Originally Published: June 8, 1987

By: Stephen King

Misery is every aspiring writer’s worst nightmare.

Romance novelist Paul Sheldon is being held against his will by his biggest fan Annie Wilkes. She is furious that he killed off the title character in his Misery series and is forcing him to resurrect Misery in a new novel.

I’m familiar with King’s other storylines (though I admit this is only one of two I’ve read) and I have to say this is not as scary, but the suspense is killer. Annie’s abuse will have you yelling in shock.

The one downside is that you’re continually reading the Misery novel Paul is writing and it’s interrupting. While at times I found myself slightly interested in it, more often I was just skimming until I got back to Paul and Annie.

Final say: This will make you never want fame. ★★★★☆