Publishers Weekly - Audio
In King’s short story, just off the highway in Maine a mud-covered car sits quietly at an abandoned rest stop where a young boy named Pete Simmons is exploring a boarded-up burger joint. But his innocent excursion becomes a nightmare when the car reveals itself to be an unearthly predator, luring unsuspecting passersby to a hideous fate. Thomas Sadoski provides smooth, matter-of-fact narration that acts as a counterpoint to the chilling and unnerving story line. In the bonus story, “The Dune,” former judge Harvey Beecher is addicted to visiting a certain sand dune located on a small island just off the coast of his old family estate on Pelican Point, Fla. Knowing his time is short, the 90-year-old reveals to his lawyer the preternatural messages he finds written in the sand during his visits. Edward Herrmann brings Beecher to life in what is essentially a monologue with a soft, craggy, Southern accent that acknowledges the character’s age, but shows an underlying strength fitting for a former judge. And that voice is a perfect match for the story’s spine-tingling conclusion. (Jan.)
Library Journal - Audio
Originally released in 2011 as an Amazon Kindle exclusive, King's killer car story humorously references his novel Christine. While that vehicle was possessed, this one seemingly is a space alien that takes the shape of a mud-splattered station wagon stranded on the ramp to an abandoned rest stop off I-95 in Maine. The vehicle's door yawns open temptingly when anyone approaches to offer assistance. If any part of a person's body—including hair—touches the beastie, the rest is immediately sucked inside and gobbled. Only six-year-old Rachie Lussier has enough sense to dial 911 after seeing both parents ingested. Although the fiendish space thingie chomps the Glock-toting state trooper who answers the girl's SOS, it's no match for ten-year-old Pete Simmons, with his trusty magnifying glass and the sun's burning rays. The program also includes the bonus short story "The Dune" and an excerpt from King's recent novel 11/22/63. VERDICT Reader Thomas Sadoski is spot-on with the adults and especially the kids. The brief, wonderful "Dune" is read by the wonderful Edward Herrmann. King's enduring popularity mated to the sweet price makes purchase a no-brainer. [The Scribner ebook, published in January, was a New York Times best seller.—Ed.]—Mike Rogers, Library Journal
JANUARY 2012 - AudioFile
This is a lovely, scary little trifle. Master storyteller King uses language sparingly to create a compelling picture of a sunny Maine afternoon, an abandoned highway rest stop, some innocent children, and a car-shaped monster that eats people, whole and live. Thomas Sadoski’s young voice is a perfect fit, deftly capturing the aggravation of being 10 years old and left behind by your older brother, as well as the fear and bravado of being 6 and having to take care of your 3-year-old brother after seeing something horrific happen to your parents. Sadoski’s matter-of-fact narration of the monster’s deeds makes the tale that much more unnerving to hear. The production is rounded out with Edward Herrmann’s delivery of “The Dune.” It’s a very short story with strong forward drive, and Herrmann works it perfectly. What a terrifically creepy way to spend a couple hours. G.D. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
