Night Shift

by Stephen King
Night Shift cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Short Story Collections
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Paperback • £10.99
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Format • £10.44–£14.24
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Technical
  • ID: 2104
  • Added: 2025-10-12
  • Updated: 2025-10-12
  • ISBN: 9798217007707
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-08-26
  • Formats: 13
  • Reviews: 3

Night Shift, Stephen King's first collection of short stories, originally published in 1978, is a haunting exploration of the macabre and the supernatural. The book includes a variety of unsettling tales, such as mutated rats wreaking havoc in 'Graveyard Shift' and a cataclysmic virus threatening humanity in 'Night Surf,' which later became the basis for The Stand. Each story is crafted to chill the reader to the bone, with themes ranging from possession to transformation and beyond. The collection has been the inspiration for over a dozen acclaimed horror movies and television series, including Children of the Corn, Chapelwaite, and Lawnmower Man. King's vivid storytelling and dark imagination make this a must-read for horror enthusiasts.

Reviews
Reddit - r/horror · 2022-07-10
refreshing 4.00

The reviewer enjoys the collection for its quick-paced stories that get to the point without unnecessary buildup. They find the short stories refreshing compared to King's longer works.

The reviewer appreciates the fast-paced nature of the stories in Night Shift, noting that they get to the point quickly without the lengthy buildup found in some of King's novels. They find the short stories refreshing and enjoyable, making the collection a great read for those who prefer concise horror tales. The reviewer also highlights the variety within the collection, with each story offering a unique and terrifying experience. They conclude that Night Shift is a must-read for fans of horror and Stephen King.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed Night Shift a lot. Mainly because sometimes his novels take 100 plus pages to get to the damn plot and the short stories were really ...

    The short stories in Night Shift are refreshing and enjoyable, offering a quick and terrifying read.

    This collection is a must-read for fans of horror and Stephen King, showcasing his unmatched talent for storytelling.

Not Sarah Connor Writes · 2022-04-18
chilling 4.50

This collection is praised for its spine-tingling and eerie stories that delve into the darkest corners of imagination. The variety and depth of the stories make it a standout in the horror genre.

The reviewer is captivated by the chilling and diverse tales in this collection, highlighting how each story plunges the reader into a world of terror and suspense. They appreciate the way King's imagination brings ordinary objects and situations to life in unsettling ways, making this a must-read for horror enthusiasts. The reviewer also notes the collection's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with each story offering a unique and terrifying experience.

Quick quotes

    This chilling collection of twenty short stories will plunge readers into the subterranean labyrinth of the most spine-tingling, eerie imagination of our time.

    King's ability to turn ordinary objects into sources of terror is unparalleled.

    Each story in this collection is a masterclass in horror, showcasing King's unmatched talent for storytelling.

The Guardian · 2012-07-17
insightful 4.00

The reviewer finds the introduction insightful and appreciates how the stories captivate readers by transporting them to another world. The collection is seen as a testament to King's skill in horror storytelling.

The reviewer is impressed by King's introduction, which sets the stage for the collection by explaining the essence of a good horror story. They highlight how the stories in Night Shift successfully hold the reader's attention, creating a sense of being lost in a world of terror. The reviewer also notes the collection's timeless appeal, making it a significant work in the horror genre. They appreciate the way King's stories explore the horrors of everyday life, making them relatable yet terrifying.

Quick quotes

    King says in Night Shift's introduction that a good horror story 'holds the reader or listener spellbound for a little while, lost in a world ...'

    The stories in Night Shift are a testament to King's skill in creating relatable yet terrifying scenarios.

    This collection is a significant work in the horror genre, showcasing King's unparalleled talent.

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