HORROR BOOKS & AUTHORS
We've curated a few of our favourite ghost & horror stories to sink your teeth into.
"Dracula" by Bram Stoker (1897)
This Gothic classic is a foundational work in the horror genre, introducing readers to the infamous Count Dracula. The novel is told through a series of journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, which creates an eerie, immersive narrative. Dracula’s arrival in England sets off a chilling battle between good and evil, with themes of fear, seduction, and the supernatural. It remains one of the most enduring and influential horror novels ever written.
"Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley (1818)
Often regarded as the first science fiction novel, Frankenstein also stands as a cornerstone of horror. The story follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a sentient creature through an unholy experiment. Shelley’s novel explores themes of ambition, isolation, and the moral responsibilities of creation. The tragic fate of both Frankenstein and his monster resonates as a dark meditation on the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.
"The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson (1959)
A masterpiece of psychological horror, The Haunting of Hill House is a chilling exploration of madness, fear, and the supernatural. It follows four characters as they spend time in a supposedly haunted mansion. Jackson expertly crafts an atmosphere of dread, where the house itself seems to be alive, influencing the characters’ minds. The novel’s ambiguity about whether the haunting is real or imagined makes it all the more terrifying.
"It" by Stephen King (1986)
Stephen King’s It is a sprawling epic of horror, following a group of childhood friends who confront an ancient evil that takes the form of a malevolent clown named Pennywise. King masterfully weaves together coming-of-age nostalgia with nightmarish terror, as the friends battle their deepest fears both as children and later as adults. It is not just about a monster but about the nature of fear and the bonds of friendship.
"The Silence of the Lambs" by Thomas Harris (1988)
This psychological thriller, which blends horror and crime, follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she seeks the help of imprisoned cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch another murderer, Buffalo Bill. Harris creates a terrifyingly charismatic villain in Lecter, and the tension between Starling and Lecter is as gripping as the hunt for Buffalo Bill. The Silence of the Lambs is a gripping study of human darkness and manipulation.
"Bird Box" by Josh Malerman (2014)
Bird Box is a terrifying post-apocalyptic novel where an unknown entity causes people who see it to go mad and commit violent acts. The story follows Malorie and her children as they attempt to survive in a world where they must remain blindfolded outdoors to avoid seeing the deadly phenomenon. Malerman’s use of sensory deprivation to create suspense is highly effective, resulting in a unique and harrowing horror experience.
"Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020)
Set in 1950s Mexico, this Gothic horror novel follows Noemí Taboada as she travels to a remote mansion to check on her ailing cousin. What she finds is a house full of dark secrets, mold, and haunting visions. Mexican Gothic combines traditional Gothic horror elements—such as decaying mansions and eerie family secrets—with a fresh, culturally rich narrative. Moreno-Garcia’s atmospheric writing and creeping sense of dread make this a standout contemporary horror novel.
"The Only Good Indians" by Stephen Graham Jones (2020)
This contemporary horror novel follows four Native American men as they are haunted by a supernatural entity after a tragic hunting incident from their youth. Jones blends Native American culture, social commentary, and gruesome horror into a story about guilt, identity, and revenge. The Only Good Indians is a powerful and deeply unsettling exploration of generational trauma and the price of past transgressions.
"House of Leaves" by Mark Z. Danielewski (2000)
House of Leaves is a postmodern horror novel that plays with narrative structure and typography to create an immersive and disorienting reading experience. The story follows a family that discovers their new house is larger on the inside than it appears, with dark, labyrinthine hallways that defy the laws of physics. Danielewski’s experimental storytelling adds to the sense of unease and terror, making House of Leaves one of the most unique horror novels ever written.
"The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe"
This comprehensive anthology includes all of Poe’s most famous short stories and poems, showcasing his mastery of Gothic horror, suspense, and the macabre. Some of the standout tales include "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "The Black Cat," and "The Cask of Amontillado." Poe's exploration of madness, guilt, and the supernatural makes this collection a cornerstone of horror literature.
The collection also features Poe’s poetry, including his haunting masterpiece "The Raven," as well as lesser-known but equally eerie works like "Ulalume" and "The Bells." Whether you're new to Poe or revisiting his work, this anthology captures the essence of his dark genius and provides a deep dive into the origins of American Gothic horror.
Poe’s tales remain timeless and are perfect for anyone who appreciates psychological horror and the eerie, atmospheric tone he is famous for.
