Stephen King is a prolific author with over 60 published books to his name. He is known for his horror and suspense novels, many of which have been adapted into successful movies and TV shows. King’s best books are a matter of personal preference, but some of his most popular works include “The Shining,” “It,” and “The Stand.” These books are known for their intricate plots, well-developed characters, and spine-chilling scares. In this article, we will explore some of the best Stephen King books and what makes them so memorable.
1. Needful Things
In the town of Castle Rock, there is a store called “Needful Things” owned by Leland Gaunt, where every customer can find the object of their deepest desire. However, in exchange for these items, Leland asks for a small prank to be carried out on his behalf. This sets off a chain of events that leads to chaos and mayhem in the town. Stephen King’s novel “Needful Things” is a thrilling fantasy tale that explores the characters’ obsessions with their possessions and how far they are willing to go to keep them. The novel is a perfect blend of horror, thriller, and fantasy, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With over 77,940 five-star reviews on Goodreads, “Needful Things” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
2. Salem’s Lot
Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot” is a gripping vampire story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel follows the story of Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot to confront the evil that he once escaped. The book is filled with horror and suspense, making it a great read for anyone who loves a good scare.
One of the unique aspects of “Salem’s Lot” is the way King blends classic vampire tales and films with his own unique storytelling style. This creates a novel that is both familiar and fresh, making it a standout in the horror genre.
With over 145,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads, it’s clear that readers love this book. King’s ability to create a small town filled with secrets and horrors is unparalleled, and “Salem’s Lot” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good vampire story.
3. The Outsider
“The Outsider” by Stephen King is a bone-chilling horror novel that won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Mystery & Thriller in 2018. The novel tells the story of a young boy’s murder in a park and the investigation that follows. Terry Maitland, a local Little League coach and teacher, is immediately suspected due to copious DNA evidence. However, as the investigation progresses, new and horrifying details emerge. With 78,651 five-star reviews on Goodreads, “The Outsider” is a must-read for fans of suspenseful and haunting horror novels.
4. Under the Dome
“Under the Dome” by Stephen King is a gripping psychological sci-fi novel that takes place in the small town of Chester’s Mill, Maine. The story revolves around the residents of the town who find themselves trapped under an invisible dome, which separates them from the rest of the world. The novel is told through multiple perspectives, with each character being portrayed as a prominent individual, allowing readers to easily follow each story.
King’s writing style is a perfect blend of violence, dark humor, and strong characters, making it a rich read with profound messages about contemporary society. The novel has received a whopping 91,933 5-star reviews on Goodreads, which is a testament to its popularity among readers.
5. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” is a must-read for anyone interested in improving their writing skills. The book is divided into two parts: the first is a memoir of King’s life, and the second is a guide to writing. King shares his personal struggles and successes as a writer, and offers practical advice on how to develop one’s craft. He emphasizes the importance of reading, writing every day, and being honest with oneself about one’s abilities. The book’s popularity is reflected in its 134,058 five-star reviews on Goodreads. Overall, “On Writing” is a valuable resource for writers of all levels.
6. The Drawing of the Three
“The Drawing of the Three” is the second book in “The Dark Tower” series, and it continues the journey of Roland, the last Gunslinger, as he seeks to reach the Dark Tower, the center of all universes. In this sequel, Roland finds himself in a world that is a twisted reflection of our own, where he discovers a beach with three doors. Each door leads to a person living in New York, with whom Roland must work together to fight against evil forces.
This plot-driven horror story is mixed with magical realism, creating a page-turning novel that showcases some of King’s best cross-genre writing. With over 106,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads, “The Drawing of the Three” has become a beloved installment in the series, captivating readers with its thrilling plot and compelling characters.
7. Mr. Mercedes
The novel “Mr. Mercedes” by Stephen King is a thrilling true crime mystery that begins with a gruesome incident. A man driving a Mercedes plows into a line of innocent people, killing eight and injuring 15. Retired detective Bill Hodges is left haunted by the crime and receives a message from the murderer, spurring a mission to catch the killer before he strikes again. The novel features a fast-paced supernatural series featuring this detective-turned-hero, creating the “Bill Hodges” trilogy.
The character development of the conniving and manipulative Mr. Mercedes and the determined Hodges is what makes this King novel such an invigorating read. The novel has received positive reviews, with 93,372 five-star reviews on Goodreads.
