Reading Order List — Book Series Reading Order Guide
Stephen King

Stephen King Reading Order

29 series · 444 books · Born 1947-09-21

Stephen King is America's foremost master of horror and suspense, with a prolific career spanning over five decades and more than 350 million books sold worldwide. His novels explore the psychological depths of fear across multiple genres—from supernatural terror and crime thrillers to epic fantasy—while his work consistently transcends literature through adaptations into blockbuster films, television series, and comic books. Known for both his sprawling series like the Bill Hodges Trilogy and his vast collection of short stories, King remains one of the most awarded and influential authors in contemporary fiction.

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American Vampire Series

Likely Complete

9 books (2010–2022)

American Vampire is a nine-book horror series that launched in 2010 and concluded in 2022, written by Stephen King and Scott Snyder with King contributing to the first volume. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with American Vampire, Vol. 1 and progressing through the numbered volumes, though note that Vol. 8 was published before Vol. 7. The complete series spans twelve years and is now finished, making it ideal for readers seeking a concluded narrative arc in the horror and western genres.

Start with American Vampire, Vol. 1(With: Scott Snyder), the first of 9 books in the American Vampire series.

Start this series with American Vampire, Vol. 1(With: Scott Snyder)

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#Title
1
American Vampire, Vol. 1(With: Scott Snyder)
2
American Vampire, Vol. 2(By: Scott Snyder)
3
American Vampire, Vol. 3(By: Scott Snyder)
4
American Vampire, Vol. 4(By: Scott Snyder)
5
Cover of American Vampire Vol. 5(By: Scott Snyder)
American Vampire Vol. 5(By: Scott Snyder)
6
Cover of American Vampire, Vol. 6(By: Scott Snyder)
American Vampire, Vol. 6(By: Scott Snyder)
7
Cover of American Vampire Vol. 8(By: Scott Snyder)
American Vampire Vol. 8(By: Scott Snyder)
8
Cover of American Vampire, Vol. 7(By: Scott Snyder)
American Vampire, Vol. 7(By: Scott Snyder)
9
Cover of American Vampire 1976(By: Scott Snyder)
American Vampire 1976(By: Scott Snyder)

Anthologies Series

Ongoing

127 books (1978–2025)

Stephen King appears in 123 anthology collections spanning from 1978 to 2025, with new titles continuing to be released. These volumes showcase work across multiple genres including horror, fantasy, mystery, thriller, western, young adult, and non-fiction. Read the anthologies in publication order beginning with Tales of Unknown Horror. Each anthology stands alone, so readers can explore individual collections based on their interests or follow the series chronologically to trace how King's contributions and the field of speculative fiction evolved over nearly five decades.

Start with Tales of Unknown Horror, the first of 123 books in the Anthologies series.

