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Six Scary Stories
Stephen King

Six Scary Stories

Quick Answer

"Six Scary 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?
2016128 ppOptional Side Story
Number 1 bestselling writer Stephen King introduces and presents six gripping and chilling stories in this captivating anthology: Stephen King discovered these stories when he judged a competition run by Hodder & Stoughton and the Guardian to celebrate publication of his own collection The Bazaar of Bad Dreams. He was so impressed with the entries that he recommended they were published together in one book.Reader beware: the stories will make you think twice before cuddling up to your old soft toy, dipping your toe into the water or counting the spots on a leopard...
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 Six Scary Stories?

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

Can I read Six Scary Stories before other books in the series?

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

Is Six Scary 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 Six Scary Stories in the reading order?

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