It can feel as though half the movies or TV series these days are adaptations of Stephen King's work. His books have become the source material for huge movies, and while not every film has been a winner, that doesn't stop people trying. And even those are just the tip of the iceberg – King has been at this since the 1960s, the prolific author writing many books and short story collections in his time. With that many tomes out there, it can be daunting to start reading, and if you're wondering where to kick off your adventure in King's strange, often supernatural worlds, we've got you covered.
From small towns with dark secrets, through vicious creatures that haunt humanity and terrifyingly human monsters, King has cracked the formula that keeps us all returning to his novels, and our guide will show you some that you should consider. Perhaps your only experience of his writing has been through the adaptations, but there's no substitute for experiencing it all first-hand, seeing how his turns of phrase and compelling characters have led to so much success.
No matter what your taste in thriller or dramatic tome is, King has something to tempt you in. Just be careful once you dive in that you don't start seeing killer clowns lurking in sewers...
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The Best Stephen King Books For Beginners
1 of 10Carrie
King's debut under his own name is still a solid-gold classic, the story of a bullied young woman with dangerous powers. It has been adapted twice, one memorably, and then again to lesser effect.
£6.69
2 of 10The Shining
Five-year-old Danny Torrance goes with his parents the Overlook Hotel when his father Jack becomes caretaker of the place. Let's just say that it doesn't go well for anyone involved.
£7.99
3 of 10It
Recently adapted in two parts by director Andy Muschietti, this is the story of a demonic presence that haunts the town of Derry, Maine, snatching children and spreading terror.
4 of 10Pet Sematary
A family moves to a house that is A) near a busy road and B) a pet cemetery. When first their pet cat and then one of the kids is killed, they learn that the burial ground has mysterious powers to return the dead. This is not necessarily a good thing...
£8.19
5 of 10Misery
The world's most dangerous, dedicated fan gets the chance to meet and "care" for her favourite author when he's involved in an accident. Suffice to say, he won't enjoy the meeting.
£8.47
6 of 10Dark Tower I: The Gunslinger
King has seeded stories about the Dark Tower through many of his books and other work, so why not start at the beginning if you're planning to go on the hunt for references?
£6.99
7 of 10Different Seasons
This collection of King's short stories has been the spur for some of the most famous films adapted from his work, including Stand By Me, The Shawshank Redemption and Apt Pupil.
£7.56
8 of 10The Stand
A pandemic ravages the Earth, leaving an apocalyptic society in its wake and a battle between good and evil. While it feels like we're at the first of those, this is still an entertaining read.
£9.30
9 of 10Salem's Lot
There are many scary small towns in King's work; Salem's Lot might be the weirdest.View offer on Amazon
£8.74
10 of 10The Dead Zone
Johnny Smith can see the evil in mens' souls. And when he sees it in a power-hungry politician, the stage is set for a confrontation...