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Are you looking for seriously spooky books? Search no longer as authors and bloggers come together to share their favorite creepy books and horrifying stories. Make sure to read these scary books for adults, including a few for teens, with the lights on and doors locked!
Stinky farting unicorns, zombie teenagers, true-life crime mysteries, murderous obsessions, and folktales gone grim. From graphic novels to fantasy and nonfiction, these are just a few of the themes that await the daring and brave reader from this uncorked and terrifying seriously spooky books for adults reading list.
Some of my favorite bloggers, bookstagrammers, and new authors have brainstormed to create their favorite creepy books recommendations filled with amazingly good scary books for adults (and some teens) to read.
I dare you to pick up one of these titles late at night alone in the house with the lights dimmed and not be terrified out of your mind. Heck, I need a glass of wine just thinking about the horrors in each book.
This eclectic spooky books list is perfect for Halloween, October, or the fall, too, and is sure to have something for every type of reader.
P.S. A few ways to read these spooky books and grab discounted titles:
1. We get the month’s hottest new and upcoming titles from Book of the Month.
2. Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks.
3. Find many of these books for free with these Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans.
Seriously Spooky Books For Adults: Thrilling & Chilling Mysteries
Ring by
| Creepy Book Set In Japan
If you are looking for scary books for adults that are also movies, don’t skip Ring, a deadly murder mystery. A cursed videotape lands at an unsuspecting viewer’s home. If a certain, unknown act is not performed, the viewers die from heart attacks. And die they do.
After his own niece dies, journalist Asakawa decides to investigate. Finding hidden messages in the tape, Asakawa heads out across Japan for answers that appear related to a disappearing woman. Unless Asakawa figures out how to stop the curse, more will die. Is he immune to the consequences of the tape. Amazon | Goodreads
The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
Murder Mystery Set In Pikeville
Submission from a returning TUL contributor, Hayley of Backpacking Bookworm
Don’t be fooled by the title. For seriously spooky books, The Good Daughter is full of blood, gore, and murder — as in internal body parts from a mother’s gruesome death splattering her children square in the face. The author does not hold back on psychologically disturbing descriptions. The dark nature pushes the boundaries of typical psychological thrillers, drawing out the horror to create graphic imagery.
Karen Slaughter’s The Good Daughter is a turbulent family drama following the Quinn family. The first part of the book reveals the harrowing murder of Gamma witnessed by her two daughters, Samantha and Charlotte. They are helpless in trying to save her, as their father is a successful defense lawyer with plenty of local enemies.
The second part of the book is set 28 years later where Charlotte, now a successful defense lawyer, is first on the scene of a school shooting. The culprit is a teenage girl who is quite clearly holding the gun that killed two people.
Charlotte knows there is always more. With the help of her father and begrudging sister, they must work against the clock to help the vulnerable teen, whilst still facing the unspoken demons lingering from the events 28 years previous. Amazon | Goodreads
The Girl From Widow Hills by Megan Miranda
Psychological Thriller & Suspense Set In North Carolina & Kentucky
Olivia is trying to move on from her infamous past by starting over in North Carolina. It’s the 20-year anniversary of her well-known sewer drain rescue, an occasion that has transformed her life for both good and bad.
When Olivia trips over a body in her yard during a sleepwalking episode, she realizes NC won’t be the escape she hoped for. Now a suspect, is someone trying to send Olivia a message?
The clues are everything in this mystery thriller, and as for creepy books, this one will have your heart racing. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
Mystery Book Set In Vermont | Ghost Thrillers
If you love creepy books with haunted houses and Ouija boards, don’t miss Home Before Dark by Riley Sager, also a Book Of The Month selection.
With Maggie’s father’s recent death, she must reconcile her childhood haunted house, Baneberry Hall. Her father’s bestselling book about the home changed all of their lives, mostly for the worst.
Did Maggie’s father lie about the paranormal occurrences at Baneberry just to make money? Or was he hiding something more sinister? Against her mother’s wishes, Maggie returns to the haunted house, even though it foreshadowed her imminent death on the property. Will Maggie come out alive? This spooky book will have you looking in your dresser before bed… Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Whodunit Mystery Set In Ireland
One of the best fun and light spooky books of 2020, I loved The Guest List by Lucy Foley, also a Book of the Month selection. Set on a haunted island off of the shores of Connemara, Ireland, watch spoiled frat boys fall apart. If you love Agatha Christie novels, you’ll enjoy The Guest List, which has a little comedic relief, too.
