Waking up at 3 am in the dark because there is no electricity and having that feeling of someone staring through your soul is a scary experience. Did you know, though, that the body actually benefits from some level of fear? Yes! Some form of stress is needed to keep our body running smoothly, and there is nothing better than watching a couple of movies or reading a book that brings out those goose bumps and ironically makes us happier, too. So if you are feeling blue, get one of the books on the list, sit back and enjoy reading in that empty room.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
One major feature of this novel is its unique layout, known as ergodic literature, where there appears to be no rhyme and reason to the book’s structure. It is supposedly a documentary about a family who lives in a house that is impossibly larger on the inside than the outside. The book contains footnotes and references to fictional books, articles and films. Apart from the plot, the book itself is engaging because as you turn the pages, you literally do now know what is coming next.
Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
What is it with houses? Well, it appears they are all full of mysteries and dangers that even a home security system could not protect the residents. When the Lutz family moves into a Long Island house, they start experiencing a series of paranormal events that lead them to find out the history behind the house. Many readers claim that this book has changed how they view haunted house stories.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
The latest classic horror story that has been made into a film that turned out to be a blockbuster, Bird Box is one book to read. It is actually Josh Malerman’s first book, but this is not even evident. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Malorie and her sister suddenly see people around them going mad, eventually attacking each other. With the root cause of all the mayhem unknown, it is a gripping read.
Books of Blood by Clive Barker
The three-volume series deals with ghostly apparitions and situations where mankind finds itself hateful towards one another. Most of the stories also talk about how people find themselves in strange and gruesome situations. If you have watched the movies Candyman or The Midnight Meat Train, the credit goes to Clive Barker as they were sourced from his book.
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
They say that children are prone to seeing ghosts, but the two in this story certainly took it to another level by befriending them. Their governess attempts to do her best to save the children, but things do not go as planned. What is interesting about this novella is that even if it was written in 1898, it remains a classic horror read.
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
When someone retires, they are expected to enjoy the fruits of their investments. That was not the case with Judas Coyne, who develops an interest in the bizarre and paranormal. He starts collecting occult and paranormal objects, and that is when the terror begins. The novel was so good that its author, Joe Hill, went on to win the Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel.
It by Stephen King
Many of Stephen King’s novels have been made into movies, and It is one of those that received much acclaim. The book is a story of a group of kids who must show a great degree of courage to fight the evil clown Pennywise. What is interesting about the novel is that Pennywise uses fear itself as a weapon against the kids. Many have developed a fear of clowns in real life because of this novel.
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
Winning the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 2015 is just one accolade for this novel written by Paul Tremblay. It has an intense and original plotline that centers around Marjorie, an eight-year-old who is possessed by the Devil. The family has issues with money, likely resorting to personal loans, so they agreed to be the focus of a new reality TV show, but that somehow changed their lives. There is a plot twist at the end, so better read in full.
Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levins
Given credit for launching the horror industry to a whole new, commercial level, Ira Levins has written Rosemary’s Baby with such vivid details that you can feel every struggle the young couple had as they start a family in an old apartment complex. Of course, there are complications and Satanic cults involved, adding more spice to the horror.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
If you have watched the 1973 film of the same title, then you would love the book version, too. A tale of demonic possession, the story centers on Regan and the exorcism performed by two priests. This was inspired by a true story that happened in St. Louis back in 1949. With the degree of suspense and horror seen in the movie and the book, it is not advisable to watch the film or read the book alone.