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The Mouse On The Mile
Stephen King

The Mouse On The Mile

Quick Answer

"The Mouse On The Mile" 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 companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

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199692 ppNovellaOptional Side Story
[The Green Mile](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL81629W/The_Green_Mile) #2 The story continues with the addition of two new characters, one a new death row inmate--William "Wild Bill" Wharton. The other, a mouse, called Steamboat Willy by the guards who first noticed him and later Mr. Jingles by Eduard Delacroix, one of the death row inmates who takes in the mouse and makes him his pet. ([source][1]) [1]: https://www.stephenking.com/library/novel/green_mile_the_mouse_on_the_mile_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 Mouse On The Mile?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read The Mouse On The Mile before other books in the series?

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

Is The Mouse On The Mile 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 Mouse On The Mile in the reading order?

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