Never Flinch: A Novel by Stephen King

Accolades

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2025:

• The New York Times Book Review
• AV Club, Variety
• The Boston Globe
• The Minneapolis Star Tribune
• Vulture
• Men’s Health
• Book Riot
• The New York Post
• Goodreads
• AARP
• Paste
• and more!

Synopsis

From master storyteller Stephen King comes an extraordinary new novel with intertwining storylines—one about a killer on a diabolical revenge mission and another about a vigilante targeting a feminist celebrity speaker—featuring the beloved Holly Gibney and a dynamic new cast of characters.

When the Buckeye City Police Department receives a disturbing letter from a person threatening to “kill thirteen innocents and one guilty” in “an act of atonement for the needless death of an innocent man,” Detective Izzy Jaynes has no idea what to think. Are fourteen citizens about to be slaughtered in an unhinged act of retribution? As the investigation unfolds, Izzy realizes that the letter writer is deadly serious, and she turns to her friend Holly Gibney for help.

Meanwhile, controversial and outspoken women’s rights activist Kate McKay is embarking on a multi-state lecture tour, drawing packed venues of both fans and detractors. Someone who vehemently opposes Kate’s message of female empowerment is targeting her and disrupting her events. At first, no one is hurt, but the stalker is growing bolder, and Holly is hired to be Kate’s bodyguard—a challenging task with a headstrong employer and a determined adversary driven by wrath and his belief in his own righteousness.

Featuring a riveting cast of characters both old and new, including world-famous gospel singer Sista Bessie and an unforgettable villain addicted to murder, these twinned narratives converge in a chilling and spectacular conclusion—a feat of storytelling only Stephen King could pull off.

Thrilling, wildly fun, and outrageously engrossing, Never Flinch is one of King’s richest and most propulsive novels.

Acclaim and High Praise for Never Flinch

"King interweaves two story lines in his latest novel, bringing back the brilliant and eccentric investigator Holly Gibney. King raises the stakes — and the body count — as the twin plots converge, with a cast of new and familiar characters searching for answers."
—The New York Times

"Holly is one of the most appealing investigators in contemporary crime fiction... Never Flinch contains King’s trademark chilling moments, with the two storylines expertly entwined."
—The Guardian

"King’s latest is a tale of two intertwining narratives: the hunt for a potential serial killer in Buckeye City and a women’s rights activist dealing with a dangerous stalker. As both narratives unfold, they barrel toward an explosive collision with a thrilling conclusion."
—AV Club

“Breathtaking… King shines when it comes to depicting evil, so it’s no surprise that he’s created two chilling killers... haunting.”
—BookPage

“King has proven over and over again that you simply can’t miss whatever he comes up with next.”
—Paste Magazine

“Explosive and shocking.”
—Men’s Health

“The indisputable king…a new Stephen King novel is a special event.”
—Den of Geek

“We can’t wait…will be fascinating.”
—Vulture

“Chilling…another goosebump-worthy ride…”
—Her Campus

"King keeps us in a constant state of edge-of-our-seat suspense. This is Stephen King at his finest, and an absolute must-read for his fans.”
—Booklist

“There is real suspense in the dual narratives and the actions of an increasingly off-kilter villain. Fans will find a lot to love here.”
—Library Journal

“Elegantly structured and sharply written, this moody mystery from the master of horror is a must-read.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred review

Book Details

• ISBN-13: 9781668089330
• ISBN-10: 1668089335
• Availability: InStock
• Publisher: Scribner
• Publication Date: 2025-05-27
• Page Count: 448 pages

Genres

• • Literature & Fiction > Thrillers > Psychological
  • Literature & Fiction > Thrillers > Suspense
  • Literature & Fiction > Horror

About the Author: Stephen King

Stephen Edwin King, born September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, is a highly acclaimed and prolific American author known for his horror, supernatural fiction, and suspense novels. He is often referred to as "The King" or "The King of Horror". King's books have sold over 350 million copies worldwide and many of his works have been adapted into successful films and television series.

Early Life and Career:

King grew up in Maine with his mother after his parents separated when he was a toddler. He attended the University of Maine, where he wrote for the school newspaper and met his future wife, Tabitha Spruce.

• After graduating, he taught high school English while continuing to write short stories.
• His first novel, Carrie, was published in 1974, launching his career as a horror author.

Literary Works:

• King has written over fifty novels, two hundred short stories, and nine collections of short fiction.
• His works include The Shining, The Stand, The Dead Zone, and It.
• He also wrote under the pseudonym Richard Bachman.
• Many of his novels and short stories have been adapted into films, including The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, 1408 and Misery.

Personal Life:

• King is married to Tabitha Spruce and they have three children: Naomi, Joe, and Owen.
• He is also a philanthropist, supporting education and community programs through his foundation.
• King has battled drug addiction in the past, but he has overcome it and is now a recovered addict.