How to Read Matt Wesolowski’s Six Stories Series
The Six Stories series, written by Matt Wesolowski and published by Orenda Books, has revolutionized the crime fiction landscape. Taking inspiration from investigative journalism and the explosive popularity of true-crime podcasts like Serial, the series follows Scott King, an enigmatic online journalist. Through his podcast, also named Six Stories, King re-examines cold cases by dedicating each episode to a single interview with someone connected to the mystery.
Because each novel focuses on a self-contained case, readers often wonder if they can jump in anywhere. However, the background plot concerning Scott King, his public profile, and the lingering consequences of his investigations develop continuously across the books. To get the full experience and avoid spoilers regarding King’s identity and personal struggles, you should follow the publication order.
The Official Six Stories Reading Order (Publication Order)
Reading the books in order of their release is the absolute best way to experience the narrative. Here is the chronological release list to guide your reading journey:
- Six Stories (2016): The debut novel introduces us to Scott King as he re-investigates the 1997 death of teenager Tom Jeffries at Scarclaw Fell. The podcast features six conflicting perspectives that blend local folklore with teenage cruelty.
- Hydra (2017): King dives into the horrific 'Macleod Massacre,' where a young woman named Arla Macleod killed her family. This installment explores internet culture, black-eyed children myths, and the nature of online vigilante justice.
- Changeling (2018): This case centers on the disappearance of a young boy in the dark depths of Wentshire Forest. The narrative explores coercive control, parent-child dynamics, and local myths of malevolent forest spirits.
- Beast (2019): Set in the freezing winter of 2018, King tackles the death of a young vlogger and social media influencer found dead in a ruined tower. The book tackles the dark underbelly of online celebrity culture.
- Deity (2020): The podcast investigates the death of a charismatic, world-famous pop star, Alistair Scott. As King interviews those closest to him, dark secrets and rumors of cultic influence emerge.
- Demon (2021): In what is currently the final book of the series, King looks back at a horrific 1995 crime in which two young boys killed a child. Decades later, one of the killers is found dead, raising questions about rehabilitation, memory, and demonic possession.
Chronological Timelines vs. Podcast Timelines
While the podcasts themselves are hosted and broadcast in a linear, publication-order timeline, the crimes Scott King investigates took place across different decades. For instance, the events of Demon date back to 1995, while the central tragedy of Six Stories occurred in 1997. Attempting to read the books chronologically by the date of the crimes is not recommended because the framework narrative—Scott King’s life, his evolving production style, and his interactions with the public—unfolds in publication order. Reading out of order will spoil major developments in Scott King's overarching character arc.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Wesolowski's dark and unsettling world, there are several key elements to keep in mind:
The Podcast Format
The books are presented as transcripts of the Six Stories podcast. This includes introductory remarks from Scott King, audio logs, sound effect cues, transcripts of online forums, and occasional text messages. This unique structure creates an incredibly fast-paced, immersive reading experience that makes you feel like an active investigator trying to piece the truth together.
Unreliable Narrators
At the heart of the series is the idea that memory is subjective. Each of the six interviewees has their own biases, secrets, and interpretations of events. Scott King does not present a neat, bow-wrapped conclusion at the end of his podcasts; instead, he presents the evidence and leaves the ultimate judgment to the listener—and the reader.
The Folklore Influence
Wesolowski masterfully weaves elements of horror and British folklore into his thrillers. Whether it is the ghostly legend of 'Nanna Wrack' in the marshes, reports of creepy 'black-eyed children,' or rumors of forest demons, the supernatural elements function as a psychological mirror for the characters' real-world fears and traumas.
Is the Six Stories Series Complete?
The sixth novel, Demon, wraps up several long-running threads regarding Scott King and serves as a natural conclusion to the series. Since its release, Matt Wesolowski has focused on other writing projects, such as his 2025 release (Don't) Call Mum, which is part of the Northern Weird project. While the author has not ruled out returning to Scott King in the future, the six-book arc stands as a complete, self-contained mystery collection that is highly satisfying to read from start to finish.