Although horror stories tend to give everyone the heebie jeebies, it’s undeniable that these spooky tales have its allure. If you’ve always been intrigued by spine-chilling legends and myths about the supernatural, then these five horror novels will give you the terror you seek. Hope you’re ready for the freaky nightmares to come.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Find a good ol’ horror story in The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, a 1959 gothic horror novel that became a finalist for the National Book Award. Besides being considered one of the best literary ghost stories published in the 20th century, the book even received its own Netflix TV series in 2018. About an investigator by the name of Dr. John Montague who intends to find scientific evidence of the existence of the supernatural, read as he rents the eponymous Hill House for a summer, while inviting guests over to observe their experiences in the haunted home.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Although it may seem as if every other horror novel revolves around a haunted property, House of Leaves, though set in a home, is one that goes beyond the superficial. Thanks to good use of multiple narrators, truly feel like you’re watching the most terrifying of events unfold. In a small home on Ash Tree Lane, a young family moves in only to discover that their house is larger on the inside than on the outside, and filled with gnarly creatures that threaten to tear down the walls and their souls. We’d advise against reading this before your bedtime.
It by Stephen King
Whether you’ve heard of Pennywise merely in passing thanks to meme culture or you’ve actually caught the 2017 film adaption and its 2019 sequel, It has always been a popular piece of horror fiction, particularly among young adults. Written by none other than the (literal) King of supernatural fiction, see a shapeshifting, sadistic Dancing Clown who preys on children and wreak havoc in a town over years.
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
A book that spun one of the most iconic American psychological horror films of all time, The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris should be on every speculative fiction lover’s must-read list. Inspired by real-life murderers such as Ted Bundy, Harris’ novel delves into the gruesome lifestyle and unsettling motives of cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter who is pitted against FBI Special Agent Clarice Starling.
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
If you’ve guessed that a mysterious spectre is out to spook folks in Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, then you would be right. Read about blood-curdling encounters experienced by a young lawyer named Arthur Kipps, and don’t expect this one to have a happy ending. When you’re finished with the book, feel free to check out its 2019 film adaptation starring English actor Daniel Radcliffe.
