The Outsider (King novel)

Did You Know?

• The novel was first mentioned in an interview for USA Today on August 7, 2017.
• The book cover was first revealed on January 18, 2018.
• An excerpt was published in the May 25, 2018, issue of Entertainment Weekly.

Plot

In Flint City, Oklahoma, the mutilated corpse of Frankie Peterson is found. Fingerprints, DNA, and witness accounts identify local sports coach Terrence Maitland as the killer, leading detective Ralph Anderson to order a public arrest. Maitland claims innocence, stating he was at a teachers' conference in Cap City, a claim supported by other teachers and footage. At his arraignment, a crowd gathers; Frankie's brother Ollie Peterson shoots Maitland, mortally wounding him before being killed by police.

Maitland's dying words maintain his innocence. Anderson, placed on administrative leave, continues investigating. Detective Jack Hoskins, who resents Anderson, is sent to an abandoned ranch where the murderer's clothes are found; a shrouded figure embraces Hoskins, causing a sunburn-like sensation on his neck. The figure later appears in Hoskins's home, saying the malady is cancer and will take it away if Hoskins obeys.

Private investigator Holly Gibney, hired by Maitland's attorney, learns of a similar case where two girls were killed, with evidence pointing to Heath Holmes, an orderly who cared for Maitland's father. Holmes claimed to be out of town, died by suicide after arrest, and had made accidental physical contact with Maitland before the murders.

Characters

Ralph Anderson is a Flint City detective who initially believes Terry Maitland is guilty but later doubts. Holly Gibney, a private investigator from Finder's Keepers, assists Anderson, Gold, Pelley, and Sablo. Howie Gold, Maitland's lawyer, believes in his innocence and helps the team; he and Alec Pelley are killed by Jack Hoskins. Alec Pelley, a former police officer turned law worker, also assists and is killed by Hoskins.

Terry Maitland, a Little League coach, is the prime suspect but maintains innocence until killed by the victim's brother. Jeannie Anderson, Ralph's wife, is disturbed by the murder and supports him. Marcy Maitland stands by her husband amid media harassment. Bill Samuels, the Flint City ADA, refuses to believe a supernatural creature is involved and retires after learning the truth.

Yune Sablo, a detective, assists the team and is severely wounded by Hoskins but survives. Jack Hoskins, a lazy and corrupt detective who hates Anderson, is manipulated by The Outsider and dies from injuries. Claude Bolton, a reformed former addict, is nearly set up as the next murder suspect.

Television adaptation

In June 2018, the novel was optioned for a ten-episode miniseries by MRC and Aggregate Films, with Richard Price writing the script. Jack Bender, Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan, and Marty Bowen were executive producers. HBO ordered the series on December 3, 2018, with Ben Mendelsohn playing Ralph Anderson. The cast also included Jason Bateman, Paddy Considine, Cynthia Erivo, Bill Camp, and Mare Winningham.