BookPath
The House On Maple Street
Stephen King

The House On Maple Street

Quick Answer

"The House On Maple Street" 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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199232 ppShort StoryOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
The four Bradbury children discover a mysterious entity slowly replacing the wood and plaster of their home with metal and machinery. Realizing that a cataclysmic event is on the horizon, they plan their own escape while using the opportunity to trap their hated and feared stepfather and be rid of him forever. ([source][1]) ---------- Also contained in: - [The Chronicles of Harris Burdick][2] - The House on Maple Street and other stories - [Nightmares & Dreamscapes][3] - [Nightmares & Dreamscapes: 1/3](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL9365928W) [1]: https://stephenking.com/library/short_story/house_on_maple_street_the.html [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL15932753W/The_Chronicles_of_Harris_Burdick [3]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL81604W/Nightmares_Dreamscapes
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 The House On Maple Street?

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

Can I read The House On Maple Street before other books in the series?

Yes. The House On Maple Street is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is The House On Maple Street 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 House On Maple Street in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The House On Maple Street is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).