.
- Review of End of Watch, by Stephen King. Publishers Weekly, 25 Apr. 2016, p. 71.
- Glaviano, Cliff. Review of End of Watch, by Stephen King, read by Will Patton. Library Journal, 15 Sept. 2016, pp. 51–52.
- Kraus, Daniel. Review of End of Watch, by Stephen King. Booklist, 15 Apr. 2016, p. 24.
- Parks, Tim. “The Pleasures of Reading Stephen King.” Review of End of Watch, et al., by Stephen King. The New York Review of Books, 13 Oct. 2016, www.nybooks.com/articles/2016/10/13/pleasures-of-reading-stephen-king/. Accessed 5 Dec. 2016.
