Any time is a good time to pick up a Stephen King book, but something about fall – when the air turns crisp, the days grow shorter, and Halloween looms – makes diving into his stories even more thrilling. Whether it’s the eerie atmosphere of the season or the excitement of spooky nights ahead, King’s novels seem to come alive in autumn. If you’re looking for a great scare this Halloween, here are our favorites from the master of horror that are sure to keep you on the edge.
All the titles on our list are available as eBooks, so you can read them on your e-reader, tablet, laptop, or smartphone.
Let’s start with the classics.
The Shining
"This inhuman place makes human monsters."
The Shining takes you to the chilling isolation of the Overlook Hotel, where Jack Torrance goes with his family to serve as the winter caretaker, hoping to overcome his writer’s block. As the snow piles up, so do the strange occurrences within the hotel. Haunted rooms, ghostly apparitions, and Jack’s slow descent into madness make for a relentless spiral of terror. King perfectly captures the creeping sense of dread in this psychological horror, and you’ll never look at remote hotels (or hedges!) the same way again.
Get it on Amazon.
It
"We all float down here."Few things are as iconic in King’s horror arsenal as Pennywise, the shape-shifting clown who terrorizes the town of Derry in It. The story moves between two timelines, following a group of friends as kids and adults as they battle the ancient evil that takes on the form of their deepest fears. And King’s ability to tap into childhood fears and trauma is on full display here. Though the novel is long, it’s well worth the journey, especially if you want a story that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
Get it on Amazon.
'Salem’s Lot
"The town knew about darkness."If you enjoy classic vampire stories but want something darker than the usual paranormal romance, 'Salem’s Lot is an excellent choice. When a writer returns to his small hometown only to find it being slowly overtaken by vampires, what ensues is a slow-burn horror that grips you from start to finish. The battle isn’t just for survival but for the town’s very soul, as the darkness spreads like a living force. 'Salem’s Lot is one of King’s most atmospheric works – perfect for late-night reading sessions.
Get it on Amazon.
Pet Sematary
"Sometimes dead is better."King has called Pet Sematary his scariest book, and it’s easy to see why. It explores the lengths people will go to avoid loss and grief and the dangers of going against nature. When Louis Creed moves his family to rural Maine, he discovers a mysterious pet cemetery where local children bury their dead animals—and beyond that, an ancient burial ground with even more sinister powers. Louis learns the hard way that meddling with forces beyond his control comes at a price, leading to an unforgettable finale.
Get it on Amazon.
Misery
"I am your number one fan."If you prefer more grounded, realistic horror, Misery is a must-read. The story follows author Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car accident by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed number one fan. But what begins as a seemingly innocuous rescue quickly turns into a nightmare when Annie reveals her dark side, and Paul finds himself trapped in her isolated home. It’s a different kind of horror – one that doesn’t rely on ghosts, monsters, or supernatural forces but shows just how terrifying human obsession can be.
Get it on Amazon.
Modern Stephen King eBooks
If you’re looking for more recent King books that have good stories and deliver plenty of scares, here are our top picks from his modern works.
The Institute
"Great events turn on small hinges."The Institute is a dark and twisted story about kids with supernatural abilities who are kidnapped and held in a secret facility. Think Stranger Things but with even more frightening government conspiracies and powers. King expertly portrays the children’s fear and vulnerability, creating a terrifying sense of hopelessness as they realize they’re pawns in a much bigger game—and that no one is coming to save them. Although not outright horror, it’s a great read if you’re looking for something chilling and thought-provoking.
Get it on Amazon.
Later
"The dead can’t lie."Later is a story of Jamie Conklin, a boy with an unusual ability to see and communicate with the dead. This may seem like a gift at first, but it quickly turns into a curse, especially when a detective decides to use Jamie’s ability to solve crimes. As the young boy learns more about the darker side of his power, the tension builds, bringing horror to a deeply personal level. King’s blend of supernatural horror with a coming-of-age story will keep you turning the pages, and it’s the kind of book you can read in a single sitting.
Get it on Amazon.
If It Bleeds
"Fascination is fear’s twin brother."If It Bleeds is a collection of four novellas, each bringing a different kind of horror to the table. The title story follows Holly Gibney, a recurring character from The Outsider and the Bill Hodges trilogy, as she uncovers a monstrous figure feeding on human tragedy. Mr. Harrigan’s Phone explores phone addiction, The Life of Chuck offers a poignant reflection on life and mortality, and Rat tackles the dangers of ambition through a writer’s dark bargain. Each novella showcases King’s masterful storytelling and will leave you unsettled in a different way.
Get it on Amazon.
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