The article provides a brief introduction to the topic of interest. The background information provided is limited to the number 50, which suggests that the article may focus on a specific aspect of a larger topic. The author writes in a confident and knowledgeable tone, presenting the information in a clear and neutral manner.
The article is expected to be concise, with a maximum of 100 words. The author is advised to avoid making exaggerated or false claims and to rewrite all the background information in their own words to avoid plagiarism. The article is written in the third person point of view, and the language used is English.
The Other Black Girl, by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Zakiya Dalila Harris’ The Other Black Girl is a workplace thriller that delves into the microaggressions faced by Nella, the only woman of color at a major New York publishing house. The novel takes a turn when Hazel, the titular “other” Black girl, joins the firm, leading to a chilling exploration of office politics and white privilege.
Harris’ scalpel-sharp writing exposes the monstrousness lurking in the minutiae of daily life. The fact that the author had worked in New York publishing adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story. Currently, the book is available at a discount of 46%.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons The Hunger, by Alma Katsu
Alma Katsu’s The Hunger is a historical horror novel that retells the tragic story of the Donner Party’s ill-fated attempt to cross the Sierra Nevadas in winter. The book takes its time to build up to the inevitable horror, starting with the death of a child and gradually delving deeper into the gruesome details of the journey.
While some readers may find the slow pace and the way Katsu teases the grisliest elements of the story frustrating, others will appreciate the attention to historical accuracy and the well-crafted characters. The Hunger is currently available at a discounted price of 13% off, making it a great choice for fans of horror and historical fiction.
Simon & Schuster Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury’s contribution to speculative fiction is immeasurable. His unique blend of horror and fantasy has influenced many great writers including Stephen King and Neil Gaiman. In his novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Bradbury tells a story of two best friends, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, who are born on either side of the same Halloween midnight.
The novel revolves around the loss of innocence as the boys confront Mr. Dark’s traveling carnival. The most poignant moment in the novel is when the aging Miss Foley is granted her wish to become young again, highlighting the boundary between youth and adulthood. This novel is a must-read for fans of horror and fantasy. Currently, it is available at a discounted price of 33% off.
Open Road Media Experimental Film, by Gemma Files
Gemma Files, a former film critic, brings her industry knowledge to her novel Experimental Film. The book combines a verité blogging style with a story about cursed film footage from the early 20th century and a terrifying Slavic demon known as Lady Midday.
Files’ use of biographical allusions and industry detail grounds the high strangeness of the story into something truly unsettling. Experimental Film is a postmodern masterpiece that captures the spectral effects of film. It is a must-read for anyone interested in horror, postmodernism, or film history. Currently, the book is available at a discounted price of 16% off.
Tordotcom The Ballad of Black Tom, by Victor LaValle
In The Ballad of Black Tom, Victor LaValle presents a unique perspective on H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. LaValle delves into the events of Lovecraft’s “The Horror at Red Hook” from the Black point-of-view of his protagonist, Tommy Tester. While the story features the familiar ‘Old Ones’, LaValle’s retelling suggests that the Black community is more concerned with the threat of white power than cosmic peril.
The book challenges readers to consider the weight of indifference versus malice. LaValle’s approach is a departure from many imitators who borrow Lovecraft’s lore but ignore his bigotry. With a fresh perspective, The Ballad of Black Tom offers a thought-provoking addition to the Cthulhu Mythos.
Ballantine Books Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles is a legendary series of horror novels that has captivated readers for decades. The series comprises of over a dozen books, with Interview with the Vampire being the first one. In this book, the protagonist Louis, a plantation owner from the 1800s, is turned into a vampire by Lestat.
Louis narrates his story of immortal companionship with Lestat, along with the addition of a child vampire named Claudia, forming a perverse family. The novel explores the romantic tragedy of eternal life, which is the central theme of the series.
Although the later books in the series take the story in outlandish directions, Interview with the Vampire remains the anchor of the series, with its intricate and baroque tapestry of alternative vampiric history.
Dark Valley, by Joe Donnelly
Joe Donnelly’s final horror novel, Dark Valley, is a hidden gem in the horror genre. The story takes place on the West coast of Scotland and follows five young friends on a camping trip who encounter a child killer. The Scottish setting adds a unique tone and gritty language to the coming-of-age tradition, making it a violent and intense read.
The novel is reminiscent of Stand by Me but with a darker and more brutal twist. Donnelly’s characters face a rare threat where simply being a child is not enough to save them from a tragic end. Dark Valley is a must-read for horror fans who enjoy a thrilling and harrowing story.
