Home > Announcements > You Like It Darker, a new collection of stories, is coming in May 2024

You Like It Darker, a new collection of stories, is coming in May 2024

November 7, 2023

Hodder & Stoughton is thrilled to announce the publication of You Like It Darker, a new collection of stories by international bestseller Stephen King. Hodder will publish in hardback, eBook and audiobook, and in trade paperback for Australia and New Zealand on 21st May 2024.

The collection of twelve thrilling stories, many of which have never been published before, will be the cornerstone of a landmark year for Stephen King, as 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of Carrie, his first published novel. Half a century later, he continues to entrance readers with his dazzling versatility and storytelling prowess, turning his hand to a range of genres and enjoying both critical and commercial success. King’s two most recent novels, Fairy Tale and Holly, went straight to No. 1 in both the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller lists, as did his last collection of stories If It Bleeds.

‘You like it darker? Fine, so do I’, writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection that delves into the darker part of life – both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read.

‘Two Talented Bastids’ explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In ‘Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream’, a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In ‘Rattlesnakes’, a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance – with major strings attached. In ‘The Dreamers’, a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. ‘The Answer Man’ asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

Philippa Pride, Stephen King’s UK editor, says: ‘You Like It Darker is a powerful collection of deeply satisfying long stories and short tales with unexpected twists. We at Hodder are so excited to champion this book by the ultimate storyteller, who has long been a master of the short fiction form. The book’s publication will play a key part in a major anniversary year for Stephen King. There is a story here for every reader, which will continue to resonate long after they have finished the book – from the terrifying sound of a squeaky wheel on a double stroller to the heartwarming feeling of a puppy protecting her master. Nobody does it better!’

PRE-ORDER NOW!

For UK readers, we are delighted to announce three exclusive editions of You Like It Darker, available to pre-order now!

The Independent Bookshop Edition will feature an exclusive hidden cover design. Pre-order from your favourite Indie! (links below)