BookPath
Mr. Mercedes
Stephen King

Mr. Mercedes

Quick Answer

Start with "Mr. Mercedes" to begin the Holly Gibney. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

There are multiple ways to approach this series. Our recommended order is optimized for first-time readers.

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the Stephen King's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

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2014448 ppSeries StarterWikidataSource
In the frigid pre-dawn hours, in a distressed Midwestern city, hundreds of desperate unemployed folks are lined up for a spot at a job fair. Without warning, a lone driver plows through the crowd in a stolen Mercedes, running over the innocent, backing up, and charging again. Eight people are killed; fifteen are wounded. The killer escapes. In another part of town, months later, a retired cop named Bill Hodges is still haunted by the unsolved crime. When he gets a crazed letter from someone who self-identifies as the "perk" and threatens an even more diabolical attack, Hodges wakes up from his depressed and vacant retirement, hell-bent on preventing another tragedy. Brady Hartfield lives with his alcoholic mother in the house where he was born. He loved the feel of death under the wheels of the Mercedes, and he wants that rush again. Only Bill Hodges, with a couple of highly unlikely allies, can apprehend the killer before he strikes again. And they have no time to lose, because Brady’s next mission, if it succeeds, will kill or maim thousands. Mr. Mercedes is a war between good and evil, from the master of suspense whose insight into the mind of this obsessed, insane killer is chilling and unforgettable.
Next Recommended Book

Finders Keepers

Book #2 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 Holly Gibney 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 Mr. Mercedes?

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

Can I read Mr. Mercedes before other books in the series?

Yes, Mr. Mercedes is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Mr. Mercedes required reading for the Holly Gibney?

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

What comes after Mr. Mercedes in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Mr. Mercedes is Finders Keepers (Book #2).