
Horror, mystery, thriller, fantasy and psychological books have always been a favorite among us. And there is nothing better than a spooky, scary, spine chilling horror story. Now you may have watched quite a few scary movies but here’s a list of the scariest books ever written:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – By Stieg Larsson
Originally published in Swedish Language, this psychological thriller by Swedish Author and Journalist Steig Larson became an international best-selling novel. Based on true events, the book deals with rape, sexual abuse, serial murder, incest, corruption and severe psychological disorder of the characters. Due to its posthumous publication, the book became a global sensation. The explanation of brutal murders of women and girls does make us feel the chill inside our bones.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – By Ransom Riggs
In 2011, American author Ransom Riggs published his debut novel “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”. The story starts with a little boy who suffers a horrible family tragedy and then follows clues which lead him to an abandoned orphanage. And then the story leads you to some spooky scary events with vintage photographs that guarantee to haunt you in your dreams.
Pet Sematary – By Stephen King
Pet Sematary is a horror novel by Stephen King. Published in 1983, King himself declared this book as his scariest work. The book was nominated for a “World Fantasy Award for Best Novel in 1984. With death, insanity and bizarre burial rituals, this book is indeed one of the scariest books of all the time. if you have a heart of a rabbit, we advise you to think twice before you read the book.
The Replacement – By Brenna Yovanoff
How do you feel when something important to you is replaced or you have to replace it with other for some reasons. Don’t you get angry? Well in this book by Brenna Yovanoff you have no chance to get angry for the replacement caused, rather, be afraid, be very afraid! The story tells us about a small town where once in a while a baby is taken and it is replaced by another double with lots of trouble that dies soon after the switch.
The Shining – By Stephen King
Another horror novel by Stephen King published in 1977 “The Shinning” is one of Kings’ remarkable novels. Published in January 28, 1977 this novel is based on true events experienced by King himself. “The Shining” makes you feel the horror going through your spine when you read the story of the young boy’s psychic ability to go see a hotel’s horrific past.
The Haunting of Hill House – By Shirley Jackson
The most horrific thing about this horror classic by Shirley Jackson is that it leaves you unanswered with many questions at the end. Published in 1959, the novel basically relies on terror rather than horror. The story starts with Dr. Montage renting the eighty-year old Hill House hoping to find scientific evidence of the supernatural. However, Eleanor, the shy young woman who resides in the house is possessed by evil spirits. At the end, Eleanor dies but it is not explained properly in the book whether she was an emotionally disturbed young lady who committed suicide or any demonic or supernatural power caused her death.
The Amityville Horror – By Jay Anson
If you are planning to move to new house, we suggest you to avoid reading this horror novel by Jay Anson before that. Published in 1977, the book is based on true paranormal events experienced by the “Lutz family”, but it has led to quite a bit controversy over its truthfulness. From Kathy feeling “being embraced in a loving way” by an unseen force to George finding bite marks on his ankles, the book tells you every worst thing that might happen to you in a haunted house. True or not, this book definitely makes us want to hide inside the blanket after reading the book.
Frankenstein – By Mary Shelly
Frankenstein or “The Modern Prometheus” is a science fiction by English writer Mary Shelly published in 1818. Based on a young scientist named Victor Frankenstein, Mary Shelly started writing this novel when she was just 18. However, though the book is a science fiction, it is indeed amazing to see Victor Frankenstein creating a monster and scaring the hell out of us still after almost 200 years from the date of publication.
Dracula – By Bram Stoker
Imagine someone crawling through your walls and then entering your room to suck the blood out of you! Scary? Now imagine you becoming one of them. Even more scary isn’t it? This Gothic novel by Irish author Bram Stoker introduces us to the concept of vampires or the blood drinkers. Now it is obvious these days that we have seen vampires as a hot and happening character, but this novel doesn’t allow you to keep that image on your mind for long. Even after more than 100 years of publication, this novel is still one of the scariest and interesting novels of all the time.
The Exorcist – By William Peter Blatty
Regan MacNeil, a 12 year old girl was possessed by demons and it’s when her mother decided to call two priests who performed exorcism on her. Based on true story, this horror novel was published in 1971. The exorcism ritual, Regan’s unnatural behavior and the demon, we just cannot forget these three things even in the brightest day light when we complete reading the book.
People who love to read horror novels or want to test their bravery must read these novels. Now I may not have included all of them, but this one can be much of a help if you are a gothic fan.