A game. A husband and wife game. Gerald's Game. But this time Jesse doesn't want to play. Lying there, spread-eagled and handcuffed to the bedstead while he looms and drools over her, she feels angry and humiliated. So she kicks out hard. Aims to hit him where it hurts. He isn't meant to die, leaving Jesse alone and helpless in a lakeside holiday cabin. Miles from anywhere. No-one to hear her screams. Alone. Except for the stray dog that smells her blood, the voices in her head which begin to chatter, and the board which creaks stealthily at nightfall, signalling that something or someone else is close by.

Stephen King
Stephen King is an American author widely regarded as the “King of Horror.” Born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine, he has published over 60 novels and 200 short stories, spanning horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy. Notable works include The Shining, It, Carrie, and The Stand, many of which have been adapted into iconic films and TV series. Known for his masterful storytelling and ability to explore human fears, King has sold over 400 million copies worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential writers of all time.