Best Horror Books
Do you remember the times when our grandmothers or siblings used to tell us horror stories? Although both have their own essence, stories told by siblings were the most special, as every tale felt real because the storyteller even mimicked the sound of a creaking door. The good old days, right? Growing up, those stories were replaced by haunted movies or, even better, books! Again, they are both indispensable, but let’s be honest, horror books evoke the strongest emotional response, for nothing can ever match the fear of reading those pages while constantly thinking that somebody is watching you or there is something under your bed, and once you finally put the book aside, close your eyes, you watch those jinxed faces coming out alive; a pure spine-chilling experience, isn’t it?
Keeping that in mind, let’s explore the top 10 best horror books for a spine-chilling experience.
The Top 10 Best Horror Books
These top 10 best horror books are packed with suspense, terror, and unforgettable twists that will keep you hooked till the last page.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Imagine being psychically sensitive and unable to get over your troublesome past, only to end up in a haunted Hill House because a paranormal investigator decided to conduct a summer study, which involved studying psychically sensitive people. Scary, right? However, what happens next in Shirley Jackson’s book The Haunting of Hill House, published in 1959, will change your perception of fear as it not only tests human vulnerability but also challenges faith, questions identity, reflects the ugly side of isolation, and showcases the horror of a house that comes alive.
So far, it’s one of the most haunted and disturbing books; a must-read if you are truly into best horror books.
It by Stephen King
Have you guys watched The Stranger Things? If yes, then we are sure you must have seen the movie “It” too. But have you read the novel? Don’t say, “No.” Because if not, then you have missed out on the best experience of life. To start with the basics: It was published by Stephen King in 1986; it’s a story about seven children and a shapeshifting evil creature who surfaces every 27 years as a Pennywise clown to kill children of Derry, Maine.
The best thing? The evil creature takes forms based on children’s deepest fears! So, if you haven’t read it yet, grab the book today; otherwise, how will you experience and share the nightmare every child fears?
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
Not mentioning The Exorcist when talking about horror books is a sin. It’s by far the scariest story of a girl named Regan who was possessed by a demon called Pazuzu. When her mother noticed the strange and demonic behaviour of her child, she called two priests for an exorcism. However, what happened next changed everything for them; the possessed girl’s condition appeared beyond help. Eventually, the girl died, and sadly, the priests were blamed for it.
The sad part is that this isn’t entirely fiction; it was inspired by real events. So, if you all are looking for a book that feels real, you should definitely read The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty, published in 1971.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Picture living in a world wherein you are forced to walk around blindfolded because if your eyes fell upon a mysterious entity, it would make you insane, eventually leading to suicide. Bird Box by Josh Malerman, published in 2014, revolves around this plot. It’s a must-read for people who love reading stories wherein the characters are terrified and clueless about what will happen next.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Do you recall Oggy’s house in Oggy and the Cockroaches? Remember how it had never-ending stairs, a massive house, and innumerable rooms? Well, the book House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski, published in 2000, has a similar house; the only difference is that it’s scary and will make you wonder about it late at night, even after you have put the book down.
Simply put: In this story, a man moves into a house with his family, possessing dark hallways and stairs that grow endlessly. He starts documenting his journey in the house, where people go insane and die. This book is perfect for you if you love twisty books; however, it’s a little tricky to read.
The Shining by Stephen King
The Shining, published in 1977, by Stephen King, revolves around a man named Jack, who accepts the job offer of a winter caretaker of a marvellous yet isolated hotel. Unaware of the supernatural forces, he brings his family along with him to the hotel. What happens next turns his world upside down. It’s a must-read if you relish reading stories that revolve around shifting to a new haunted house and the predicaments of staying there.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, published in 2020, will make you question reality and sanity. The novel begins when Noemi Taboada travels to a massive and sinister mansion in Mexico to save her sister. However, upon reaching there, she finds out truths about the Doyle family that leave her stuttering and struggling to find words that will elucidate her helpless situation.
It’s not just a book but a masterpiece that blends psychology with supernatural entities.
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, published in 1988, is more like a situation wherein you rely on a murderer to find another murderer. Although this book is categorised as a psychological thriller, its unpredictability haunts the readers even after they have put the book aside.
This novel will hold your attention from start to finish.
Ghost Story by Peter Straub
Imagine hanging out with your friends, sharing old stories, and relishing your time together, but soon, a haunting past returns, turning everything upside down. Ghost Story by Peter Straub, published in 1979, revolves around similar lines. It deftly weaves multiple timelines and eerie storytelling.
If you love reading horror books about spirits that refuse to remain dead and dote on reminding their presence for revenge, then you must have this book in your bookshelf.
The Fisherman by John Langan
How far will a person go to reclaim their past? Perhaps reading, The Fisherman by John Langan, published in 2016, will answer this question. A story about two widowers who bond over fishing, sharing their grief, until they find a cursed creek linked with dark forces. Their decision to explore more leads them to a more haunting tale.
Also, check – 10 Best Books to Read During Pregnancy
On a Parting Note
Best Horror books are more than just tales — they force you to question reality, face your fears, and make you believe in something that is beyond human comprehension. Therefore, whether you like reading about classic haunted houses, psychological terror, or unbelievable folklore, the books we have mentioned above will make your heart pound. So, take a deep breath and pick a novel that drew you the most… And don’t say we didn’t warn you!
