A review by cjeanne99
Holly by Stephen King

dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.5

Oh Holly - first introduced in the Mr. Mercedes triolgy as an incidental character - she has grown. I didn’t really like her in Mercedes - warmed up to her in The Outsider - and now I like her - understanding that she has Asperger’s like behaviors. 
In this book - Holly is running Bill Hodges’ agency - investigating a variety of cases - annoying her mother and working with her partner Pete. It’s 2021 - the COVID-19 pandemic is still killing people - including Holly’s mother - who denies the existence of the disease to her dying day. 
Holly is hired by Penelope Dahl - whose daughter Bonnie disappeared while riding her bicycle. Her bike and helmet are found - but no sign of Bonnie. As Holly investigates - she hears about other people who disappeared without a warning. People who did not have a wealthy mother like Bonnie to hire a private investigator to search for them. 
In our sub-plot - we meet Emily and Rodney Harris - a pair of emeritus college professors who believe they have found the secret to slowing down the effects of Alzheimer’s and relieving the pain of sciatica.
Unfortunately, their cure involves eating the liver of a “purified” human - along with the brains and fat. They have been capturing and killing people for a few years - starting with a visiting college poet that Emily didn’t like.

As Holly investigates - Penelope shares a bit too much about her on social media - alerting the Harris’ that they are soon to be the focus of Holly’s investigation. In a second sub-plot, High School student Barbara Robinson is taken under the wing of Olivia, a poet who sees great potential in Barbara. Emily Harris introduces Barbara to Olivia - who is dying of old age and cancer. Through a conversation with Olivia - and comments Holly made - Barbara figures out what the Harris’ are doing - and makes it to their house in time to rescue Holly.