Mr. Mercedes

“Mr. Mercedes” is the first novel in the Bill Hodges trilogy, a retired detective who tries to catch a serial killer who uses a stolen Mercedes car to run over a crowd of people. The story begins with a mysterious message that arrives to Hodges from the killer, who calls himself “Mr. Mercedes,” and challenges his sense of failure after his retirement. The events develop within a framework of psychological tension as Hodges enters into a mental conflict with the criminal, who is planning another, more destructive blow. The novel addresses topics such as obsession, violence, and the repercussions of trauma, with King focusing on the careful analysis of characters. King’s narrative style combines fast-paced excitement and psychological depth, which makes the reader immerse themselves in a world full of secrets and dangers. The novel won the Edgar Award for Best Mystery Novel, and is considered one of King’s best works in the last decade.