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Stephen King Short Fiction
Stephen King

Stephen King Short Fiction

Quick Answer

Read "Stephen King Short Fiction" 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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2021800 pp
<b>Now in one stunning collection, four of Stephen King’s most well-loved horror stories: <i>The Mist</i>, <i>Apt Pupil, The Body, </i>and<i> The Sun Dog.</i> Each standalone story is a riveting master class in short fiction from “the reigning King of American popular literature” (<i>Los Angeles Daily News</i>).</b><br><br>In <b><i>The Mist</i></b><i>, </i>terror descends in the wake of a summer storm. David Drayton, his son Billy, and their neighbor Brent Norton join dozens of others and head to the local grocery store to replenish supplies and become trapped by a strange mist that has enveloped the town. As the confinement takes its toll on the group’s nerves, staying in the store may prove fatal—so, the Draytons, Brent, and a handful of other survivors attempt their escape. But what’s out there may be worse than what they left behind.​<br> <br><b><i>Apt Pupil </i></b>follows Todd Bowden, a top-performing student and all around “good kid” who learns his teacher, Mr. Dussander, is more than he seems. Turns out, Mr. Dussander is the target of a decades-old manhunt. He’s never been caught, and Todd doesn’t want to be the one to turn him in. Instead, Todd will face his fears and learn the real meaning of power—and the seductive lure of evil.<br> <br> In <b><i>The Body,</i></b> it’s 1960 in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine, and a boy from a neighboring town has vanished. Twelve-year-old Gordie Lachance and his three friends set out on a quest to find his body along the railroad tracks. During the course of their journey, Gordie, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, and Vern Tessio come to terms with death and the harsh truths of growing up in this iconic, unforgettable, coming-of-age story that was also adapted in the 1986 film classic <i>Stand by Me</i>.<br> <br> In <b><i>The Sun Dog,</i></b> Kevin Delavan receives the perfect gift for his fifteenth birthday: a Polaroid Sun 660. But no matter where Kevin Delevan aims the camera, it produces a photograph of an enormous, vicious dog. In each successive picture, the menacing creature draws nearer to the flat surface of the Polaroid film. When old Pop Merrill, the town’s sharpest trader, gets wind of this phenomenon, he envisions a way to profit from it. But the Sun Dog, a beast that shouldn’t exist at all, is a dangerous investment...<br> <br>This beautiful boxed set makes the perfect gift for seasoned King fans and newcomers alike—and features impeccably crafted, page-turning stories you’ll return to again and again.
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 Stephen King Short Fiction?

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

Can I read Stephen King Short Fiction before other books in the series?

No. We recommend reading the previous book first. Stephen King Short Fiction is the nullth book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Stephen King Short Fiction 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 Stephen King Short Fiction in the reading order?

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