10 Scary Books That Are Truly Horrifying

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER and winner of multiple accolades, I'll Be Gone in the Dark is a haunting true account of the Golden State Killer. The book chronicles the life of Michelle McNamara, a journalist who dedicated herself to uncovering the truth behind the serial rapist and murderer who terrorized California in the 70s and 80s. Through her thorough research and gripping storytelling, McNamara paints a chilling picture of obsession, illustrating the dark underbelly of crime and the profound impact it leaves on victims and their families. The book remains an essential read for true crime aficionados and those interested in the darker aspects of human nature. Read more.

Stephen King's The Shining is not just a horror novel; it is a masterclass in tension and suspense. Following Jack Torrance as he takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, readers are plunged into a world where supernatural forces reveal the sinister secrets of the hotel. The chilling struggles Jack faces as winter sets in ultimately lead to a catastrophic unraveling of his psyche and his family's safety. This iconic story, which has inspired countless films and adaptations, confirms King as the undisputed master of modern horror. Read more.

Richard Preston's The Hot Zone is a terrifying real-life account centered on the origins of the Ebola virus. The book chronicles the emergence of this lethal virus and its chilling implications for humanity. As readers traverse the narrative filled with suspense and urgency, they discover the chilling reality of deadly virus outbreaks and the lengths to which scientists and military teams must go to contain them. This gripping read serves as a reminder of the fragility of human life in the face of nature's most dangerous pathogens. Its recent adaptation into a mini-series has only amplified its popularity, making it essential horror reading. Read more.

Set in a small fictional town in New England, Stephen King's Salem's Lot brings the horror of vampirism to the forefront as writer Ben Mears revisits his childhood home. Facing his past, he soon discovers that the town is under siege from an ancient evil that threatens to consume its residents. Through its vivid portrayal of fear and isolation, Salem's Lot combines classic horror elements with deeply personal narratives of confronting one's demons, solidifying King's reputation as the horror genre's greatest voice. Read more.

In Heart Shaped Box, Joe Hill weaves a haunting tale of a rock star who buys a suit rumored to be haunted, only to discover the true implications of his purchase. As he faces the ghost that has come with the suit, readers are led through a twisted narrative exploring grief, guilt, and the supernatural. Hill's suspenseful storytelling offers a fresh take on horror elements, drawing the reader into a dark and eerie adventure filled with unexpected twists. Read more.

Bram Stoker's Dracula may have been published over a century ago, but its chilling allure continues to enthrall readers today. This gothic horror novel follows Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England for a new life, while a group of people unites to stop him. Through its captivating blend of suspense, romance, and horror, Dracula shaped the vampire mythos we know today, and its narrative framework continues to influence countless adaptations across various media. Read more.

Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves challenges the conventional structure of storytelling, blending a story within a story that captivates readers with its unique format. The plot revolves around a family who moves into a house that defies the laws of physics, leading them into a spiraling narrative of horror and existential dread. This novel is a masterpiece of psychological horror, using innovative typography to enhance the unsettling atmosphere as readers navigate through its many layers. Read more.

We Used to Live Here by author is an unsettling exploration of a queer couple's experience when the previous owners of their new flipped house show up unexpectedly. As strange occurrences unfold, including the unexplainable disappearance of one of the couple, the novel unfolds tension and psychological horror that keeps readers on the edge of their seat. This atmospheric read effectively portrays themes of memory and reality while capturing the essence of what it means to truly inhabit a space. The narrative is set to be a Netflix original movie, escalating its intrigue further. Read more.

In Between Two Fires, Christopher Buehlman offers readers a dark historical journey back to 1348 during the Black Death. The story follows Thomas, a disgraced knight, who becomes entangled with a young girl who believes in visions of fallen angels rising against Heaven. Blurring the lines of faith and delirium, this novel plunges into a world of darkness and horror, providing a gripping narrative infused with humor as it confronts humanity's darkest fears. With an impressive balance of lyrical writing and unyielding tension, this book is a standout in the genre. Read more.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles is perhaps one of the best-known Sherlock Holmes mysteries, steeped in supernatural folklore and gripping suspense. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead with giant hound footprints nearby, Holmes and Watson are thrust into a race against time to uncover the truth behind a legendary beast that seemingly haunts the Baskerville legacy. This classic tale is revered for blending classic detective fiction with chilling supernatural elements, making it a timeless addition to the horror genre. Read more.