I am a Stephen King fan. Loved most of his books. No one can pull you into his written world quicker and hold you fast like a fly in a spider's web.
I've read the entire Dark Tower series. Can't say that all the books in that series were as good as the first two.
If you want a scary read, then read "The Shinning". That book made me swear off hotels in the mountains. I've read and re-read "The Stand" a few times just because there were no new King books out.
I love King's rich characterizations and multi-layered story lines. But he can get caught in a really irritating loop sometimes ('Detta in the Tower series comes to mind with her black-speak). King can be schmaltzy and as for dating his books, he always uses lines from 50's and 60's songs to preface his chapters so how dated is that?
Cell was just okay. It was King, it was a good and quick read, but like having speed sex, ultimately not satisfying and fulfilling. I agree he has been changed by his unfortunate accident. He seems to have lost his passion. Then again, maybe he just wants to retire and make all the voices stop.
I'd still rather read an uneven book by King than any of those other mystery writers that everyone swoons over.