Start this series with Tales of Unknown Horror

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#Title
1
Cover of Tales of Unknown Horror
Tales of Unknown Horror
2
Cover of The Year's Best Horror Stories: Series VI
The Year's Best Horror Stories: Series VI
3
Cover of The Year's Finest Fantasy
The Year's Finest Fantasy
4
Cover of More Tales of Unknown Horror
More Tales of Unknown Horror
5
Cover of The Year's Best Horror Stories Series VII
The Year's Best Horror Stories Series VII
6
Cover of The Year's Finest Fantasy 2
The Year's Finest Fantasy 2
7
Cover of Dark Forces: New Stories of Suspense and Supernatural Horror
Dark Forces: New Stories of Suspense and Supernatural Horror
8
Cover of New Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos
New Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos
9
Cover of New Terrors II
New Terrors II
10
Cover of Fantasy Annual III
Fantasy Annual III
11
Fantasy Annual IV
12
Modern Masters of Horror
13
14
The Giant Book Of Horror Stories
15
The Seventeenth Fontana Book of Great Ghost Stories
16
Cover of 65 Great Spine Chillers
65 Great Spine Chillers
17
18
Cover of Fear Itself: The Horror Fiction of Stephen King
Fear Itself: The Horror Fiction of Stephen King
19
Cover of The Science Fiction Weight Loss Book
The Science Fiction Weight Loss Book
20
The Year's Best Horror Stories: Series XII
21
Cover of Great Tales of Fantasy and Science Fiction
Great Tales of Fantasy and Science Fiction
22
Cover of Realms of Darkness
Realms of Darkness
23
Cover of The Year's Best Horror Stories
The Year's Best Horror Stories
24
25
Cover of Kingdom of Fear: The World of Stephen King
Kingdom of Fear: The World of Stephen King
26
Cover of The Dark Descent
The Dark Descent
27
Cover of Volume I: The Color of Evil
Volume I: The Color of Evil
28
Cover of A Treasury of American Horror Stories
A Treasury of American Horror Stories
29
Dark Visions
30
Horror Factor 7
31
32
Cover of The Best Horror Stories from the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
The Best Horror Stories from the Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction
33
The Mammoth Book of Short Horror Novels
34
Cover of Book of the Dead
Book of the Dead
35
Cover of The Best of Modern Horror
The Best of Modern Horror
36
Dark Voices: No. 1
37
Cover of Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos
Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos
38
Cover of Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield
Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield
39
40
Cover of I Shudder at Your Touch: Twenty Two Tales of Sex and Horror
I Shudder at Your Touch: Twenty Two Tales of Sex and Horror
41
Cover of The Horror Hall of Fame
The Horror Hall of Fame
42
Cover of Volume III:A Fabulous, Formless Darkness
Volume III:A Fabulous, Formless Darkness
43
Cover of Midnight Graffiti
Midnight Graffiti
44
Cover of Mid-life Confidential
Mid-life Confidential
45
Cover of The Puffin Book of Horror Stories
The Puffin Book of Horror Stories
46
47
Cover of Horror Stories
Horror Stories
48
Cover of Space Movies
Space Movies
49
Cover of The Vampire Omnibus
The Vampire Omnibus
50
Cover of American Gothic Tales
American Gothic Tales
51
52
Pulp Frictions: Hardboiled Stories
53
Cover of Twists of the Tale: An Anthology of Cat Horror
Twists of the Tale: An Anthology of Cat Horror
54
Cover of Year's Best Fantasy & Horror: Ninth Annual Collection
Year's Best Fantasy & Horror: Ninth Annual Collection
55
Cover of Blood Thirst
Blood Thirst
56
Cover of Robert Bloch's Psychos
Robert Bloch's Psychos
57
Cover of Eternal Lovecraft: The Persistence of HPL in Popular Culture
Eternal Lovecraft: The Persistence of HPL in Popular Culture
58
59
Cover of The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
60
Cover of The Playboy Book of Science Fiction
The Playboy Book of Science Fiction
61
Cover of 999: New Stories of Horror and Suspense
999: New Stories of Horror and Suspense
62
Cover of Scary! Stories That Will Make You Scream!
Scary! Stories That Will Make You Scream!
63
Cover of Technohorror: Inventions in Terror
Technohorror: Inventions in Terror
64
Cover of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
65
Cover of The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Twelfth Annual Collection
The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Twelfth Annual Collection
66
Cover of Vintage Science Fiction
Vintage Science Fiction
67
Cover of The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century
The Best American Mystery Stories of the Century
68
Cover of A Century of Great Suspense Stories
A Century of Great Suspense Stories
69
Cover of Dark Masques
Dark Masques
70
Tails of Wonder and Imagination
71
Baseball: a Literary Anthology
72
The Wavedancer Benefit: A Tribute to Frank Muller
73
Cover of From the Borderlands
From the Borderlands
74
Cover of In the Shadow of the Master
In the Shadow of the Master
75
Cover of Great Ghost Stories
Great Ghost Stories
76
The Future Dictionary of America
77
Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Seventeenth Annual Collection
78
Cover of The Campfire Collection
The Campfire Collection
79
Cover of Transgressions
Transgressions
80
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 2
Transgressions, Vol. 2
81
Cover of The Best American Short Stories 2007
The Best American Short Stories 2007
82
Cover of The Best of Cemetery Dance II
The Best of Cemetery Dance II
83
Cover of The Living Dead
The Living Dead
84
Cover of Best New Horror 20
Best New Horror 20
85
Cover of Dancing with the Dark
Dancing with the Dark
86
First Words: Earliest Writing from Favorite Contemporary Authors
87
Cover of The Big Book of NECON
The Big Book of NECON
88
Cover of The Dead That Walk
The Dead That Walk
89
Cover of Zombies: Encounters with the Hungry Dead
Zombies: Encounters with the Hungry Dead
90
Cover of Best New Horror 21
Best New Horror 21
91
Darkness: Two Decades of Modern Horror
92
93
Cover of A Book of Horrors
A Book of Horrors
94
Cover of Alien Contact
Alien Contact
95
Cover of Crucified Dreams
Crucified Dreams
96
Cover of Lightspeed: Year One
Lightspeed: Year One
97
Rage Against the Night
98
Cover of The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
The Chronicles of Harris Burdick
99
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Four
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Four
100
Cover of The Mammoth Book of Body Horror
The Mammoth Book of Body Horror
101
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, 2012 Edition
102
Bad Seeds: Evil Progeny
103
Cover of Hard Listening: The Greatest Rock Band Ever (of Authors) Tells All
Hard Listening: The Greatest Rock Band Ever (of Authors) Tells All
104
Selected Shorts: Behaving Badly
105
106
Cover of Turn Down the Lights
Turn Down the Lights
107
Dark Screams: Volume One
108
Field of Fantasies
109
Cover of Woman: An Anthology
Woman: An Anthology
110
Chiral Mad 3
111
112
Cover of Grave Predictions
Grave Predictions
113
Cover of In Sunlight or In Shadow
In Sunlight or In Shadow
114
Cover of Six Scary Stories
Six Scary Stories
115
The Best American Mystery Stories 2016
116
Cover of Flight or Fright
Flight or Fright
117
118
119
Cover of Terrifying Tales to Tell at Night
Terrifying Tales to Tell at Night
120
Best of Best New Horror Volume 2
121
The Pulp Horror Book of Phobias, Vol II
122
The Best Horror of the Year Volume Thirteen
123
Chiral Mad 5
124
125
Qualia Nous: Vol. 2
126
127
The End of the World As We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King's The Stand

Beryl Evans Picture Series

Complete

1 book (2016–2016)

#Title
1
Charlie the Choo-Choo

Best Horror of the Year Series

Ongoing

19 books (2009–2026)

The Best Horror of the Year is an ongoing anthology series edited by Stephen King, comprising 18 volumes published between 2009 and 2025. Each book collects the year's most acclaimed horror short fiction from various authors, making it ideal for readers seeking quality genre stories. Read the volumes in publication order, beginning with Volume One, to experience the evolution of contemporary horror writing across nearly two decades. A retrospective volume, The Best of the Best Horror of the Year, highlights ten years of essential selections from the series.

