Whether you’re looking to lose sleep or simply appreciate the finer points of horror literature, this list of the 10 best books by Stephen King will guide you through his most chilling works.
Disclosure: this post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases made using the links below at no cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here.
Stephen King, the undisputed master of horror and suspense, has been chilling readers for decades. With a bibliography that spans decades, it’s a challenge to distill his work down to just 10 must-reads. But fear not, dear reader, as this list of the 10 best books by Stephen King will guide you through the essential titles that showcase his literary prowess. From haunted hotels to apocalyptic plagues, each book on this list offers a unique glimpse into King’s dark and twisted imagination.
But first, let’s answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this prolific author.
How Many Books Did Stephen King Write?
Stephen King has written 66 novels and 200 short stories, along with several novellas and non-fiction works. This impressive tally includes works published under his own name as well as his pseudonym, Richard Bachman. His bibliography is vast, covering a wide range of genres from horror and supernatural fiction to crime and psychological thrillers. King’s prolific output has made him one of the most recognized and influential authors in modern literature.
What Is the Best Stephen King Book to Start With?
If you’re new to Stephen King, the best book to start with is “Carrie”. This was King’s debut novel, and it’s a perfect introduction to his style of blending supernatural horror with real-world issues. “Carrie” tells the story of a shy high school girl who discovers she has telekinetic powers, leading to a devastating climax. It’s a gripping, accessible read that showcases King’s talent for character development and his ability to turn everyday fears into something truly terrifying.
Which Stephen King Book Is the Scariest?
One of the most commonly debated topics among fans is which Stephen King book is the scariest. While opinions vary, “Pet Sematary” often takes the top spot. This novel delves into the darkest corners of grief and loss, exploring what happens when a grieving father defies the natural order and attempts to bring his dead son back to life. The result is a haunting, relentless tale that many consider to be King’s most terrifying work.
10 Best Books by Stephen King
1. The Shining
Let’s start with a classic—one that has forever ruined the idea of a winter getaway, or twins. The Shining introduces us to Jack Torrance, a writer (of course, it’s a Stephen King novel) who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel. But as the snow falls and the walls start whispering, Jack’s sanity takes a nosedive, and we’re left questioning whether it’s the isolation, the spirits, or just a really bad case of writer’s block.
- Genre: Horror
- Year of Publication: 1977
- Why Buy It: The Shining isn’t just a novel; it’s a rite of passage for horror aficionados. With its chilling atmosphere and psychological depth, it’s a perfect blend of supernatural horror and real-world fears. No list of the best books by Stephen King would be complete without it.
2. It
Pennywise the Clown—just reading the name is enough to make some people break out in a cold sweat. It isn’t just about a creepy clown, though. It’s a masterful exploration of childhood fear and the monsters that haunt us, whether they’re real or imagined. The story follows the Losers’ Club, a group of kids who confront a shape-shifting entity in their small town. And as adults, they have to return to face It once again. If you didn’t already fear clowns, you will after reading this.
- Genre: Horror, Coming-of-Age
- Year of Publication: 1986
- Why Buy It: It is a tour de force that combines horror with an emotionally rich coming-of-age story. It’s quintessential King—epic, terrifying, and surprisingly heartwarming.
3. The Stand
The Stand is what happens when Stephen King decides to play God with a post-apocalyptic landscape. After a superflu wipes out 99% of humanity, the survivors are drawn into a final showdown between good and evil. On one side, there’s the saintly Mother Abagail; on the other, the sinister Randall Flagg. And in between, King weaves a sprawling epic that explores human nature, society, and what happens when all the rules are thrown out the window.
- Genre: Apocalyptic, Science Fiction, Horror
- Year of Publication: 1978 (Complete & Uncut Edition: 1990)
- Why Buy It: The Stand is King at his most ambitious, creating a world where the battle between good and evil plays out on a grand, apocalyptic scale. It’s a must-read for those who enjoy epic storytelling with deep philosophical undercurrents.
4. Misery
Imagine your worst nightmare—now add a crazed fan, a remote cabin, and a typewriter. Misery tells the story of Paul Sheldon, a bestselling author who finds himself at the mercy of his number one fan, Annie Wilkes, after a car accident leaves him incapacitated. But Annie isn’t just any fan; she’s obsessive, controlling, and more than a little unhinged. What follows is a tense, claustrophobic thriller that will make you think twice about who you let into your inner circle.
