53 pages 1 hour read

Stephen King

Billy Summers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Billy Summers by Stephen King is a 2021 thriller which follows Billy Summers, a 44-year-old Iraq war veteran and former Marine sniper turned contract killer who only targets "bad guys." As he takes on his final job of assassinating another hitman, Joel Allen, complications arise, forcing Billy to navigate unexpected challenges while preparing his escape and assuming his new identity. This novel contains depictions of sexual violence and rape, allusions to pedophilia and child abuse, graphic violence, and the use of bigoted and racist language, including racial slurs.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stephen King's Billy Summers is praised for its engrossing storytelling and well-developed protagonist. The novel masterfully blends crime and thriller elements, keeping readers hooked. However, some critics find the pacing uneven, with occasional lulls in excitement. Overall, it remains a compelling read that showcases King's narrative prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Billy Summers?

A reader who would enjoy Billy Summers by Stephen King is likely a fan of suspenseful thrillers with rich character development and moral complexity. Similar readers might also appreciate The Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn for their gripping plots and psychological depth.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Literature

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Self Discovery

Topics

Trauma / Abuse / Violence