Start with The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One, the first of 18 books in the Best Horror of the Year series.

Start this series with The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One

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#Title
1
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One
2
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Two
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Two
3
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Three
4
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Four
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Four
5
The Best Horror of the Year Volume Five
6
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Six
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Six
7
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Seven
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Seven
8
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Eight
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Eight
9
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Nine
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Nine
10
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Ten
11
The Best of the Best Horror of the Year: 10 Years of Essential Short Horror Fiction
12
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Eleven
13
The Best Horror of the Year: Volume Twelve
14
The Best Horror of the Year Volume Thirteen
15
The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Fourteen
16
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Fifteen
The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Fifteen
17
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Sixteen
The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Sixteen
18
Cover of The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Seventeen
The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Seventeen
19
Best Horror of the Year, Volume Eighteen

Bill Hodges Trilogy Series

Complete

3 books (2014–2016)

Stephen King's Bill Hodges trilogy consists of three crime thrillers published between 2014 and 2016, following a retired detective as he becomes entangled in dangerous criminal cases. The complete series should be read in publication order: Mr. Mercedes, Finders Keepers, and End of Watch. Each book builds on the previous installment's events and character development, making sequential reading essential to fully appreciate the narrative arc.

Start with Mr. Mercedes and read in order.

Start this series with Mr. Mercedes

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#Title
1
Cover of Mr. Mercedes
Mr. Mercedes
2
Cover of Finders Keepers
Finders Keepers
3
Cover of End of Watch
End of Watch

Children's Series

Ongoing

2 books (2016–2025)

Stephen King's Children's series consists of two books published between 2016 and 2025, with more titles expected. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Charlie the Choo-Choo, attributed to Beryl Evans, followed by Hansel and Gretel, created in collaboration with Maurice Sendak. This ongoing series blends fantasy and imaginative storytelling crafted for young readers.

Start with Charlie the Choo-Choo(As: Beryl Evans) and read in order.

Start this series with Charlie the Choo-Choo(As: Beryl Evans)

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#Title
1
Charlie the Choo-Choo(As: Beryl Evans)
2
Cover of Hansel and Gretel(With: Maurice Sendak)
Hansel and Gretel(With: Maurice Sendak)

Dark Screams Anthology Series

Complete

9 books (2014–2018)

Dark Screams Anthology is a nine-book horror anthology series published between 2014 and 2018, now complete. The series features short fiction from Stephen King alongside various collaborators including Kelley Armstrong, Richard T. Chizmar, Ramsey Campbell, and Frank Darabont. These volumes should be read in publication order, beginning with Volume One and progressing through Volume Nine.

Start with Dark Screams: Volume One(With: Kelley Armstrong,Richard T. Chizmar,Ramsey Campbell,Bill Pronzini,Simon Clark,Brian James Freeman), the first of 9 books in the Dark Screams Anthology series.

Start this series with Dark Screams: Volume One(With: Kelley Armstrong,Richard T. Chizmar,Ramsey Campbell,Bill Pronzini,Simon Clark,Brian James Freeman)

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#Title
1
Dark Screams: Volume One(With: Kelley Armstrong,Richard T. Chizmar,Ramsey Campbell,Bill Pronzini,Simon Clark,Brian James Freeman)
2
Dark Screams: Volume Five(By: Brian James Freeman)
3
Dark Screams: Volume Four(By: Brian James Freeman)
4
Dark Screams: Volume Three(By: Brian James Freeman)
5
Dark Screams: Volume Two(By: Brian James Freeman,Shawntelle Madison)
6
Dark Screams: Volume Eight(By: Richard T. Chizmar,Brian James Freeman,Frank Darabont)
7
Dark Screams: Volume Seven(By: Brian James Freeman)
8
Dark Screams: Volume Six(By: Brian James Freeman)
9
Dark Screams: Volume Nine(By: Kelley Armstrong)

Graphic Novels Series

Complete

5 books (1982–2020)

Stephen King's Graphic Novels series comprises four illustrated works published between 1982 and 2020, collected here in publication order. The series is complete and should be read starting with Creepshow, followed by Stephen King's N (with Marc Guggenheim), The Talisman: Road of Trials (with Peter Straub and Tony Shasteen), The Dark Man: An Illustrated Poem, and concluding with Sleeping Beauties, Vol. 1. These graphic adaptations and illustrated works span King's horror, fantasy, and dark fiction across multiple decades.

Start with Creepshow, the first of 4 books in the Graphic Novels series.

Start this series with Creepshow

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#Title
1
2
Stephen King's N.(With: Marc Guggenheim)
3
Cover of The Talisman: Road of Trials(With: Peter Straub,Tony Shasteen)
The Talisman: Road of Trials(With: Peter Straub,Tony Shasteen)
4
Cover of The Dark Man: An Illustrated Poem
The Dark Man: An Illustrated Poem
5
Cover of Sleeping Beauties, Vol. 1
Sleeping Beauties, Vol. 1

Green Mile Series

Complete

6 books (1996–1996)

Stephen King's Green Mile is a complete six-book series published in 1996 that should be read in publication order, beginning with Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix and concluding with The Two Dead Girls. The interconnected narrative unfolds across the installments: Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix, Coffey on the Mile, Coffey's Hands, The Mouse on the Mile, The Night Journey, and The Two Dead Girls. This serialized horror fantasy draws readers into a dark, atmospheric narrative that reveals its mysteries gradually across the full sequence.

