Whenever you’re in the mood for a good scare you’ll be able to find a good book to do the job. Horror books are written with the intention of inflicting feelings of disgust and fear, and many authors have perfected it. From the classic works of authors like Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Shirley Jackson, and Stephen King to modern talent like Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Cynthia Pelayo, Eric LaRocca, Hailey Piper, and Josh Malerman, the horror genre is overflowing with plenty of options to choose from. From spooky occult horror to blood and gore—and everything in between—there’s something for every style of reader, no matter your taste.
Whether you’re interested in close-to-home horror that tackles social issues or campy slasher-style horror books that rack up the kills, the horror genre has something for every style of reader. From aquatic horror and ghostly hauntings to body horror and coming-of-age tales—you’re sure to find just the thing to sink your teeth into.
Whether you’re a seasoned horror aficionado looking to expand your horizons or a newer reader looking to dip your toes into (shark infested) horror waters, here are some great places to start:
And when you’ve finished with those, peruse the stories below for endless recommendations of chilling books to read.
Visceral, hands-on scares for the blood-thirsty Rams of the zodiac.
What the world needs now is...alien horror novels.
One lucky winner will win SIX books for a taste of a thrilling new era of horror fiction.
These creepy books ramp up the terror with the immersive experience only available in audio.
These short books showcase the diverse range of women writers who captivate the horror genre.
By Jena Brown
These gory horror tales will have you lunging for the nearest garbage can.
Profound, surreal, and chill-inducing reads from an award-winning author.
These depraved books are intense reads—but their gore and violence are not gratuitous.
By Jena Brown
Once you know, everything changes.
This spine-chilling page turner will haunt you.
By Lisa Quigley
Buckle up for the most twisted flight of your life.
Spiritual and psychedelic terrors for the gentle-hearted scare chasers.
“Horror at its core is the hope that in the end, we can encounter our demons and live to tell the tale.”
You could be the lucky winner of three of Penguin's scariest horror books.
You won't find these books on mainstream lists—but that doesn't mean they aren't among the best.
Be careful—these bloody romance books bite.
The unsettling creatures that populate these pages will haunt your nightmares.
Horror small presses are booming—here's a small taste of what this year has to offer.