If you love horror movies and all things spooky around Halloween, what’s stopping you from getting into scary books, too? While you might think reading a suspenseful story could never make you as terrified as a movie — with all its sights, sounds, and special effects — you’d be surprised. Truly masterful horror writers can get you just as on edge. In fact, some of the most terrifying experiences come from immersing yourself in a well-crafted narrative that unfolds in your mind’s eye. So, if you’re interested in trying out the genre, here are 13 scary books you shouldn’t read unless you own a nightlight – and some of them will leave you questioning the darkness lurking just beyond your bedroom door.
Why Scary Books Can Be Just as Terrifying as Horror Movies
While movies often get the credit for being the most frightening medium, horror books can be just as effective at sending chills down your spine. In fact, the most memorable scares come from the power of our imaginations. When we read a scary story, our minds create the visuals and sounds, making the experience even more immersive and terrifying. With the right author, you can be just as on edge as any moviegoer, and some of these books will leave you sleeping with the lights on for weeks to come.
Paranormal, Slasher, or Suspenseful: The Many Faces of Scary Books
Scary books come in many shapes and sizes, catering to different tastes and preferences. You can choose paranormal tales that delve into the supernatural, slasher stories that make you fear for your life, or suspenseful narratives that keep you guessing until the very end. Some books might focus on body horror, making you squirm in your seat as you confront the darker side of human nature. Of course, you could pick just about any book by Stephen King, a master of the genre, and be all set in terms of suspense and thriller vibes. However, you’d be missing out on a ton of other BIPOC and female authors who may not be as well-known by newcomers to the genre, but whose writing can definitely stand up to his.
13 Scary Books You Shouldn’t Read Unless You Own a Nightlight
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Rear Window fans should definitely crack the spine on this story. Casey Fletcher is an actress who is newly widowed, so she absconds to a lake house in Vermont to get a break from the press. With a stiff drink and binoculars to entertain her, she starts spying on the couple across the lake: Tom and Katherine Royce. When Katherine vanishes, Casey suspects Tom is behind it. This story is a gripping tale of obsession, love, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
The Changeling by Victor LaValle
Apollo Kagwa and his wife, Emma, are new parents, and the transition is more exhausting and anxiety-inducing than they thought it would be. Apollo is having recurring dreams about his father’s disappearance, and Emma is acting stranger than usual. So as not to spoil anything, let’s say she does something unexpected, and then vanishes, and Apollo must set out to find her and their baby. This story is a retelling of ye olde changeling stories, reimagining them to be all about love, parenting, and how secrets can change everything.
The Shining by Stephen King
If you want to read one of the scariest books of all time, go ahead, pick up The Shining. King is the master of writing suspenseful thrillers, and this is one of his most infamous. In it, Jack Torrance takes a job as the off-season caretaker of a remote hotel, where he can focus on writing and spending time with his wife and child. Before long though, the hotel takes on an isolated, ominous feel, and sinister forces take hold of the family.
The Garden by Clare Beams
Irene Willard is finally pregnant after having five miscarriages. Her husband desperately wants a child, so Irene checks in to the Doctors Hall, a house set up as a hospital where a husband and wife team aim to “rectify the maternal environment.” While there, Irene comes upon a long-forgotten garden with a powerful pull — one she and the other patients want to harness for their own purposes. The Garden is the perfect book for fans intrigued by pregnancy horror, 1940s medicine, and examinations of how women’s bodies have been controlled throughout history.
The Troop by Nick Cutter
Reviewers say Nick Cutter’s work is not for the faint of heart — his writing is some of the goriest out there. This story is set on a remote island near Canada. There, a Boy Scout troop and their chaperone have set up camp for the weekend for a totally normal and wholesome weekend together. Instead, a stranger washes ashore infected with something terrible, and, well, things escalate quickly from there.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson is a must-read horror author, and We Have Always Lived in the Castle might be her most beloved work. This story follows Merricat Blackwood and her strange family living on an isolated estate, one with dark secrets that could unravel everything. It’s a gothic, creepy, all-around-peculiar tale, ideal if you love a really atmospheric read.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Another classic, Rebecca has been so highly acclaimed since it was published in 1938 that it has been adapted for theater, TV, radio, and film. If you’ve escaped the plot points this long, here’s the premise: The main character meets handsome widower Maxim in Monte Carlo, and he quickly proposes. It isn’t until she arrives back at his massive estate that she begins to understand the specter of his late wife, Rebecca, is still a threat to their whirlwind romance.
Revelator by Daryl Gregory
It’s 1933 in the Tennessee backwoods, and 9-year-old Stella is given to her grandmother Motty to be cared for. When Stella meanders into a cavern, she meets her family’s personal god, known affectionately as Ghostdaddy. Many years later, an adult Stella returns for Motty’s funeral and to check in on Sunny, a 10-year-old girl Motty adopted. And Sunny is not what she seems. This one’s for all the southern gothic, Appalachian lore lovers out there.
Why You Should Be Cautious When Reading Scary Books
Reading scary books can have a lasting impact on your mental and emotional state. Some books might leave you feeling anxious or uneasy for days after finishing, while others might even make you question your own sanity. However, with the right mindset and coping mechanisms, you can enjoy the thrill without the fright. Here are some tips to help you approach scary books without losing sleep:
1. Choose Your Battles
Not all scary books are created equal. Some are more intense than others, with graphic descriptions or disturbing themes. Consider your sensitivity level and choose a book that aligns with your comfort zone. If you’re new to the genre, start with more subtle horror and work your way up to more intense stories.
2. Set Boundaries
It’s okay to take breaks from a scary book if it’s affecting your mood or sleep. Set a reading schedule and stick to it. If you find yourself getting too engrossed or anxious, put the book down and engage in a relaxing activity to calm your nerves.
3. Find a Support System
Discussing scary books with friends or family members can be a great way to process your emotions and reactions. Share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust, and they might offer valuable insights or recommendations to help you navigate the genre.
4. Practice Self-Care
Take care of your physical and mental well-being while reading scary books. Engage in regular exercise, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress and anxiety. A healthy mind and body are better equipped to handle the thrills and chills of a scary story.
5. Re-Evaluate Your Reading Habits
Consider your reading habits and how they might be contributing to your sensitivity to scary books. Are you reading before bed, or in a dark room? Try to establish a consistent reading routine and create a comfortable reading environment to minimize the impact of scary stories.
Conclusion
Scary books can be a thrilling and thought-provoking experience, but they require caution and respect. By choosing the right books, setting boundaries, finding a support system, practicing self-care, and re-evaluating your reading habits, you can enjoy the world of horror without losing sleep. So, if you’re ready to face your fears and explore the darker side of human nature, pick up one of these 13 scary books you shouldn’t read unless you own a nightlight – and get ready for a wild ride.