Apartment 16, by Adam Nevill
Adam Nevill’s Apartment 16 is a haunting tale of a London residence that is haunted by a fascist, occult-obsessed artist. The story is stripped of all romanticism, and the horror is grimly British. Apryl Beckford discovers the supernatural menace within the apartment, but it is the addled security guard Seth who experiences the real nightmares.
Seth’s repeated failures to escape the building lead to a chokingly claustrophobic breakdown. While many recommend reading The Ritual, Apartment 16 is the Nevill book that will have readers checking the corners of rooms to ensure the shadows are still where they should be.
The Loop
In The Loop, a small town in the Pacific Northwest is plagued by a parasite that turns its youth into violent monsters. The novel’s body horror elements tap into our deepest fears of bodily destruction and mutation.
The story builds up to a jaw-dropping set-piece that rivals the most extreme horror films, making it the closest equivalent to the works of David Cronenberg in fiction. With scenes of extreme violence and bodily damage, The Loop is a darkly blossoming young adult novel that offers a unique take on the horror genre.
Ace The Red Tree, by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Caitlin R. Kiernan is a writer known for her ability to traverse a variety of speculative fiction genres with ease. Her novel, The Red Tree, is a work of pure horror. The story follows Sarah Crowe, who moves to a secluded cabin to write and grieve. While there, she becomes influenced by a mysterious manuscript and the history of a nearby oak tree.
The novel’s found document and faux-lore place it firmly in the arcane tradition of M.R. James and H.P. Lovecraft. However, the postmodern unreliability of the narrative adds an extra layer of complexity, with doubts about Sarah’s sanity and “editor’s notes” complicating the separation of truth and fiction. Despite the narrative trickery, The Red Tree boasts the creepiest cellar in horror.
Penguin Classics The Monk, by Matthew Lewis
The Monk, written by Matthew Lewis in 1796, is considered a groundbreaking work in the horror genre. It tells the story of Ambrosio, a devout monk who is corrupted by demonic forces. The novel’s graphic depictions of rape, incest, murder, and black sorcery caused controversy upon its release and were considered a danger to society. Despite its archaic language, The Monk still has the power to shock readers with its gruesome scenes, such as the mutilation of the prioress’ body by a mob.
As one of the earliest examples of horror, The Monk paved the way for future Gothic works and established the genre’s ability to elicit fear and unease. Penguin Classics has published a modern edition of the novel, ensuring that its legacy will continue to be appreciated by readers for years to come.
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, by Eric LaRocca
Eric LaRocca’s novella, Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke, is a short yet disturbing read that takes place in early 2000s internet chat-rooms. The story follows two individuals who bond over their shared desire for extreme body horror and emotional degradation.
The novella is written in an epistolary style and is only 120 pages long, but it packs a punch. The book features one of the most upsetting scenes on the list, and poses the question, “What have you done today to deserve your eyes?” Despite its short length, Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke is not for the faint of heart.
Scribner Tender Is the Flesh, by Agustina Bazterrica
In Tender is the Flesh, Agustina Bazterrica presents a dystopian world where cannibalism is a state-sanctioned practice due to the scarcity of animal meat. The story revolves around Marcos, who works in a slaughterhouse where human cattle are bred for slaughter. The novel explores Marcos’ inner struggle with his morality in a world that has normalized the universal taboo.
Bazterrica’s writing style is both metaphorical and straightforward, highlighting the harsh reality of a capitalist society where individuals are reduced to either meat or butcher. The book is a haunting read, not only for its disturbing plot but also for its thought-provoking commentary on the human condition in a ruthless world.
Vintage Lunar Park, by Bret Easton Ellis
Bret Easton Ellis’ Lunar Park is a horror story that surpasses the controversy of his previous work, American Psycho. The novel is a faux-memoir that transitions from authentic experiences to a fictional middle-age as a reluctant husband and father. The story is set in the suburbs, where reality and fiction blend, leading to horrors that invade Ellis’ home.
These horrors include a version of his infamous killer, Patrick Bateman, and a doll that undergoes a terrifying metamorphosis. The novel leaves readers unsure of the sincerity of the story, as it could be interpreted as a big joke or a yearning for a life not lived. Lunar Park is a book that exposes Ellis’ heart, in contrast to American Psycho, which made him the enfant terrible of contemporary fiction.
Harvest Home, by Thomas Tryon
Thomas Tryon, a former Hollywood star, transitioned into writing and produced two bestselling horror novels. Although The Other gained more recognition, Harvest Home is the true horror masterpiece. The story follows a family who moves to a Quaint Little Town™ in New England, only to uncover horrific secrets about the corn crop.
The novel builds tension slowly, culminating in a folk-horror finale that rivals other pagan classics like The Wicker Man (1973) and Kill List (2011). The final passages are as bleak as horror can get in the ‘70s.
