Let me start out by saying that I'm a "Constant Reader" of Stephen King. I started reading King when I was in 2nd grade (Night Shift) and have never stopped. Some books I've HATED (Dreamcatchers) and others I have absolutely loved (The Stand). Perhaps that makes me somewhat qualified to be able to comment on the quality of his latest book.
I just finished Duma Key (about 15 minutes ago). As compared to Lisey's Story it was a very nice ride. With Lisey's Story I had a great deal of trouble getting into the book and, at one point, commented to my husband "I think Mr. King needs a new editor. He seems to be rambling quite a lot." Not so with Duma Key.
I held off buying Duma (released Tues) until I knew I had a large amount of free time, which came on Thurs. Since then I've been reading and reading and the book held me almost all the way through.
Things that kept me going (without giving any spoilers):
1. The Minnesota connection -- I live in MN and recognize the places that are talked about
2. I style myself as an artist and can relate to many of the feelings that Edgar goes through
3. I understand the mystic connection to Florida. My husband and I stayed in Fort Myers Beach for a week several years ago. It was in late September when most of the tourists are gone and hurricane season is in full force. There was a connection for me there - something that to this day I wonder about. It was a place I felt absolutely content... It didn't matter what the weather was like (rain every day at 3 pm - like clockwork) or what we did or didn't do (hubby was enrolled in an online college at the time which ate up a great deal of his days). It's a place we often talk about going back to - and a time I would love every vacation to be like. No commitments, no need to see the sights, just time to read and draw and walk up and down the beach.
Anyway, enough said (perhaps I need a new editor?)... Suffice it to say, in my opinion, Duma Key is one of Mr. King's better books from the past few years.
