The 50 best horror books: The scariest books ever printed

This list contains 50 of the scariest books ever printed. It includes a mix of classic and modern horror novels.

Cover of Disgrace

Disgrace

4.2

In post-apartheid South Africa, a white woman's harrowing experience leads to an unexpected act of defiance and acceptance, exploring themes…

Cover of American Psycho

American Psycho

3.0

A darkly comedic and controversial novel that explores the psychopathic mind of a Wall Street yuppie, blurring the lines between reality and…

Cover of Pet Sematary

Pet Sematary

4.1

A chilling tale of a family's descent into terror when their children's pet cemetery holds a dark secret that brings the dead back to life.

Cover of The Bad Seed

The Bad Seed

4.1

A chilling tale of an eight-year-old girl whose innocence hides a dark secret, leaving her mother questioning the unthinkable. This classic …

Cover of The Hunger

The Hunger

4.3

A chilling retelling of the Donner Party's fate with a terrifying twist that blends historical tragedy with zombie horror.

Cover of Invisible Man

Invisible Man

4.2

A profound exploration of identity and race, this novel follows an unnamed Black man's journey through a world where truth is elusive and vi…

Cover of The Stranger

The Stranger

4.4

A chilling exploration of existentialism through the story of a man who commits a senseless murder, questioning the existence of God and the…

Cover of Hell House

Hell House

4.1

Enter the most haunted house on Earth, where four strangers dare to uncover its darkest secrets and confront unimaginable horrors.

Cover of The Shining

The Shining

4.4

A chilling tale of isolation and madness, where a family's winter retreat at the Overlook Hotel turns into a nightmare as dark forces awaken…

Cover of Coraline

Coraline

4.2

Coraline discovers a hidden door in her new home that leads to a disturbing parallel world where a sinister 'other mother' awaits her.

Cover of Bird Box

Bird Box

4.1

In a world where seeing the unseen drives people to deadly violence, a mother and her children embark on a harrowing journey blindfolded, fa…

Cover of Dracula

Dracula

4.1

A fresh adaptation of Bram Stoker's classic horror tale, Dracula uncovers the female voices at the heart of the story, offering a new perspe…

Cover of Come Closer

Come Closer

4.4

A chilling tale of psychological horror that blurs the line between reality and nightmare, leaving readers questioning what's truly lurking …

This list contains 50 of the scariest books ever printed. It includes a mix of classic and modern horror novels. The list includes works from renowned authors such as Stephen King, Bram Stoker, and Shirley Jackson, as well as newer voices in the genre. From ghost stories to psychological thrillers, these books are sure to keep you up at night. The list also includes a mix of different sub-genres within horror, such as gothic horror, supernatural horror, and psychological horror. Whether you're a fan of classic horror or looking for something new, this list has something for everyone.

Source: https://www.shortlist.com/lists/the-30-scariest-books-ever-written-400130