The story begins with the discovery of a dead body during yuppie AF wedding festivities. All of the guests are extremely vile, rich snobs. The ushers grew up together in a weird cult-like prep school filled with secrets and lingering immaturity. The women have destructive relationships with the men in their lives. Everyone has secrets and a motive…Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Seriously Creepy Books: Psychological Thrillers & Suspense
Darling Rose Gold By Stephanie Wrobel
Women’s Psychological Thriller & 2020 Debut
Darling Rose Gold is one of my favorite creepy books of 2020. Talk about dysfunctional families.
Poisonous Patty is serving a 5-year prison sentence: she would shave her daughter Rose Gold’s hair, pull her out of school, and convince Rose Gold that she needed a wheelchair. In reality, though, Patty was poisoning her daughter’s food.
On Patty’s release day, Rose Gold picks her up with a new son in tote. Patty moves in, against everyone’s wishes, and you wonder what the heck Rose Gold is thinking. From here on out, though, watch a vindictive game unfold. The toxicity and manipulation make Darling Rose Gold one of the best fast-paced thrillers and spooky books of 2020. You’ll also hate everyone. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More→
Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes
Horror Novel Set In The UK | Contribution by Eliza Stopps of Eliza Stopps.
Elizabeth Haynes is a police intelligence analyst, which gives her terrifying insight into abusive relationships and criminal behavior. Because of this, In the Darkest Corner is one of the best spooky books and thrillers about a woman whose dream man turns into a nightmare. Their relationship slowly transforms into something violent and controlling. By the time Catherine finally figures out her ex-boyfriend’s motives, it’s almost too late.
Catherine manages to leave her ex, Lee, and starts to see another man. Just as she starts to feel better, Catherine is forced to question her own sanity. Strange things start happening around her apartment. Her spoons are in the wrong spot in the drawer, a curtain pulled to the side when it shouldn’t have been, and the feeling that someone is always watching her… Amazon | Goodreads
The Safe Place by Anna Downes
Psychological Thriller Set In England and France
If you are looking for spooky books that start out ‘normal,’ don’t miss The Safe Place by Anna Downes. Wine by the pool never looked so manipulating.
Emily’s life is a wreck, making her an easy target to CEO Scott Denny. Scott preys on Emily’s weaknesses, offering her a dreamy nanny/housekeeper position in France. Heading to a secluded mansion where Scott’s wife and sick daughter live, Emily begins to see all of the red flags. Of course, she ignores them until it’s too late.
Eerie and mysterious, you will frantically turn the pages of this dark debut. Will Emily get out alive? Why the isolation, misery, and secrets? Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Come Closer by Sara Gran
Scary Novel Set In New York | Submission by Jessica of We Who Walk Here, Walk Alone
Come Closer by Sara Gran is an incisive look at the dangers of ignoring your true nature and trying to mold yourself into the kind of person you think you should be. It’s also one of the best scary books for adults about demonic possession.
Amanda has a steady job and a sensible marriage. She even owns the stylish loft that she dreamed of. To achieve this, though, Amanda has incrementally erased who she is at her core. When strange things start happening, and Amanda notices changes in her personality, chalking them up as signs that she is becoming herself again.
The demon who has claimed her has far more insidious goals. Amanda’s behavior shifts from unusual to alarming and then downright terrifying.
The fact that the early parts of the book are so relatable makes you wonder if the same thing could happen to you. If, like Amanda, you hear mysterious scratching in your walls and start having nightmares about oceans of blood, find yourself an expert in demonology. Fast. Amazon | Goodreads
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
Psychological Thriller Set In North Carolina
One of the most talked-about spooky books of 2020 (and a BOTM selection) includes Megan Goldin’s The Night Swim.
A psychological thriller, follow Rachel Krall, a true-crime podcaster responsible for freeing an innocent man. Recruited into a trial as well as a mysterious disappearance and murder mystery, Rachel finds herself caught up in the deadly drama. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
If you are looking for scary books for adults and like Agatha Christie, you’ll enjoy any of Ruth Ware’s spooky titles.
