The Stand is about a killer virus or something. But the survivors have to decide whom to follow.
The Stand is a great introduction to horror fiction, especially if you are a JW or ex JW. The premise of the majority of humanity being killed, with the few who are left caught up in a battle between the forces of evil, represented by Randall Flagg, and the good, represented by a centenarian black woman, sound very familiar to any Witness who ever speculated about life after Armageddon (tm).
Read the unabridged edition that was printed about 15 years ago. It's big, but it's a very fast read. I've read it probably about four times, and it's my second favorite King book.
My favorite is The Dead Zone. It was also the first King book I ever read.
His later stuff, not so good.
Oh, and look up his short story collections. Night Shift, Different Seasons, etc. When he keeps the story small, the endings are better, and pack more of a punch.