Start with Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix, the first of 6 books in the Green Mile series.

Start this series with Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix

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#Title
1
Cover of Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix
Bad Death of Eduard Delacroix
2
Cover of Coffey on the Mile
Coffey on the Mile
3
Cover of Coffey's Hands
Coffey's Hands
4
Cover of The Mouse on the Mile
The Mouse on the Mile
5
Cover of The Night Journey
The Night Journey
6
Cover of The Two Dead Girls
The Two Dead Girls

Holly Gibney Series

Ongoing

7 books (2014–2025)

Stephen King's Holly Gibney series spans seven books published from 2014 to 2025, following publication order from Mr. Mercedes through Never Flinch. The series is ongoing and blends mystery, thriller, and horror elements as it tracks the investigations and personal evolution of its protagonist across interconnected cases. Readers should begin with Mr. Mercedes to experience the character's development and the deepening complexity of the overarching narrative.

Start with Mr. Mercedes, the first of 7 books in the Holly Gibney series.

Start this series with Mr. Mercedes

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#Title
1
Cover of Mr. Mercedes
Mr. Mercedes
2
Cover of Finders Keepers
Finders Keepers
3
Cover of End of Watch
End of Watch
4
Cover of The Outsider
The Outsider
5
Cover of If It Bleeds
If It Bleeds
6
7
Never Flinch

Legends Series

Complete

3 books (1998–1999)

The Legends series is a three-book anthology collection published between 1998 and 1999, featuring original stories from acclaimed fantasy and science fiction authors. Each volume brings together tales from different writers, with the second book including contributions from Diana Gabaldon, George R.R. Martin, Orson Scott Card, Terry Brooks, Robert Silverberg, Neil Gaiman, and Elizabeth Haydon. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, starting with Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King.

Start with Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King(By: Diana Gabaldon,George R.R. Martin,Orson Scott Card,Terry Brooks,Robert Silverberg,Neil Gaiman,Elizabeth Haydon) and read in order.

Start this series with Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King(By: Diana Gabaldon,George R.R. Martin,Orson Scott Card,Terry Brooks,Robert Silverberg,Neil Gaiman,Elizabeth Haydon)

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#Title
1
Legends II: Dragon, Sword, and King(By: Diana Gabaldon,George R.R. Martin,Orson Scott Card,Terry Brooks,Robert Silverberg,Neil Gaiman,Elizabeth Haydon)
2
Legends(With: Anne McCaffrey,Robert Silverberg)
3
Cover of Legends 3(By: Terry Pratchett,Tad Williams,Robert Jordan,Robert Silverberg,Ursula K. Le Guin)
Legends 3(By: Terry Pratchett,Tad Williams,Robert Jordan,Robert Silverberg,Ursula K. Le Guin)

Non-Fiction Series

Complete

9 books (1981–2016)

Stephen King's non-fiction series spans nine books published between 1981 and 2016, offering insight into the author's creative process, influences, and perspectives on horror and writing. The collection includes critical essays, interview compilations, memoirs, and reflections on the craft, with contributions from collaborators such as Chuck Miller and Tim Underwood. Read in publication order beginning with Danse Macabre to follow the chronological development of King's thoughts across nearly four decades. The series is complete and should be approached as standalone works that can be enjoyed individually or as a comprehensive exploration of King's literary philosophy.

Start with Danse Macabre, the first of 9 books in the Non-Fiction series.

Start this series with Danse Macabre

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#Title
1
Cover of Danse Macabre
Danse Macabre
2
Stephen King's Danse Macabre
3
Cover of Bare Bones: Conversations on Terror with Stephen King(With: Chuck Miller,Tim Underwood)
Bare Bones: Conversations on Terror with Stephen King(With: Chuck Miller,Tim Underwood)
4
Cover of Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques
Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques
5
Cover of Feast of Fear: Conversations with Stephen King(With: Chuck Miller,Tim Underwood)
Feast of Fear: Conversations with Stephen King(With: Chuck Miller,Tim Underwood)
6
7
8
9
Cover of Hearts in Suspension
Hearts in Suspension

Plays Series

Complete

2 books (1999–2013)

Stephen King's complete plays collection spans from 1999 to 2013 and consists of two works meant to be read in publication order. The series begins with Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay, followed by Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, which King co-wrote with T. Bone Burnett. Both entries showcase King's ventures into dramatic storytelling across different formats and collaborative partnerships.

Start with Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay and read in order.

Start this series with Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay

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#Title
1
Storm of the Century: An Original Screenplay
2
Cover of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County(With: T. Bone Burnett)
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County(With: T. Bone Burnett)

Secretary of Dreams Series

Complete

2 books (2006–2010)

The Secretary of Dreams is a complete two-book series by Stephen King released between 2006 and 2010. Both volumes should be read in publication order, beginning with The Secretary of Dreams followed by The Secretary of Dreams Volume 2. This series blends elements of fantasy, mystery, and horror into King's distinctive storytelling style.