Bird Box, by Josh Malerman
Josh Malerman’s Bird Box is a novel that explores the limits of the human mind when faced with the unknown. The book tells the story of a world overrun by monsters that, when seen, cause people to commit suicide.
The protagonist, Malorie, finds herself trapped in a house with strangers, and as the story progresses, she transforms into a hardened survivor. The journey to possible refuge is a masterclass in sustained tension and sensory storytelling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Malerman’s writing style is clear and concise, avoiding the pomposity of other horror authors.
The Auctioneer, by Joan Samson
Joan Samson’s The Auctioneer is a horror novel that gained popularity after being reissued by Valancourt Press as part of the Paperbacks from Hell series. The novel sold a million copies on release and received praise from genre heavyweights. The story revolves around the titular auctioneer, Perly Dinsmore, who manipulates a rural New Hampshire community, causing havoc.
The novel alludes to Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and is believed to have inspired Stephen King’s Needful Things through the character of Leland Gaunt, a malignant shopkeeper. Despite being a bestseller, the novel remained obscure for decades until Valancourt Press reissued it, making it accessible to a new generation of horror fans.
Lost Souls, by Poppy Z. Brite
Dell Lost Souls is a novel that embodies the essence of the 90s. The author, Poppy Z. Brite, delves into the lives of the troubled teens of Missing Mile, North Carolina, who are already damaged by substance abuse and hard living before the arrival of vampires.
The novel is a mix of a love story, a road trip, and a horror odyssey, with a debauchery of violence and sex. The characters’ eyes are surrounded by kohl, and the book is filled with angsty existentialism that typified the decade. The plot includes a vampire who takes his son as his lover, which is one of the less transgressive elements of the story.
The Wasp Factory, by Iain Banks
Iain Banks’ first novel, The Wasp Factory, tells the story of Frank Cauldhame, who lives a solitary life on an isolated island and kills small animals. The novel’s protagonist has built an intricate mechanism to ritualistically kill wasps and has already killed three children before he reached his teens.
Despite the protagonist’s depravity, the novel has been acclaimed for its mixture of horror and black comedy. It contains some truly disgusting scenes, but this has not stopped it from being popular among readers. Simon & Schuster is currently offering a 27% discount on the novel.
The House Next Door, by Anne Rivers Siddons
In Siddons’ novel, “The House Next Door”, the author explores the idea that haunted houses do not have to be old. The story follows Colquitt Kennedy’s observations as a series of families move into the newly-built property next door, only to experience tragedy.
There is no history of murder or disturbed grave, just a random malignancy that suggests modern walls are no guarantee of safety. Stephen King called this novel one of the best horror novels of the 20th century, and it’s easy to see why. The souring of the American Dream is a central theme that is both disquieting and thought-provoking. The novel is currently 18% off, making it a great time to pick up a copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which horror books are considered classics and must-reads?
There are several horror books that are considered classics and must-reads for any horror fan. Some of these books include:
- “Dracula” by Bram Stoker
- “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
- “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson
- “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty
- “The Shining” by Stephen King
These books have stood the test of time and continue to be popular among readers.
What are the scariest books recommended by the Reddit community?
The Reddit community has recommended several scary books that are sure to give readers chills. Some of these books include:
- “The Girl Next Door” by Jack Ketchum
- “The Ruins” by Scott Smith
- “The Fisherman” by John Langan
- “Bird Box” by Josh Malerman
- “The Troop” by Nick Cutter
These books have received high praise from the Reddit community and are sure to scare even the bravest readers.
Can you suggest some horror books that are suitable for children?
While horror may not be suitable for all children, there are some books that are less graphic and more suitable for younger readers. Some of these books include:
- “Goosebumps” series by R.L. Stine
- “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” by Alvin Schwartz
- “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman
- “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman
- “The Halloween Tree” by Ray Bradbury
These books are age-appropriate and are sure to give children a spooky thrill.
What horror books have been the most disturbing and filled with gore?
For those who enjoy horror that is more graphic and disturbing, there are several books that fit the bill. Some of these books include:
- “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis
- “The Girl Next Door” by Jack Ketchum
- “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
- “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris
- “Haunted” by Chuck Palahniuk
These books are not for the faint of heart and contain graphic scenes of violence and gore.
Summary
The horror genre has been a staple in literature for centuries, and many authors have created spine-chilling stories that keep readers up at night. Some of the best scary horror books are classics such as Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” and Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House.”
However, newer authors have also made their mark in the horror genre, such as Stephen King with “The Shining” and “It.” Other notable mentions include H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Call of Cthulhu,” and Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” These books have become classics for a reason, and any horror fan should have them on their reading list.