Lo Blacklock writes for a travel magazine and has been invited out on a luxury cruise. One evening, Lo insists that she hears a woman being thrown overboard. None of the guests appear to be missing or perturbed, though, and as Lo investigates, she begins to find that her gorgeous cruise is a fancy nightmare. Amazon | Goodreads
Infamous Scary Books For Adults
The Shining by Stephen King
Spooky Book Set In Colorado
If you are looking for popular seriously spooky books for adults or love books with a haunted house, you definitely want to check out anything written by Stephen King. Find creepy clowns, pet cemeteries, and high school blood baths.
In The Shining, welcome to the Colorado Rockies, home to the Overlook Hotel resort. Sounds pretty safe, right?! An infamous horror novel, meet recovering alcoholic and writer, Jack Torrance. With the acceptance of an off-season position as a caretaker for the hotel, Jack and his family move onto the resort grounds.
Jack’s son, Danny, possesses ‘special’ abilities unbeknownst to his parents along with the Chef. Weird and deadly occurrences start happening at the hotel. You must grab a copy of this scary AF book to see who survives. Amazon | Goodreads
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
Terrifying Book Set In Washington, D.C. | Submission by Becca
Talking about one of the best scary books for adults, The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty tells the horrifying story of young Regan MacNeil as she literally battles her demons. While Regan’s famous actress mother, Chris MacNeil, works on her next big film, strange and poltergeist-esque activities begin wreaking havoc in the MacNeil household.
Regan starts displaying psychological and physical symptoms, landing her in multiple psychiatric and medical treatments. With no success, Chris MacNeil turns to local Jesuit priest, Father Damien Karras, for assistance. Amazon | Goodreads
Gothic Horror & Historical Fiction Spooky Books
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Gothic Horror Set In Mexico
One of the hottest creepy books of 2020, head to the 1950s and the Mexican countryside in Mexican Gothic. Noemí Taboada receives an upsetting letter from her cousin at High Place. Catalina believes that the walls are filled with ghosts and deadly secrets. Is it just the drab atmosphere that is making Catalina and now Noemí feel ill, or is something more sinister at play? This home is alive with death.
The details in Mexican Gothic are dazzling with gore and brilliant golden darkness, making this one of the best new scary books for adults. Feminists will cheer along with lovers of historical gothic fiction and horror. If you covet haunted houses, this one is for you. Amazon | Goodreads | Book Information→
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Suskind
Translated by John E. Woods | Horror Book Set In Paris | Submission by Jella of Asiana Circus
Perfume is not your everyday thriller, and unlike the other creepy books on this fall reading list, it doesn’t have a lot of blood or a cruel and crazy serial killer. However, Perfume has a perfectly characterized, curious antihero, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille.
Born into the slums of 18th-century Paris, Jean-Baptiste’s mother leaves him to die in the middle of the fish market. Despite the low chances of survival, his loud crying saves his life.
Jean-Baptiste lives a tormented and emotionless life until he finds his passion: scents and perfume-making. Since he cannot connect with people, Jean-Baptiste decides to create a fragrance so perfect that it makes him instantly lovable. His newfound passion quickly turns into an obsession that will lead him to commit multiple murders. Amazon | Goodreads
Cauldron’s Bubble by Amber Elby
Spooky Book Set In Shakespearean Time | Submission by the author, Amber, of Amber Elby
Witches? Check. Ghosts? Check. Magic? Check. Candy? Well, it’s BYO, so check your cupboards. What more could you want for spooky books for YA loving adults? How about a dash of Shakespeare, too?
Cauldron’s Bubble is a fast-paced adventure novel that integrates stories from Bard’s plays with original characters in a new, fantastical world. Join Alda, a teenage orphan who just learned that she may or may not be a witch as she is whisked into a magical realm of sorcery, spirits, and nymphs.
On the other side of the world, a cabin boy called Dreng helps a mysterious Danish prince escape from pirates before being shipwrecked on an enchanted island. The two come together to combat an evil sorcerer and save their realities, and themselves.
