BookPath
Book # of 241 in CollectionsStatus: Ongoing
Secret Window, Secret Garden
Stephen King

Secret Window, Secret Garden

Quick Answer

"Secret Window, Secret Garden" 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: While this short_story provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

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20166 ppShort StoryOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
A man accuses author Mort Rainey of stealing one of his story ideas. Rainey, who is going through an ugly divorce, attempts to prove to his accuser that his own story was published first, but all evidence to support his argument begins to disappear, along with the people who might confirm his case. ([source][1]) ---------- Also contained in: - [Four Past Midnight][2] - [The Langoliers / Secret Window, Secret Garden][3] [1]: https://www.stephenking.com/library/novella/secret_window_secret_garden.html [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL81606W/Four_Past_Midnight [3]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL149142W/The_Langoliers_Secret_Window_Secret_Garden
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Next Recommended Book

The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

Book # of 241 in Series

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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 Secret Window, Secret Garden?

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

Can I read Secret Window, Secret Garden before other books in the series?

Yes. Secret Window, Secret Garden is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Secret Window, Secret Garden 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 Secret Window, Secret Garden in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Secret Window, Secret Garden is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).

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Gray Matter And Other Stories From Night Shift

Gray Matter And Other Stories From Night Shift

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