Finders Keepers by Stephen King

 

This is the second in the Bill Hodges trilogy.  In this novel, Bill has formed a partnership with Holly, the woman related to his love he lost and has a detective agency.  Bill is a retired policeman and Holly is great on organization and computer work so they are a good match.  

Thirty years ago, a famous author was killed in his home.  He had written a famous trilogy then basically retired from public view.  The killers stole the cash he was famous for keeping at home and the notebooks, several hundred of those, where his writing for years had been done.  Morris Bellemy, the leader of the group, killed his accomplices and then buried all the money and the notebooks in a trunk near his home.  Before he could cash in on the work, Morris was arrested for another crime and put in prison. 

Enter Pete Saubers.  His family had moved to Morris' old house.  While out on day, he found the trunk and thought he could help his family.  His father had been one of the victims in the first book in the trilogy and was left with a long recuperation without a job.  Pete started sending five hundred dollars a month anonymously to his family and it provided the cushion they needed until they could get back on their feet.

Now Bellemy has been released and he wants his money and the notebooks back.  Bill and his crew are brought in once Pete realizes he is over his head, but will they be in time?

I loved this one and can't wait to read the third in the trilogy.  I love Bill and his gruff way of protecting all those around him and the character of Holly, who was repressed for all her life and is finally coming into her own.  The plotting is pure King and the pace is fast as many thrillers are.  I like these books where King has less supernatural material and more of a mystery thriller vibe.  This book is recommended for mystery readers.