For me, 'Salem's Lot' has a very disturbing plot. A small town being overrun by vampires. The way it shows the transformation of ordinary people into blood - sucking monsters and the slow takeover of the town is quite horrifying. It's not just about the vampires but also about the loss of a community's innocence.
Definitely 'The Dark Half'. The idea of a writer's darker alter - ego coming to life and causing havoc is really unsettling. Thad Beaumont has to deal with George Stark, his 'dark half', who is a violent and cruel entity. The murders and the psychological battle within Thad make it a disturbing novel.
For me, 'The Mist' has a disturbing ending. The decision that the main character makes at the end, in the face of such hopelessness, is both tragic and disturbing. It's a very dark and unexpected way to end the story.
It's 'The Stand'. This novel is a massive undertaking for both the author and the reader. King creates a vivid picture of a world devastated by a super - flu. With different groups of survivors, each with their own motives and beliefs, the story becomes a long and winding exploration of human nature, which is why it's his longest work.
One of the most disturbing Stephen King novels is 'Pet Sematary'. The idea of a burial ground that brings the dead back in a twisted way is truly creepy. The consequences that unfold as characters use it are filled with horror and despair.
Among his many works, if we consider just three, 'The Shining' is extremely popular. It has been adapted into a well - known movie. 'It' is also very popular, especially with the recent movie adaptations that brought the terrifying Pennywise the Clown to a new generation. And 'Carrie' is popular too, as it was one of King's early works that really put him on the map.
'Pet Sematary' is well - loved. It explores themes of death and the consequences of trying to bring the dead back to life. The creepy cemetery and the dark events that unfold there have made it a favorite for many Stephen King fans.
One of the most disturbing is 'Pet Sematary'. The idea of a burial ground that brings the dead back wrong is truly creepy. It plays on our fears of death and the unknown. Another is 'The Shining'. The isolation of the Overlook Hotel and the slow descent into madness of Jack Torrance are deeply unsettling.
Well, 'It' is also extremely disturbing. The shape - shifting entity that preys on children in the form of a clown named Pennywise is just so creepy. It plays on the fears of the kids in Derry, and the way it has haunted the town for generations, with all the disappearances and the underlying evil, makes it a very disturbing read.
'Carrie' is disturbing as well. Carrie, a bullied high school girl with telekinetic powers, snaps at the prom. The bloodbath that ensues, along with the build - up of her isolation and mistreatment, is deeply unsettling. It shows how far someone can be pushed until they break, and the destruction that follows is terrifying.
I think the Overlook Hotel in 'The Shining' could be considered a sort of villain. It has a malevolent presence that drives Jack Torrance insane and tries to harm his family. It's not a traditional villain, but the way it uses the father against his own family is quite terrifying.