The best horror books are just as chilling, if not more so, than their movie counterparts. In scary books, you get added details and character insights that horror films don’t always have time to cover (or do justice). Plus, Hollywood-approved frights can sometimes be too narrow to satisfy all the needs of a true suspense lover. There’s simply a wider selection of scary novels and great horror books than mainstream horror films, which means fans of body horror, the supernatural, carnival creeps, and plain old-fashioned paranormal activity all have vast literary troves to explore.
For bookworms and bibliophiles who are newer to the genre – and maybe still testing the limits of their suspense tolerance – dark novels are a great way to ease in. If you don’t know where to start on this harrowing journey, any list of great horror books should have a mix of the classics – hello, legendary thriller pioneer Stephen King – and some more contemporary picks, all of which will have you digging out your nightlight from your box of old childhood toys.
To make the most of what’s left of campfire season, here’s a list of some of the scariest books of all time, guaranteed to send chills down your spine year-round. Add them to your nightstand ASAP – even if you can only enjoy them in the light of day.
