Stephen King is a literary powerhouse, having published nearly 70 novels and countless short stories. His output is staggering, and while much of it is beloved, even his most devoted fans will admit that not every book is a home run. Some are challenging reads, others are flawed, and a few might even test the patience of the most dedicated Constant Reader. Here are seven King books that even his biggest fans might struggle to finish.
Dreamcatcher (2001)
Dreamcatcher has echoes of IT, but it lacks the magic that made that novel a classic. The story flips between the childhoods of its main characters and their adult lives, but the balance feels off. The alien threat is revealed early, and while King has dabbled in extraterrestrial horror before, this one doesn't land as effectively. The novel is a slog, even though it's shorter than some of his other doorstoppers. If you're looking for a better King alien story, you might want to check out some of his more successful sci-fi efforts.
Nightmares & Dreamscapes (1993)
This short story collection is a mixed bag. While it has its moments, it doesn't reach the heights of Night Shift or Skeleton Crew. The collection is long, and some stories feel like experiments that don't quite work. The ending is particularly weak, with a non-fiction essay, a poem, and a fable retelling. It's eclectic, but not in a way that always pays off.
Cell (2006)
Cell starts with a promising premise: a signal that turns cell phone users into mindless, zombie-like creatures. The early chapters are pulpy and fun, but the story runs out of steam quickly. What could have been a tight novella is stretched into a novel that meanders toward an unsatisfying conclusion. It's not King's worst, but it's far from his best.
Lisey's Story (2006)
King has said that Lisey's Story is one of his personal favorites, and it's dedicated to his wife, Tabby. It's a deeply personal and romantic novel, but it's also frustratingly stylized. The dialogue and narrative voice can be off-putting, and the story feels longer than it needs to be. If you're looking for a King love story, 11/22/63 does it better.
Sleeping Beauties (2017)
Co-written with his son Owen King, Sleeping Beauties has an intriguing concept: women fall into a cocoon-like sleep and wake up in a different world. But the execution is uneven, and the novel is overlong. It's a book that could have used a tighter edit, and even the most patient readers might find themselves skimming.
The Tommyknockers (1987)
This is often cited as one of King's most problematic novels. It's a bloated, messy story about an alien object that influences a small town. King himself has admitted that he was struggling with addiction during this period, and it shows. The novel is a chore to get through, with too many subplots and a lack of focus.
From a Buick 8 (2002)
From a Buick 8 is a slow-burn mystery about a car that isn't what it seems. The story is told through flashbacks and interviews, which can feel disjointed. It's a book that requires patience, and even then, the payoff might not be satisfying for all readers. It's not terrible, but it's definitely a test of endurance.
These books might not be for everyone, but they're part of King's vast and varied bibliography. Even his misses are interesting in their own way, and they make his hits all the more impressive. If you're a fan looking for a challenge, these are the books to tackle. And if you're looking for something more accessible, you might want to check out his best psychological thrillers or other tension-filled reads.
