No matter when you came to know the work of Stephen King, it’s inevitable that his prolific horror novels have made an impact. There are plenty of avenues to search for the best Stephen King books but we have researched them all and picked the very best to save you your valuable time.
Dive into these books and we promise you’ll be left with that unique mix of fascination, delight, and of course, a healthy dose of horror.
1. IT
We begin with the best novel by Stephen King, IT. You can spare time to read this book. It has 1200 pages with several chapters. This book is just stunning. This novel provides you with more than what we call entertainment.
It’s a little town that you can relate to. The haunting is only real in Derry… When the tragedy happened first, they were seven teens. But, they are now grown-up men and women who are living their prosperous lives: social, financial, and domestic.
They can hardly resist the call to return to Derry to confront the nightmare with no end in sight and the horror without a name.
This book gives you hope and courage in life. Of course, the “horror” sequences are revolting and horrifying, and they have the tremendous potential to cause nightmares.
The primary topic of the book, however, is about the specific talents and capabilities that children have that adults do not, and how you need to repair or seal the split that divides the kid (whom every one of us once was) from the adult (that we have become).
To defeat “It,” the grownups must recollect their childhoods to “glue the present to the past” and rediscover who they once were. It is about memory and transformation. Still, it’s horrifying. If you doubt me, read “IT.”
2. The Shining
Jack Torrance’s new employment at the Overlook Hotel provides the ideal opportunity for a fresh start. He’ll have plenty of time to bond with his family and focus on his writing as the off-season caretaker at the fascinating old hotel. However, when the severe winter weather comes in, the picturesque setting appears increasingly remote and menacing. Danny Torrance, a remarkably bright five-year-old, is the only one who notices the odd and awful forces gathering around the Overlook.
No matter whether you’ve watched the movie, however, reading the book, you’ll be taken aback and find yourself enjoying the book more than the film.
This book’s characters are intense. Each of them feels genuine. You tend to sympathize with Jack, a man who just can’t seem to get a break. But, sooner, you’ll be terrified of him and what he may do to his family. Wendy is also far more complicated. You’ll feel both intrigued by her and terrified for her safety.
There are so many subtle elements in this novel that add to the suspense and fear as it develops. You have to put it down for a day or two several times because you’ll be terrified enough not to touch it. Ah, curiosity! That will drag you to read the next.
As the story progresses, the images and descriptions of the Overlook and its occupants become more dramatic and fascinating. You’ll find the scenes involving insects, hedge creatures, and the use of the mallet most creepy.
3. Misery
Sheldon Paul, the protagonist, is the best-selling author who has finally met his most ardent admirer. Annie Wilkes is more than a voracious reader; she is Paul’s nurse, taking care of his damaged body following an automobile accident. But she is also his kidnapper, holding him captive in her remote home.
If you’re reading Stephen King’s novels for the first time, begin with this. The book is a masterpiece by him to let you fall in love with his writings and read more from him.
Compared to the film, you’ll be surprised to discover that the plot is much more detailed, brutal, and disturbing than the film. The film’s fun was crucial for audience engagement.
The text is more realistic and thorough regarding human emotions and experiences. King has an incredible ability to transport you into the minds and emotions of his characters. It’s not a lighthearted read. Prepare to be both horrifying and entertained!
4. The Stand
When a man escapes from a biological research lab, he starts a lethal chain reaction that spreads a mutant form of the flu that will kill off 99 percent of the human race in a matter of weeks. The survivors who have survived are terrified, confused, and desperate. They need a leader.
Mother Abagail: 108-year-old woman wants them to form a restful society in Boulder, Colorado, and Randall Flagg.
The “Dark Man” who has festivity in chaos, emerges as another main character. As the evil man and the old lady gain control, the survivors will have to choose between them—and eventually decide the fate of the human race.
Be ready to read The Stand several times.
The progression of the illness, the people, and the battle are all fascinating. You can relate to COVID-19 horror and sympathize with the folks.
Reading this book will be a long journey, but it’s definitely worth it. With over 1,200 pages, this book may be very overwhelming. Stephen King depicts a plague-infested Earth and the events that unfold after the survivors are gone.
It introduces you to a few characters, their lives, their passions, how they survived Captain Trips, and their development and growth over the novel. Looking back 500 pages, you genuinely get to know the individuals in this book, and you appreciate that.
5. The Dead Zone
Johnny Smith, a small-town schoolteacher who has been a victim of a car accident in stormy weather, woke up after five years with a cursed power—the ability to see the future. This is thought to be a blessing but turns into a curse in no time — he sees the destruction that awaits the human race in The Dead Zone.
The book is outstanding by Stephen King. If you ask any of his fans which books you should read by Stephen King, he can count on this book.
After reading this book, you’ll hate that if you’ve watched the movie. The descriptions are so vivid that it creates their own reality in the reader’s mind.
Caring this novel as horror can be less justified: it’s paranormal and science fiction with a lot of suspense. Yet, it’s ABSOLUTELY CLASSIC!
Final Thoughts
The books by Stephen King are more than an addiction. You can start your journey as a Stephen King fan with these top picks and keep on exploring the world of horror. GOOD LUCK WITH CREEPY MOMENTS!

Jason is the Marketing Manager at a local advertising company in Australia. He moved to Australia 10 years back for his passion for advertising. Jason recently joined BFA as a volunteer writer and contributes by sharing his valuable experience and knowledge.