Billy Summers Audiobook By Stephen King cover art

Billy Summers

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Billy Summers

By: Stephen King
Narrated by: Paul Sparks
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Master storyteller Stephen King, whose “restless imagination is a power that cannot be contained” (The New York Times Book Review), presents an unforgettable and relentless #1 New York Times bestseller about a good guy in a bad job.

Chances are, if you’re a target of Billy Summers, two immutable truths apply: You’ll never even know what hit you, and you’re really getting what you deserve. He’s a killer for hire and the best in the business—but he’ll do the job only if the assignment is a truly bad person. But now, time is catching up with him, and Billy wants out. Before he can do that though, there’s one last hit, which promises a generous payday at the end of the line even as things don’t seem quite on the level here. Given that Billy is among the most talented snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, and a virtual Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done, what could possibly go wrong? How about everything.

Part war story and part love letter to small-town America and the people who live there, this spectacular thriller of luck, fate, and love will grip readers with its electrifying narrative, as a complex antihero with one last shot at redemption must avenge the crimes of an extraordinarily evil man. You won’t ever forget this stunning novel from master storyteller Stephen King…and you will never forget Billy. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Crime Action & Adventure Mystery Thriller & Suspense Crime Thrillers Fiction Suspense Thriller Exciting Scary
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Critic reviews

"Narrator Paul Sparks's performance is so perfect it challenges the listener to stop listening. Sure—just TRY to turn it off! Sparks is fantastic, whether he's giving voice to a fat Mafioso called Pig or a young rape victim who turns to Billy for help or the other colorful characters from King's work. While Billy's character is a tad far-fetched, it fits the definition of antihero—think Showtime's Dexter. And because the story is told in the first person, listeners see the decent person inside the man with blood on his hands."
Complex Protagonist • Layered Storytelling • Distinct Character Voices • Emotional Depth • Unexpected Plot Turns

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The narrator took a good minute to get used to and at times his way of pausing after every 3 or 4 words was annoying(my husband hated that more than I did but he liked the story enough to ask me how it all turned out) I barely noticed it after the first chapter. Parts of this reminded me of an old short story about a gang of outlaws, one of whom caught flies & did a magic trick with them & some thread(if you don't know that one, look it up!)
If you're lookin for a super scary or supernatural story you may be disappointed in this one because it isn't one of those but listen anyway because the story is well worth it. I was sad it ended so soon. I wanted it to go on but isn't that what a great story is all about-If you don't want it to end it means you're enjoying it. Some might hate the end, some might love it. As for me, I neither love nor hate it because in my mind the story continues.

Loved it.

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After listening to the sample I was on the fence about this book. Well to my surprise it was a home run! Narration was amazing, the narrator was a perfect fit for this book. One thing I can't understand is why can't Mr.King write one book without pumping his left wing political beliefs in them. It seems all the characters are Democratic left wing Trump haters in every book he writes.

Was doubtful about the narrator

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I read another review that said the narrator put him to sleep. I disagree stridently. The slightly flat affect is a portrayal of the main character. Without it, it would not have felt nearly as authentic. In addition I was engaged by the meta concept of a book within a book. And of course all those fun Stephen King Easter Eggs (names, locations, etc.). Just delightful, in a sad and creepy way of course.

Thoroughly enjoyable and kept me guessing

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Thank you Stephen King for this wonderful story! Also thank you to Paul Sparks for his wonderful and creative narration. The characters grab you from the beginning and I felt attached to them all the way through. Sorry it’s done, might have to go back and listen again.

Paul Sparks

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Phenomenal. Simply blown away by this.

I don’t know where to start honestly.

The text is some of the most inspired and, frankly, fresh storytelling King has put out in a long long time. I’m a lifer as far as Stephen King is concerned. Dude is my ride or die and this blew me away. Billy Summers will live right alongside Jack Torrance, Pennywise, Annie Wilkes, Carrie White, Bill Hodges, Andy Dufrense, Bill Denbrough and the Loser’s Club, Roland, Eddie, Susannah, Jake and Oy.

This is King giving us a crime novel that doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel by any means but it does what the author does best: deliver characterization, build a sense of place, and give us a reason to give a damn. By the time the back half of the story begins and we’re introduced to another important character, the narrative shifting to a different feel entirely, he found ways to surprise me nonetheless. Genuinely loved this and found myself unable to stop listening outside of when I absolutely had to during work, etc. Kept finding reasons to run errands, take long drives, just anything to keep listening.

I was initially unsure of the narration/performance here from Paul Sparks but my doubts disappeared about fifteen minutes in once he started establishing his voice for Billy, the various ancillary characters and then some. I’m looking forward to hearing more of Paul’s work on future King books honestly. Knocked it out of the park.

One of King’s best in the past decade

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