Whenever you’re in the mood for a good scare you’ll be able to find a good book to do the job. Horror books are written with the intention of inflicting feelings of disgust and fear, and many authors have perfected it. From the classic works of authors like Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Shirley Jackson, and Stephen King to modern talent like Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Cynthia Pelayo, Eric LaRocca, Hailey Piper, and Josh Malerman, the horror genre is overflowing with plenty of options to choose from. From spooky occult horror to blood and gore—and everything in between—there’s something for every style of reader, no matter your taste.
Whether you’re interested in close-to-home horror that tackles social issues or campy slasher-style horror books that rack up the kills, the horror genre has something for every style of reader. From aquatic horror and ghostly hauntings to body horror and coming-of-age tales—you’re sure to find just the thing to sink your teeth into.
Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado looking to expand your horizons or a newer reader looking to dip your toes into (shark infested) horror waters, here are some great places to start:
And when you’ve finished with those, peruse the stories below for endless recommendations of chilling books to read.
These scary story anthologies prove Christmas isn't always merry…
By Jena Brown
If anyone's making it to the end of the book, it's them.
By Kasey Noss
Books that deliver more chills than the weather.
Norse mythology gets a wicked makeover.
By Kasey Noss
Put a chill down your spine with these creepy ebooks—free, this month only.
We all go a little mad sometimes.
Reflections from Davidson (aka Nick Cutter) on his bone-chilling catalog.
By Kyle Lemmon
A new subgenre for readers that like their “boos” bright and bubbly.
By Jena Brown
The man behind the legend.
By Orrin Grey
Terrifying tales to haunt you.
By Jena Brown
The shocking conclusion to McCammon's Matthew Corbett series is available to pre-order now.
By Kasey Noss
Let the darkness in this month with these terrifying tales.
October may be ending, but it's always the right season for a good scare.
Short and definitely not sweet.
By Kasey Noss
An extreme horror roundtable.
The future is terrifying…
No Cthulhu X-ing Here!
This vocal Stephen King fan has carved out a horror fandom of his own.
If Shirley Jackson is the queen of gothic horror, Daphne du Maurier is the high priestess.
By Kasey Noss
Take it from the ultimate experts in horror.