Stephen King Book Checklist PDF: A Comprehensive Guide (Updated 2025)
This meticulously curated PDF checklist‚ updated as of December 26‚ 2025‚ aids readers in tracking Stephen King’s extensive bibliography‚ sourced from TV Tropes.
Welcome to the ultimate resource for navigating the prolific world of Stephen King! This checklist‚ compiled and continually updated (as of today‚ December 26‚ 2025)‚ serves as a comprehensive guide to his novels and short story collections. For over two decades‚ enthusiasts have enjoyed King’s captivating tales‚ and keeping track of them can be a challenge.
This PDF is designed for both newcomers and seasoned King readers. It’s based on information readily available on Stephen King’s TV Tropes page‚ offering a user-friendly and relatively complete overview. The focus remains strictly on his published novels and collections‚ excluding non-fiction works and those penned under the Richard Bachman pseudonym.
Whether you’re embarking on your first journey into the King universe or meticulously cataloging a lifetime of reading‚ this checklist aims to be your trusted companion. Regular updates ensure it reflects each new release‚ providing a reliable record of your Stephen King literary adventure.
Why Use a PDF Checklist?
A PDF checklist offers unparalleled convenience for tracking your Stephen King reading journey. Unlike scattered notes or relying on memory‚ a centralized PDF provides a clear‚ organized overview of his extensive bibliography. This is particularly useful given King’s prolific output – over 40 books for dedicated fans!
The downloadable format allows access across multiple devices‚ ensuring your checklist is always at your fingertips. It facilitates easy marking of completed books‚ identifying those yet to be explored‚ and maintaining a personal record of your King-related literary experiences.
Furthermore‚ a PDF is easily printable for a tangible‚ offline experience. It’s a practical solution for dedicated readers who appreciate a systematic approach to enjoying the works of this master storyteller‚ as updated on December 26‚ 2025.
Availability of Official Stephen King Book Lists
Currently‚ there isn’t an officially sanctioned‚ comprehensive book list directly from Stephen King or his estate. This necessitates reliance on fan-maintained resources‚ like the one compiled and regularly updated as of December 26‚ 2025. The source for this particular checklist draws heavily from the detailed information available on Stephen King’s TV Tropes page.
While King’s official website provides information on new releases‚ it doesn’t offer a complete retrospective bibliography. Therefore‚ community-driven efforts become invaluable for dedicated readers seeking a complete overview. These lists‚ while not official‚ often benefit from collective knowledge and diligent tracking.
It’s important to note that these lists typically focus on novels and short story collections‚ excluding non-fiction work or pseudonymous publications like those under Richard Bachman.
The Core Novels: A Detailed Breakdown
This section meticulously details Stephen King’s core novels‚ spanning his prolific career from 1974 onwards‚ providing a structured overview for checklist users.
Early Novels (1974-1987)
This era represents Stephen King’s formative years‚ establishing his signature style and captivating readers with iconic horror tales. The checklist includes Carrie (1974)‚ his breakthrough novel‚ followed by the chilling ‘Salem’s Lot (1975)‚ a masterful vampire story. The Shining (1977) cemented his reputation‚ exploring isolation and madness.
The Stand (1978)‚ an epic post-apocalyptic saga‚ showcases King’s world-building prowess. The Dead Zone (1979) delves into psychic abilities and political intrigue. Firestarter (1980) presents a thrilling narrative of a girl with pyrokinesis. Cujo (1981) delivers intense suspense with a terrifying Saint Bernard.
Christine (1983) brings a possessed car to life‚ while Pet Sematary (1983) explores themes of grief and resurrection. Finally‚ It (1986)‚ a monumental work‚ features Pennywise and a group of children confronting their deepest fears. This checklist ensures no early masterpiece is overlooked.