Although Cauldron’s Bubble can be read and enjoyed by young adults, it is edgy and nuanced enough to satisfy more mature tastes looking for creepy books to read that are much lighter. Along the way, readers will meet characters from Macbeth, Hamlet, and The Tempest, so new and established Shakespeare fans will have something to enjoy. Amazon | Goodreads
Don’t miss our witchy reading list, too.
Seriously Creepy Books For Classic Lovers
Frankenstein By Mary Shelley
Creepy Classic Set In Switzerland
We all know about this wacky and grotesque science experiment gone wrong. Truly one of the best spooky books with a strong moral, watch as an effort to cheat death goes completely awry. When Victor creates a Creature that he can no longer handle or contain, he decides to abandon him.
The lonely Creature learns to take on true human capabilities but is consistently shunned from society. Ultimately, the Creature decides to take revenge on his maker and tormentors. Frankenstein is one of my favorite creepy books to read around Halloween. Amazon | Goodreads
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Spooky Classic Set In Transylvania (historic Romania) & England
Dracula is one of the best classic vampire books. Going door to door for sales is always a risky business, especially when Jonathan Harker finds himself at Count Dracula’s castle. Inside, phantom women roam the dark halls. Jonathan even witnesses the Count transform from a human into a bat. Left with the female vampires, Jonathan barely escapes.
Soon after, horrific and mysterious ailments start happening in England where Dracula is rumored to have landed. With vampires clearly lurking around, find romance, horror, and a whole lot of bloodsucking. Personally, Dracula has always been one of my favorite spooky books since high school. Stoker’s version is not quite HBO True Blood, but it’s still just as sexy. Amazon | Goodreads | Read More→
The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Creepy Classic Set In London
A horror novel about hedonism and luxury, The Picture of Dorian Gray is another one of my favorite creepy books and high school classics. The first room in the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom always makes me think of Dorian.
Basil, a coveted artist, believes that Dorian is one handsome creature. He paints a full-length portrait of him. Vain and sensual Dorian wishes that his portrait would age and fade away instead of his body. To Dorian, beauty is all that is worth pursuing in life. Forget being a gentleman.
When Dorian’s deepest desire is granted, the painting begins to not only soak in Dorian’s years but also his nastiness and crimes. Selfishness only leads to self-demise. Readers watch as Dorian falls victim to his own narcissism. Eerie but poignant, you’ll find murder, scorned love, and guys who are jerks in this creepy classic. Amazon | Goodreads
Nonfiction & True Crime Spooky Books For Adults
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
True Crime Set In Kansas | Submission from Rachael of Booklist Queen
Truman Capote is one of the first authors to write nonfiction that reads like fiction. A true crime classic and one of the best scary books for adults, In Cold Blood will engross you.
In 1959, a typical all-American family is savagely murdered in their home in Holcomb, Kansas. With no apparent motive, the murders seem to be completely random. Yet, the Clutter family was intentionally targeted.
Capote follows the case through the agonizing weeks before the murderers are caught. Over the ensuing years, he covers the case beginning with the trial all the way to the executions of the murderers. Through his extensive interviews, In Cold Blood provides a disturbing peek into the minds of two killers. What could be scarier than that? Amazon | Goodreads | Read More→
Scary Books For Adults: Graphic Novels
From Hell by Alan Moore
Illustrated by Eddie Campbell | Graphic Novel Set In Victorian London | Submission by Jella of Asiana Circus
From Hell is a lesser-known Alan Moore work, but it’s still widely acclaimed and has quickly become one of the most beloved spooky books of all time.
From Hell tells a fictionalized version of the Jack the Ripper story in a gripping and daunting style. It takes place in a slum of Victorian London. If you love the legend of the Jack the Ripper, you are probably going to fall in love with this comic’s beautiful design and dark and deep thoughts. Why does he kill?
This work also gets political, asking how we choose who is worthy in society. Moore created a creepy classic that has messages that are more relevant and important today than they were back in the Victorian era. Amazon | Goodreads
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
Spooky Graphic Novel
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll is a haunting YA and equally gripping adult-appropriate graphic novel. Discover five short stories with gothic, macabre illustrations. Readers walk through the unforgiving woods and find fairy tales and love gone astray.
