This novel didn't sound promising - a previously unpublished manuscript from 1973 gathering dust amongst Stephen king's papers. But actually this is one of the best things he's written - a taut thriller about a six foot seven petty criminal called Blaze and his attempt to kidnap a baby from a wealthy family, woven with flashbacks to key moments in his past. As the story unfolds one's sympathy for Blaze only increases, while the police net tightens around him. Recommended to any King fan and as good a place as any to start for those who have so far missed out on the work of a great contemporary writer.