Start with The Secretary of Dreams and read in order.

Start this series with The Secretary of Dreams

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#Title
1
Cover of The Secretary of Dreams
The Secretary of Dreams
2
Cover of The Secretary of Dreams Volume 2
The Secretary of Dreams Volume 2

Short Stories/Novellas Series

Likely Complete

107 books (1971–2023)

Stephen King's short stories and novellas span from 1971 to 2023, encompassing 100 tales across horror, fantasy, mystery, thriller, and western genres. These works should be read in publication order, beginning with The Blue Air Compressor and progressing through stories like Jerusalem's Lot, The Mist, and The Monkey. The series appears to be complete, collecting King's shorter fiction across more than five decades of his prolific writing career.

Start with The Blue Air Compressor, the first of 100 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.

Start this series with The Blue Air Compressor

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#Title
1
The Blue Air Compressor
2
Cover of One for the Road
One for the Road
3
4
I Am the Doorway
5
I Know What You Need
6
Cover of Jerusalem's Lot
Jerusalem's Lot
7
8
Cover of Quitters, Inc.
Quitters, Inc.
9
The Man Who Loved Flowers
10
11
The Woman in the Room
12
13
14
15
16
Cover of Do the Dead Sing?
Do the Dead Sing?
17
18
Survivor Type
1982
19
20
Cover of The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption
21
22
Cover of Cycle of the Werewolf
Cycle of the Werewolf
23
Cover of Silver Bullet
Silver Bullet
24
Uncle Otto's Truck
25
Cover of Word Processor of the Gods
Word Processor of the Gods
26
Cover of The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet
The Ballad of the Flexible Bullet
27
The Breathing Method
28
29
30
For the Birds
31
Cover of Mrs. Todd's Shortcut
Mrs. Todd's Shortcut
32
Cover of The End of the Whole Mess
The End of the Whole Mess
33
The Last Rung on the Ladder
34
35
The Night Flier
36
Cover of Dolan's Cadillac
Dolan's Cadillac
37
Cover of Home delivery
Home delivery
38
Cover of My Pretty Pony
My Pretty Pony
39
40
Cover of The Langoliers
The Langoliers
41
Cover of The Library Policeman
The Library Policeman
42
43
Cover of Secret Window, Secret Garden
Secret Window, Secret Garden
44
Cover of Three Carols
Three Carols
45
Children of the Corn
46
47
The Ten O'Clock People
48
Blind Willie
49
Cover of The Man in the Black Suit
The Man in the Black Suit
50
Cover of The Lawnmower Man
The Lawnmower Man
51
Cover of Umney's Last Case
Umney's Last Case
52
53
Cover of Everything's Eventual
Everything's Eventual
54
Cover of Riding the Bullet
Riding the Bullet
55
Zenith Rising / The Plant
56
LT's Theory of Pets
57
Cover of Autopsy Room Four
Autopsy Room Four
58
Lisey and the Madman
59
Cover of The Things They Left Behind
The Things They Left Behind
60
Stationary Bike
61
The Road Virus Heads North
62
63
64
Cover of Harvey's Dream
Harvey's Dream
65
66
The Gingerbread Girl
67
68
Cover of Premium Harmony
Premium Harmony
69
Cover of The Bone Church
The Bone Church
70
71
72
Cover of Blockade Billy
Blockade Billy
73
74
Cover of Herman Wouk Is Still Alive
Herman Wouk Is Still Alive
75
76
The Dune
2011
77
The Little Green God of Agony
78
Cover of Under the Weather / À la dure
Under the Weather / À la dure
79
A Face in the Crowd(With: Stewart O'Nan)
80
Batman and Robin have an Altercation
81
82
Cover of Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
Ghost Brothers of Darkland County
83
Cover of In the Tall Grass(With: Joe Hill)
In the Tall Grass(With: Joe Hill)
84
Cover of Stephen King's Battleground
Stephen King's Battleground
85
Throttle(With: Joe Hill)
86
Afterlife
2013
87
Summer Thunder
2013
88
A Good Marriage
89
Cover of That Bus Is Another World
That Bus Is Another World
90
A Death
2015
91
Bad Little Kid
92
Drunken Fireworks
93
Cover of Mister Yummy
Mister Yummy
94
95
96
97
Cover of Low Men In Yellow Coats (in Hearts in Atlantis)
Low Men In Yellow Coats (in Hearts in Atlantis)
98
99
Cover of The Turbulence Expert
The Turbulence Expert
100
101
On Slide Inn Road
102
103
The Fifth Step
104
105
Willie the Weirdo / Willie le Zinzin
106
107
Rattlesnakes

Short Story Collections Series

Ongoing

21 books (1978–2024)

Stephen King's short story collections span from 1978 to 2024 across 21 volumes and remain ongoing. These collections showcase the author's range across horror, mystery, fantasy, and other genres through interconnected and standalone tales. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Night Shift and continuing through the most recent releases. This long-running series demonstrates King's versatility as a writer of shorter fiction alongside his celebrated novels.

Start with Night Shift, the first of 21 books in the Short Story Collections series.

