100 Best Horror Books (2024)

A mother and two priests fight to save a little girl's soul from a supernatural evil entity in this iconic horror masterpiece. William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist is a timeless tale of desperation, faith, and pure terror.

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Delve into the world of classic horror with this chilling tale selected by award-winning director Guillermo del Toro. Part of a six-volume series, this collection includes works by masters of the genre, including Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. First published in 1959, it tells the story of four seekers who arrive at the notoriously unfriendly Hill House. An occult scholar, his assistant, a young woman well acquainted with poltergeists, and the future heir of Hill House encounter inexplicable phenomena. But as the powers of Hill House grow stronger, one of them will become its own. Perfect for horror aficionados everywhere, this hardcover features original cover art and is a must-have addition to any library.

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Ben Shapiro

Discover an astonishing novel that took the internet by storm: House of Leaves. Follow the story of a young family who moves into a small home on Ash Tree Lane, only to discover their house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Will Navidson and his companion Karen Green face the consequences of this impossibility, including a growing abyss and an unholy growl that soon consumes their dreams. You won't be able to put down this terrifying tale, complete with original colored words, vertical footnotes, and newly added appendices.

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Matthew MercerChristopher HarrisAmelia BooneTerry McGlynn

This Gothic thriller is a cautionary tale about the dangers of science. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a science student obsessed with discovering the cause of life. Upon bringing his creation to life, Frankenstein recoils in horror at the creature's hideousness. Tormented by loneliness, the creature turns to evil and seeks revenge against his creator. This bestseller raises thought-provoking questions on the meaning of humanity, our responsibilities to each other, and how far we should tamper with nature.

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Guillermo del Toro

This chilling novel follows Jack Torrance as he begins his new job at the remote Overlook Hotel as the off-season caretaker. He hopes to reconnect with his family and focus on his writing, but as winter sets in, strange and sinister forces gather around the hotel. The only one to notice is his son, Danny, a gifted five-year-old. Get ready for a spine-tingling experience.

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Devon SawaElla Dawson

This classic horror novel explores the dark and twisted world of Count Dracula and his Victorian adversaries. As a series of disturbing incidents unfold in England, the battle between the sinister vampire and the determined human group heats up. Bram Stoker's work delves into complex themes of human identity, sanity, and Victorian sexuality, leaving readers breathless until the final page.

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This creepy novel takes place in a small town called Derry, where the haunting is all too real. A group of teenagers stumbled upon a horror that has drawn them back as adults, forcing them to face an evil without a name. Be prepared for a thrilling and chilling read.

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In a post-apocalyptic world, something terrifying lurks outside that must not be seen - one glimpse drives you to deadly violence. Malorie and her children must navigate a twenty-mile journey blindfolded down a river. But what's following them? Is it man, animal, or monster? This harrowing odyssey takes them into an unseen world, surrounded by darkness and frightening sounds, and back into the past where they must confront the ultimate question - in a world gone mad, who can really be trusted? Josh Malerman's Bird Box is a gripping and horrific debut that will have you racing to the final page.

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This harrowing psychological thriller follows the Barrett family as they grapple with their daughter Marjorie's descent into schizophrenia. With doctors unable to help, the family turns to a priest who suggests an exorcism, leading to a hit reality TV show documenting the possession. Fifteen years later, Marjorie's younger sister Merry is interviewed, revealing buried secrets and a mind-bending tale of horror that questions reality and the nature of evil. This chilling masterpiece is reminiscent of horror classics such as Hill House and Let the Right One In.

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Stephen King

Enter the chilling world of Let Me In - a story set in 1981, following the terrifying discovery of a drained teenage boy. Oskar, a twelve-year-old victim of school bullies, is eager for revenge. But, a new neighbor catches his attention - a girl who possesses an unusual talent yet appears only at night. As their friendship deepens, Oskar is forced to confront a terrifying reality about his new companion. Dive into this horror tale of friendship, obsession, and the supernatural.

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Stephen King