#22 – The Regulators

Plot

Peaceful suburbia on Poplar Street in Wentworth, Ohio, takes a turn for the ugly when four vans containing armed “regulators” terrorize the street’s residents, cold-bloodedly killing anyone foolish enough to step outside their homes. 

Review

If I only had one word to describe The Regulators, it would be – relentless.  This novel opens with a riveting action sequence, and then never lets up.  It reminded me of the movie, Captain Phillips.  In both, I was afraid to take a breath because of the furious pacing.

The Regulators was published in 1996 under the Richard Bachman pseudonym but by this time it was common knowledge that Stephen King and Richard Bachman were the same.  It was also published as a “twin-novel” to Desperation (ranked #58), but besides a character flashback to Desperation, Nevada – I did not notice too many similarities.  I also read these books more than eight years apart, so that probably didn’t help much on my end.

Despite the breakneck speed, The Regulators manages to effectively develop a colorful cast of characters.  Each one was completely unique and fully realized.  Truly a remarkable feat for just a 400-page book considering how much the plot was moving. 

The Regulators also dives head-first into the supernatural, but this time from a kid’s perspective – which was incredible.  I’ve mentioned this before, but King’s ability to narrate from differing point-of-views/ages/genders/etc. is unmatched.  The Regulators is a fine example of this as I was completely connected to Seth, an autistic eight-year-old.

Details

Pages: 400

Dates Read: August 21 – September 13, 2021

Quote: “When there’s no more room in hell, this artifact said, the dead will walk the earth.”

Best Part: Our introduction to the colorful vans slowly perusing the city streets.

Hint for #21: King co-wrote this book (the first of a trilogy), did not participate in the sequel, but helped co-write the third and final installment (previously seen on this list).

 

Until next time, peace be the journey.