This is one of King’s more creative works. We’re treated to themes of religion, atheism, horror (of course), tragedy, redemption, quackery, secret electricity, and bugs.
A preacher, Charles Jacobs, starts a job in a small town, and befriends a small boy–Jamie. Initially, Jacobs is charismatic, and builds a relatively large following in his church. Then, his wife and son are killed in a senseless accident, he loses his faith, and disappears.
Jacobs has always dabbled in electricity, and shows Jamie a couple of amazing tricks, based on something he calls “secret electricty.” But to Jamie, it looks like just normal electricity.
Fast forward a couple of decades. Jacobs is now an evangelist, and draws huge crowds, healing people with this secret power. Jamie’s old lover has cancer and wants to be healed by Jacobs. Even though Jamie doesn’t want to have anything to do with Jacobs, Jacobs uses his former relationship with the woman, to force Jamie to assist him in the culmination of his experiments with secret electricity.
The trap is sprung, and much horror ensues. The King has still got it.