Carrie (1974)
Marked as Stephen King’s debut novel‚ Carrie (1974) is a cornerstone of the horror genre and a vital entry on any comprehensive checklist. This chilling tale centers on Carrie White‚ a shy‚ bullied teenager who discovers she possesses telekinetic powers. The narrative builds to a devastating prom night climax‚ exploring themes of isolation‚ religious fanaticism‚ and revenge.
For checklist purposes‚ confirm you’ve noted the first edition details or the modern reprint. Tracking different cover art variations can also enhance your collection’s documentation. This novel launched King’s career and remains a frequently adapted and discussed work.
Ensure your PDF checklist includes a space to note reading dates or personal ratings for Carrie‚ allowing for a personalized record of your Stephen King journey. It’s a foundational piece‚ essential for any dedicated fan.
‘Salem’s Lot (1975)
Following the success of Carrie‚ ‘Salem’s Lot (1975) solidified Stephen King’s reputation as a master of horror. This novel reimagines the vampire mythos within a small American town‚ Jerusalem’s Lot‚ Maine. The story unfolds as a writer returns to his childhood home only to discover a sinister presence taking hold‚ turning the community into a haven for vampires.
When updating your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ note the various editions available‚ including the original Doubleday release. Consider adding a section for adaptations – the 1979 miniseries is particularly notable. Tracking publication history adds depth.
A dedicated space for personal notes on the chilling atmosphere and character development within ‘Salem’s Lot will enrich your checklist experience. It’s a classic example of King’s ability to blend horror with relatable human drama.
The Shining (1977)
Widely considered a cornerstone of modern horror‚ The Shining (1977) follows the Torrance family as they become winter caretakers of the isolated Overlook Hotel. The novel delves into themes of isolation‚ addiction‚ and the supernatural‚ as the hotel’s dark history begins to influence Jack Torrance and his family.
For your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ document different cover art variations‚ as The Shining has seen numerous releases. Note the significant impact of Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation‚ and perhaps include a section to compare and contrast the novel and movie.
Adding a rating system to your checklist allows for personal assessment of each book’s impact. The Shining’s psychological depth and terrifying atmosphere make it a standout entry in King’s bibliography‚ deserving a prominent place on any fan’s list.
The Stand (1978)
An epic post-apocalyptic tale‚ The Stand (1978) depicts a world ravaged by a weaponized strain of influenza‚ leaving only a handful of survivors. These survivors are drawn into a battle between good and evil‚ represented by Mother Abagail and the demonic Randall Flagg. This lengthy novel is a cornerstone of King’s work.
When compiling your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ acknowledge the existence of both the original and the complete & uncut edition. Note the substantial length – a key characteristic for checklist organization. Consider adding a ‘read status’ field to track progress through this substantial work.
Include details about the 1994 miniseries adaptation and the planned CBS All Access series. The Stand’s scope and thematic weight make it a must-have entry on any comprehensive King checklist.
The Dead Zone (1979)
A chilling exploration of psychic ability and political consequence‚ The Dead Zone centers on Johnny Smith‚ who awakens from a coma with precognitive visions. His gift becomes a burden as he foresees a dangerous presidential candidate’s rise to power. This novel blends suspense with social commentary‚ making it a significant work in King’s catalog.
For your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ note the novel’s adaptation into a 1983 film starring Christopher Walken‚ and a 2002-2007 television series. Include these adaptations as separate entries for a truly comprehensive record. Consider a column for “adaptation viewed” alongside the read status.
Highlight the ethical dilemmas presented by Johnny’s abilities. The Dead Zone’s thought-provoking themes solidify its place as a crucial addition to any dedicated King reader’s checklist.
Firestarter (1980)
A thrilling tale of a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities‚ Firestarter follows Charlie McGee and her father‚ Andy‚ as they are relentlessly pursued by a shadowy government agency known as The Shop. Andy and Charlie possess psychic powers developed through participation in a secret experiment. This novel explores themes of government control‚ exploitation‚ and the power of the human spirit.
