BookPath
Horror Stories
Stephen King

Horror Stories

Quick Answer

"Horror Stories" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the Collections.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

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

❓ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.

Verdict Insight: This is a comprehensive collection and bundle of the Stephen King's works. It typically offers significantly better value than buying the titles individually.

Is this helpful?
2007336 ppOptional Side Story
The kit-bag / Algernon Blackwood -- Here there be tygers / Stephen King -- The room in the tower / E.F. Benson -- Beyond lies the wub / Philip K. Dick -- Feeding the dog / Susan Price -- Teddies rule, ok? / Nicholas Fisk -- Grendel the monster / Eleanor Farjeon -- A grave misunderstanding / Leon Garfield -- Captain Murderer / Charles Dickens (from the Uncommercial traveler) -- Something / Joan Aiken -- The hand / Guy de Maupassant -- The boy next door / Ellen emerson White -- The murder hole / Scottish Folktale -- The famous five go pillaging / Terry Jones and Michael Pillaging. The affair at 7 Rue De M--/ John Steinbeck -- A change of aunts / Vivien Alcock -- [Cask of Amontillado](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL41016W) / Edgar Allan Poe -- The pear-drum / English folktale -- The Dog got them / Philippa Pearce -- Gabriel-Ernest / Saki (H.H. Munro) -- Nule / Jan Mark -- The dancing partner / Jerome K. Jerome -- The ring / Margaret Bingley -- The troll / T.H. White.
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 Horror Stories?

This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.

Can I read Horror Stories before other books in the series?

Yes. Horror Stories is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Horror Stories required reading for the Collections?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after Horror Stories in the reading order?

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