BookPath
The Mist
Stephen King

The Mist

Quick Answer

Read "The Mist" 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.

Is this helpful?
2024452 ppWikidataSource
David Drayton, his son Billy, and their neighbor Brent Norton head to the local grocery store to replenish supplies following a freak storm. Once there, they and other local citizens are trapped by a strange mist that has enveloped the town and in which strange creatures are lurking. As the mist takes its toll on the nerves of those trapped in the store, a religious zealot, Mrs. Carmody begins to play on their fears to convince them that this is God’s vengeance for their sins and that a sacrifice must be made and two groups—those for and those against—are aligned. When it is realized that staying in the store may prove fatal, a small group including the Draytons, store employee Ollie Weeks, Amanda Dumfries, Irene Reppler, and Dan Miller attempt to make their escape. They find that what’s “out there” may be worse than what they left behind. ([source][1]) ---------- Contained in: - [Dark Forces](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL8136624W/Dark_Forces) - [Skeleton Crew](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL149161W) [1]: https://stephenking.com/library/novella/mist_the.html
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 Mist?

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

Can I read The Mist before other books in the series?

No. We recommend reading the previous book first. The Mist is the nullth book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Mist 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 The Mist in the reading order?

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