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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Emotional

- Later was published by Hard Case Crime, a publisher known for pulp-style novels, marking Stephen King's third collaboration with them after The Colorado Kid and Joyland.
- In a nod to the publishing style of Hard Case Crime, Later includes a vintage-style cover and tagline reminiscent of mid-20th-century crime novels.
- Stephen King incorporates elements of horror and crime fiction in Later, a blend that showcases his versatility as an author outside his usual horror genre.

**Jamie Conklin**  
A young boy with a supernatural ability to see the dead, whose journey from innocence to adulthood involves navigating the complexities of his unique gift while maintaining a belief in human decency.

**Tia Conklin**  
Jamie's overprotective mother, who struggles with balancing her protective instincts with the challenges posed by her son's supernatural ability.

**Elizabeth “Liz” Dutton**  
A complex figure who transitions from a supportive role in Jamie’s life to one involving conflict, as her personal struggles begin to affect those around her.

**Kenneth Therriault (“Thumper”)/The Deadlight**  
A serial bomber who becomes embroiled in supernatural horror elements, complicating the typical adversarial role found in crime stories.

**Uncle Harry Conklin**  
A largely absent figure in Jamie's life due to early onset Alzheimer’s, yet he symbolizes familial connections and personal challenges.

**Professor Marty Burkett**  
An academic who provides Jamie with crucial knowledge and mentorship, aiding his understanding of his supernatural encounters.

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 10

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Chapters 11-20

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Chapters 21-30

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Chapters 31-40

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Chapters 41-50

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Chapters 51-60

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Chapters 61-69

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Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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