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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17 Horror Books That Need Adaptations

Once they’re brought to life, they will scare you to death.

Master of Horror: 13 Terrifying Graham Masterton Books

Creepy tales of demonic possession, haunted houses, and more.

10 Women in Horror Who Scare Us to the Bone

The contributions made by these women to horror have shaped the genre.

Peer Into The Mammoth Book of Nightmare Stories...If You Dare

You'll be sleeping with the light on after reading this nightmarish collection. 

7 Books That Tap Into Our Worst Fears 

From Ted Bundy to al Qaeda, these books will leave you sleeping with the lights on. 

An Urban Legend Comes to Life In This Killer Read

Could the killer really be the subject of childhood rhymes?

7 Thriller Books with Paranormal Twists

They will hold you in suspense until the very end.

Beware the Doll-Master and His Terrifying Collection

One boy's obsession takes a sinister turn in Joyce Carol Oates’s award-winning short story collection. 

10 Best Horror Books of 2018

From Gothic horror to cabin-in-the-woods terror, 2018's best horror books were a chilling bunch.

Hellbound Heart: The Best Clive Barker Books

Blood, guts, terror, multiple dimensions, and more populate Barker's horrifying oeuvre.

What’s Inside the Cage of Bones?

The basement stank of death, and it contained a terrifying secret ...

8 Books of Horror Short Stories That'll Freak You Out

They may be short—but they're definitely not sweet.

Forgiveness Won’t Be Easy in This Horror Short Story

Witching Hour: Vices and Virtues collects twisted and terrifying stories that will haunt your dreams. 

20 Ghost Books to Haunt Your Days (and Nights)

Warning: Read only if you can afford some sleepless nights.

Trick or Treat: 9 Halloween Books for Adults

It's the most wonderful time of the year...