Horror is an intense genre that has brought us everything from monster-produced suspense to faithful gore fests. If you’re a horror fan, you likely already know about some of the best books out there. However, if you’re looking for something new to read, you might not know where to start.
Always creeped out by some horror movie and longing for more? Well, these book recommendations should satiate your blood lust!
Not all horror books are created equal. There are different types of horror novels out there, and each one is better suited for a different type of fan.
For example, psychological horror novels are typically written by authors who are skilled at creating suspenseful scenes and involving the reader in the story. They tend to focus on plot twists and suspense rather than gore or shocks.
25 Must-Read Horror Books
Horror is one of the most popular genres of fiction, and there are many great horror books that you need to read if you love this genre. Here are 25 must-read books if you want to be a complete horror fan!
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Dracula by Bram Stoker
If you’re a fan of horror, then you need to read Dracula by Bram Stoker. This book is one of the best depictions of terror and horror that you’ll ever read. It’s a must-read for any horror fan.
Dracula is a story about a man named Count Dracula who comes to England to find new blood. He ends up finding a young woman named Mina and begins to drink from her blood. Soon enough, Mina starts to see visions of Dracula and his monsters.
This book is full of suspense and horror, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat all the way through. If you’re a fan of horror, then you absolutely need to read Dracula.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
If you’re a fan of horror, you’ll want to read The Haunting of Hill House. This book is based on the true story of a family who move into a haunted house and start to experience terrifying paranormal events.
The Haunting of Hill House is one of the best horror books ever written. It’s suspenseful and horrifying from beginning to end, and it’ll leave you feeling uneasy and scared after reading it. If you’re a fan of horror, make sure you add this book to your collection.
Misery by Stephen King
If you’re a horror fan, you’ll love Misery by Stephen King. This book is a must-read for any fan of the genre.
In Misery, King tells the story of Annie Wilkes, a woman who is a deranged fan of romance novelist Paul Sheldon. After an accident the author finds themselves at the mercy of Wilkes, and their obsession with his books.
King demonstrates his mastery of horror with this story of revenge and survival. Misery is one of the most suspenseful novels in the genre.
The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker
Clive Barker is a British horror novelist who came up with the idea for The Hellbound Heart. In the story it is told from the perspective of John, a man trapped in the body of a living corpse on the threshold between life and death that can walk, talk and even feel life. The book follows his experiences as he goes through personal changes and memories while also interacting with people in hell who are doing things to make their next move to get out.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
If you’re a horror fan, you must read The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty. This book is based on the true story of a young girl who is possessed by the Devil. It is an intense and frightening read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Ghost Story by Peter Straub
Ghost Story by Peter Straub was a horror classic where four twenty-somethings move into a haunted house and are slowly killed one-by-one. The hauntings in the story began around May 1st, which fascinated many readers. The novel won the Bram Stoker Award for Novel of the Year and has been made into a film twice.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
One of the most popular horror books ever written is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. It tells the story of a group of children who are stranded in the middle of the desert and get attacked by a creature that looks like a giant, green snake.
This book is perfect for horror fans who want to read something that is thrilling and suspenseful. It is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you want to explore more horror books, be sure to check out some of Ray Bradbury’s other novels. They are all very well written and will captivate your attention from start to finish.
Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin
One of the most famous and bestselling horror novels ever written is Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby. The book follows the story of a pregnant woman who moves into a Gothic New York City apartment building and soon realizes that something strange is going on in the building.
The novel is full of suspense and horror and is perfect for fans of horror movies. It is also an excellent read if you are interested in learning about classic horror themes such as possession, abortion, and witchcraft.
If you are a fan of horror movies or books, check out Rosemary’s Baby. It is an unforgettable experience that will leave you scared at all hours of the night!
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Silence of the Lambs is a book that horror fans will definitely want to read. The story follows Dr Hannibal Lecter, a cannibalistic serial killer who is imprisoned in an asylum for mentally disturbed inmates. He is transferred to a new facility, where he meets Clarice Starling, a young FBI agent working to track him down.