I read this one for my grad school lit class, and out of all of the spooky books on this reading list, this one will take you the least time to read but fulfill your creepy book needs. Amazon | Goodreads
YA Spooky Books That Wimpier Adults Like Me Appreciate
Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
Spooky YA Fantasy
Just a fair warning since I do not typically read short stories: Zombies vs. Unicorns is an anthology edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier. Authors include a few of my YA favs like Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Scott Westerfeld, Meg Cabot, and Maureen Johnson. These are mildly scary stories.
And yes, guys, this is me so you know I am going to recommend a few young adult titles for this spooky books for adults reading list. You will convert to the dark side. Get ready for serious comedic banter as Black tries to convert you to Team Unicorn and Larbalestier to Team Zombie. Which team are you?
Sometimes it is harder to find a virgin than a unicorn in NYC. You should always follow instructions—no matter how odd—when babysitting. Cute and fluffy animals are not always cute and fluffy animals, and it is best not to dig up someone unless you plan on marrying them.
I loved Zombies vs. Unicorns and fantasy-loving adults and teens will too. Zombies vs. Unicorns ultimately brings together childhood unicorns and matures them with Walking Dead worthy zombie drama and gore. Amazon | Goodreads
Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco
Horror Book Set In The U.S. & Japan | Submission from bookstagrammer Jennia
Most of us are familiar with the classic J-Horror remakes and their uniquely haunting imagery. Rin Chupeco plays with and blends these well-known stories to craft an original and wistful retelling in The Girl from the Well, a lyrical narrative told from the point of view of legendary Japanese specter Okiku.
Okiku descends upon those who thrive from misusing and slaughtering children. When Okiku departs from her first victim’s home, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious boy named Tarquin who is covered in striking and unsettling tattoos.
A malevolent spirit is attached to Tarquin. He has coped with self-deprecating humor and by avoiding close relationships for fear that friends may come to harm. Okiku becomes committed to protecting Tarquin, coming to his aid numerous times. As their unusual friendship progresses, mysteries surrounding Tark’s life and bad fortune are gradually sprinkled throughout the storyline.
Chupeco has flawlessly mixed folklore with the young adult horror genre, ultimately giving us an intriguing take on the classic ghost story and representing one of the best spooky books that adults will love, too. Amazon | Goodreads
Alive? by Melissa Woods
Zombie Novel | Submission from the author, Melissa Woods, of Melissa Woods
Alive? is the story of Violet, a seventeen-year-old girl who has the misfortune of getting bitten during the zombie apocalypse. Luckily for Violet, she doesn’t die. Unluckily, she’s picked up a few little quirks along the way. Like the inability to get a decent tan and a somewhat troubling hunger for human flesh.
Alive? is about more than just zombies (though there are plenty of those!). It’s a story about friendship, survival, and the different ways to hide the corpse of the guy you just accidentally ate. Violet, known to everyone she meets as clumsy, unfit, and constantly unlucky, must navigate her way through a world that’s slowly falling to pieces around her while attempting to hide her terrible secret from her closest friends.
The debut YA novel from Melissa Woods blends zombie horror, post-apocalyptic survival, and a dash of humor, in a story that will leave you wondering; “How long would I last in the zompocalypse?” Amazon | Goodreads
Which Of These Spooky Books For Adults Will You Read Next?
Quite frankly, I scared myself by just compiling this list. Creepy books CREEP me out. Note that I wrote about unicorns and zombies. I cannot handle anything more terrifying than a nasty rainbow pony. I would never be able to fall asleep at night. Jessica Jones’s mom gave me night terrors for weeks.
Which of these titles do you consider as the best spooky books of all time? Which will you add to your fall reading list? Are there any books that you didn’t love or weren’t scary enough?
I also hope that you find new authors, bloggers, and friends to follow online. Thank you to all those who contributed with their favorite scary books for adults.
This article originally posted in 2018/updated on August 8, 2019 and is updated for 2020.
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May pick up Come Closer based on this list. Read a few of the others. In Cold Blood is a must-read.
I am such a wimp; I want to read them all, but I will have to try a few of the lighter ones first. In Cold Blood is definitely on my list.
