I've been sitting on this one for awhile. I've wanted to read it ever since it was released and for some reason or other I only just recently got around to it. I loved this one. It isn't my favorite King novel, but it's probably top ten. I'm already wondering how quickly I can get my hands on Finders Keepers (and Hodges #3) and wondering if it would be better if they shot straight up to the top of my To-Read list and I read them all back to back. 
 This book is full of cliches. The serial killer is the ice cream man (I'm not considering this a spoiler because you're told pretty early on). He also has naughty time with his mommy, who is a drunk, and lacks a father figure in his life. He wants to go out suicide bomber style. The investigator is a retired cop who spends his days watching TV, feeling guilty about the guy he never caught (Mr. Mercedes) and contemplating eating his gun. Hodges even wears a fedora, like a PI might wear. Pretty typical right? The reason these cliches work in this novel, and perhaps any King novel, is because you can almost hear King poking fun at the whole idea. I don't want to say this book "doesn't take itself too seriously" but there is enough comic relief that I actually laughed out loud at points. Aside from that, King introduces enough original points (and horrifying points) that the book as a whole feels fresh. 
 It has all the hallmarks of a King novel. It has the kooky characters, the average joe hero characters. The horror. Subtle details that are drilled into your head and paint vivid pictures. The cushion with ASS PARKING written on it. The song lyrics at the concert. The ice cream flavors. I think this is what I love most about King. His ability to write detail without it being completely fucking boring. He's found a balance, where he gives you the kind of details that bring the picture into focus, but let's your mind paint the overall picture. 
 Brady Hartsfield is absolutely revolting. Every time I think King can't create a more awful villain, he proves me wrong. Junior from Under the Dome is pretty high up on the list (I'm still pissed at the character assassination on the God awful TV series that was borne of that book- but let's face it, Junior, as he was, was too revolting even for TV). Brady Hartsfield is worse for many of the reasons I mentioned above and more. **Cough, cough Frankie, cough** 
 I'll admit, I was kind of disappointed when the reader is given Mr. Mercedes name and identity right off the bat. I was interested to see how this would unfold, and expected more murder mystery then horror. But this is a horror novel with a side of detective work. It certainly isn't bad, horror is just what King does. Horror is what he's best at. 
 I loved Jerome. I'm excited he and Holly return for the next book. Without spoiling anything I'm anxious to see what King was hinting at with the last lines of the book. Guess I'll just have to keep reading.