I think 'It' is the best. The idea of an ancient evil that takes the form of a clown to prey on children is really creepy. The story has a great blend of horror and coming - of - age elements. The Losers' Club and their friendship are really well - developed, and the way they have to face their fears again as adults is very engaging.
In my opinion, 'The Shining' is one of the best Stephen King novels. It's a classic horror story. The setting of the isolated Overlook Hotel is so vividly described that it almost becomes a character itself. The slow build - up of the horror, with Jack Torrance's descent into madness, is truly chilling.
I would recommend 'The Green Mile'. It's a great starting point as it has a really engaging and emotional story. It follows the lives of death row inmates and the guards who watch over them. The characters are well - developed and it has elements of the supernatural that King is known for, but not so much that it becomes overwhelming for a new reader.
I think 'Pet Sematary' is a good one to start with. It's not as complex as some of his later works. It tells the story of a family who moves to a new house near a mysterious pet cemetery. The concept is simple yet spooky, and it really shows off King's ability to create an atmosphere of horror.
One of the best - selling Stephen King novels is 'The Shining'. It has been extremely popular for decades. The story of a family in an isolated, haunted hotel has captured the imaginations of readers all over the world. The movie adaptation also contributed to its widespread fame.
I would recommend 'Carrie'. It's one of his earlier works and relatively short compared to some of his later, more complex novels. It gives a great taste of King's ability to create a vivid and somewhat terrifying world with his words. The story of a high - school girl with telekinetic powers who is bullied and then takes revenge is both engaging and a classic in the horror genre.
A great Stephen King novel often has really well - developed characters. For example, in 'The Green Mile', the characters like John Coffey are so complex and full of humanity. It's not just about the horror but also about the relationships between the characters.