When updating your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ remember the 1984 film adaptation starring Drew Barrymore. Note its critical reception and any significant differences from the source material. A dedicated section for film adaptations enhances the checklist’s value.
Consider adding a “re-read” column to track revisits to this intense and captivating story. Firestarter remains a fan favorite and a cornerstone of King’s early work.
Cujo (1981)
A terrifying story centered around a St. Bernard named Cujo who becomes rabid after encountering a bat‚ transforming into a monstrous threat to a mother and son trapped in a broken-down car. Cujo is a masterclass in suspense‚ building tension through isolation and the primal fear of a relentless predator. The novel delves into themes of marital strife and the fragility of domestic life.
When compiling your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ include details about the 1983 film adaptation. Note its deviations from the novel and its impact on popular culture. A dedicated section for adaptations is crucial.
Add a space to mark if you’ve experienced the audiobook version‚ often praised for its immersive narration. Cujo is a harrowing read‚ deserving a prominent place on any King enthusiast’s list.
Christine (1983)
This chilling novel tells the story of Arnie Cunningham‚ a socially awkward teenager who purchases a dilapidated 1958 Plymouth Fury named Christine. He soon discovers the car possesses a malevolent intelligence and a dark history‚ influencing his personality and exacting revenge on those who have wronged him. Christine expertly blends horror with a coming-of-age narrative.
For your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ document the 1983 film adaptation directed by John Carpenter‚ noting its faithfulness to the source material. Include details about special effects and critical reception. A section for film adaptations is essential for a comprehensive guide.
Consider adding a field to track whether you’ve explored related articles or fan theories surrounding the car’s origins. Christine is a standout in King’s catalog‚ warranting detailed tracking.
Pet Sematary (1983)
Pet Sematary delves into the terrifying consequences of tampering with death. Dr. Louis Creed and his family relocate to rural Maine‚ discovering a mysterious burial ground with the power to resurrect the deceased – but at a dreadful cost. The novel explores themes of grief‚ loss‚ and the dangers of defying natural laws‚ presenting a truly unsettling narrative.
Within your Stephen King checklist PDF‚ meticulously record both the original novel and the 1989 film adaptation‚ noting differences in plot and character development. Include the 2019 remake as well‚ comparing its approach to the source material.
A dedicated section for tracking multiple adaptations is crucial. Note any associated short stories or expanded universe content. Pet Sematary is a cornerstone of King’s horror legacy‚ deserving thorough documentation.
It (1986)
It‚ a sprawling epic of childhood trauma and cosmic horror‚ centers on the Losers’ Club‚ who confront an ancient‚ shape-shifting evil in Derry‚ Maine. This entity‚ most often manifesting as Pennywise the Dancing Clown‚ preys on the town’s children‚ embodying their deepest fears. The novel’s dual timeline – childhood and adulthood – adds layers of complexity and emotional resonance.
Your Stephen King checklist PDF must account for It’s substantial length and numerous editions. Include notations for the complete and uncut versions. Document the 1990 miniseries and the 2017/2019 film adaptations‚ detailing key differences.
A dedicated section for tracking the expanded universe‚ including related short stories and prequels‚ is essential. It is a monumental work‚ demanding comprehensive tracking within your checklist.
Later Novels & Series (1987-Present)
This section of your Stephen King checklist PDF focuses on his prolific output from 1987 onward‚ including expansive series and standalone novels.
The Dark Tower Series (1982-2012)
Navigating the Dark Tower series within your Stephen King checklist PDF requires careful attention to publication order‚ as the books are interconnected and span decades. This epic fantasy series‚ beginning in 1982 and concluding in 2012‚ is central to King’s overall multiverse. Your checklist should include all eight novels: The Gunslinger‚ The Drawing of the Three‚ The Waste Lands‚ Wizard and Glass‚ Wolves of the Calla‚ Song of Susannah‚ The Dark Tower‚ and The Wind Through the Keyhole (a 2012 addition).
