Horror Writer Association's Top 40 Horror Books of All Time
This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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Best Ghost Stories Of Algernon Blackwood by Algernon Blackwood
A Collection of Supernatural Tales
This collection features a series of eerie and atmospheric tales that delve into the supernatural and the uncanny, exploring themes of fear, the unknown, and the thin veil between reality and the otherworldly. The stories often center around characters who encounter mysterious and inexplicable phenomena, leading them to question their perceptions and beliefs. With a masterful use of suspense and vivid descriptions, the narratives evoke a sense of wonder and dread, capturing the reader's imagination and leaving a lingering sense of unease.
The 2399th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
"The Exorcist" is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the terrifying ordeal of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a malevolent entity. As her behavior becomes increasingly disturbing and her health deteriorates, her desperate mother seeks the help of two priests who embark on a harrowing battle against the forces of evil. With its gripping narrative and intense portrayal of demonic possession, the book explores themes of faith, doubt, and the power of good versus evil, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.
The 1407th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
In this dark fantasy novel, two thirteen-year-old friends, Jim Nightshade and William Halloway, encounter a sinister traveling carnival that arrives in their small Midwestern town just before Halloween. The carnival's malevolent proprietor, Mr. Dark, possesses the power to grant the townspeople's deepest desires, but at a terrible cost. As the boys uncover the nightmarish truth behind the carnival's attractions, they must confront their own fears and temptations. A battle between good and evil ensues, with the fate of their souls and the soul of the town hanging in the balance. The story is a coming-of-age tale that explores the struggle between youth and maturity, and the recognition that every individual harbors both darkness and light within them.
The 1336th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite
This novel delves into the dark and seductive underworld of vampires, exploring themes of desire, freedom, and the quest for identity. Set against the backdrop of the American South, it follows a group of nomadic vampires who live outside the norms of society, indulging in their thirst for blood and pleasure. Their lives intersect with that of a young man searching for meaning and belonging, leading to a journey that challenges their beliefs and desires. The narrative is rich with gothic imagery, eroticism, and the exploration of the boundaries between life and death, creating a compelling and provocative tale of the supernatural.
The 2728th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Hungry Moon by Ramsey Campbell
In this chilling horror novel, a small English town is besieged by ancient, malevolent forces when a charismatic preacher arrives to save the souls of the community. As he gains influence, the town's dark pagan history resurfaces, unleashing a terror that has been dormant for centuries. The townspeople must confront not only the growing power of the preacher but also the eldritch entity known as the Hungry Moon, which threatens to consume everything in its path. The novel weaves a tale of psychological terror and supernatural dread, as the fabric of reality unravels and the characters must fight to survive the encroaching darkness.
The 5002nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Between by Tananarive Due
The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural. It follows the story of a man who narrowly escaped death as a child and now, years later, begins to experience disturbing visions and dreams that threaten his grip on reality. As these occurrences intensify, he becomes increasingly entangled in a web of mystery and danger, forcing him to confront his past and the possibility that his life is unraveling in ways he cannot control. The narrative delves into themes of trauma, identity, and the haunting nature of unresolved fears, creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere throughout.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
The Dark Country by Dennis Etchison
"The Dark Country" is a collection of haunting and atmospheric short stories that delve into the depths of human nature and the supernatural. From a man who becomes trapped in a nightmarish town to a woman who discovers a mysterious painting with a sinister secret, each tale is filled with suspense, dread, and a sense of unease. With its masterful storytelling and vivid imagery, this collection takes readers on a chilling journey through the dark corners of the human psyche.