8. Doctor Sleep
“Doctor Sleep,” the anticipated sequel to Stephen King’s classic novel “The Shining,” has garnered a large following of readers eagerly awaiting its release. The novel centers around Dan Torrance, the young boy from “The Shining,” who is now a middle-aged man working at a nursing home in New Hampshire. Dan, now known as “Doctor Sleep,” uses his paranormal abilities to comfort and aid the dying. However, a group of murderous paranormals are targeting children with similar gifts to Dan’s, torturing and killing them to derive their energy. When Dan meets 12-year-old Abra with the same gift, he knows he must protect her from this dangerous group.
The novel has received over 90,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads, indicating its popularity among readers. “Doctor Sleep” is a psychological and gory sequel that is sure to satisfy fans of “The Shining.”
9. The Green Mile
“The Green Mile” is a heart-wrenching novel that follows the story of Paul Edgecombe, a prison guard at Cold Mountain Penitentiary, and his experiences with inmate John Coffey. The book is divided into six volumes, each of which was a “New York Times” Best-Seller upon its release in 1996. The story is set during the Great Depression, and the prison is home to convicted killers who are waiting to walk “the green mile” to the electric chair.
The novel is a thought-provoking and emotional journey that explores the themes of injustice, racism, and the human condition. The character of John Coffey is particularly intriguing, as he is convicted of a heinous crime despite having the mind of a child. The book is a masterful blend of drama and horror, consistent with Stephen King’s unique style.
With over 167,629 five-star reviews on Goodreads, “The Green Mile” is a beloved classic that continues to captivate readers with its iconic and believable story.
10. The Dark Tower
The Gunslinger is the first book in Stephen King’s popular series, The Dark Tower. The novel introduces readers to Roland of Gilead, the last of the Gunslingers, who embarks on a quest to reach the Dark Tower, which is the center of all existence. The book is a blend of genres, including dark fantasy, horror, and Western themes, making it a unique and exciting read for fans of multiple genres. Throughout his journey, Roland encounters various challenges, including his arch-nemesis, a mysterious woman, and a new friend. One of the most exciting aspects of The Gunslinger for regular King readers is the tie-ins to other novels, expanding and intertwining King’s multiverse. The book has received numerous positive reviews on Goodreads, with over 213,445 five-star reviews.
11. Pet Sematary
Stephen King’s “Pet Sematary” is a slow-burn horror novel that slowly builds up the horror elements and skin-crawling feelings to scare its readers. The novel tells the story of a picturesque family who moves into a perfect home in rural Maine, only to discover that the town is haunted by horrors that should have remained dead. The evil and ominous pet cemetery nearby seems to be the source of all the horrors.
The developments in the novel are shocking and nightmarish, with even King admitting that this story scared him more than his others. “Pet Sematary” offers less gore but rather builds and builds on disturbing elements to create a paranormal novel with building horror.
The novel has received a significant number of positive reviews on Goodreads, with 189,058 five-star reviews. “Pet Sematary” is available on Amazon and Bookshop for $14.99.
12. 11/22/63
“11/22/63” is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through time. The story follows Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal to 1958 and embarks on a mission to prevent the assassination of JFK. As he travels back in time, Jake assumes a new identity and navigates the rules of time travel to ensure that history is changed for the better.
This novel is a perfect blend of historical fiction and time travel, exploring the fascinating “what ifs” of history. With no horror elements, it appeals to a wider audience and has received rave reviews from readers. As of now, “11/22/63” has garnered an impressive 244,754 five-star reviews on Goodreads.
13. Misery
“Misery” by Stephen King is a gripping and intense psychological thriller that explores the dark and twisted mind of an obsessive fan. The story follows the protagonist, Paul Sheldon, who is rescued by his number one fan, Anne Wilkes, after a car accident. Anne, who is furious that Paul killed off her favorite character in his latest novel, keeps him captive and forces him to write a new novel.
The novel is a terrifying tale of psychological manipulation, addiction, and torture. King’s portrayal of Anne as a multi-dimensional villain is both disturbing and captivating. The story is graphic and gory, and the struggle between prisoner and captor is intense.
With over 267,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads, “Misery” is a must-read for fans of horror and psychological thrillers.
