This is the short story/novella version of every 1950’s Creature Feature B movie, where the teenagers witness everything and frantically try to get help, only to have all the adults dismiss them as crazy kids pulling a prank. Except in this case, it’s little kids instead of teenagers. Good entertainment, SK style.

The “bonus story” The Dune is much shorter story, with fairly classic SK story elements, but there’s no horror or gore here, just an odd little story of mysterious events, with a fun little twist at the end.

Audiobook version, borrowed from my public library. Thomas Sadoski (Mile 81) and Edward Herrmann (The Dune) bring their stories alive, perfectly capturing the characters through whom the story is told. ( )

Wonderfully creepy and perfect to listen to at night. ( )

Great short story, fun listen. However, this one ended with no answers. Maybe, the kids in the story don't know anything more...but a hint would have been enchanting.. ( )

10-year old Pete breaks away from his older brother, George, when George ditches him for his own friends. Pete goes down to the deserted roadside turnout, Mile 81, to snoop around the deserted area. While there, he falls asleep. Outside, an old muddy station wagon pulls up and the door opens... Others pull up to see if there's someone who needs help, but this turns out to be at their own peril.

This was really good. It's a short story, so it goes quickly and ends just as fast. I would have liked to know more at the end – what happens to the characters next? Other than that, though, I quite enjoyed it. ( )

I've not read any Stephen King in ages. I can take horror in occasional doses, so getting my hands on a short story (an audiobook, no less) by King was somewhat appealing. Mile 81 was an enjoyable enough read -- not incredibly scary, but just creepy enough to make the reader somewhat uncomfortable. I think this is one that you could read without getting nightmares.

The second, even shorter short story (The Dune) didn't read like horror at all, but it did pack a punch at the end, and that made it worth the read. ( )