The 2947th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Raven by Charles L. Grant
The book "Raven" weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue, centered around a protagonist who is drawn into a world of secrets and hidden truths. As the story unfolds, the protagonist encounters a series of enigmatic characters and puzzling events that challenge their perception of reality. The narrative explores themes of identity, trust, and the search for meaning, all set against a backdrop of suspense and dark, atmospheric settings. The protagonist's journey is both a physical and psychological quest, leading to unexpected revelations and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Dead In The Water by Nancy Holder
A True Story of Hijacking, Murder, and a Global Maritime Conspiracy
In "Dead In The Water," a gripping mystery unfolds as a small coastal town is rocked by the discovery of a body floating in the harbor. The investigation is led by a determined detective who must navigate a web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives among the town's residents. As the detective delves deeper into the case, they uncover unexpected connections and long-buried truths that challenge their perceptions and test their resolve. The story weaves together elements of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on edge as the detective races against time to unravel the mystery and bring justice to the victim.
The 14165th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
The book is a chilling tale that revolves around a group of four individuals who decide to stay in a notoriously haunted mansion to conduct a paranormal investigation. The main character, a shy, reclusive woman with a troubled past, becomes increasingly unstable as she experiences terrifying phenomena and becomes obsessed with the house. As the supernatural events escalate, the lines between reality and imagination blur, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.
The 215th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson
"The Lottery and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that explore the dark side of human nature, often through the lens of seemingly ordinary people and events. The titular story follows a small town's annual ritual, which ends in a shocking and brutal act of violence. Other stories delve into themes of alienation, prejudice, and the human capacity for cruelty, all while maintaining a veneer of normalcy and routine. The collection is known for its unsettling atmosphere and its ability to reveal the sinister undercurrents of everyday life.
The 1070th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
A young governess is hired to care for two children at a remote English estate. However, she soon becomes convinced that the grounds are haunted by two former employees who have taken control of the children. As she fights to free the children from these apparitions, the line between reality and her own fears becomes increasingly blurred, leading to a chilling and ambiguous conclusion.
The 188th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Collected Ghost Stories Of M. R. James by M. R. James
This collection brings together a series of chilling and atmospheric ghost stories that delve into the supernatural and the macabre. Each tale is meticulously crafted, often featuring scholarly protagonists who encounter eerie and malevolent forces lurking in the shadows of antiquarian settings. The stories are renowned for their subtlety, psychological depth, and the gradual build-up of suspense, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease. With a masterful blend of the ordinary and the otherworldly, the collection explores themes of curiosity, the past's haunting grip, and the thin veil between the known and the unknown.
The 7940th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Dr. Adder by K. W. Jeter
Set in a dystopian future Los Angeles, the story follows a controversial underground surgeon who performs illegal operations to alter people's sexual experiences. The narrative explores themes of identity, power, and the commodification of human desires, as the protagonist navigates a world rife with corruption and moral ambiguity. As societal norms crumble, the characters grapple with the consequences of their choices in a landscape where technology and human instincts collide.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
The book tells the story of a man who wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. His transformation causes him to lose his job and become ostracized from his family, who are horrified and repulsed by his new form. As he grapples with his new reality, he becomes increasingly isolated and starts to lose his sense of humanity. The book explores themes of alienation, guilt, and identity, and is a profound examination of the human condition.
The 66th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Pet Sematary by Stephen King
The book revolves around a family that moves to a rural town in Maine, where they discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home. After their cat is killed by a car, it is buried in this "pet sematary," only to return to life with a malevolent change in its behavior. Tragedy strikes the family again, and despite warnings about the dangerous powers of the ancient burial ground, the grieving father makes a decision that unleashes a chain of horrific events, ultimately confronting the devastating consequences of tampering with the boundary between life and death.
The 2691st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Shining by Stephen King
A recovering alcoholic accepts a job as a winter caretaker at a remote Colorado hotel, hoping the isolation will help him reconnect with his wife and young son, and work on his writing. However, the hotel has a dark history and a powerful malevolent presence that influences him into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future. As the winter weather leaves them snowbound, the father's sanity deteriorates, leading to a terrifying climax.
