Stephen King’s Scariest Stories

Stephen King has become one of literature’s most complex cases: once more or less the only horror writer everyone has read, he’s evolved into a subtle master of letters who moves nimbly between literary novels, fantasy, mystery, horror and books that combine all of the above. But to this day, he’s still the king of scaring readers — and even his “non-horror” books pack in plenty of chilling moments. Below, we share the most frightening Stephen King books ever, along with a few less terrifying favorites.

{{ product: 9781668227480 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

Stephen King's story of a netherworldly and nefarious clown has been haunting readers for 40 years. Welcome back to Derry, Maine, and join the group of friends as they face It once and for all.

{{ product: 9781668234068 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

Poor reception is the least of their worries. When all cell phone users become killing machines, one comic book artist tries to find a way out in Stephen King’s chilling survival horror.

{{ product: 9781668234051 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

After the events of The Shining, Dan thought his past was finally buried. But when someone with even stronger powers crosses his path, the demons he's fought to keep at bay are resurrected in this gripping sequel to the horror classic.

{{ product: 9781668264201 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

When a beast seems to have invaded his new Polaroid, Kevin can't help but wonder if the vicious dog in the photographs will soon come to life in Stephen King's terrifying supernatural novella about a haunted camera.

{{ product: 9781668234044 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

What if a car was so powerful it had to stay hidden to save lives? When a family's dark secret comes to light, the consequences are more terrifying than anyone could imagine in Stephen King's eerie small-town mystery.

{{ product: 9781668264195 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

This fog is leaving people stranded and… making them disappear. When David heads to the local supermarket to stock up on groceries, becoming trapped inside is the least of his problems in Stephen King's claustrophobic tale of terror brimming with edge-of-your-seat suspense.

{{ product: 9781668089330 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

The king of horror has returned — along with a few old friends. Holly Gibney is back to investigate a terrifying threat and serve as a bodyguard to an activist with a target on her back. Taut, immersive and chilling, this is Stephen King at his best.

{{ product: 9781668037720 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

An assortment of chilling stories curated by the master of horror himself. With a new introduction from Stephen King, this collection is a must-have for any fan looking for stories that go a little bit darker.

{{ product: 9781982136079 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

1922 is a truly horrifying story of greed, emotional collapse, and the various ways a person can be punished for their crimes. Willfred, a farmer, manipulates his own son into helping murder his wife in order to gain her land and preserve the value of his own—and begins having seriously disturbing premonitions afterward. 

{{ product: 9781668094709 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

A famous author at the mercy (or lack thereof) of his biggest fan, who really doesn't like what he's been writing lately. Stephen King weaves his typical mastery of thrills and terrors in this captivating story that will keep you in a vicegrip until the very end. And then some.

{{ product: 9780307947307 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

A deadly virus spreads uncontrollably as evil presses in, and all must choose a side in this sprawling epic. This is the post-apocalyptic novel against which you'll measure all others.

{{ product: 9780345806789 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

In The Shining, King plays with themes of alcoholism, insanity, and the possibility that we all have evil inside us, as well as the idea that all that stands between us and that evil are the restraints placed against us by society. King does such a good job of making the Overlook Hotel both an evil and an inescapable presence.

{{ product: 9781668075760 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

Pretty much everyone names Pet Sematary as King’s scariest (including the author himself). Part of it is the primal nature of the scares, centered on loved ones coming back from death wrong. Part of it is the emotional side—the relatable desire of the characters to bring someone back, no matter the cost.

{{ product: 9781668075777 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

Cujo used to be a cute and fluffy dog, but something has gotten into him. This classic supernatural canine tale features both fury and fur.

And Slightly Less Scary...

{{ product: 9781668264263 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

This is one of those books you'll want to shout about from the rooftops. Drenched in enchanting prose, Stephen King's novella evokes unshakable hope, unravels boundless resilience and paints a moving friendship that lingers in our hearts.

{{ product: 9781668264164 }}

Notes From Your Bookseller

One of Stephen King’s rare shorter works, The Body is nonetheless captivating. As four young boys set off in search of the body of a missing friend, they grapple with the suffocating immobility of the factory town they live in. Rich in storytelling and further buoyed by meaningful themes of growing up and the promise (or lack thereof) of a future, this is just another must-read from King.