Somehow I missed this one, so when I came across the fun little harcover (love that cover art) in a local used book store, I snapped it up. It contains the (too) short novella Blockade Billy and a short story called Morality.

Morality was interesting it sees the disintegration of a couple’s relationship over a violent incident that is undertaken for money, and how it affects every aspect of their lives afterwards.

Blockade Billy is ‘told’ to King by an old folks home resident, in a rambling monologue. It’s really solid, with my only complaint being that it’s just a touch too short, I wanted just a little bit more length to it. And the whole thing played in my head with Frank Darabont directing.

The Titans are a major league ball team, but they are out a catcher. They put out the call, the team manager just needs to fill the spot. And they bring in Billy. He’s a little quiet, and a little off, but no one is getting to home plate through him.

He’s also a pretty solid hitter.

But from the first game there’s something unnerving about him. and one of the opposing team’s players is hurt when he makes a run for home.

Suspicions are aroused and somewhat allayed, but only for so long.

The story races to its conclusion. In my mind’s eye, in the film version, I see Billy’s friendship with the ego-driven picture come a little more into play, as well as some of the ballgames that are breezed past.

The reveal is nowhere nears as supernatural or spooky as one may have associated with early King stories. Instead, it works on a scary human level.

But, for me, what really drove it, was the fun, first-person narrative of it all. The way the old-timer talks to King, with his asides and commentary. King still knows how to weave a story, and make it captivating and entertaining. And I think that’s why I was bummed that it was so short, I was just settling into the narrative and enjoying the creation, and then it was over.

It’s a quick entertaining read, shows King’s love of baseball, while giving it that little playful twist to make it his own.

King, for me, has been a reliable author for all of my life. I will happily dig into everything he’s written, and writes, and I don’t know how this one got by me, but I was happy to add it to my shelf.