BookPath
Four Past Midnight
Stephen King

Four Past Midnight

Quick Answer

Read "Four Past Midnight" as the nullth book in the Collections sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

There are multiple ways to approach this series. Our recommended order is optimized for first-time readers.

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: A compelling work from the Stephen King's bibliography. Whether as a standalone or part of a loosely connected universe, it's a staple for fans.

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2016768 ppWikidataSource
Four Past Midnight is a collection of novellas written by Stephen King in 1988 and 1989 and published in August 1990. It is his second book of this type, the first one being Different Seasons. The collection won the Bram Stoker Award in 1990 for Best Collection and was nominated for a Locus Award in 1991. One Past Midnight: "[The Langoliers][1]" takes a red-eye flight from L.A. to Boston into a most unfriendly sky. Only eleven passengers survive, but landing in an eerily empty world makes them wish they hadn't. Something's waiting for them, you see.... Two Past Midnight: "[Secret Window, Secret Garden][2]" enters the suddenly strange life of writer Mort Rainey, recently divorced, depressed, and alone on the shore of Tashmore Lake. Alone, that is, until a figure named John Shooter arrives, pointing an accusing finger. Three Past Midnight: "[The Library Policeman][3]" is set in Junction City, Iowa, an unlikely place for evil to be hiding. But for small businessman Sam Peebles, who thinks he may be losing his mind, another enemy is hiding there as well--the truth. If he can find it in time, he might stand a chance. Four Past Midnight: The flat surface of a Polaroid photograph becomes for fifteen-year-old Kevin Delevan an invitation to the supernatural. Old Pop Merrill, Castle Rock's sharpest trader, wants to crash the party for profit, but "[The Sun Dog][4]," a creature that shouldn't exist at all, is a very dangerous investment. [1]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL149138W/The_Langoliers [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14917476W/Secret_Window_Secret_Garden [3]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14917299W/The_Library_Policeman [4]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14916850W/The_Sun_Dog
Next Recommended Book

The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

Book # of 241 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

medium Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Collections conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Four Past Midnight?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Four Past Midnight before other books in the series?

No. We recommend reading the previous book first. Four Past Midnight is the nullth book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Four Past Midnight required reading for the Collections?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Four Past Midnight in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Four Past Midnight is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).