In 1982, Stephen King released a collection of four novellas entitled Different Seasons. The lineup included “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption,” “Apt Pupil,” and “The Body,” better known as a film adaption, Stand By Me. Although King’s known for his doorstop volumes, the man can write compelling shorter fiction as well.

Time will tell whether the four novellas in If It Bleeds will stand up like King’s earlier entries. “The Life of Chuck,” a three act story in reverse chronological order, has already been released as a feature film. “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” featuring a relationship between a teenage boy and an elderly curmudgeon could easily hit the big screen. “Rat” feels a bit like Misery, centering on a frustrated author who just has to write the perfect novel.

The reason I listened to this collection was for “If It Bleeds.” Featuring Holly Gibney, and set before the events narrated in Holly, “If It Bleeds” has her on the trail of a news reporter who just so happens to be there whenever tragedy occurs.

Each of these stories were compelling in their own way. All unique, they form an excellent collection that just might keep you up reading past your bedtime.

King, Stephen. If It Bleeds. Narrated by Will Patton, Danny Burstein, and Steven Weber, Audiobook, Unabridged, Simon and Schuster Audio, 2020.