Needful Things is as brilliant a piece of writing as you will ever find, for the first 600 pages. The small town world of Castle Rock is convincingly rendered, right down to the petty politics and squabbles inherent in a place where everyone knows everyone's business and grudges have had a lifetime to fester. The town's curiosity is piqued when a new shop named Needful Things announces its grand opening. The shop's owner, a new man in town, is a master at knowing what people want and striking deals that involve a devious favor, a harmless prank really - or are they? Before long, the fuse is lit, a tide of animosity laid bare, and Castle Rock pushed to the verge of destruction.

This story will suck you in and inch you toward the edge of your seat. Unfortunately, I didn't think the ending was as well conceived, nor met the standard set by the rest of the story. Three stars is actually harsh, but I hold Stephen King to a higher standard.