Nettie is an introverted soul, often described by others as ‘ the crazy woman‘, but she’s living in constant fear, after murdering her abusive husband, from a psychotic breakdown seven years prior. Nettie Cobb and her dog Raider are my favourite characters. Referring back to the opening line of this review – What would you give for the thing you want most? It turns out that in Castle Rock, the answer is just about anything. Each character starts out with their own goals, which is what makes them susceptible to the shop. On the plus side the characters are thoroughly fleshed out, and all have believable plot lines. Honestly, there seem to be whole chapters where almost nothing happens. This may account for the book’s length, which at times drags like a club foot in a snowstorm. Released in 1991, Needful Things is immersed in King’s trademark horror and doesn’t hold back on the grisly details of madness, hatred and violence.Īs this was the first book he wrote since recovering from drug and alcohol-related issues, you can see his love of life return – in its own demonic way. I understand this book sounds like a dark fairytale, though it’s anything but.

As things go south, it’s up to him to find an answer to the town’s growing problems. How far will these characters push themselves for the gratification they desire?Įnter our protagonist, Sheriff Alan Pangborn. This is especially true in the case of Norris Ridgewick, wanting a fishing rod that was once owned by his father. These chosen desires represent the hidden dreams of the Castle Rock community and suggest unfulfilled dreams. Gaunt exploits our desires, the same desires that are connected to simple ideas, such as owning a rare baseball card or a small piece of porcelain. As the stores’ reputation grows, so does the mischief of the surrounding area. An older gentleman with a creepy mannerism and an icy touch, as many of the residents of Castle Rock soon discover. The story centres around the new shop ‘Needful Things’, and its owner Leland Gaunt. Supernatural events dominate the story and while the town folks act realistically, they are motivated by an underlining evil need for greed. Needful Things is a horror book that deals with supernatural elements spirits, illusions, and the devil – you know, classic Stephen King. You’ll need to play a trick on somebody else, at the discretion of the shops’ owner, Leland Gaunt. However, as with all things too good to be true, there’s a caveat.

These longings can all become a reality in Castle Rock, Maine’s newest store, Needful Things. What would you give for the thing you want most? A rare baseball card, Elvis’ sunglasses, or a cure for crippling arthritis.

Needful Things by Stephen King