Stephen King's The Outsider masterfully blends crime and supernatural elements, captivating readers with its suspense and complex characters. Critics praise its compelling plot and atmospheric tension. However, some feel the novel's latter half loses momentum and becomes predictable. Overall, it remains a gripping and thought-provoking read.

Fans of Stephen King, Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, and Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl will relish The Outsider. This novel suits readers who enjoy intricate plot twists, supernatural elements, and a blend of crime and horror. Ideal for those who appreciate suspenseful thrillers with a strong investigative component.

In Stephen King’s The Outsider, Detective Ralph Anderson arrests local coach Terry Maitland for a gruesome child murder, despite Terry's airtight alibi. As contradictory evidence surfaces, including Terry being seen in two places at once, Ralph and private investigator Holly Gibney uncover a horrifying supernatural entity capable of taking on others' appearances. The novel contains sensitive topics such as child murder and suicide.

Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving / Suspenseful / Gritty

Stephen King

Adult

Novel

Holly Gibney

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Outsider and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Outsider Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Outsider Background

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chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Arrest”

Part 1 The Outsider Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Sorry”

Part 2 The Outsider Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Arraignment”

Part 3 The Outsider Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Footsteps and Cantaloupe”

Part 4 The Outsider Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Yellow”

Part 5 The Outsider Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Holly”

Part 6 The Outsider Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Visits”

Part 7 The Outsider Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “Macy’s Tells Gimbels”

Part 8 The Outsider Part 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 9: “No End to the Universe”

Part 9 The Outsider Part 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 10: “Bienvenidos a Tejas”

Part 10 The Outsider Part 10 Summary & Analysis

Part 11: “The Marysville Hole”

Part 11 The Outsider Part 11 Summary & Analysis

Part 12: “Flint City”

Part 12 The Outsider Part 12 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Outsider Character Analysis

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Themes

The Outsider Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Outsider Symbols & Motifs

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citation

Important Quotes

The Outsider Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Outsider Essay Topics

The Outsider Further Reading & Resources

The Outsider

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Outsider?

Reading Age

Book Details