Where to start
Mr. Mercedes
2 versions · originally a book, 2014
The cat-and-mouse tension between a retired detective and a vengeful killer drives this high-stakes, character-focused pursuit of justice.
✦ Most fans start here
Mr. Mercedes (2014)
The original novel
✦ Start hereMr. Mercedes
Stephen King · Book · 2014
The 2014 novel provides the definitive psychological foundation, allowing Stephen King to explore the internal motivations of both the detective and the antagonist through intricate, immersive prose and internal monologues.
2017 series
Mr. Mercedes
David E. Kelley · Series · 2017
The 2017 television series visually translates the high-stakes cat-and-mouse dynamic, utilizing the episodic format to expand on the unsettling tone and the procedural aspects of the detective's private investigation.
Common questions
Is Mr. Mercedes a book or a television series?
Mr. Mercedes exists as both a book and a television series. The book was published in 2014, while the television adaptation of Mr. Mercedes premiered in 2017. Both versions follow the same core narrative established in the original source material.
Should I read the book Mr. Mercedes before watching the television series?
Reading the 2014 book Mr. Mercedes before watching the 2017 television series is a common choice for fans. The book provides the foundational details and character development that the television adaptation expands upon, allowing for a deeper understanding of the story as you watch.
What order should I consume the Mr. Mercedes adaptations?
The recommended order is to start with the 2014 book Mr. Mercedes to experience the original story as written. Afterward, you can watch the 2017 television series to see how the plot and characters were translated into a different visual format.
Is the 2017 television show based on the 2014 book Mr. Mercedes?
Yes, the 2017 television show is a direct adaptation of the 2014 book Mr. Mercedes. The series serves as the visual retelling of the events described in the original novel, maintaining the central premise and narrative structure found within the book.