Start this series with Night Shift

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#Title
1
2
Cover of Different Seasons
Different Seasons
3
Cover of Skeleton Crew
Skeleton Crew
4
Cover of Four Past Midnight
Four Past Midnight
5
Cover of Nightmares and Dreamscapes
Nightmares and Dreamscapes
6
The Man in the Black Suit: 4 Dark Tales
7
8
Cover of The Green Mile
The Green Mile
9
Blood and Smoke
10
Graveyard Shift: and Other Stories from Night Shift
11
Cover of Hearts in Atlantis
Hearts in Atlantis
12
Cover of Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction on the Craft of Writing
Secret Windows: Essays and Fiction on the Craft of Writing
13
Cover of Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales
Everything's Eventual: 14 Dark Tales
14
Cover of Just After Sunset
Just After Sunset
15
Cover of Stephen King Goes to the Movies
Stephen King Goes to the Movies
16
Cover of Full Dark, No Stars
Full Dark, No Stars
17
Cover of In the Deathroom and Lunch at the Gotham Café
In the Deathroom and Lunch at the Gotham Café
18
Cover of Road Rage(With: Joe Hill,Richard Matheson,Chris Ryall)
Road Rage(With: Joe Hill,Richard Matheson,Chris Ryall)
19
Cover of The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
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Cover of If It Bleeds
If It Bleeds
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You Like It Darker

Standalone Novels Series

Ongoing

45 books (1974–2025)

Stephen King has written 45 standalone novels across horror, fantasy, thriller, and other genres since 1974, with new works continuing to be published through 2025. These books can be read in any order as independent stories, though many readers prefer to follow publication order to trace the author's evolution as a writer. The series includes King's early works written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, as well as his most celebrated novels like The Stand, It, and Misery. Starting with Carrie in 1974 and spanning five decades, this collection represents one of the most prolific careers in contemporary fiction.

Start with Carrie, the first of 45 books in the Standalone Novels series.

#Title
1
2
Cover of 'Salem's Lot
'Salem's Lot
3
Cover of Rage(As: Richard Bachman)
Rage(As: Richard Bachman)
4
5
Cover of The Dead Zone
The Dead Zone
6
Cover of The Long Walk(As: Richard Bachman)
The Long Walk(As: Richard Bachman)
7
8
9
Cover of Roadwork(As: Richard Bachman)
Roadwork(As: Richard Bachman)
10
Cover of The Running Man(As: Richard Bachman)
The Running Man(As: Richard Bachman)
11
12
Cover of Pet Sematary
Pet Sematary
13
Cover of Thinner(As: Richard Bachman)
Thinner(As: Richard Bachman)
14
15
16
The Eyes of the Dragon
17
Cover of The Tommyknockers
The Tommyknockers
18
Cover of One Past Midnight: The Langoliers (Four Past Midnight)
One Past Midnight: The Langoliers (Four Past Midnight)
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The Dark Half
20
Needful Things
21
Cover of Dolores Claiborne
Dolores Claiborne
22
Cover of Gerald's Game
Gerald's Game
23
24
25
26
Cover of The Regulators(As: Richard Bachman)
The Regulators(As: Richard Bachman)
27
Bag of Bones
28
Cover of The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
29
Dreamcatcher
30
Cover of From a Buick 8
From a Buick 8
31
Cover of The Colorado Kid
The Colorado Kid
32
33
Cover of Lisey's Story
Lisey's Story
34
Cover of Blaze(As: Richard Bachman)
Blaze(As: Richard Bachman)
35
36
Cover of Under the Dome
Under the Dome
37
38
39
40
Cover of Sleeping Beauties(With: Owen King)
Sleeping Beauties(With: Owen King)
41
Cover of The Institute
The Institute
42
Cover of Billy Summers
Billy Summers
43
44
45
Cover of The Life of Chuck
The Life of Chuck

Talisman Series

Ongoing

3 books (1984–2026)

Stephen King's Talisman series is a dark fantasy epic spanning three books published over more than four decades, beginning with The Talisman in 1984 and continuing through 2026 with Other Worlds Than These. The series is ongoing and should be read in publication order to experience the narrative as King intended. This expanding collection blends fantasy, horror, and western elements into King's ambitious cross-dimensional saga.

Start with The Talisman and read in order.

Start this series with The Talisman

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#Title
1
Cover of The Talisman
The Talisman
2
3
Cover of Other Worlds Than These
Other Worlds Than These

The Button Box Series

Likely Complete

3 books (2017–2022)

The Button Box is a three-book fantasy horror series co-written by Stephen King and Richard T. Chizmar, published between 2017 and 2022. The series appears to be complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Gwendy's Button Box, followed by Gwendy's Magic Feather, and concluding with Gwendy's Final Task. This collaborative series blends elements of fantasy and dark themes across its interconnected narrative.

Start with Gwendy's Button Box(With: Richard T. Chizmar) and read in order.

Start this series with Gwendy's Button Box(With: Richard T. Chizmar)

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#Title
1
Cover of Gwendy's Button Box(With: Richard T. Chizmar)
Gwendy's Button Box(With: Richard T. Chizmar)
2
Cover of Gwendy's Magic Feather(By: Richard T. Chizmar)
Gwendy's Magic Feather(By: Richard T. Chizmar)
3
Cover of Gwendy's Final Task(With: Richard T. Chizmar)
Gwendy's Final Task(With: Richard T. Chizmar)

The Dark Descent Series

Complete

3 books (1987–1991)

Stephen King's The Dark Descent is a complete trilogy of horror and fantasy novels published between 1987 and 1991. The three volumes—The Color of Evil, The Medusa In The Shield, and A Fabulous, Formless Darkness—should be read in publication order to experience the story as intended. This series combines elements of horror, mystery, and dark fantasy in King's characteristic style.