Furthermore‚ consider adding the related novella‚ Hearts in Atlantis‚ and other tales connected to the Tower universe for a truly comprehensive tracking experience within your PDF. Ensure your checklist clearly indicates the reading order for optimal enjoyment of this complex and rewarding series.
A Brief Overview of the Series
Within your Stephen King book checklist PDF‚ the Dark Tower series deserves special notation due to its unique position as the linchpin of King’s fictional universe. This eight-book saga follows Roland Deschain‚ the last gunslinger‚ on his quest to reach the Dark Tower‚ a nexus point of all realities. The series blends fantasy‚ horror‚ science fiction‚ and Western elements‚ creating a truly unique reading experience.
Your checklist should highlight that the books aren’t strictly linear; while a chronological order exists‚ publication order is often preferred by readers. Including a note about the series’ interconnectedness with other King novels will enhance your PDF’s value‚ demonstrating the expansive nature of his work.
The Bill Hodges Trilogy (2013-2016)
For your Stephen King book checklist PDF‚ the Bill Hodges trilogy – Mr. Mercedes (2014)‚ Finders Keepers (2015)‚ and End of Watch (2016) – represents a shift towards more crime-focused narratives within King’s broader catalog. This series centers on retired detective Bill Hodges as he confronts a series of chilling cases‚ notably involving a psychopathic killer who uses vehicles as weapons.
Your checklist should clearly indicate the sequential reading order for maximum impact. Highlighting the trilogy’s interconnected plotlines and recurring characters will be beneficial for readers. Note that while distinct‚ each novel builds upon the previous one‚ creating a cohesive and suspenseful narrative arc‚ making it a satisfying addition to any King enthusiast’s collection.
Mr. Mercedes (2014)
Within your Stephen King book checklist PDF‚ Mr. Mercedes (2014) marks the inaugural novel of the Bill Hodges trilogy. This gripping thriller introduces retired detective Bill Hodges‚ haunted by an unsolved case – a horrific mass murder committed by a driver who plowed a Mercedes into a crowd. The story takes a dark turn when the perpetrator‚ Brady Hartsfield‚ taunts Hodges from prison‚ seemingly plotting a new wave of terror.
Ensure your checklist notes the book’s genre blend of crime‚ suspense‚ and psychological horror. It’s a departure from some of King’s more supernatural works‚ focusing on realistic‚ albeit disturbing‚ human evil. Include publication details and potentially a brief note about its critical reception for a comprehensive entry.
Finders Keepers (2015)
For your Stephen King book checklist PDF‚ Finders Keepers (2015) represents the second installment in the Bill Hodges trilogy. This novel centers around the bizarre case of Morris Bellamy‚ a once-celebrated author who committed a shocking crime and then vanished. Decades later‚ his stolen manuscript resurfaces‚ leading to a complex and dangerous investigation involving Bill Hodges and a young man who stumbled upon the literary treasure.
Your checklist should highlight the book’s exploration of obsession‚ guilt‚ and the power of storytelling. Note its unique narrative structure and the intertwining storylines. Include publication details and consider adding a brief comment on its connection to the overarching themes of the trilogy for a complete record.
End of Watch (2016)
Within your Stephen King book checklist PDF‚ End of Watch (2016) concludes the thrilling Bill Hodges trilogy. This novel introduces a terrifying new adversary with unsettling psychic abilities‚ who targets Hodges and those close to him. The story escalates into a desperate battle against a force that threatens to unravel reality itself‚ pushing Hodges to his limits.
Ensure your checklist notes the book’s darker tone and its exploration of good versus evil. Highlight the innovative use of psychic powers and the satisfying resolution of the trilogy’s central conflicts. Include publication details and a brief summary of how it ties up loose ends from the previous installments for a comprehensive entry.
Short Story Collections & Novellas
Your Stephen King checklist PDF should detail his numerous short story collections‚ alongside standalone novellas‚ offering diverse tales beyond his extensive novel catalog.
