BookPath
Book # of 241 in CollectionsStatus: Ongoing
Umney's Last Case
Stephen King

Umney's Last Case

Quick Answer

"Umney's Last Case" 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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199596 ppNovellaOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
It’s just another ordinary day in 1930s Los Angeles for private investigator Clyde Umney, until a new client walks into his office. Umney soon learns that his client is the crime-fiction writer who not only created him, but now needs to switch places with him. An unknown power forces Umney to take on the writer’s identity in the year 1994. Now, Clyde needs to figure out how to get back to his own universe and then take revenge on his creator. ([source][1]) ---------- Also contained in: - The House on Maple Street and other stories - [Nightmares & Dreamscapes][2] - [Nightmares & Dreamscapes: 2/2](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL14916700W/Nightmares_Dreamscapes._2_2) - [Nightmares & Dreamscapes: 1/3](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL9365928W) [1]: https://stephenking.com/library/short_story/umney_s_last_case.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 Umney's Last Case?

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

Can I read Umney's Last Case before other books in the series?

Yes. Umney's Last Case is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is Umney's Last Case 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 Umney's Last Case in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Umney's Last Case is The Stephen King Collection. Stories From Night Shift (Book #null).

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