62 pages • 2 hours read
Stephen KingLater
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Later, young Jamie Conklin grapples with adult challenges due to his ability to see and communicate with ghosts. His gift provides critical information to his mother, Tia, while attracting the dangerous interests of her girlfriend, Liz, a corrupt cop. As Jamie uses his ability to prevent disasters, he also confronts the sinister, lingering spirit of a serial bomber who defies the usual limitations of the deceased and poses an ongoing threat. The book addresses incest, death by suicide, a suicide attempt, and child death, with problematic conflations of mental health conditions and criminality.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Stephen King's Later is praised for its gripping narrative and well-developed characters. Critics appreciate the blend of crime and supernatural elements, highlighting King's unique storytelling. However, some reviewers find the plot predictable and the ending underwhelming. Overall, Later is noted for engaging prose but falls short for those seeking a twist-filled thriller.
Who Should Read Later?
A reader who enjoys Later by Stephen King is likely fond of supernatural elements mixed with a crime thriller narrative. Fans of The Sixth Sense and Stephen King's own The Institute will appreciate the mystery, suspense, and young protagonist in Later. They revel in dark twists and character-driven plots.