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I don’t know about you, but there’s something totally addictive about the feeling of fear in a good horror book— the way your heart races, your palms sweat, and you can’t help but turn the page, even when you’re half-terrified to do so.
Horror is its own beast—it’s not about the slow, brooding atmosphere of gothic romance; it’s about being shaken to the core by what lurks in the shadows.
From terrifying creatures to psychological thrillers that leave you questioning what’s real, horror books give you that intense, unsettling feeling you crave.
There’s nothing quite like a story that taps into your deepest fears and keeps you on edge until the very end.
In this post, I’ve gathered some of the best horror books that will make your heart race and your skin crawl—perfect for anyone who’s ready to embrace the dark and dive into the creepiest, most terrifying tales.
1. The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years by Shubnum Khan
Akbar Manzil, once grand, is now a shabby boardinghouse for people trying to escape their pasts.
When Sana and her dad move in after a family tragedy, she starts digging into the mansion’s mysterious history.
She discovers an untouched bedroom, old photos, and a diary telling the story of Meena, a woman who died tragically 100 years ago.
Unbeknownst to Sana, a grieving djinn has been haunting the house ever since.
As Sana unravels the secrets of Akbar Manzil, she awakens something that could change everything—for the living and the dead. It’s a haunting tale of love, loss, and finding where you belong.
2. The Shining by Stephen King
Jack Torrance thinks his new job as caretaker of the Overlook Hotel will be a fresh start for him and his family.
With the whole place to themselves during the off-season, it seems like the perfect spot for Jack to work on his writing.
But as the snow piles up and the isolation sets in, the hotel starts to feel… off.
Jack’s five-year-old son, Danny, who has a unique gift, begins sensing the dark, dangerous forces lurking there.
3. Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk
A group of people answers an ad for an “artist’s retreat” promising time to focus on their work.
But instead of a peaceful getaway, they’re trapped in a creepy old theater with no heat, dwindling food, and no escape.
As desperation sets in, the group shares twisted, shocking, and sometimes hilarious stories—and things spiral into chaos as everyone tries to outshine each other for a chance at fame.
4. The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
In the puritanical town of Bethel, Immanuelle has always tried to follow the rules, despite her family’s disgrace.
But when she’s drawn into the forbidden Darkwood, she discovers her late mother’s journal—and dark secrets about the Church.
As Immanuelle starts to see the truth about her world, she realizes the town’s darkness might be the real threat, and she might be the one to change everything.
5. Jackal by Erin E. Adams
When Liz Rocher reluctantly returns to her mostly white hometown for her best friend’s wedding, things take a terrifying turn.
The bride’s daughter goes missing during the reception, and Liz notices an unsettling pattern: Black girls have been disappearing in these woods for years.
Digging into the town’s dark history, Liz discovers a horrifying secret—and realizes it’s up to her to stop whatever’s lurking in the forest.
Related: 10 Must-Read Psychological Sci-Fi Books for Thoughtful Readers
6. The Changeling by Victor LaValle
Apollo Kagwa’s life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, starts acting strangely after the birth of their son.
Things spiral out of control when Emma does something unimaginable and vanishes. Apollo sets out on a surreal journey to find her, diving into a world of myths, forgotten places, and chilling secrets.
7. This Cursed House by Del Sandeen
In 1962, Jemma Barker takes a job with the mysterious Duchon family in New Orleans, hoping to escape her life—and the spirits she sees.
But the family has a secret: they’re cursed, and they believe Jemma might be their only hope.
As Jemma digs into their eerie history, she realizes breaking the curse might cost her more than she ever imagined.
8. The Imago Sequence and Other Stories by Laird Barron
This collection of nine terrifying stories dives deep into cosmic horror.
Laird Barron’s chilling tales feature everything from secretive government agents to bounty hunters and failed actors, all battling forces beyond comprehension.
With themes of fear, isolation, and identity, these stories will leave you unsettled long after you finish.
9. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Four strangers come together to investigate the spooky Hill House: Dr. Montague, a scholar of the supernatural; Theodora, his playful assistant; Eleanor, a lonely woman with a tragic past; and Luke, the future heir of the house.
At first, it’s just strange and creepy, but Hill House has plans—and one of them won’t leave.
10. Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
Ethan Marsh’s childhood best friend, Billy, disappeared from his backyard during a sleepover 30 years ago.
