Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Four Past Midnight summary
Brief summary
Four Past Midnight is a collection of four gripping and terrifying novellas by Stephen King. Each story delves into the horrors of the human psyche, the supernatural, and the unexplainable, taking readers on a heart-pounding journey through the darkest hours of the night.
Table of Contents
Four Past Midnight
Summary of key ideas
Four Distinctive Tales of Horror
In Four Past Midnight, Stephen King presents four novellas, each with its unique brand of horror. The first, The Langoliers, follows a group of passengers who wake up to find themselves in a deserted world, with only a few hours before they are consumed by the titular creatures. The second, Secret Window, Secret Garden, introduces us to Mort Rainey, a writer who is accused of plagiarism by a mysterious stranger.
In the third novella, The Library Policeman, we meet Sam Peebles, a man haunted by a traumatic childhood encounter with a sinister librarian. The final story, The Sun Dog, revolves around a boy who receives a camera that produces disturbing images of a malevolent dog, leading him to uncover a dark secret about his town.
Exploring the Depths of Fear
Throughout Four Past Midnight, King delves into the psychological aspects of fear, exploring how it can manifest in different forms. In The Langoliers, the fear of the unknown and the passage of time is central, while Secret Window, Secret Garden focuses on the fear of losing one's identity. The Library Policeman delves into the fear of childhood trauma, and The Sun Dog explores the fear of the supernatural and the unknown.
King's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions draw readers into these fears, making them feel as real and palpable as the characters themselves. The author's ability to tap into these primal fears is what makes his horror stories so compelling and enduring.
Themes of Isolation and Madness
Another recurring theme in Four Past Midnight is isolation. In The Langoliers, the characters are isolated in a deserted world, while in Secret Window, Secret Garden, Mort Rainey is isolated in his remote cabin. This isolation often leads to a sense of madness, as seen in the characters' increasingly erratic behavior and distorted perceptions of reality.
King also explores the theme of duality, particularly in Secret Window, Secret Garden, where Mort Rainey's alter ego becomes a central plot point. This duality serves to blur the lines between reality and illusion, adding an extra layer of psychological horror to the narrative.
The Power of the Supernatural
In Four Past Midnight, King also examines the power of the supernatural. In The Library Policeman, the titular character is a malevolent force that preys on children, while in The Sun Dog, the camera's ability to capture the supernatural is both fascinating and terrifying.
Throughout these novellas, King suggests that the supernatural is not just a source of fear, but also a force that can reveal uncomfortable truths about the characters and their world. This adds a layer of complexity to the horror, as the characters must confront not only external threats but also their own inner demons.
A Haunting Collection of Horror
In conclusion, Four Past Midnight is a haunting collection of horror stories that showcase Stephen King's unparalleled ability to tap into our deepest fears. Through a combination of psychological insight, vivid imagery, and supernatural elements, King weaves tales that are as thought-provoking as they are terrifying. This collection is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare and a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Four Past Midnight about?
Four Past Midnight is a collection of four gripping novellas by Stephen King. From a mysterious camera that reveals terrifying secrets to a writer plagued by a sinister stalker, each story takes place at the eerie hour of four past midnight. With King's signature blend of horror and suspense, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Four Past Midnight Review
Four Past Midnight (1990) is a collection of four gripping and unsettling stories by Stephen King. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With a perfect blend of horror, suspense, and psychological tension, each story keeps readers on the edge of their seats, craving for more.
- The book explores diverse themes such as time travel, parallel universes, and supernatural phenomena, offering a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.
- King's mastery of storytelling and character development brings the narratives to life, creating an immersive and unforgettable journey into the unknown.
Who should read Four Past Midnight?
- Readers who enjoy psychological horror and supernatural elements
- Fans of Stephen King's unique storytelling and compelling characters
- Those looking for a collection of gripping and thought-provoking novellas
Categories with Four Past Midnight
Book summaries like Four Past Midnight
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Four Past Midnight FAQs
What is the main message of Four Past Midnight?
The main message of Four Past Midnight is that darkness can lurk in ordinary places, and sometimes the scariest things come from within ourselves.
How long does it take to read Four Past Midnight?
The reading time for Four Past Midnight varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.
Is Four Past Midnight a good book? Is it worth reading?
Four Past Midnight is worth reading for fans of Stephen King and those who enjoy psychological thrillers. It offers a collection of chilling stories that will keep you entertained.
Who is the author of Four Past Midnight?
The author of Four Past Midnight is Stephen King.
What to read after Four Past Midnight?
If you're wondering what to read next after Four Past Midnight, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda