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In The Tall Grass
Stephen King

In The Tall Grass

Quick Answer

"In The Tall Grass" 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 companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

Is this helpful?
201260 ppNovellaOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
Mile 81 meets “N.” in this novella collaboration between Stephen King and Joe Hill—also made into a Netflix film! As USA TODAY said of Stephen King’s Mile 81: “Park and scream. Could there be any better place to set a horror story than an abandoned rest stop?” In the Tall Grass begins with a sister and brother who pull off to the side of the road after hearing a young boy crying for help from beyond the tall grass. Within minutes they are disoriented, in deeper than seems possible, and they’ve lost one another. The boy’s cries are more and more desperate. What follows is a terrifying, entertaining, and masterfully told tale, as only Stephen King and Joe Hill can deliver.
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 In The Tall Grass?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read In The Tall Grass before other books in the series?

Yes. In The Tall Grass is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is In The Tall Grass 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 In The Tall Grass in the reading order?

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