Start with Volume I: The Color of Evil and read in order.

Start this series with Volume I: The Color of Evil

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#Title
1
Cover of Volume I: The Color of Evil
Volume I: The Color of Evil
2
Cover of Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield
Volume II: The Medusa In The Shield
3
Cover of Volume III:A Fabulous, Formless Darkness
Volume III:A Fabulous, Formless Darkness

The Dark Tower Series

CompleteChronological order differs

9 books (1982–2012)

Stephen King's Dark Tower saga spans nine books published between 1982 and 2012, blending fantasy, western, and horror elements into a complete series. While the chronological sequence of events differs from publication order, new readers should begin with The Gunslinger and follow the original release order through The Dark Tower, with The Complete Concordance and The Wind Through the Keyhole serving as supplementary reference materials. This epic journey follows Roland Deschain and his quest across multiple worlds and timelines, building in complexity and scope as the narrative unfolds. The publication order provides the optimal reading experience, allowing the story's mysteries and mythology to develop naturally alongside the author's evolving vision.

Start with The Gunslinger. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

Start this series with The Gunslinger

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#Title
1
The Gunslinger
2
Cover of The Drawing of the Three
The Drawing of the Three
3
Cover of The Waste Lands
The Waste Lands
4
Cover of Wizard and Glass
Wizard and Glass
5
Wolves of the Calla
6
Cover of Song of Susannah
Song of Susannah
7
Cover of The Dark Tower
The Dark Tower
8
The Complete Concordance(With: Robin Furth)
9
Cover of The Wind Through the Keyhole
The Wind Through the Keyhole

The Dark Tower: Beginnings Series

CompleteChronological order differs

6 books (2007–2017)

The Dark Tower: Beginnings is a completed six-book graphic novel series set in Stephen King's Dark Tower universe, published between 2007 and 2017 by writers Robin Furth and Peter David. These comics chronicle the backstory of Roland Deschain and the world of Gilead, exploring events that precede the main Dark Tower novels. While the narrative unfolds chronologically within the story world, the publication order differs from the internal timeline, making it best to read the books in the order they were originally released rather than in strict chronological sequence. Begin with The Gunslinger Born and follow through to The Sailor to experience the intended narrative progression.

Start with The Gunslinger Born(By: Robin Furth,Peter David). Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

Start this series with The Gunslinger Born(By: Robin Furth,Peter David)

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#Title
1
Cover of The Gunslinger Born(By: Robin Furth,Peter David)
The Gunslinger Born(By: Robin Furth,Peter David)
2
Cover of The Long Road Home(By: Robin Furth,Peter David,Richard Isanove)
The Long Road Home(By: Robin Furth,Peter David,Richard Isanove)
3
Cover of The Fall of Gilead(By: Robin Furth,Peter David,Richard Isanove)
The Fall of Gilead(By: Robin Furth,Peter David,Richard Isanove)
4
Cover of Treachery(By: Robin Furth,Peter David,Richard Isanove)
Treachery(By: Robin Furth,Peter David,Richard Isanove)
5
Cover of Battle of Jericho Hill(With: Robin Furth,Peter David)
Battle of Jericho Hill(With: Robin Furth,Peter David)
6
Cover of The Sailor(By: Robin Furth)
The Sailor(By: Robin Furth)

The Dark Tower: The Drawing of the Three Series

Likely CompleteChronological order differs

5 books (2020–2023)

This five-book fantasy series by Stephen King spans from 2020 to 2023 and appears to be complete. The sequence begins with Bitter Medicine, followed by House of Cards, Lady of Shadows, The Prisoner, and concludes with The Drawing of the Three Omnibus by Robin Furth. While the chronological and publication orders differ, new readers should follow the publication sequence to experience the story as intended.

Start with Bitter Medicine. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

Start this series with Bitter Medicine

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#Title
1
Cover of Bitter Medicine
Bitter Medicine
2
House of Cards
3
Cover of Lady of Shadows
Lady of Shadows
4
Cover of The Prisoner
The Prisoner
5
Cover of The Drawing of the Three Omnibus(By: Robin Furth)
The Drawing of the Three Omnibus(By: Robin Furth)

The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger Series

CompleteChronological order differs

6 books (2019–2019)

This six-book Dark Tower series by Stephen King was completed in 2019 and combines fantasy, western, mystery, and horror elements. The chronological sequence differs from publication order, with Last Shots serving as the recommended entry point for new readers despite not being the first book chronologically. The complete series includes Last Shots, The Battle of Tull, The Journey Begins, The Little Sisters of Eluria, The Man in Black, and The Way Station, and should be read in publication order rather than chronological order for the best first-time reading experience.

Start with Last Shots. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.

Start this series with Last Shots

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#Title
1
2
Cover of The Battle of Tull
The Battle of Tull
3
The Journey Begins
4
Cover of The Little Sisters of Eluria
The Little Sisters of Eluria
5
Cover of The Man in Black
The Man in Black
6
Cover of The Way Station
The Way Station

The Outsider Series

Complete

2 books (2018–2020)

Stephen King's The Outsider series comprises two books released between 2018 and 2020, forming a complete collection. Both entries should be read in publication order, beginning with The Outsider followed by If It Bleeds. The series blends mystery, horror, and thriller elements characteristic of King's work.

