Nightshift by Stephen King

Stephen King is one of my favorite authors. This is only the second book of short stories that I've read by him. The other is NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES. This one was much better. In King's novels, he takes a long time to set up the story and build the characters. In his short stories, he doesn't have that luxury, but he still manages to do both beautifully. The characters are vivid and the stories progress smoothly, just pulling you in. My favorites were JERUSALEM'S LOT, TRUCKS, CHILDREN OF THE CORN, and ONE FOR THE ROAD. Then there was QUITTERS, INC. which was quite Hitchcockian...totally unexpected stuff. Even the ones that I didn't care for too much were well done. This is a must read for any King fan and I also recommend it to anybody looking for a good scare.

Night Shift, copyright 1978 by Stephen King

"Night Shift" is a collection of short stories sure to give you the shivers...and don't read them alone on a dark stormy night.....

Jerusalem's Lot: This story is a great introduction to the terrifying Novel Salem's Lot.

Graveyard Shift: "RATS"....WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' RATS!!!

Night Surf: Captain Trips strikes but you won't find these sinister teens in "The Stand".

I Am The Doorway: Look into my eyes, er, I mean my hands...

The Mangler: Can a demon inhabit something as ordinary as a mangler? Read on to find out.

The Boogeyman: This was perhaps the story that scared me the most in "Night Shift". A childhood fear comes to life. Are you SURE there's no boogeyman in your closet?

Gray Matter: Could it be the beer? Be prepared to be grossed out.

Battleground: Be careful what kind of toys you buy your kids...

Trucks: If your car came to life, would it remember how kindly you took care of it? My advice, keep it well-tuned, washed and waxed and speak to it gently. This short story was made into a movie.

Sometimes They Come Back: Sometimes they do come back...and sometimes they stay. This short story was made into a movie.

Strawberry Spring: Who could be the killer?

The Ledge: This story is sort of a..."balancing act", beware of evil pigeons.

The Lawnmower Man: Beware who you hire to mow your lawn. This short story was made into a movie, very different from the story.

Quitters, Inc.: A little organization that provides the incentive needed to help you quit smoking.

I Know What You Need: Um, no ya don't.

Children of the Corn: "He Who Walks Behind the Rows" is coming, and he's not bringing corn on the cob. This short story was made into a movie.

The Last Rung on the Ladder: A story of heart, loss of faith and trust.

The Man Who Loved Flowers: Norma, I brought you some tea-flowers....Norma?

One For The Road: Salem's Lot strikes again.

The Woman in the Room: When you love somebody, how long can you see them suffer?