Notable Short Story Collections
A comprehensive Stephen King checklist PDF must include his impactful short story collections‚ showcasing his mastery of concise horror and suspense. These collections often present a diverse range of themes and narrative styles‚ differing from his longer works. Key collections to feature prominently include Night Shift‚ a foundational work displaying early King brilliance‚ and Skeleton Crew‚ known for its chilling tales and memorable characters.
Don’t overlook Four Past Midnight‚ containing the novella The Langoliers‚ and Different Seasons‚ featuring stories adapted into iconic films like The Shawshank Redemption and Apt Pupil. The PDF should also list Nightmares & Dreamscapes‚ Everything’s Eventual‚ and Just After Sunset‚ ensuring a complete overview of his shorter fiction. Accurate listing of these collections within your checklist PDF is crucial for dedicated King fans.
The Gwendy Books (2017-2022)
A thorough Stephen King checklist PDF needs to accurately categorize the unique “Gwendy” series‚ co-written with Richard Chizmar. While often considered a trilogy‚ its placement within the broader checklist requires consideration. Should it be grouped solely as a trilogy – Gwendy’s Button Box (2017)‚ Gwendy’s Magic Feather (2017)‚ and Gwendy’s Final Task (2022) – or listed individually alongside his other works?
The collaborative nature of these novels presents a slight organizational challenge. Some fans advocate for a dedicated section‚ acknowledging the interconnected narrative‚ while others prefer integration into the general novel listing. The PDF should clearly indicate the co-author and publication dates. Ultimately‚ a well-organized checklist will offer both options or a clear explanation of the chosen categorization.
Gwendy’s Button Box (2017)
Within a comprehensive Stephen King checklist PDF‚ Gwendy’s Button Box (2017)‚ co-authored with Richard Chizmar‚ requires specific detailing. This novel marks the beginning of the Gwendy series‚ a departure from King’s typically solo authored works. The checklist entry should clearly state the collaboration‚ ensuring readers understand it isn’t a solely Stephen King creation.
Furthermore‚ noting its place as the first installment is crucial for series completionists. The PDF should include publication details – publisher‚ ISBN if available – and potentially a brief synopsis; Categorization within the larger list (series section vs. individual novels) should be consistent with the overall checklist’s organizational principles. Accurate metadata is key for a useful resource.
Gwendy’s Magic Feather (2017)
A detailed Stephen King checklist PDF must accurately represent Gwendy’s Magic Feather (2017)‚ also a collaboration with Richard Chizmar. As the second book in the Gwendy series‚ its placement within the checklist is vital for tracking the narrative progression. The PDF entry should explicitly mention the co-authorship‚ differentiating it from King’s standalone novels;
Consistent formatting with the first installment‚ Gwendy’s Button Box‚ is essential – publisher details‚ ISBN‚ and a concise plot summary. The checklist should clearly indicate the series affiliation‚ perhaps using a numbering system (2/3) or a dedicated series section. Maintaining uniformity across all entries enhances usability. This ensures a seamless experience for readers utilizing the PDF for collection management.
Gwendy’s Final Task (2022)
A comprehensive Stephen King checklist PDF requires precise inclusion of Gwendy’s Final Task (2022)‚ the concluding chapter in the Gwendy trilogy co-authored with Richard Chizmar. The PDF should clearly denote its position as the third and final installment‚ aiding readers in understanding the complete story arc. Accurate ISBN and publication details are paramount for identification and sourcing.
The checklist entry should maintain consistency in formatting with the previous Gwendy books‚ ensuring a unified presentation. A brief synopsis highlighting the resolution of Gwendy’s journey is beneficial. Categorizing the Gwendy books as a distinct sub-series within the larger King bibliography‚ as suggested‚ improves organization. This detailed approach elevates the PDF’s value as a definitive tracking tool.