D
Dan Simmons
Seasons of Horror
The Seasons of Horror series explores the dark side of small-town life. Each book presents a unique tale of terror set against the backdrop of a specific season, focusing on the hidden evils that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly peaceful communities.
Most entries in the series function as standalone stories that share minor character connections rather than a continuous narrative. A Winter Haunting is the notable exception, serving as a direct sequel to the events and characters established in Summer of Night.
While the books are often grouped together, they do not require a strict reading order because they are largely independent. Starting with Summer of Night is recommended if you wish to experience the primary setting of Elm Haven before encountering its characters in their later, separate lives.
The series links its various novels through the reappearance of characters from the original Elm Haven group as they navigate adulthood in different locations and circumstances. These connections are often incidental, appearing as brief references or secondary roles for characters who were children in the first book.