Stephen King to narrate audiobook of 'Keyhole'

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Bestselling American author Stephen King is to narrate "The Wind Through the Keyhole" for a new audiobook, Simon & Schuster Audio said Tuesday.

This marks the first time in more than a decade King narrates a full-length audiobook.

Simon & Schuster Audio said it will publish "The Wind Through the Keyhole" simultaneously with the Scribner hardcover and e-book April 24.

"Keyhole" is the latest installment in King's "Dark Tower" series.

The audiobook will also offer an exclusive audio preview King will read from his novel "Doctor Sleep," the eagerly awaited sequel to his classic "The Shining," which is to be published in 2013.

"I've spent a lot of time with the character of Roland Deschain and the 'Dark Tower' universe over the years. Now that I am revisiting that world, it felt like a fine time to lend it my voice," King said in a statement.

"We're thrilled that Steve wanted to return to the studio for 'The Wind Through the Keyhole.' As his audio fans know, he is a terrific narrator," said Chris Lynch, executive vice president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Audio. "His choice to preview his follow-up to 'The Shining' exclusively on audio speaks volumes about his support for the format. We couldn't be happier."

The last time King recorded a full audiobook was his 2000 memoir, "On Writing," the publisher said.