Stephen King is very good in making a story start late and spending at least half of the book on introductions. This story is no exception, except that it has a bit of a different ring to it as it is really pleasing to read and you are not even wondering when the story will be starting. And when it does, it's actually a bit sad to know you are getting to the end and will be missing these wonderful characters. I fully admit this story made me cry and it was hard to lay down and not just read it in one go. Even with trying not to read it too quickly, I finished within one day.