Now Ethan’s back in his old neighborhood, and strange things are happening—someone’s roaming around at night, and there are signs Billy might still be around.
As Ethan digs into the past, he uncovers dark secrets about his picture-perfect cul-de-sac that refuse to stay buried.
Also See: 12 Must-Read Small Town Mystery & Thriller Books That’ll Keep You Glued
11. Watchers by Dean Koontz
Imagine two mutant creatures escaping from a secret government lab—one pure good, the other pure evil.
These creatures change the lives of everyone they meet, including a widower, an assassin, a beautiful woman, and a government agent.
Their stories collide in a deadly chase, leading to a showdown with an unimaginable evil.
This thrilling story keeps you on the edge of your seat as it shows the impact of these extraordinary beings.
12. One of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon
Jasmyn and King move their family to Liberty, California, a community they believe is a utopia for Black families.
While King easily fits in, Jasmyn struggles with the residents’ obsession with luxury over activism.
As she befriends others who share her frustration, Jasmyn stumbles upon a chilling secret about Liberty’s founders.
What begins as disappointment quickly spirals into fear as the truth threatens to unravel everything she knows.
13. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
A creepy carnival arrives in Green Town, Illinois, just before Halloween, bringing with it dark magic and dangerous promises.
Two boys, drawn to its eerie mysteries, uncover the sinister truths hiding in its smoke-filled mazes and hypnotic music.
This haunting tale explores the cost of wishes and the nightmares lurking behind them.
A timeless classic that’s as chilling as it is beautifully written.
14. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
When Noemí receives a desperate letter from her cousin, she heads to High Place, an isolated mansion in the Mexican countryside.
The house is eerie, the family strange, and the secrets deadly.
Despite being more used to glamorous parties than haunted houses, Noemí is determined to uncover the truth behind her cousin’s cries for help.
As the house begins to invade her dreams, she realizes leaving might be harder than she imagined.
15. Brat by Gabriel Smith
Gabriel’s life is falling apart—he’s mourning his father, reeling from a breakup, and stuck writing his second book.
Moving back into his family’s crumbling house only adds to the chaos as strange events unravel around him.
Gabriel discovers haunting secrets in his parents’ unfinished manuscripts, encounters bizarre figures, and wrestles with grief in this quirky, darkly funny gothic novel.
Related: 16 Chilling Domestic Thriller Books That Will Keep You Up All Night
16. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James
In 1982, Viv works the night shift at the eerie Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York, where strange things happen.
Decades later, her niece returns to uncover the mystery of her aunt’s disappearance.
The Sun Down Motel holds decades of secrets, and the truth might be more horrifying than either woman could have imagined.
Atmospheric and suspenseful, this story will leave you questioning every creak in the night.
17. Come Closer by Sara Gran
Amanda’s seemingly perfect life starts falling apart when she hears strange noises and experiences disturbing impulses.
She burns her husband with a cigarette, dreams of a woman with sharp teeth, and starts losing control. Is Amanda possessed, or is she simply losing her mind?
This unsettling psychological thriller will have you hooked as Amanda fights to reclaim her life—or fall into darkness.
18. The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
Jane has always been fascinated by the mysterious lavender Victorian house she discovered as a teenager.
Decades later, she returns to her hometown only to find the house has been renovated into a sterile modern mansion.
Hired to research its history, Jane uncovers stories of lost love, secrets, and hauntings that go back centuries.
A beautifully written novel about legacy, the land we live on, and the ghosts that stay with us.
19. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
When a family discovers their house is bigger on the inside than the outside, they’re drawn into a terrifying mystery.
Strange noises, endless corridors, and a dark presence begin to unravel their lives.
This unconventional, mind-bending story is more than a horror novel—it’s an experience that challenges the way stories are told.
20. The Fervor by Alma Katsu
Set in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II, this story follows Meiko and her daughter as they survive the harsh realities of their confinement.
When a mysterious illness spreads through the camp, turning people violent, Meiko realizes something supernatural might be at play.
Inspired by Japanese folklore, this gripping novel blends historical events with a chilling paranormal twist.
Well, that’s my list of horror books that are guaranteed to send a shiver down your spine!
I hope you find the perfect one to keep you up all night or at least give you a good scare.
Got a favorite horror book that didn’t make the list? Drop it in the comments and any of your spooky recommendations for others to enjoy!
Happy reading, and don’t forget to keep the lights on… just in case!
