END OF WATCH (Bill Hodges Trilogy #3) by Stephen King ⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Original review written August 22, 2019)

*Spoilers Ahead*

A great finish to a super consistent trilogy!

Hodges and Brady play classic enemies, born to hate each other yet unable to disconnect completely. And finally, their dangerous dance comes to a close. The supernatural elements are a helpful back-to-basics for King, though somehow still not as compelling as the hidden treasure plot of Finders Keepers. Nonetheless, this is a solid end to his foray into detective fiction, one that’s included memorable characters and now has a finale that truly feels complete.

I have to say, King is so great at these simplistically emotional endings, which provide such a nice payoff for your journey with his characters. Sometimes you can see it coming, especially because King loves to drop nuggets of foreshadowing to create some heavy tension and make your inner child hope it won’t go the way you know it will. But no matter the knowing, he’s still able to make those moments striking and deep. If you want to know what the deepest of his hits feels like, read 11/22/63. You’ll know when you get there.