Billy Summers

By: Stephen King

Narrated by: Paul Sparks

Master storyteller Stephen King, whose “restless imagination is a power that cannot be contained” (The New York Times Book Review), presents an unforgettable and relentless #1 New York Times bestseller about a good guy in a bad job.

Chances are, if you’re a target of Billy Summers, two immutable truths apply: You’ll never even know what hit you, and you’re really getting what you deserve. He’s a killer for hire and the best in the business—but he’ll do the job only if the assignment is a truly bad person. But now, time is catching up with him, and Billy wants out. Before he can do that though, there’s one last hit, which promises a generous payday at the end of the line even as things don’t seem quite on the level here. Given that Billy is among the most talented snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, and a virtual Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done, what could possibly go wrong? How about everything.

Part war story and part love letter to small-town America and the people who live there, this spectacular thriller of luck, fate, and love will grip readers with its electrifying narrative, as a complex antihero with one last shot at redemption must avenge the crimes of an extraordinarily evil man. You won’t ever forget this stunning novel from master storyteller Stephen King…and you will never forget Billy.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Paul Sparks's performance is so perfect it challenges the listener to stop listening. Sure—just TRY to turn it off! Sparks is fantastic, whether he's giving voice to a fat Mafioso called Pig or a young rape victim who turns to Billy for help or the other colorful characters from King's work. While Billy's character is a tad far-fetched, it fits the definition of antihero—think Showtime's Dexter. And because the story is told in the first person, listeners see the decent person inside the man with blood on his hands."

Loved it.

The narrator took a good minute to get used to and at times his way of pausing after every 3 or 4 words was annoying(my husband hated that more than I did but he liked the story enough to ask me how it all turned out) I barely noticed it after the first chapter. Parts of this reminded me of an old short story about a gang of outlaws, one of whom caught flies & did a magic trick with them & some thread(if you don't know that one, look it up!)
If you're lookin for a super scary or supernatural story you may be disappointed in this one because it isn't one of those but listen anyway because the story is well worth it. I was sad it ended so soon. I wanted it to go on but isn't that what a great story is all about-If you don't want it to end it means you're enjoying it. Some might hate the end, some might love it. As for me, I neither love nor hate it because in my mind the story continues.

Loved the story, but leave it alone King

One of favorite King books! Loved it!!! However, it’s time King let’s his hate for Trump go. the side swipes ever other chapter are annoying and unnecessary-

Was doubtful about the narrator

After listening to the sample I was on the fence about this book. Well to my surprise it was a home run! Narration was amazing, the narrator was a perfect fit for this book. One thing I can't understand is why can't Mr.King write one book without pumping his left wing political beliefs in them. It seems all the characters are Democratic left wing Trump haters in every book he writes.

Thoroughly enjoyable and kept me guessing

I read another review that said the narrator put him to sleep. I disagree stridently. The slightly flat affect is a portrayal of the main character. Without it, it would not have felt nearly as authentic. In addition I was engaged by the meta concept of a book within a book. And of course all those fun Stephen King Easter Eggs (names, locations, etc.). Just delightful, in a sad and creepy way of course.

Paul Sparks

Thank you Stephen King for this wonderful story! Also thank you to Paul Sparks for his wonderful and creative narration. The characters grab you from the beginning and I felt attached to them all the way through. Sorry it’s done, might have to go back and listen again.