The 398th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Stand by Stephen King
This post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel presents a world devastated by a deadly plague, killing 99% of the population. The survivors, drawn together by dreams of a charismatic and benevolent figure, gather in Boulder, Colorado to form a new society. However, a malevolent figure also emerges, attracting a following of his own and setting the stage for a classic battle between good and evil. The story delves into themes of community, morality, and the capacity for both destruction and regeneration within humanity.
The 276th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Skin by Kathe Koja
The book is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of identity and the human psyche. It follows the story of a woman who undergoes a radical transformation, both physically and emotionally, after a life-altering accident. As she navigates her new reality, she becomes entangled in a web of mystery and deception, questioning her own memories and the motives of those around her. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, trust, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and a haunting atmosphere.
The 10480th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Dark Dance by Tanith Lee
The novel is a gothic horror tale that follows the life of Rachaela, a solitary and enigmatic young woman who is drawn into the mysterious world of her estranged family, the Scarabae. As she becomes entangled in their dark and secretive existence, she uncovers unsettling truths about her lineage and the sinister legacy that binds them. The story explores themes of identity, isolation, and the inescapable pull of one's heritage, all set against a backdrop of eerie and atmospheric settings that heighten the sense of dread and suspense.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber
In this dark fantasy novel, a college professor discovers that his wife, along with other women in his social circle, practices witchcraft, using their powers to manipulate events and protect their loved ones. Initially skeptical, the professor is forced to confront the reality of magic when he becomes the target of a colleague's malevolent spells. As he delves deeper into this hidden world, he must rely on his wife's conjuring abilities to combat the dark forces that threaten to destroy his life and career, leading to a suspenseful exploration of the supernatural's influence on the mundane world.
The 1194th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin
The book revolves around a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into an old New York City apartment building with a sinister reputation. Eager to start a family, Rosemary becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances. As she becomes increasingly isolated and ill, she discovers that her husband and their eccentric neighbors have malevolent plans for her unborn child, which are tied to a diabolical pact with supernatural forces. Her paranoia and fear escalate as she uncovers the truth about a conspiracy that involves the birth of the Antichrist, leading to a chilling realization about the fate of her baby.
The 902nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Songs Of A Dead Dreamer And Grimscribe by Thomas Ligotti
Two Novels
This collection of horror stories delves into the eerie and unsettling realms of the human psyche, exploring themes of existential dread, madness, and the supernatural. The narratives are woven with a sense of cosmic horror, often blurring the lines between reality and nightmare, as characters confront bizarre and terrifying forces beyond their comprehension. The stories are marked by a distinctive, atmospheric prose that evokes a sense of unease and philosophical reflection on the nature of existence and the unknown. Through its chilling tales, the book invites readers to ponder the dark and mysterious aspects of life and the universe.
The 4943rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Lovers Living, Lovers Dead by Richard Lortz
The book weaves a haunting tale of love and loss, exploring the intertwined destinies of two couples across different timelines. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with the complexities of their relationships, confronting themes of passion, betrayal, and redemption. The story delves into the emotional depths of human connection, revealing how the echoes of past decisions reverberate through time, ultimately shaping the characters' fates in unexpected ways. With its rich, atmospheric prose, the book captures the enduring power of love and the inevitable presence of mortality.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Dunwich Horror And Others by H. P. Lovecraft
The Best Supernatural Stories of H. P. Lovecraft
This collection of stories delves into the eerie and unsettling world of supernatural horror, featuring tales that explore the boundaries between reality and the unknown. Set in a universe where ancient, cosmic forces lurk just beyond the veil of human understanding, the narratives often revolve around characters who encounter these malevolent entities, leading to terrifying and mind-bending experiences. The stories are rich with atmospheric tension, blending elements of folklore, mythology, and the occult to create a sense of dread and wonder. Through intricate storytelling and vivid descriptions, the collection captures the essence of cosmic horror, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and fascination with the mysteries of the universe.
