If I was given this book and the name of the author was withheld, I wouldn't have guessed this was written by Stephen King. 
 There is an expectation of familiarity in King's writings; surreal moments, questionable reality and literary constructs. Mr. Mercedes isn't familiar in any fashion, bar a few instances here and there. Its a run of the mill crime thriller, the villain being more annoying than intelligent. I have read enough crime thrillers to recognize the pattern in which a story is going to go. I was hoping King would prove me wrong with the way he delivers a story. Unfortunately, he didn't. 
 Mr. Mercedes is a good book to read when on the road. Like candy. I will probably read the following sequels because am a sucker for Stephen King's books. Go figure.