A collection of four unpublished novellas by Stephen King that will captivate his devoted readers while also serving as an ideal introduction for those newly discovering the King's writing.

People in journalism have a saying: “A news story will become a topic only if it smells of blood” – and a bomb at Albert McGrady High School is guaranteed to become headline news in every breaking bulletin. Thus begins "Only If It Smells of Blood", the standalone sequel to the bestseller "The Outsider", featuring the incomparable Holly Gibney in her first leading case.

Alongside "Only If It Smells of Blood" stand three other magnificent, lengthy stories by this "incredibly talented and versatile author" (according to the Sunday Times). In "Mr. Harrigan's Phone", the friendship between a teenager and an elderly man takes an unexpected post-death turn, "Chuck's Life" is an emotional retrospective of a life viewed from the end to the beginning, and in "Rat", a blocked writer is forced to confront the dark side of ambition.

These four amazing novellas reveal once again King's undeniable writing range, as well as his ability to maneuver through various literary forms, creating works full of humor, horror, and unparalleled tension. Additionally, the author's note provides valuable insights into the inspiration behind each story.

The rights to the four stories are already on their way to our screens: Netflix, Ryan Murphy, and Blumhouse will adapt the first story from the book "Only If It Smells of Blood", "Mr. Harrigan's Phone". Darren Aronofsky's production company has acquired the rights to the second story titled "Chuck's Life". Ben Stiller has secured the rights to the third story titled "Rat", which follows the life of a troubled writer who makes a Faustian deal with a rodent. The fourth story in the collection, "Only If It Smells of Blood", is a sequel to "The Outsider" and may serve as the second part of the HBO television series of the same name.

What they said about the book: “From the legendary storyteller and master of the short form Stephen King, a unique collection of four new chillingly thrilling novellas that confirm his mastery in this genre.” –The Washington Post

“Intense and chilling… These thought-provoking novellas thrill, chill, or even enchant, showcasing King's mastery… a strong addition to his giant masterpieces.” –Booklist, starred review

“Vintage King: a delight for his many fans and a good starting point if you are just getting to know his books.” –Kirkus Reviews

Stephen King is one of the top authors of our time, with 50 novels, 200 short stories and essays, and over 350,000,000 copies sold. His works, many of which have been adapted into films or series, include "Salem's Lot", "It", "The Raven", the epic "The Dark Tower", "The Shining", "The Green Mile", "Misery", "Hearts in Atlantis", "The Institute", "Outsider", "Elevation", and "Sleeping Beauties" (co-written with his son, Owen King).

He has received the Bram Stoker and Locus awards from the British, American and International Horror Writers Associations, the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and the U.S. National Medal of Arts. In 2016, he was honored by the Library of Congress for his body of work, and in 2018 he received the esteemed PEN literary award.

Additionally, "The Outsider" and "The Institute" topped the Goodreads Choice awards in the mystery and thriller category in 2018 and 2019 respectively. King lives in Bangor, Maine with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.