The Silence of the Lambs is one of those books that will keep you glued to the pages from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed, and the plotline is compelling. If you haven’t read it, you should add The Silence of the Lambs to your list of must-reads.
Psycho by Robert Bloch
If you love horror, you need to read Psycho. This book is the original source material for the classic Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece, and it’s a must-read for anyone interested in horror.
Psycho is a story about Norman Bates, a man who has been admitted to an asylum for the criminally insane. While there, he meets and falls in love with his patient, Mary Bates. Soon after, she is killed in a bizarre accident, and Norman is accused of her murder.
Norman fights hard to clear his name, and the story culminates in one of the most chilling scenes in all of horror literature: when he exits the shower, stark naked, and strides down the hall towards his victim’s room. If you’re a fan of horror books, you’ll love Psycho.
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
The Turn of the Screw is a chilling novel by Henry James that tells the story of governess Miss Jessel and her two charges, orphans Miles and Flora. Miss Jessel arrives at the Pembroke estate to take up her new post, but she quickly realizes that something is wrong. The children show no interest in learning, and they make odd and frightening noises at night. Miss Jessel begins to worry about her safety, and she decides to take a trip down into the cellar to inspect the traps that have been installed there. However, just as she makes it down the stairs, she is attacked by a ghost!
This spooky novel is perfect for horror fans who want to read a story that will keep them on the edge of their seats. The Turn of the Screw is full of suspenseful scenes and chilling dialogue that will leave you feeling uneasy for hours afterwards. If you’re looking for a horror novel that will scare the pants off you, look no further than The Turn of the Screw.
It by Stephen King
Stephen King’s novel is one of the scariest books ever written and it will have you on the edge of your seat the entire way through.
It is set in the town of Derry, Maine, and tells the story of children who are terrorized by an unknown entity known as “The Beast”. The Beast first appears to them as a giant clown, but as the story progresses it becomes clear that the Clown is only part of the larger evil plot.
King’s novel is almost three hundred pages long, but it is well worth the read. It will leave you scared and shaking for days afterwards.
The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
One of the best horror books ever written is The Amityville Horror, which was written by Jay Anson. This book is based on a true story and tells the story of a family who move into a house that was previously owned by the DeFeos family. Soon after moving in, strange things start happening to the family, and they realize that the house is haunted by the ghosts of the DeFeos family.
The Amityville Horror is a very suspenseful book and is sure to keep horror fans entertained. It is one of the best books ever written about ghosts and will leave an impression.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
If you’re a fan of supernatural horror, you’ll want to read The Woman in Black. This book is based on a story by Susan Hill, and it’s sure to thrill you.
The Woman in Black is about a woman who travels to an isolated town to visit her friend. However, the townspeople treat her with hostility and refuse to let her leave. Soon enough, she realizes that something sinister is going on in this town.
The Woman in Black is a terrifying story that will leave you wondering what twists the plot will take next. It’s a must-read for horror fans who want to be frightened until the very end.
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
If you’re a horror fan, you need to read I Am Legend by Richard Matheson. This book is a classic that will never lose its appeal. It tells the story of a man who is forced to survive in a world full of zombies.
I Am Legend is full of suspenseful scenes and chilling plotlines. It’s sure to creep you out and keep you hooked until the very end. You won’t be able to put it down.
Hell House by Richard Matheson
Hell House was written by Richard Matheson and it’s one of the best horror books out there. The story revolves around a group of people who move into a house that was once used as a hospital for mental patients. Soon enough, they start to experience terrifying things happening in the house… Things that can only be explained as being caused by the spirits of the hospital’s patients.
If you’re ever feeling scared or down, read Hell House and see if it can help you feel better. It’s a must-read for any horror fan.
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
Rice tells the story of Lestat, a vampire who meets and interviews a young man, Louis. Louis reveals all sorts of secrets about his life, including how he became a vampire. Lestat is fascinated by everything that Louis has to say and decides to make him his newest victim.
