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The Two Dead Girls
Stephen King

The Two Dead Girls

Quick Answer

"The Two Dead Girls" 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) #1 The story is told by former prison guard, Paul Edgecombe, of events in Cold Mountain penitentiary during 1932 when an unusual inmate by the name of John Coffey is brought to the prison. He and his fellow guards are assigned to watch inmates on death row, known as The Green Mile. John Coffey has been convicted of murdering two young girls and sentenced to death but there's something about him that makes Paul question whether this man could have committed that crime. ([source][1]) [1]: https://stephenking.com/library/novel/green_mile_the_two_dead_girls_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 Two Dead Girls?

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

Can I read The Two Dead Girls before other books in the series?

Yes. The Two Dead Girls is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is The Two Dead Girls 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 Two Dead Girls in the reading order?

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