Cody's Bookshelf

Before reading Stinger I had read three other McCammon titles and considered myself a fan. I wasn't a rabid, hardcore fan -- but a fan nonethless.

Stinger changed that. I'm now a very dedicated fan of Robert McCammon. 

This book is about two opposing terrestrial forces that comes to a small, dying town in Texas. One -- Daufin -- is on the run and the other -- Stinger -- is a bounty hunter looking for the criminal alien force.

I know what you're thinking -- that sounds like the plot of a cheaply-made B-movie, and not a very good one at that. Yeah, this book would lend itself pretty well to a sci-fi thriller or SyFy miniseries. It's quick, lots of fun, and not too deep. However, what sets this 1988 novel apart from your run-of-the-mill alien stories is the characters McCammon creates. They leap off the page and practically demand the reader fall in love with them. Among the wide cast of characters is an alcoholic, teen gang members, a rich old biddy, a veterinarian, a mentally ill military vet, a sheriff who feels he isn't making a difference in his small town, a high school teacher about to lose his job, and many others. Everyone here -- including Daufin and Stinger -- have a story and chances at redemption. 

As well as great characters, Stinger simply flies. I couldn't stop turning the pages and only put down the book when I absolutely had to. I could have finished the 450-page novel in two days if it weren't for, ya know, my job and other responsibilities. *sigh* I digress.... 

McCammon is now 4/4 with me, and Stinger is probably my second favorite book of his out of those I've read so far. If you're looking for a quick and fun summer read filled with a great cast of characters, lots of scares, and a good deal of heart, look no further. McCammon's sci-fi is totally accessible for those who aren't really into spaceships and weird life forms (like this guy) -- he makes it enjoyable and understandable and, frankly, believable. 

I heartily recommend this one.