This book is full of suspense and horror and is sure to keep you reading until the very end. If you’re a fan of horror, you’ll want to add it to your reading list.
Whispers by Dean Koontz
Whispers is a riveting novel that will keep readers glued to the pages.
Dean Koontz is one of the most popular and successful horror writers in the world. His books have been translated into more than 50 languages, and they have sold over 150 million copies worldwide.
Whispers is one of Koontz’s most gripping novels. It tells the story of a young woman who is struggling with her past. She has nightmares and can’t stop thinking about the murder that she committed as a child.
The killer is still out there, and she fears that he or she will find her again. Thanks to the help of a police detective, she comes up with a plan to protect herself from her attacker. She moves to a new town, and she stays under surveillance 24/7.
This thriller will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. It is an excellent book for horror fans who want something dark, suspenseful, and exciting to read.
30 Days of Night by Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith
Thirty years after the gates of Hell opened, vampires are a fading race. But in the small town of Barrow, Alaska, a new breed of bloodsucker has started to emerge: the night hunters. Night hunters are vampires who can “see” in the dark. They’re feared and hated by all other vampires, but they’ve also become some of the most sought-after predators in the world. When college student Aric Nadson and his girlfriend Steph wander into Barrow while camping, they unwittingly kick off a turf war that will leave them fighting not just for survival, but for control over an entire city of vampires.
30 Days of Night is one of the classic vampire books, and it’s packed full of action and suspense. If you’re a fan of horror books, you don’t want to miss it!
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
Heart-Shaped Box tells the story of Johnny Gladstone, a young man who goes to a remote cabin to take a break from his troubled life. When he arrives, he discovers that someone has left him a mysterious box. The inside of the box is filled with death and carnage, and Johnny can’t get it out of his mind.
As he starts to unpack the box, strange things start happening in Johnny’s life. His wife leaves him, his business starts to go downhill, and people start dying around him. It seems like the only way to prevent catastrophe is to finish opening the box.
Heart-Shaped Box is one of the best horror books out there and is perfect for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat all night long, then you need to read Heart-Shaped Box.
Revenge of the Manitou Graham Masterton
For horror fans, one of the best books to read is Revenge of the Manitou Graham Masterton. This book is set in the fictional town of Stafford Creek and tells the story of a group of people who are terrorized by a spirit known as the Manitou.
The Manitou is a creature that preys on the fears and fears of others. It uses this information to terrorize its victims, making their lives a living nightmare.
The novel is written mostly in journal form, which adds to the creepiness factor. It also has a great plot that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. If you are a fan of horror novels, Revenge of the Manitou Graham Masterton is must-read.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
If you love horror, you’ll love Bird Box. A psychological thriller set in a post-apocalyptic world, it’s suspenseful and terrifying from start to finish.
Bird Box tells the story of twelve people who are trapped in an apocalyptic setting. They must fight against the darkness to survive.
The thriller is filled with suspense and terror, and you’ll never forget the characters or the thrilling plot.
Pet Sematary By Stephen King
Pet Sematary is one of Stephen King’s most famous books and it’s sure to give you goosebumps.
The story follows author Louis Creed as he moves to the small town of Gatlinburg with his wife and young daughter. Soon enough, they start to experience terrifying events that seem to be linked to their new home. The most chilling part of the story is when they buy a pet sematary—a place where people can bury their pets.
As the family begins burying their pets, they start to notice strange changes happening to them. The animals start coming back dead, with blood all over them. Mrs. Creed starts experiencing horrifying hallucinations, and even Louis starts seeing things in the sematary that aren’t real.
If you’re a horror fan, you won’t want to miss out on reading this book. It’ll make your skin crawl and your hair stand on end.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein is a classic novel about the science of turning death into life. In this book, author Mary Shelley tells the story of Dr Frankenstein who creates a monster from parts of corpses.
This book is a must-read for horror fans. It contains scenes of bloody violence and death, as well as psychological terror. Whether you’re a fan of horror movies or books, Frankenstein is must-read.