A review of Stephen King’s You Like It Darker—dark twists, unforgettable stories, and a few forgettable ones. Find out which tales are worth your time.
Stephen King’s You Like It Darker: A Mixed Bag of Twists and Terrors
Stephen King and I have something in common: we both like things a little darker. You Like It Darker is his latest short story collection, and—like most anthologies—it offers a bit of everything: the brilliant, the decent, and the forgettable.
If you’re curious whether this one delivers King at his best, here’s my breakdown of the highs, the lows, and the ones that just didn’t stick.
Favorites That Hit the Mark
“Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream” – A Standout Suspense Tale
This was my personal favorite. The premise? A man dreams of a murder and later stumbles upon the real crime scene. Think The Outsider, but more compact and focused. Tension, pacing, payoff—this one nails it. 5/5 without question.
“Rattlesnakes” – A Surprising Return to Cujo
Fans of Cujo will find this one intriguing—it follows Vic Trenton years later. While there are supernatural elements, it’s the emotional undercurrent that truly resonates. Proof that King’s writing can cut deeper than fear.
“The Answer Man” – Philosophical and Chilling
What if someone could answer any question—truthfully, no matter how painful? This story walks the line between creepy and contemplative. It’s clever, haunting, and lingers long after you finish.
Middle of the Road: Good, But Not Great
Some stories had great premises but lacked lasting impact. Still enjoyable, but not ones I’ll be thinking about a month from now.
“Willie the Weirdo” – Quirky and fast-paced, but doesn’t quite land.
“Red Screen” – A solid concept, but a bit too short to truly hit.
“The Turbulence Expert” – Intriguing setup, but fizzles by the end.
“Laurie” – A slower, emotional piece featuring a man, a dog, and… a crocodile.
“Two Talented Bastids” – Promising title, but ultimately underwhelming.
Misses: The Ones That Didn’t Land
Even King swings and misses sometimes. These stories didn’t leave much of a mark for me:
“The Fifth Step” – Forgotten almost as quickly as it was read.
“Finn” – Had potential, but left me unmoved.
“On Slide Inn Road” – A promising premise, but it didn’t pay off.
Final Thoughts: Is You Like It Darker Worth Reading?
As with most short story collections, you take the gems and let the rest fade. You Like It Darker definitely has moments of brilliance—particularly “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” “Rattlesnakes,” and “The Answer Man.”
If you’re craving Stephen King without the full novel commitment, this collection delivers a solid (if uneven) reading experience. It’s perfect for fans who enjoy dark themes, twisty tales, and quick dips into the eerie and unexpected.
Have You Read You Like It Darker?
Which stories stood out to you? Did any hit harder—or fall flatter—than expected?
Share your favorites in the comments. I’d love to hear what stayed with you.