Fans have praised an overlooked Stephen King book that some have even called one of his best. Stephen King has published over 65 works and has gained loyal fans around the world. Plus, some of his most notable novels have been turned into blockbuster cinema hits, such as IT and The Shining. The American author has so much work behind him that it can be easy for some underrated books to get overlooked.
One book has consistently been ranked as one of Stephen King’s most underrated works. US publication Screen Rant is among those calling it so. They describe it as having “incredible imagery, characters, and thematic depth”, making it “truly one of Stephen King’s most underrated novels”. The book that many consider one of Stephen King’s most underrated is Duma Key, which was originally released in 2008.
With over 45,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads, it has certainly left many readers impressed, but many still haven’t heard of it. Duma Key follows the story of Edgar Freemantle, a recently divorced man who has just lost his right arm due to a construction accident.
He moves from Minnesota to Florida on the advice of his therapist and rediscovers his love for creating art. While drawing on the beach, he meets a number of characters, all with their own fascinating stories.
Reviewers adored this book and have sung its praises online. One person wrote on Goodreads: “As always, King excels at making characters’ reactions to supernatural events feel believable. He also peppers his stories with wonderful observations and little revelations that make his writing so enjoyable.”
Another said: “This book is held with high regard amongst the King community on bookstagram and pretty soon after starting this book, I realised why. This book easily has two of King’s most likeable characters in Edgar and Wireman. What a duo. Their friendship just lifts up from the page from the get-go.”
A third wrote: “I heard one reviewer state that it was the best book King had ever written. While reviewers have short memories and liberal use of hyperbole, I must admit that this was one of his best he’s written. While not epic like The Stand, It, or The Dark Tower, it is powerful, insightful, and terrifying. Also, the fact that the book is not epic is one of its greatest strengths.”
Another shared: “I loved it! From the scenery to the sci-fi/paranormal elements, it was completely unpredictable!”
Amongst King’s other underrated works, according to Screen Rant, are The Long Walk, Joyland, Revival, Fairy Tale, Different Seasons, Gerland’s Game, Thinner, Bag of Bones and 11/22/63.