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

Stephen King

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Later reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Later | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Later and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Later Summary and Study Guide

Background

Later Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 10

Later Prologue-Chapter 10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-20

Later Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-30

Later Chapters 21-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-40

Later Chapters 31-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-50

Later Chapters 41-50 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 51-60

Later Chapters 51-60 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 61-69

Later Chapters 61-69 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Later Character Analysis

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Themes

Later Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Later Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Later Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Later Essay Topics

Later Further Reading & Resources

Later

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Later?

Reading Age

Book Details