The Regulators

"The Regulators" is a horror novel by Stephen King, written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. It was published in 1996, and it follows the residents of a suburban neighborhood in Ohio who find themselves trapped in a hellish alternate reality.

The story begins when a young boy named Seth Garin, who is autistic, discovers a mysterious object in the woods behind his house. The object is a device that can alter reality, and when Seth's older brother and his friends come to investigate, they unwittingly activate it. As a result, the neighborhood is transformed into a twisted version of itself, complete with evil doppelgangers of the residents.

The novel follows several characters, including police officer Cynthia Smith, who is one of the few people who realizes what is happening, and Johnny Marinville, a famous author who is visiting the neighborhood. As the chaos unfolds, they must work together to survive and find a way to stop the evil force behind the alternate reality.

Throughout the novel, King explores themes of good versus evil, the power of the mind, and the fragility of reality. He also delves into the psyche of his characters, particularly Seth Garin, whose autism gives him a unique perspective on the events unfolding around him.

"The Regulators" received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising King's ability to create a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere, while others found the book confusing and disjointed. However, it has since gained a cult following among King's fans.

Overall, "The Regulators" is a dark and unsettling tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. King's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions of the twisted reality will haunt readers long after they finish the book.