As Summer comes to an end and the air finally starts to cool, there’s no better time to cozy up with a good horror novel, especially one by the master of horror himself. This fall, we’ve curated a list of five must-read Stephen King books that will make your nights even more chilling and memorable.
5Pet Sematary
A young family relocates to rural Maine, where they discover a mysterious burial ground in the woods behind their new home. As they grapple with tragic losses, they are drawn to the ancient burial site, only to confront the horrifying consequences of tampering with the natural order of life and death.
4Carrie
In Stephen King’s debut novel “Carrie,” we delve into the life of Carrie White, a teenage girl grappling with a chaotic upbringing and burgeoning telekinetic powers. Carrie’s deeply religious and abusive mother, Margaret White, constantly suppresses her, fueling her already existing insecurities and fears. Bullied and mistreated at home and school, Carrie’s abilities reach a boiling point, leading to a nightmarish prom night that showcases her uncontrollable fury and thirst for revenge.
3The Outsider
A small Oklahoma town is rocked by the brutal murder of a young boy, with all evidence pointing to beloved Little League coach Terry Maitland. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that the truth is far more sinister and supernatural than anyone could have imagined.
2Misery
Successful author Paul Sheldon finds himself trapped and at the mercy of his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, after a car accident leaves him injured and stranded in a snowstorm. As Paul struggles to survive both his physical injuries and Annie’s twisted torment, a deadly game of psychological torture ensues.
1Later
A young boy with the ability to see and communicate with the spirits of the dead becomes entangled with a police detective who seeks his help in solving crimes by questioning the dead. This lesser known story only packs a handful of scares but is still a quick and worthwhile read.
As with the vast majority of Stephen King’s work, most of the books on this list have been adapted into film or television but there’s something a little different about the scares you’ll find in a good, dark read.
