The moon is out and a chill is in the air. What better way to toast the night than by curling up with a creepy read? That’s why we rounded up the best free and discount horror books you can download now from Apple Books.
Apple Books is Apple’s new and improved version of iBooks. It boasts a terrifying collection of chilling tales—many of which are available for free. From twisted classics to under-the-radar nightmares, these horror books are sure to keep you reading well past the witching hour.
Note: Prices are accurate as of publication, but may be subject to change.
The Haunting of Hill House - $4.99
The inspiration behind the hit Netflix series, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House is a modern horror classic. Paranormal researcher Dr. Montague invites a set of individuals to the infamous Hill House in hopes of capturing proof of the paranormal. But as the group soon discovers, the Hill House has other plans for its guests.
Related: The Trailer for Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House Has Us Hiding Under the Covers
Extinct - $0.00
Mainers are used to snowstorms—but not like this. When a powerful blizzard pummels a Maine island community it doesn't just bury the town, it mysteriously swallows up nearly all of its inhabitants. Who or what took those people? And is it still hungry? Robby Pierce, his family, and a handful of survivors are in a race to escape the icy grip of this wintry apocalypse.
Children to the Slaughter - $0.00
Alan Carter has returned to Melington in search of the truth. Some 20 years ago, his sister vanished without a trace, and whatever took her claimed other children as well. Now Alan and his old friend must get to the bottom of the disappearances and break the sinister curse haunting their hometown before it strikes again.
The Ritual - $2.99
A group of college buddies reunite for a long hike through the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle. They hope to mend frayed friendships and put to rest the troubles of the past. But something lurks in the ancient forest, a menacing evil that follows their every step. The inspiration behind the hit horror flick of the same name, Adam Nevill's The Ritual will have you staying out of the woods for many moons to come.
Berkley Street - $0.00
After years away, Shane Ryan returns to his family home—a sprawling and shadowy estate where some 20 years ago his parents vanished without a trace. But when Shane's aunt and uncle come to visit and then vanish as well, a nightmarish reality takes hold. Something evil lurks within the walls of his childhood home, and it's dying to finish what it started.
314 - $0.00
She told herself it was just a number—but she was wrong. Music teacher Alma Harper worked hard to escape the tragic events surrounding her brother's disappearance. But a visit from a reporter, just days before the 3/14, tells Alma that the ghosts of her past are back, and they refuse to go quietly into the night.
The Hellbound Heart - $1.99
This gory novella from Clive Barker served as the basis for the Hellraiser franchise. Hedonist Frank Cotton has dedicated his life to pursuing the ultimate sensual rush. His hunger leads him to a mystical puzzle box rumored to unlock a parallel realm of extreme carnal pleasure. But what happens when the line between pleasure and pain is replaced by utter darkness?
Related: The Chrysalis Warns You to Stay Out of the Basement
A Head Full of Ghosts - $1.99
Tremblay's chilling modern spin on the classic exorcism story earned him a Bram Stoker award in 2015, and for good reason. When young Marjorie Barrett begins displaying signs of mental deterioration, her family thinks she's suffering from schizophrenia. Yet doctors are unable to counteract Marjorie's symptoms. So the Barretts turn to a Catholic priest who declares the teen girl a victim of demonic possession. Reluctantly, the Barretts follow the priest's lead and, strapped for cash, agree to have their daughter’s exorcism filmed for a reality television show.
The Complete Short Stories - $0.00
What better way to celebrate the spooky season than with a chilling story from the Master of the Macabre? Revisit gothic horror classics like "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher" or unearth lesser-known nightmares in this ultimate collection of Poe's greatest works.