Play Audiobook Sample
Gwendy's Button Box: Includes bonus story 'The Music Room' Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.33) - 3 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
Set in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine
Stephen King teams up with long-time friend and award-winning author Richard Chizmar for the first time in this original, chilling novella that revisits the mysterious town of Castle Rock.
There are three ways up to Castle View from the town of Castle Rock: Route 117, Pleasant Road, and the Suicide Stairs. Every day in the summer of 1974, twelve-year-old Gwendy Peterson has taken the stairs, which are held by strong—if time-rusted—iron bolts and zig-zag up the precarious cliffside.
Then one day when Gwendy gets to the top of Castle View, after catching her breath and hearing the shouts of kids on the playground below, a stranger calls to her. There on a bench in the shade sits a man in black jeans, a black coat, and a white shirt unbuttoned at the top. On his head is a small, neat black hat. The time will come when Gwendy has nightmares about that hat…
The little town of Castle Rock, Maine has witnessed some strange events and unusual visitors over the years, but there is one story that has never been told—until now.
Download and start listening now!
"I didn't see that it was a novella, and so now I'm here to download the rest of the series. I can't put it down, so I find myself listening all day in the shop, and then at night, too."
— Jack (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Maggie Siff narrates with touches of nostalgia, wonder, and insecurity that beautifully capture Gwendy’s adolescence. Though the horror elements are effective, it’s Gwendy’s coming-of-age that truly resonates. Siff characterizes Farris as blandly likable but with intangible menace—listeners, like Gwendy, will be both wary and intrigued. In the bonus short story, ‘The Music Room,’ Siff’s highfalutin accents perfectly complement the story’s mix of black humor and wickedness. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile -
“Actor Siff adds dramatic flair to her reading…Siff captures the innocence of the young girl met at the beginning of the story and the more mature and worldly young woman at the end. Secondary characters are diverse and well rendered, each given unique voices of their own. But Siff shines with her portrayal of the enigmatic Mr. Farris, whose croaky voice steals every scene he’s in.”
— Publishers Weekly (audio review) -
“With the help of award-winning author Chizmar, Castle Rock reveals one of its best secrets yet…Readers will eagerly devour this thought-provoking, satisfying tale, even as it leaves them unsettled…King has plenty of teen fans already, and this latest, with its teenage protagonist and thought-provoking coming-of-age themes, is a particularly excellent option.”
— Booklist (starred review) -
“This bite-size gem of a story packs quite a punch, and the only complaint readers will likely have is that it isn’t longer.”
— Publishers Weekly
Awards
-
AudioFile Earphones Award Winner
-
New York Times bestseller
Gwendy's Button Box Listener Reviews
-
" The story was riveting from the start. As always, it makes you want to see what happens in the next installment. "
— Mike, 1/27/2023 -
—
Matt Habel, 6/20/2022
About the Authors
Stephen King has written more than sixty books, many hitting the #1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list. He has won the World Fantasy Award, several Bram Stoker Awards, and the O. Henry Award for his story “The Man in the Black Suit.” He is the 2003 recipient of the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and in 2007 he received the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. His epic works The Dark Tower and It are the basis for major motion pictures.
Richard Chizmar is the author of several series, a dozen stand-alone novels, novellas and story collections, as well as nonfiction. He is the coauthor with Stephen King of the New York Times bestsellers Gwendy’s Button Box and Gwendy’s Final Task. His Widow’s Point has been made into a feature film. His short fiction has appeared in dozens of publications, including Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and The Year’s 25 Finest Crime and Mystery Stories. He has won two World Fantasy Awards, four International Horror Guild Awards, and the HWA’s Board of Trustee’s award. He has appeared at numerous conferences as a writing instructor, guest speaker, panelist, and guest of honor. Follow him on Twitter @RichardChizmar or visit his website at: RichardChizmar.com.
About Maggie Siff
Maggie Siff is an Earphones Award–winning narrator.