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Stephen King

Finders Keepers

Quick Answer

Read "Finders Keepers" as the 2nd book in the Bill Hodges Trilogy sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Mr. Mercedes" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2016
""Wake up, genius." So begins King's instantly riveting story about a vengeful reader. The genius is John Rothstein, an iconic author who created a famous character, Jimmy Gold, but who hasn't published a book for decades. Morris Bellamy is livid, not just because Rothstein has stopped providing books, but because the nonconformist Jimmy Gold has sold out for a career in advertising. Morris kills Rothstein and empties his safe of cash, yes, but the real treasure is a trove of notebooks containing at least one more Gold novel. Morris hides the money and the notebooks, and then he is locked away for another crime. Decades later, a boy named Pete Saubers finds the treasure, and now it is Pete and his family that Bill Hodges, Holly Gibney, and Jerome Robinson must rescue from the ever-more deranged and vengeful Morris when he's released from prison after thirty-five years" --provided by publisher.
Next Recommended Book

End Of Watch

Book #3 of 4 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

Medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Bill Hodges Trilogy conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Finders Keepers?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Finders Keepers before Mr. Mercedes?

No. We recommend reading Mr. Mercedes first. Finders Keepers is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Finders Keepers required reading for the Bill Hodges Trilogy?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Finders Keepers in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Finders Keepers is End Of Watch (Book #3).