Start with The Outsider and read in order.

Start this series with The Outsider

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#Title
1
Cover of The Outsider
The Outsider
2
Cover of If It Bleeds
If It Bleeds

The Shining Series

Complete

3 books (1977–2013)

Stephen King's three-book series begins with Before the Play, followed by The Shining and concluding with Doctor Sleep, published between 1977 and 2013. This complete series should be read in publication order to experience the narrative as King intended. The collection spans horror and mystery elements across its installments, with the later entry exploring supernatural themes and their long-term consequences.

Start with Before the Play and read in order.

Start this series with Before the Play

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#Title
1
Before the Play
2
3
Cover of Doctor Sleep
Doctor Sleep

The Stand: Graphic Novels Series

Complete

6 books (2009–2012)

The Stand: Graphic Novels is a six-book graphic novel adaptation of Stephen King's epic horror novel, featuring artwork by Mike Perkins with colors by Laura Martin and writing by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Released between 2009 and 2012, this complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with American Nightmares and concluding with The Night Has Come. The graphic novels expand King's post-apocalyptic narrative through sequential art, offering a visual interpretation of the original story across its full arc.

Start with American Nightmares(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa), the first of 6 books in the The Stand: Graphic Novels series.

Start this series with American Nightmares(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)

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#Title
1
Cover of American Nightmares(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
American Nightmares(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
2
Cover of Captain Trips(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
Captain Trips(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
3
Cover of Hardcases(With: Mike Perkins,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
Hardcases(With: Mike Perkins,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
4
Cover of Soul Survivors(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
Soul Survivors(With: Mike Perkins,LauraMartin,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
5
Cover of No Man's Land(With: Mike Perkins,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
No Man's Land(With: Mike Perkins,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
6
Cover of The Night Has Come(With: Mike Perkins,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)
The Night Has Come(With: Mike Perkins,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa)

The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror Series

Ongoing

15 books (2010–2024)

The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror is an ongoing anthology series edited by Stephen King, comprising 15 volumes published between 2010 and 2024. The series consists of yearly editions from 2010 through 2019, followed by five numbered volumes starting in 2020. Readers should follow publication order to experience these curated collections of dark fantasy and horror stories chronologically as they were released.

Start with The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2010 Edition, the first of 15 books in the The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror series.

Start this series with The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2010 Edition

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#Title
1
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2010 Edition
2
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2011 Edition
3
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, 2012 Edition
4
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2013 Edition
5
Cover of The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2014 Edition
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2014 Edition
6
Cover of The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2015 Edition
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2015 Edition
7
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2016 Edition
8
The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2017 Edition
9
The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2018 Edition
10
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, 2019 Edition
11
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, Volume 1
12
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, Volume 2
13
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, Volume 3
14
The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, Volume 4
15
The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy & Horror, Volume 5

Transgressions Series

Complete

6 books (2005–2006)

The Transgressions series is a collection of four volumes featuring short stories by various acclaimed authors, published between 2005 and 2006. Read these books in publication order, starting with the first volume and continuing through volumes two, three, and four. The series is complete and each volume brings together different combinations of contributing writers in the mystery and thriller genres.

Start with Transgressions(With: Lawrence Block,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris), the first of 4 books in the Transgressions series.

Start this series with Transgressions(With: Lawrence Block,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)

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#Title
1
Cover of Transgressions(With: Lawrence Block,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)
Transgressions(With: Lawrence Block,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)
2
Transgressions(With: Lawrence Block,Anne Perry,Jeffery Deaver,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E. Westlake,Bonnie Jeanne Perry,Joyce Carol Oates,Walter Mosley,John Farris)
3
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 2(With: Lawrence Block,Ed McBain,John Farris)
Transgressions, Vol. 2(With: Lawrence Block,Ed McBain,John Farris)
4
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 3(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,John Farris)
Transgressions, Vol. 3(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E Westlake,John Farris)
5
Transgressions, Vol. 3(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain,Donald E. Westlake,John Farris)
6
Cover of Transgressions, Vol. 4(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain)
Transgressions, Vol. 4(By: Anne Perry,Sharyn McCrumb,Ed McBain)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has Stephen King written?
Stephen King has written 444 books across 29 series. Their published works span from 1971 to 2026.
What is the first book in each Stephen King series?
Here are the first books in Stephen King's series: American Vampire: American Vampire, Vol. 1(With: Scott Snyder); Anthologies: Tales of Unknown Horror; Best Horror of the Year: The Best Horror of the Year: Volume One; Bill Hodges Trilogy: Mr. Mercedes; Children's: Charlie the Choo-Choo(As: Beryl Evans).
What order should I read Stephen King's books?
We recommend reading Stephen King's series in publication order. Note that some series have a different chronological order — see the series details above for guidance. Each series can be read independently.
Is Stephen King still writing new books?
Yes, Stephen King has 8 ongoing series: Anthologies, Best Horror of the Year, Children's, Holly Gibney, Short Story Collections and 3 more.
Should I read Stephen King's books in chronological or publication order?
For first-time readers, we recommend publication order. Some of Stephen King's series have a different chronological order, but the stories were written to be enjoyed in the order they were published.

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