Night Shift (1978) is Stephen King‘s first collection of short stories, showcasing the raw, unfiltered horror that cemented his reputation as the “Master of the Macabre.” This chilling anthology features 20 tales ranging from psychological terror to supernatural grotesquerie, including iconic stories like:
- “Children of the Corn” – A couple stumbles upon a murderous cult of kids in rural Nebraska.
- “The Lawnmower Man” (nothing like the movie!) – A demonic gardener with a bizarre method.
- “Quitters, Inc.” – A sinister smoking-cessation program with deadly stakes.
- “The Boogeyman” – A grieving father confronts a closet-dwelling nightmare.
- “Trucks” (adapted into Maximum Overdrive) – Vehicles gain sentience and turn homicidal.
King’s knack for turning everyday fears (laundry presses, rats, babysitting) into visceral nightmares shines throughout. The collection also includes drafts of his earliest published works, offering a glimpse into his evolution as a writer.
Many stories became films (Cat’s Eye, Sometimes They Come Back) or inspired later King novels (“Jerusalem’s Lot” ties to Salem’s Lot).
“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.” —King’s foreword.
