Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town: An Official Stranger Things Novel Hardcover – May 28, 2019

This is a good story but aside from every so often reminding you that Hopper is telling this story to El, you’d never know it had a link to Stranger Things. It is Hopper’s past as a cop in New York City. But there are no references to what happens during the TV series. And all of this could or couldn’t have happened, no effect on his life in the TV series. Again, good stand-alone story, but no value added to enhance Stranger Things.

Adam Christopher has taken the character of Jim Hopper and given his past a good story, a satisfying story, and the story that helps Eleven understand him better.

The author did a great job keeping Hopper true to his on screen character, and to Stranger Things’ penchant for strong female leads that aren’t forced.I took off a star simply because the author made me adore Delgado and she’ll never be seen in the ST universe again (probably).

I have been obsessed with Stranger Things since its premier. Since its release, I have collected much of what has been released in the Extended Universe series. This includes the comic books from Dark Horse and the novel series. After the release of Gwenda Bond's excellent "Suspicious Minds" prequel novel, I was ecstatic to find a second novel centered around my favorite character -- Jim Hopper -- that explores his past which was only scratched at in the series. Now, having seen the third season of Stranger Things, this novel is all the more wonderful, heartbreaking, and meaningful.The television show brought us the 80's and Reagan era; "Suspicious Minds" brought us back to the late 60's/early 70's Nixon and Vietnam era; and now, "Darkness on the Edge of Town" brings us to the late 70's Jimmy Carter era. And what better place to explore than late 70's New York City. A time when the city was on the brink of utter collapse. Author Adam Christopher brilliantly exposes the reader to this world that is the complete opposite of 1980's Hawkins, Indiana. He had me hooked from the very first pages as he brings the characters of Jim Hopper, and his family, back to life and into a whole new adventure that completely captivated me.The story follows Hopper on a mission to uncover the secret to a series of murders, which eventually leads him to discovering a greater, sinister and "stranger" plot going on. The story is engrossing and gritty. Whereas the television show focuses more on the supernatural and science-fiction genres, this novel is crime and mystery novel in every sense of the word yet it compliments the show perfectly. In doing so, Christopher also manages to introduce us to some brilliant new characters such as Jim Hopper's partner, Detective Rosario Delgado who I absolutely fell in love with. Her banter with Hopper is hilarious, fun, and engaging. Her storyline is excellent and she brings a great fire to the story. Can she become a character in Season 4 of the show, please??What I loved the most about the novel, however, was its structure. The book begins by putting us in a place of comfort and familiarity -- with Hopper celebrating his first Christmas with his new daughter, Jane, or Eleven as we've come to know her. Throughout the book, the story intercuts between this setting and with 1977 New York City as Hopper reveals the secrets of his past to Eleven. Christopher brilliantly establishes the terrific relationship between Hopper and El that completely compliments what we saw in Season 2, and eventually season 3. The attention to detail Christopher has committed to in the novel is seen all throughout.This is an absolutely brilliant must-read for any fan of Stranger Things. The story is captivating, the characters are fun to spend time with, and it expands upon the Stranger Things mythology brilliantly.

All around good purchase

Book came in good condition, so no complaints there. However, the book wasn't the best. It was told very well as it takes place in 1984 (immediately after Season 2) and is told as Hopper telling El a story of his days in New York in 1977. I really enjoyed the book for the majority of it but was disappointed with the ending and thought it felt rushed. Also, without trying to spoil anything, Hopper talks in the beginning about giving El Hungry Hungry Hippos for Christmas because his daughter, Sara, used to love the game, and the book ends on Christmas Day in 1977 with Sara opening a present under the tree...it clearly should've been Hungry Hungry Hippos to tie the story together again but, SPOILER, it wasn't. I'm still a little salty about that. But if you like the tv series I think this is a good add on, not great, but still a fun read.

Darkness on the Edge of town gives you insight into Hoppers life before the Netflix Stranger Things Story takes place and how he came to be in Hawkins. There is mention of his now gone family but it isn't so much about them, or him, specifically but more of his job and a case he worked in New York as a detective. It's a great story for Stranger Things fans!

It came in great shape,this book is awesome!

I liked the first Stranger Things novel but I’ve been really looking forward to reading this one because Hopper.I really loved how this book started in Hoppers cabin, with Hopper and El, in Stranger Things present day and while mostly in the 70’s due to Hopper relaying his story, we got regular glimpses of them and their interactions.I thought Hoppers life, before Stranger Things, as a homicide detective in New York was fascinating. I kept waiting for a demogorgon to pop up and although it was humans who were monsters it’s clear to see why Hopper handles everything that happens in Hawkins so well.Like El, I was rapt as Hopper recalled his experiences. Hopper was my favourite from the get-go of ST and this novel has only fuelled my feelings for the loveable grump. Three words “coffee and contemplation”. I am tempted to immediately reread the chapters in Hoppers cabin because Hopper and El together absolutely slays me every time.This was fantastic addition to the Stranger Things world and I can’t wait for the next book.

So, I may be a slight fan of all things Stranger Things, I love everything about it. This isn't a book with demogorgons and the upside down though, this is Hoppers story from before the times that we have watched. I have to say that I found this book a tad on the slower side, only really getting the page turning vibe when I was almost two thirds in. This is more of a crime novel with its gangs; violence, plots and secrets of which is a great mix and read if you enjoy that genre, I just found myself wanting more with this novel. I loved seeing Hoppers roots as he's a character you really grow to love and want to succeed, so for the backstop it's a good bit of history but I can't say that I would re-read this book.

I bought this book as a massive fan of the show, and also as i am genuinely intrigued and fascinated by late 70s NYC.The plot splits between Christmas 1984 and Summer 1977 in Detective Jim Hopper's life. Not giving much away here in saying he has a particularly hectic time in the latter period! The story was well-paced and kept me turning pages, but the ending felt a little rushed however, and there's certainly scope for a second filler novel taking us up to 1983 when ST begins.A worthwhile read for those looking to find out why Hopper is the way he is.

It's like it has been written by a novice. The dialogue is so bad, there's no flow to the conversations.

My daughter loves the book