What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedEnd of Watch
Stephen King · Book · 2016
If you loved End of Watch, start with Mr. Mercedes (David E. Kelley, 2017) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 1 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to End of Watch across media.
What hooked you in End of Watch was the way a personal obsession transforms into a dangerous, high-stakes battle against evil.
Films on the same thread
It
Andy Muschietti · Film · 2017
Explores: Childhood Trauma, Fear Manifestation, Overcoming Fear.
Much like the technological terror in End of Watch, this story features a pervasive, supernatural evil that forces characters to confront their deepest fears and personal trauma to survive.
Doctor Sleep
Mike Flanagan · Film · 2019
Explores: Trauma, Addiction, Psychic Powers.
If the psychological toll of the antagonist in End of Watch kept you captivated, you will appreciate how this film explores the heavy burden of trauma and psychic confrontation.
The Exorcist III
William Peter Blatty · Film · 1990
Explores: Good vs Evil, Loss of Faith, Demonic Possession.
This film mirrors the dark, investigative intensity of End of Watch by pitting a determined detective against a sinister, manipulative force that defies conventional logic and criminal explanation.
Kill List
Ben Wheatley · Film · 2011
Explores: Contract Killing, Moral Decay, Supernatural Conspiracy.
The descent from a standard crime procedural into a terrifying supernatural conspiracy here echoes the shift toward technological and occult threats found within the pages of End of Watch.
Series on the same thread
Mr. Mercedes
David E. Kelley · Series · 2017
Shares 2 threads with End of Watch: Obsession, Psychological Thriller.
As the direct predecessor to End of Watch, this series perfects the cat and mouse dynamic between a retired detective and a killer that defines the entire trilogy.
Podcasts on the same thread
Small Town Murder
James Pietragallo, Jimmie Whisman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: provincial life, tragic irony, forensic breakdown.
Fans of the investigative obsession in End of Watch will find a similar focus on the grim realities of murder and human depravity, albeit through a dark comedic lens.
CounterClock
Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025
Explores: unsolved homicide, seeking justice, historical mystery.
The relentless pursuit of justice found in End of Watch is mirrored in this deep-dive journalistic investigation, which seeks to uncover the truth behind long-buried, cold case homicides.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is End of Watch the first book in the series?
No, End of Watch is the third and final book in the trilogy. The series begins with the Edgar Award-winning novel Mr. Mercedes, followed by the second book, Finders Keepers. You should read these titles in order to fully understand the story of Bill Hodges and Holly Gibney.
What order should I read the Bill Hodges trilogy in?
To follow the narrative arc correctly, you should read the books in the order they were published. Begin with Mr. Mercedes, proceed to Finders Keepers, and conclude the series with End of Watch. This sequence ensures you understand the ongoing conflict involving the Mercedes Killer.
Who are the main characters in End of Watch?
The central characters in End of Watch are Bill Hodges and Holly Gibney. They are tasked with stopping the diabolical Mercedes Killer, who is using his abilities to drive his enemies to suicide. The protagonists must act quickly to prevent becoming the killer's next victims themselves.
Does End of Watch conclude the story started in Mr. Mercedes?
Yes, End of Watch serves as the spectacular finale to the trilogy that began with Mr. Mercedes. It brings the conflict between Bill Hodges, Holly Gibney, and the Mercedes Killer to its conclusion as they attempt to stop his final, deadly plans at the traumatic brain injury clinic.