Gerald's Game

Let me set the scene for you here. A husband, a wife, a secluded cabin in Maine, a bed, and a pair of handcuffs. You could probably guess where this is going; I thought I did, but this single-location thriller is an incredibly enthralling read that only the master of suspense could provide.

Without saying too much more, Jess, the main character, is left chained to the bed after a not-so-hot and heavy session with her husband. Certainly, they left a note with the family on when to expect them back. Not so fast there. Maybe they wanted to keep their kinky getaway a secret, or maybe this was all planned as something much more sinister.

Our main character is put through the ringer in this novel. Not only is she coming full circle with her past, but she witnesses some pretty hairy things in the room as well. Let's just say it involves a bit of “misery” and elements from a book featuring a St. Bernard, if you catch my drift.

As Jess conjures up the ability to escape from her perilous position, she is struck with flashbacks and ominous voices that really add a spark to the situation. These voices and flashbacks give us insight into her past and current psyche. It is a troubled one, as you can imagine coming from King, and each chapter ratchets up the tension to a surprising conclusion.

One more quick note that I mentioned in an update: Jessie is constantly worried about a glass of ice water leaving rings and water spots on the nightstand. Now that this is next-level OCD neurosis, I can definitely appreciate it and would be worried about myself.