The Definitive Stephen King Book Ranking: #66-59
In January 2026, nearly a decade after hitting record on their first book episode, The Losers' Club completed their Herculean task. From 1974's 'Carrie' to 2025's 'Never Flinch', the Losers covered each and every title in King's Dominion with expansive book episodes. Now, they're going to do what anybody does when they complete a gargantuan catalogue in pop culture: rank them. Behold, The Definitive Stephen King Book Ranking! In the following months, the Club will countdown King's published novels -- specifically, novels (no collections) -- from worst to best. Today, they begin this journey with their picks for 66 to 59. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Danse Macabre: I Am Legend (1954)
Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend is often called the first modern vampire novel. Preceding Salem’s Lot by 21 years, the story follows a would-be scientist named Robert Neville who also happens to be the last man on Earth. Tormented by the memory of his wife’s horrific transformation, not to mention the hordes of vampires trying to break through his heavily fortified home, Neville spends his days systematically euthanizing the undead and searching in vain for a sustainable cure. But a surprising discovery throws his efforts into question while destabilizing his lonely life. In the latest episode of Bloody FM’s The Losers’ Club podcast, co-hosts Jenn Adams, Mac Gerber, Ashley Casseday, and Dan Caffrey revisit this seminal text as they explore the titles mentioned in Stephen King’s Danse Macabre. Is Neville a likable protagonist? Do we understand Matheson’s musings on germs? Why do adaptations always skew towards zombies and why does that ending pack such a punch? They’ll answer these questions and more while discussing Matheson’s larger body of work and incomparable contributions to the horror genre. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What's Stephen King's Strongest Six-Book Stretch?
The Losers untie another big ol' Bag of Bones and answer your questions. Questions like: ""What's Stephen King's strongest six-book stretch?"; "What's Stephen King's most overrated character and most underrated?"; "Which Stephen King movie adaptation would have been MOST improved by a different actor or director?"; "In "N.," what do you think the n stands for?"; and more. They're also asked about the Club's origins, the bird annoying the hell out of Mike, and which King ka-tet would make for the most nightmarish blunt rotation. Good stuff, great fun, Losers' Club. Want to ask them a question on the next Bag of Bones episode? Become a patron at www.patreon.com/thebarrens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Hollywood King: The IT Supercut, Welcome to Derry Season 2, Mike Flanagan’s Carrie
Losers Randall Colburn, Dan Pfleegor, and Jenn Adams return to Hollywood King where they discuss the latest developments in King's Dominion, specifically Andy Muschietti’s IT supercut, Welcome to Derry season 2, Mike Flanagan’s Carrie, The Talisman no longer happening with the Duffer Brothers, and Wil Wheaton narrating The Body. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Stacks: What We're Reading in January 2026 and the Latest in Horror Fiction
Randall, Caff, Sammie, and Rachel return to The Stacks to gab about January and February's new horror releases and share their own (non-spoilery) recommendations for what they've been reading, watching, and listening to. Plus, an extended conversation on David Sim's influential (and controversial) Cerebus comic book series. See an abbreviated list of recs below: Books: The Deep by Peter Benchley The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces by Seth Harp I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy Serious Creatures: I Was a Teenage Special FX Wizard! by Tony McMillen Cerebus by David Sim Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte Other recs: Corey Feldman vs. the World (film) Ghost Cat Anzu (film) Industry (series) Murder, She Wrote (series) Pavements (film) The Traitors (series) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.