Whether you’re a long-time Constant Reader or just dipping your toes into Stephen King’s universe, one thing is clear: the man has written a lot. With over 60 novels and countless short stories under his belt, King has built a literary web where characters, places, and timelines subtly (and not-so-subtly) intersect.
Below is a complete list of Stephen King’s novels—organized by standalone titles, major series, and connected worlds like Castle Rock and The Dark Tower. Consider this your ultimate reading guide.
The Dark Tower Universe (The Core of the King Multiverse)
Stephen King himself has called The Dark Tower the “hub” of all his stories. These books cross dimensions and link to several other novels.
- The Gunslinger (1982)
- The Drawing of the Three (1987)
- The Waste Lands (1991)
- Wizard and Glass (1997)
- Wolves of the Calla (2003)
- Song of Susannah (2004)
- The Dark Tower (2004)
- The Wind Through the Keyhole (2012) (set between books 4 and 5)
Related Books in the Same Universe:
- ‘Salem’s Lot (1975)
- It (1986)
- Insomnia (1994)
- Hearts in Atlantis (1999)
- The Stand (1978)
- Black House (2001, with Peter Straub)
Castle Rock Stories (King’s Fictional Maine Town)
Castle Rock is one of King’s most frequently revisited settings. These stories are loosely connected and often reference one another.
- The Dead Zone (1979)
- Cujo (1981)
- The Body (1982, in Different Seasons)
- Needful Things (1991)
- Lisey’s Story (2006)
- Elevation (2018)
Derry Stories (The Town Haunted by IT)
Derry, Maine, is home to some of King’s darkest stories.
- It (1986)
- Insomnia (1994)
- Dreamcatcher (2001)
- 11/22/63 (2011) – minor Derry appearances
- Fairy Tale (2022) – subtle Derry nods
The Bill Hodges Trilogy / Holly Gibney Universe
What started as a detective series evolved into something supernatural and is continued through the character Holly Gibney.
- Mr. Mercedes (2014)
- Finders Keepers (2015)
- End of Watch (2016)
- The Outsider (2018)
- If It Bleeds (2020, novella “If It Bleeds”)
- Holly (2023)
- Never Flinch (2025)
Classic Standalone Horror Novels
- Carrie (1974)
- ‘Salem’s Lot (1975)
- The Shining (1977)
- The Stand (1978)
- Firestarter (1980)
- Pet Sematary (1983)
- Christine (1983)
- Thinner (1984, as Richard Bachman)
- Misery (1987)
- Gerald’s Game (1992)
- Dolores Claiborne (1992)
- Bag of Bones (1998)
- From a Buick 8 (2002)
- Cell (2006)
- Duma Key (2008)
- Revival (2014)
- Later (2021, Hard Case Crime)
- Billy Summers (2021)
Crime, Mystery & Hard Case Crime Titles
A newer genre King enjoys exploring—still with a little darkness mixed in.
- Joyland (2013)
- Later (2021)
- Billy Summers (2021)
Written as Richard Bachman
King’s pseudonym, Richard Bachman, was used for several darker or more experimental works.
- Rage (1977) (now out of print)
- The Long Walk (1979)
- Roadwork (1981)
- The Running Man (1982)
- Thinner (1984)
- The Regulators (1996) – parallel to Desperation
Books with Connections or Shared Lore
These are “technically” standalones, but eagle-eyed readers will find crossovers or familiar faces.
- The Talisman (1984, with Peter Straub)
- Black House (2001, sequel to The Talisman)
- Desperation (1996)
- Rose Madder (1995)
- The Institute (2019)
- Later (2021)
- Fairy Tale (2022)
Final Thoughts
Stephen King’s universe is a living, breathing thing. His stories connect across decades, genres, and even realities. You can read his books in publication order, thematically, or follow characters and towns—but no matter how you go about it, there’s always more to discover.
Which King novel is your favorite? Or where do you plan to start? Let me know in the comments below!