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror
- Year of Publication: 1987
- Why Buy It: Misery is King at his most intense, offering a chilling look at the dangers of fandom and the lengths some will go to when their obsession is pushed too far. It’s one of the best books by Stephen King for those who love psychological horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
5. Pet Sematary
Sometimes dead is better. Those words echo through Pet Sematary, a novel that takes the idea of resurrection and twists it into something nightmarish. When Louis Creed’s son tragically dies, he discovers an ancient burial ground with the power to bring the dead back to life. But as the old adage warns, meddling with the natural order comes at a terrible cost.
- Genre: Horror
- Year of Publication: 1983
- Why Buy It: Pet Sematary is one of the best books Stephen King has ever written. It’s a dark, haunting exploration of grief, loss, and the terrifying consequences of defying nature, making it a must-read for horror enthusiasts.
6. Carrie
Carrie is where it all began. King’s debut novel introduces us to Carrie White, a shy, awkward teenager with a terrifying secret: she has telekinetic powers. As Carrie is pushed to her breaking point by her peers, her powers manifest in devastating ways, leading to one of the most unforgettable climaxes in horror literature.
- Genre: Horror
- Year of Publication: 1974
- Why Buy It: Carrie is the novel that launched Stephen King’s career, and it remains a powerful exploration of bullying, revenge, and the darker side of adolescence.
7. The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger
The Dark Tower: The Gunslinger is the beginning of King’s epic Dark Tower series, which blends fantasy, horror, and Westerns into a unique and sprawling narrative. The story follows Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger, on his quest to find the Dark Tower, a mysterious structure that holds the key to all existence. Along the way, Roland encounters a host of strange characters and faces challenges that test his resolve and his very humanity.
- Genre: Dark Fantasy, Western
- Year of Publication: 1982
- Why Buy It: The Gunslinger sets the stage for one of King’s most ambitious and beloved series. It’s a fascinating mix of genres that showcases King’s creativity and world-building prowess. If you’re ready for a journey unlike any other, this is where you start.
8. 11/22/63
11/22/63 is a time-traveling tour de force that takes readers back to one of the most pivotal moments in American history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The story follows Jake Epping, a high school teacher who discovers a portal to 1958 and takes on the mission of preventing JFK’s assassination. But altering history is no simple task, and Jake soon finds himself entangled in a web of unforeseen consequences.
- Genre: Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Year of Publication: 2011
- Why Buy It: 11/22/63 is a brilliant departure from King’s usual horror fare, offering a thought-provoking exploration of time travel and its ripple effects on history. It’s a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and historical thrillers.
9. Salem’s Lot
In Salem’s Lot, King takes the classic vampire myth and gives it a modern twist. The novel is set in the small town of Jerusalem’s Lot, where a writer named Ben Mears returns only to find that an ancient evil has taken root. As the town’s residents fall prey to this malevolent force, Ben must rally the remaining survivors to fight back.
- Genre: Horror, Gothic Fiction
- Year of Publication: 1975
- Why Buy It: Salem’s Lot is King’s homage to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but with his signature style of blending the supernatural with small-town life. It’s an atmospheric, slow-burning horror novel that’s perfect for fans of Gothic fiction, making it one of the best books by Stephen King.
10. Doctor Sleep
Doctor Sleep is the long-awaited sequel to The Shining, picking up years after the events at the Overlook Hotel. The novel follows a grown-up Danny Torrance as he grapples with the trauma of his childhood and his psychic abilities. Now known as Doctor Sleep, Danny finds himself battling a new set of horrors when he encounters the True Knot, a group of quasi-immortal beings who feed off the energy of children with the shining. As Danny confronts his past, he must protect a young girl with similar abilities from falling into the clutches of these monstrous beings.
- Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller
- Year of Publication: 2013
- Why Buy It: Doctor Sleep is a masterful continuation of one of King’s most famous stories. It’s a rich, compelling read that delves deeper into the world of The Shining, making it a must for fans and a fitting end to our list of the best books by Stephen King.
Keep reading:
10 Fiction Books About Scientists That Will Blow Your Mind
From classics to contemporary hits, these fiction books about scientists will take you into the minds of brilliant geniuses and push the boundaries of what you think you know.[dssb_sharing_buttons icon_placement="icon" icon_width="fixed" alignment="left"...
10 Best Star Wars Books: Top Picks for Every Fan
Looking for the best Star Wars books to take your fandom to the next level? Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer eager to explore more, these top picks will have you turning pages faster than the Millennium Falcon on the Kessel Run.[dssb_sharing_buttons...
10 Best Fantasy Books About Dragons You Need to Read
If you're craving adventure, intrigue, and fire-breathing excitement, a fantasy book about dragons will surely satisfy your inner adventurer. This list offers a range of unforgettable reads, proving there’s always more to explore in the incandescent world of these...
Tags: best books by Stephen King; best books Stephen King; horror books;