14. The Stand
“The Stand” is a post-apocalyptic fantasy thriller that explores the aftermath of a man-made flu that wipes out 99% of the Earth’s population. With only a few survivors left, the story delves into the challenges they face, including strange dreams and a society divided between two allegiances. The book is a masterpiece that combines Stephen King’s classic supernatural and fantasy elements with an apocalyptic dystopian theme, exploring the themes of survival, religion, and morality. With over 1,100 pages, this epic tale has garnered an impressive 386,896 five-star reviews on Goodreads.
15. Carrie
Stephen King’s “Carrie” is a chilling supernatural horror story that centers around the theme of bullying. The novel tells the story of Carrie White, a telekinetic teenager who is constantly abused and bullied by her peers. The novel’s climax features a terrifying prom night scene that is both horrifying and memorable. “Carrie” offers a powerful anti-bullying message that is both timely and relevant, and the novel’s mix of real and supernatural elements make it a fast and engaging read. With over 210,000 five-star reviews on Goodreads, “Carrie” is a modern horror classic that is sure to leave readers on the edge of their seats.
16. It
Stephen King’s “It” is a classic horror novel that has terrified readers for decades. The story follows a group of seven teenagers who call themselves the “Losers Club” as they battle an evil entity that takes the form of Pennywise the Clown in Derry, Maine. The novel uses dual timelines from 1958 and 1985 to develop unique characters and explore deep themes that extend far beyond the traditional horror genre. With over 490,912 5-star reviews on Goodreads, “It” has become an iconic creepy clown horror story that has left a lasting impression on readers.
17. The Shining
Stephen King’s “The Shining” is a classic horror novel that has stood the test of time. The book, first published in 1977, has since been adapted into a cult-favorite movie and a sequel. The novel follows Jack Torrance, a writer who takes a job as a caretaker at the Overlook Hotel, hoping to spend more time with his family and work on his writing. However, during the off-season, Jack becomes trapped in the hotel due to a winter storm, and the hotel’s sinister forces start to emerge. “The Shining” is a chilling tale of paranormal activity, and it has been scaring readers for almost 50 years.
With over 652,896 five-star reviews on Goodreads, “The Shining” is a fan favorite. It is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop, with prices starting at $8.36. The book has been a popular choice for readers who enjoy horror, suspense, and paranormal stories.
Katherine Fiorillo, a freelance content writer specializing in books, lifestyle, and e-commerce, has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Marist College. She is an Army veteran and an avid reader who designs book-themed stickers for her Etsy shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Stephen King novels have been adapted into successful films?
Stephen King is one of the most adapted authors in film history. Many of his novels and short stories have been turned into successful movies and TV series. Some of the most popular adaptations include:
- The Shawshank Redemption
- The Green Mile
- Stand By Me
- Misery
- The Shining
- Carrie
- It
- Pet Sematary
What are the highest-rated Stephen King books on Goodreads?
Goodreads is a popular platform for book lovers to rate and review books. According to the website, some of the highest-rated Stephen King books are:
- The Stand
- It
- 11/22/63
- The Shining
- Misery
- Salem’s Lot
- Pet Sematary
- Doctor Sleep
How should someone approach reading Stephen King’s works in sequence?
Stephen King has written over 60 novels and countless short stories. It can be overwhelming to decide where to start or how to read them in order. One approach is to read his books in publication order, starting with his first novel, Carrie, and working your way through chronologically. Another approach is to read his books by series or interconnected stories, such as the Dark Tower series or the Castle Rock stories.
What are the most recent Stephen King books that have become bestsellers?
Stephen King continues to be a prolific and successful author, with many of his recent books becoming instant bestsellers. Some of his most recent bestsellers include:
- The Institute (2019)
- If It Bleeds (2020)
- Later (2021)
- Billy Summers (2021)
Summary
Stephen King is a prolific author, having written over 60 novels and countless short stories. However, not all of his works are created equal. Some of his books are considered to be among the best horror novels of all time, while others are less impressive. The top Stephen King books include “The Shining,” “It,” “The Stand,” “Salem’s Lot,” and “Misery.” These books are known for their compelling characters, intricate plots, and terrifying imagery. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a good scare, these books are sure to keep you up at night.