BookPath
Book # of 241 in CollectionsStatus: Ongoing
The End Of The Whole Mess
Stephen King

The End Of The Whole Mess

Quick Answer

"The End Of The Whole Mess" 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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20094 ppShort StoryOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
Howard Forney’s journal recounts the intense promise and disastrous effects of his younger brother Bobby’s genius. When Bobby discovers an unknown chemical that diminishes anger and hostility, he believes he’s found the path to world peace. Only after utilizing an erupting volcano to spread the chemical throughout the world does Bobby learn that the chemical also causes dementia and eventually death. ([source][1]) ---------- Contained in: - [Grave Predictions](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL20081019W/Grave_Predictions) - [Nightmares & Dreamscapes][2] - [Nightmares & Dreamscapes: 2/3](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14917372W) - [Rêves et cauchemars-1](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL16803219W) - [Wastelands](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL17689410W/Wastelands) [1]: https://stephenking.com/library/short_story/end_of_the_whole_mess_the.html [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL81604W/Nightmares_Dreamscapes
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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 The End Of The Whole Mess?

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

Can I read The End Of The Whole Mess before other books in the series?

Yes. The End Of The Whole Mess is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is The End Of The Whole Mess 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 The End Of The Whole Mess in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The End Of The Whole Mess is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).

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The Year's Best Fantasy And Horror--ninth Annual Collection

1996

The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift

2005

The Stand [1/2]

The Stand [1/2]

1978

Gray Matter And Other Stories From Night Shift

Gray Matter And Other Stories From Night Shift

1993