Incredible tales of horror to grace your shelves. 

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.

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8 Surreal Horror Books to Read if You're a Pisces

Spiritual and psychedelic terrors for the gentle-hearted scare chasers.

Fighting Our Demons: 10 Demon Possession Books to Keep You Up at Night

“Horror at its core is the hope that in the end, we can encounter our demons and live to tell the tale.”

GIVEAWAY: Win A Spine-Chilling Horror Bundle from Penguin Books

You could be the lucky winner of three of Penguin's scariest horror books.

11 Gripping Horror Novellas by Black Authors

Get a full dose of fright in one sitting.

8 of the Most Underrated Horror Books of All Time

You won't find these books on mainstream lists—but that doesn't mean they aren't among the best.

8 Gory Romance Books to Get Your Blood Pumping

Be careful—these bloody romance books bite.

A Fairy Tale World Turns Into Terror in The Girl in the Corn

The unsettling creatures that populate these pages will haunt your nightmares.

The Most Anticipated 2022 Indie Horror and Thriller Books

Horror small presses are booming—here's a small taste of what this year has to offer.

Dress Up Your Horror Shelves: Limited Series Collecting

A limited series of books released over time is an exciting way to grow your horror library and have an eye-catching set of spines on your shelves!

8 Visionary Horror Books to Read if You're an Aquarius

Psychological, humanitarian horrors for readers who split open to reveal a vulnerable, sensitive core.

2021's Most Terrifying Horror Bestsellers

The Lineup's community has chilling taste—these were our most beloved titles in 2021.

These Sci-Fi Horror Books Cause Screams Across Universes

Combining these vibrant genres results in works that will rip out your eyes, heart, and mind to claim as their own.

New Terrifying Audiobooks For Your Spooky Listening Pleasure

There's nothing quite like experiencing a horror book via audio!

Jumpstart Your Reading Resolutions with These Creepy Novellas

Get ahead of your reading goals with these short books that pack a punch.

Wylding Hall is an Eerie and Unsettling Read

This novella by Elizabeth Hand is a stunning blend of folk magic, occult lore, and British folk rock culture.

From the Haunted Stacks: 2021 Horror Book Highlights

A detailed look at the emerging horror trends of 2021, from the "library world's horror maven."