10 Short Stories From Stephen King That Deceived Readers

Stephen King, the master of horror and suspense, has an unmatched ability to weave stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With over thirty bestselling novels and numerous adaptations for film and television, King has become a literary giant since releasing his first book in 1974. Although his novels have garnered much of the spotlight, his short stories and novellas are often praised for their concise storytelling and jaw-dropping twists. In these shorter formats, King delivers surprising turns that leave readers both shocked and satisfied. Here are ten of Stephen King’s short stories that have tricked readers and tapped into the very essence of suspense.

1. “The Mist”

In “The Mist,” a strange fog envelops a small town, bringing with it a menacing array of monstrous creatures. As the characters are trapped in a supermarket, tension rises, and sanity wanes. The final twist, which reveals the catastrophic decisions made by the protagonist in the face of despair, leaves readers shocked and unsettled, forcing them to confront the fragility of human hope.

2. “The Long Walk”

Set in a dystopian future, “The Long Walk” follows a group of teenagers who must maintain a relentless pace in a grueling competition in which the last person standing wins. The harrowing conditions lead to a atmosphere rife with despair and tension. The shocking conclusion questions the nature of humanity and survival, making readers wonder what they would do in a similar situation.

3. “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”

This novella, which inspired one of the most beloved films of all time, narrates the life of Andy Dufresne, a man wrongfully imprisoned. While readers initially follow the story of friendship and hope, the twist at the end reveals Andy’s cunning plan for escape, turning the entire narrative on its head and showcasing the power of perseverance against overwhelming odds.

4. “Umney’s Last Case”

In this story, a fictional detective navigates a hard-boiled world, only to discover the far-reaching influence of his creator. The twist strips away the boundary between fiction and reality, leaving readers with existential questions about identity, creation, and agency in a universe governed by a writer’s whims.

5. “The Jaunt”

Exploring the dangers of teleportation, “The Jaunt” unveils the grim truth behind a seemingly miraculous technology. The story escalates from a scientific ethical dilemma to pure horror when the protagonist learns the horrifying consequences of the technology, making readers consider the cost of progress and innovation.

6. “The Other Side”

In a seemingly straightforward story about the paranormal, the narrative leads readers to believe they understand the nature of life and death. The twist reveals an unexpected connection between the living and the dead, challenging the reader’s perception of spirits and their interactions with the physical world.

7. “There’s Someone Inside Your House”

This story revolves around the fears of teen life coupled with the threat of a masked killer. As the characters uncover the identity behind the terrifying murders, the shocking revelation alters their perceptions of safety and trust, reminding readers that the real monster can sometimes be the familiar.

8. “The Library Policeman”

Taking place in the unassuming setting of a library, this story leads readers through a journey of terror intertwined with forgotten childhood fears. The twist not only reveals the darker side of nostalgia but also emphasizes how unresolved trauma can shape our lives, encapsulating King’s thematic mastery.

9. “The Little Green God of Agony”

In this tale, a doctor struggles with his own beliefs as he attempts to treat a severely injured man who claims to have been tormented by a deity. The twist culminates in a mind-bending realization that blurs the lines between divine punishment and human pain, echoing the complexities of faith and suffering.

10. “The Boogeyman”

This classic tale delves into the psyche of a grieving father as he recounts his children’s inexplicable deaths. The twist at the end is chilling, emphasizing the lurking danger within one’s own home and the monsters that might not just be figments of a child’s imagination but real threats hidden in the shadows.