The Dark Half cover

The Dark Half

by Stephen King

Narrated by Grover Gardner

4.29 ABR Score (157.2K ratings)
★ 3.81 Goodreads (153.5K) ★ 4.48 Audible (3.7K)
15h 14m Released 2016 Horror

Why Listen to This Audiobook?

Grover Gardner voices both the mild-mannered writer and his murderous alter ego — and by the end, you won't be sure which one scares you more.

  • Great if you want: psychological horror that blurs identity and authorship
  • Listening experience: slow-burn dread that escalates into genuinely disturbing territory
  • Narration: Gardner's dual performance makes the split feel chillingly real
  • Skip if: you prefer King's supernatural over his psychological darkness

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About This Audiobook

Novelist Thad Beaumont thought he had buried his past when he publicly killed off his pseudonym, George Stark, the author behind a series of violent crime novels. But when a string of brutal murders begins terrorizing those connected to Stark's "death," Thad discovers that his alter ego may have taken on a life of its own. As the bodies pile up and evidence points directly to him, Thad must confront the terrifying possibility that the dark creativity he once channeled has manifested into something far more sinister than fiction.

Grover Gardner's masterful narration elevates King's psychological horror through his nuanced portrayal of Thad's mounting desperation and the chilling contrast when channeling Stark's malevolent presence. Gardner's measured pacing allows the tension to build methodically, while his clear diction ensures that King's intricate plot details and literary references resonate fully. The audio format particularly enhances the story's exploration of the writer's craft, as Gardner's voice becomes the vehicle for examining the dangerous relationship between creator and creation. His performance transforms this tale of literary horror into an immersive experience that lingers long after the final word.