A few of these I don’t know if I could read…I love scary books but am a chicken for some. I’ve been dying to read In Cold Blood forever. I think the top of my list though is The Good Daughter and In The Darkest Corner. I’ll also have to give your Zombies Vs. Unicorns a try 🙂
I feel you, 200%. I cannot do scary before bed.
I have wanted to read In Cold Blood too. I think Perfume sounds incredibly intriguing.
Zombies vs Unicorns was my balance for this list LOL. I always wait until I get in all of the submissions. Then, I try to pick something that evens everything out–less scary and fun for this group. It’s definitely a quirky title.
I just submitted my murderous book suggestion for a guest post for another blogger–that’s as scary as it gets (people getting their heads chopped off).
Thanks for perusing the list. Let me know what you read, and what you think of it.
Thanks for the collab opportunity! 🙂 I even found new books to add to my want to read list.
Thank you for contributing! I love your book suggestions, and I have to add a few of the least scary ones.
Amazing list, perfect for this time of year! “The Good Daughter” is so good. My book club read it and we had a great discussion. Of course, “In Cold Blood” is a classic. Some on here might freak me out too much, but def added to my “to-read” list!
Thank you! I know; some of these seem so scary! I don’t usually read too many terrifying books so I was more than happy to do a group list ; ) Glad you found a new title or two.
This is such an amazing list!
Thank you so much, book bestie!
I love to read. #5 sounds interesting. I am going to have to read it.
I am glad that you found a new interesting read. Thanks for perusing the list!
“Stinky farting unicorns” made me literally snort ??? goodness gracious!! I’ve been meaning to read Perfume for ages now, I’ve GOT to add it to my next reading list. And In Cold Blood is the winner for me, that book absolutely captivated me – like watching a car crash, I was horrified but I quite literally could not put it down.
I definitely want to read Perfume too. I think that I can handle that type of scary.
I watched the movie for In Cold Blood (and maybe read the book long ago), but I do need to revisit soon.
I’m not sure that you’d love the stinky farting unicorns based on your blog niche ; )
The book shits all over the movie from a great height, in my humble opinion (I did love Capote, the later film starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman though – if you haven’t seen it yet, definitely add it to the list!). And I might be mired in the classics for now, but there’s always room for stinky farting unicorns, as far as I’m concerned 😛 hahahaha x
There is always time for stinky farting unicorns…in all aspects of life! Words to live by!
Love how this list has come together! I’m a sucker (no pun intended) for a good horror-induced tale so I’m excited to add some of these to my TBR. Thanks for having me as a contributor!
Thank you so much for contributing again! I am so excited because more and more bloggers want to be returning contributors. I did notice readers clicking on everyone’s contact links, too, which is great. Hope you find your next great spooky read. Horror is so not my thing (hence the zombie unicorns), and I appreciate that other bloggers and readers (like you) can still help me provide eclectic and diverse lists for followers.
Oooo, I love a good thriller or mystery book. I actually grew up reading a lot of mysteries. Do you remember the RL Stine Goosebump series of books? Those were my favorite as a kid!
I have to get start on this list!
-Kathy @ Tasty Itinerary
I loved the R.L. Stine books. I still have some of my really old copies back from when I was kid. When they came out with the movie a few years ago, I was stoked. Did you see it? Stine’s a classic writer of my youth. They weren’t too scary either but they were just enough to make me squirm. I always wondered if I could write like him. The books are so simple yet so great.
I really need to read THE EXORCIST! I love the movie and have seen it numerous times, but I’ve never actually read the book, which I’m sure is even better than the movie. Thanks for the reminder with this list!
I second COME CLOSER. I’m posting my own list of Scary Stories next month on my blog, and COME CLOSER will be one of the titles I recommend. It’s so creep-tastic.
Also recommending THE BIRD EATER by Ania Ahlborn. It freaking TERRIFIED me.
All of those are way too scary for me, haha!
Looking forward to your scary stories post–guaranteed I probably haven’t read a book on that list yet. Wimp right here!
Thanks for the recommendation!
I have the girl from the well and still haven’t read it. Some of the other books on this list sound really interesting!
I’ve been meaning to read Girl from the Well too!
