“Mile 81”
By: Stephen King
ISBN: 9781451665604
Published September 1, 2011 by Simon & Schuster
Available Format: ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
The first half of the story is about Pete Simmons. He’s too young to go off with his big brother, so he makes up an adventure for himself in an abandoned old rest area/Burger King. As a popular teen partying spot, there was lots for young Pete to see and do, including having a taste of some discarded vodka. When Pete decides to take a short nap, the real action begins. An old, muddy station wagon crashes into the traffic barrels barricading the entrance to the rest area. A station wagon that apparently doesn’t have a driver. There it sits, waiting for innocent passersby to fall into the trap.
Another unmistakably classic Stephen King fiction. I was all captivated with Pete’s part of the story and then, WHAM!, here comes the completely bizarre and creepy part! The religious insurance salesman and lesbian equestrian I dealt with, but when the family came along with their two young children—oh my goodness.
I really wish there was more explanation about the mysterious car. I mean, there’s an idea, but not enough for me to get a clear picture. Why was it there in particular? Why a muddy station wagon? Were there others like it? We know all about the people of the story, as usual, but the monster isn’t understood at all.
There’s really nothing more to complain about with this little tale. It is entertaining and quick. There’s plenty of adult language and inappropriate material, so definitely not for the younger readers. You also might not want to read it just before bed like I did! It’ll make you think twice before being a Good Samaritan, that’s for sure!
