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.

Contemporaries of Bram Stoker-winning author Laird Barron comment on the grim and poignant stories scattered across the snowy wilderness of Alaska and beyond.
By Kyle Lemmon
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Your perfect pairing awaits.
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His horror and dark fantasy tales are just what you’ve been looking for.
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From deadly rituals of grief to captivating short story collections, these past 12 months have been a real scream.
A detailed look at Horror from 2025, from the "library world's horror maven."
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Your literary lifeline for a tumultuous year.
By Jena Brown
We wish you a cozy and creepy holiday season with these haunting and thrilling books from 2025 and beyond.
By Kyle Lemmon
The kitchen doesn't have to be a scary place—unless you want it to be.
I Am Legend just scrapes the surface of the sci-fi horror master's legacy.
Once again, this year has been an incredible one for horror.
Spread some fear this holiday season.