Yasssss! GIMME HORROR! It probably says a lot about me that I’ve read most of these… Like, I do not like most classics, but I love all of the ones on this list…
I’m actually impressed you managed to read any of these since I know scary stuff isn’t always your cup of tea. I like to imagine you reading behind a wall of hands and perhaps a cup of hot cocoa.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of my all time favourites. Although it’s funny because I never think of it as scary… but it’s totally a horror story, isn’t it… haha. In Cold Blood is also fantastic! It’s actually the first true crime book I ever read… at the very old age of like 7.
Also, the Japanese are totally the masters of horror. There are plots I’m not even comfortable describing on a public space but SO GOOD! I’ve read Rings, but will definitely be checking out The Girl from the Well!
If you’re looking for a fun (i.e. terrifying) historical one, Jeremy and I just finished reading The Widow Killer by Pavel Kahout which we both thoroughly enjoyed. (And yes, we read books together… that’s not weird…)
There are definitely certainly classics I can’t stand: Moby Dick kills me, and I didn’t love Of Mice and Men, for example. I feel you. I do love the creepy classics along with Around the World in 80 Days.
Lol, my book suggestion was zombies andZombies vs Unicorns when this list first published last year so what does that say?! The classics I can handle. I’m working my way into scarier things. Right now I am reading an ARC that is a little haunted with dead crows popping up. Shiver… Witches are more my jam.
Do you read books together at the exact same time or one after the other? That sounds like fun! It’s like your own private book club.
If you want to ease your way into horror, I can recommend some comedy horrors like Breathers by S.G. Browne or one of Christopher Moore’s ‘horror’ series (Dirty Job is quite good, and I’ve heard good things about You Suck). Or, I have more haha. Also some short story collections, not sure if that’s your thing?
We take turns reading to each other, so we literally read it together. We always have a book we’re reading together in addition to whatever else we’re reading.
I think I used to own You Suck by Moore but sadly never read it before I did a round of home library downsizing. I just applied for my new library card for NC today so I will have to check it out.
I do like short stories if they are fun.
Awww, that’s kinda cute!!
Thanks!
I LOVE that you added so many horror classics to this list as seriously the oldies are oldies but goodies. I want to read The Good Daughter! It sounds like it could be made into a movie. Did they make it into a movie?
And can we talk about these unicorns?! I’m dying laughing at your descriptions. Nasty rainbow unicorns! Bahahahah
Yes, The Good Daughter was made into a movie in 2008. I will have to watch it too!
God, I am a sucker for unicorns…even dirty ones.
I’m glad that you love the creepy classics too. I might do a post just for them since they are very location-specific.
I love this blog but there are so many ads that it’s very distracting and hard to navigate through.
Thanks so much for saying that you love my blog, Liz. I appreciate it! I’m sorry the ads are troublesome for you–I definitely understand, but I also put out endless free content; these ads are how I earn money as a full-time blogger. My site (hosting, mailing lists, apps to smoothly run TUL, fees to hirer a developer to help maintain its speed for users), etc cost me at least 5,000 a year to maintain; those ads help pay off those expenses. You can always use an ad blocker, but please also know those ads support my small business.
This is an interesting list. I tend not to read horror books very often, not because they scare me but because I find them bland – I’m strange, I know. Even authors like Stephen King, I just find myself bored out of my wits when reading what people claim are some of the scariest books. I think I desensitized myself to horror after watching too many horror movies as a kid. However, I still do have the odd craving to read something scary from time to time, so next time that happens, I’m going to use this list as a reference. I do have dracula and Frankenstein on my TBR, so those books I do intend to read at some point.
Haha, that isn’t strange at all. I actually never enjoyed horror books or creepy books until the pandemic. Suddenly, this year, I found myself into rom-coms along with thrillers, mysteries, and suspense novels.
The creepy classics are a must, and I *think* you might like the scary books from 2020 — those are less just about the horror and more psychological thrillers. I ate up Darling Rose Gold, and The Guest List was funny, creepy, and relevant (the bridge-to-be is a blogger). I didn’t love the Riley Sager as much as others did, and The Night Swim is in my pile – everyone is raving about that one. I forgot to add The Sun Down Motel, but I enjoyed that one as well.
The Ring is my favourite…
Did you watch the movie, too?