Page Count:  184

Author:  Stephen King

Publisher:  Dorchester Publishing Co.

ISBN:  0-8439-5584-8

Category:  Fiction

Genre:  Mystery/Crime/Suspense

Dove's (Personal) Review:  Confession: When I first saw this book on the shelf at Barnes & Noble, I was so disappointed with the size of it, I left it on the shelf and bought something else entirely. So much for not judging a book by it's cover, huh? LOL. Anyway, "The Colorado Kid" was one of the gifts I received for Christmas this year so - yesterday - I figured, "OK, might as well give it a look-see."
     The cover is kind'a cool. It's got a very 1950s/1960s "retro" look to it; and everytime I glance at it, the woman on the cover reminds me of Stephanie Powers (who played Jennifer Hart in one of my all-time favorite TV shows "Hart to Hart" back in the late 70s/early '80s). Coincidentally, the woman portrayed on the cover is also named Stephanie [in the story]. Since it's a "Hard Case Crime" book (keeping "Hart to Hart" in mind), I was looking forward to a Perry Mason/Hart to Hart-type whodunnit, where the crime and/or mystery is spelled out at the end, leaving the reader with a sense of closure.
     King definitely delivered the "whodunnit?" sense throughout this story, but I was very surprised to find that, at the end, we're never given any real answer(s). This is one of those unsolved mysteries that keeps the reader guessing from beginning to end... and then some!
     The story is told by Dave and Vince - two old geezers - who run the local newspaper. They decide to share the confusing facts of the case with Stephanie, a new Intern working for them. In doing so, the entire mystery unfolds, intriguing Stephanie completely (as well as the readers).
     Twenty-five years ago, two joggers, Johnny & Nancy, discover a dead body on the beach during their morning run. There is no identification on the body whatsoever, so he remains a "John Doe" for quite some time. Once he's photographed, autopsied, and packed-away for safe keeping, a clue is revealed on a pack of cigarettes found on John Doe's body. The tax stamp on the bottom of the pack is from Colorado, changing "John Doe" to "The Colorado Kid." Since they now know where he's from, the authorities in Colorado are properly notified, and eventually, a woman comes forward proclaiming "The Colorado Kid" is really James Cogan, her husband.
     Now that he's finally identified, Dave and Vince try to solve the mystery surrounding Mr. James Cogan. Why was he in Maine? How'd he get here? Was his death accidental, or was it murder? Was he robbed? Why did this non-smoker have a pack of cigarettes on him at the time of death? They manage to find some clues, but these particular clues lead only to more unanswerable questions. After twenty-five years, Dave and Vince are still stumped.
     When I finished the book, there were three questions on my mind... 1: Is Stephanie going to solve this case on her own? 2: If so, does that mean there's a "book 2" on the way? and 3: Or, are we supposed to formulate our own "case closed" ending? Judging by how the book ends, all three are possible.
     Overall, it's an entertaining story; it's fun to read, and it does keep you interested... but it definitely lacks closure. If you're looking for a book that ends with a "Bang!" you won't find it here. This one ends with a [questioning] whimper.