This isn’t a list of the most popular horror books. This is a list of books that – in my opinion – should be read by every horror fan out there. I will mention some more known ones, a few that aren’t quite traditional horror, and a couple indies.
But, again, it’s all personal opinion here. If you have different suggestions, please, share them in the comments below! Let’s celebrate horror, not get into tiring and petty arguments.
1. Night Film by Marisha Pessl
The body of a young girl is found in an abandoned warehouse in lower Manhattan, seemingly the consequence of a suicide. But a certain journalist, Scott McGrath, has other ideas to what actually happened.
It is a dark mystery, which all circles back to Stanislas Cordova – a reclusive cult-horror-film director who has destroyed Scott’s life in the past, and is also the father of the young girl, Ashley Cordova.
Night Film
Which are interactive, if your phone doesn’t hate you.
The book is also full of twists and turns, so much so that what’s real and what’s not will start to blend together and you won’t know the difference anymore. I won’t spoil the ending, but it did make me question everything I’ve read from Night Film. Quite enticing.
2. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl‘s author has a knack for placing the reader in vicious and tense places. With Sharp Objects
Besides detailing the cruel parts of humanity, the novel doesn’t shy away from the misogyny and toxicity that are so prevalent in a hometown like Camille’s. And it is in that realistic approach a sense of eeriness befalls on the reader. It is haunting. Especially when the killer is revealed and you’re not all that surprised – what other outcome could it have been?
It was all hopeless. And Camille’s fate revels in that certainty.
Not your traditional horror novel, but deserving of its spot on this list nonetheless.
3. Ecstatic Inferno by Autumn Christian
I’ve reviewed this book before so I won’t get much into detail. But Ecstatic Inferno
The novel is composed of ten short horror stories, all ranging from sci-fi, psychological thriller, supernatural, and sinister love stories. It’s an exploration to the human psyche, essentially. Of the monsters we are, and of the parts that still make us human. Fresh ideas to a saturated genre.
In fact, I could compare Autumn Christian’s narratives to the raw viciousness that prevails in Gillian Flynn’s writing – so, I will.
4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
You know I had to put this book on this list. Mary Shelley is responsible for creating the first ever novel of science-fiction, a book that has prevailed through almost two centuries, and has secured its place on the horror genre. All when she was only eighteen.
Frankenstein is a story I’m sure all of you know from the back of your hand. An obsessed and arrogant science student, Victor Frankenstein, decides to assemble a human being from stolen body parts. But when he gives it life, Victor runs away from fear of his creature’s ugliness. Because of this neglect the creature turns monstrous and sets on a path of murderous revenge against his maker, Frankenstein.
This was a book brave for its time. Frankenstein placed its readers in existential horror as it raised disturbing questions of what it means to be human, and how far can we go in meddling with Nature before we become monsters ourselves.
5. Horns by Joe Hill
A symbolic story of good versus evil, though not in the way you might think.
Ig Perrish wakes up one morning to discover there are horns growing on his head, and slowly realizes he now holds diabolical powers. All this after the rape and murder of his girlfriend, Merrin Williams, of which Ig was the only suspect, though never charged.
Horns
The story also plays with the embodiments of both the Devil and God: how one’s might doesn’t excuse its arrogance or tyranny, or how one’s independence doesn’t necessarily mean it’s made out of selfish or malicious intentions.
Horns is a book with a different approach to the black and white narrative; a refreshing read from all those religious-inspired novels.
6. A God of Hungry Halls by Garrett Cook
I may have talked shit before about this book. Looking back, I think I may have been too harsh. After all, A God of Hungry Halls did exactly what a novel of the bizarro genre should do – disgust me beyond belief.
The book follows the residents of an old house, who are being targeted by the same thing that gives them shelter. The house’s cruelty is only surpassed by the spirits trapped in it, and even then you could make the case that the house is the only one at fault for influencing their darkest desires. And they are dark; outstandingly horrifying, if I might add.
It is a horror novel I think you should read at least once. If you truly want to experience what it feels like to be trapped in an agonising and unkind place.
7. The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories by H.P. Lovecraft, S.T. Joshi
Every horror lover should have at least one copy of one of H. P. Lovecraft’s stories. His mad tales of cosmic terror have influenced great authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Clive Barker; just to name a few. Captivating narratives, exciting twists, and a good old dose of existential crisis. All classic elements of horror.
His works have withstand the test of time for a reason.
S.T. Joshi, Lovecraft’s biographer, has compiled this collection of eighteen stories. It contains early classics like The Outsider and Rats in the Wall, and of his more known works, The Call of Cthulhu and The Shadow over Innsmouth.
If you’re just getting into horror literature or are looking for a more complete paperback of H.P. Lovecraft’s stories, then definitely get this edition.
8. Penpal by Dathan Auerbach
I am a lover of creepypasta, I cannot lie. You could say it was like Christmas when I found out a popular creep pasta was being adapted into a novel! And no, it was not Jeff the Killer – Jesus – there are better written stories.
Penpal is the name given for such a happy occurrence. The readers follow the narrator as he investigates the apparently unrelated strange events of his childhood. As you might guess, this investigation takes a downward spiral and all these incidents start to connect one after the other. The true story that unfolds is eerie, terrifying, and somewhat realistic, which makes it more frightening.
In the end, Penpal
9. Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
I believe this is the most creative horror book I’ve ever had the pleasure to read.
Designed to look like an IKEA catalogue, Horrorstör
It’s a modern take on a haunted house story. A novel that goes beyond its expectations to bring forth an immersive experience to readers. Horrorstör is indeed a pleasant surprise to horror fans – a fun but uncanny read.
Honestly, after finishing it, I was glad I don’t work at IKEA… especially during night hours.
10. I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
When people told me this was the most disturbing short story they’ve ever read I was hesitant to believe them. Only because I thought I had become desensitized to most gruesome things written on paper. But boy, was I wrong.
I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream
It is a cruel, almost unbearable tale. One that will leave you with a fucked up sense of yourself and maybe a little bit more worried about the rise of the machines.
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