The 9094th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft
In this chilling tale, an Antarctic expedition led by Dr. William Dyer from Miskatonic University uncovers ancient, alien ruins and a dangerous secret that forces them to question their understanding of the universe and their own sanity. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter remnants of a prehistoric, monstrous civilization, which they believe could have been the original creators of life on Earth. The story is filled with Lovecraft's signature cosmic horror and themes of forbidden knowledge, non-human influences on humanity, and the insignificance of humans in the universe.
The 710th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Hill Of Dreams by Arthur Machen
The novel follows the life of Lucian Taylor, a young aspiring writer who becomes increasingly consumed by his vivid imagination and mystical experiences. Set in rural Wales and later in London, Lucian's journey is marked by his struggle to reconcile his artistic ambitions with the harsh realities of life. As he delves deeper into his inner world, he encounters both inspiration and madness, ultimately leading to a tragic and haunting conclusion. The story explores themes of isolation, the power of the subconscious, and the thin line between genius and insanity.
The 2464th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Tales Of Horror And The Supernatural by Arthur Machen
The book is a chilling collection of stories that delve into the eerie and the supernatural, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown. Each tale weaves a narrative filled with suspense, fear, and the inexplicable, often blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. The stories feature a variety of settings and characters, from haunted houses and ghostly apparitions to mysterious occurrences and psychological terrors, all designed to unsettle and provoke thought. Through atmospheric storytelling and vivid descriptions, the collection captures the essence of horror, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and fascination with the macabre.
The 2051st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Sineater by Elizabeth Massie
In a dystopian society where sins are physically consumed by designated individuals known as "sineaters," a young girl named Ellie is thrust into this grim role after the death of her mother. As she navigates the oppressive rules and rituals of her new life, Ellie uncovers dark secrets about the community's leaders and the true nature of the sins she is forced to bear. Her journey becomes one of rebellion and self-discovery as she seeks to challenge the system and find her own path to redemption.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
The novel is a post-apocalyptic horror story that centers around a solitary man who may be the last human alive on earth after a pandemic has turned the rest of humanity into vampire-like creatures. He spends his days fortifying his home, hunting for food, and killing these creatures while they sleep. At night, he is tormented by their attempts to break into his home and kill him. His isolation drives him to the brink of insanity, and the novel explores themes of loneliness, survival, and the human capacity for hope in the face of utter despair.
The 776th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Relic by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child
In this thrilling novel, a gruesome series of murders coincides with the arrival of a mysterious shipment in the bowels of a renowned museum in New York City. As a lavish exhibition opening approaches, a detective and an anthropologist team up to investigate the macabre killings. They discover that the murders may be linked to an ancient superstition and a creature thought to be long extinct. The pair must navigate the dark corridors and hidden chambers of the museum to uncover the truth and stop the creature before it strikes again, all while a massive storm traps them and other characters inside the museum with the deadly entity.
The 6715th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Modern Prometheus
This classic novel tells the story of a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. The scientist, horrified by his creation, abandons it, leading the creature to seek revenge. The novel explores themes of ambition, responsibility, guilt, and the potential consequences of playing God.
The 39th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Book Of The Dead by John Skipp , Craig Spector
The "Book of the Dead" is an ancient Egyptian funerary text consisting of a collection of spells, charms, and formulas intended to guide and protect the deceased in the afterlife. It was used to ensure a safe passage through the underworld and to help the dead achieve eternal life. The text includes instructions for navigating the challenges of the afterlife, such as overcoming obstacles and facing judgment before the gods. Often personalized for the individual, it was typically inscribed on papyrus and placed in the tomb alongside the deceased.
The 14901st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Ghoul by Michael Slade
The book is a chilling horror story set in a small town plagued by a series of gruesome murders. As the community is gripped by fear, a group of friends discovers that the killings are the work of a ghoul, a creature that feeds on human flesh. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover dark secrets about the town's past and must confront their own fears to stop the ghoul before it claims more victims. The narrative explores themes of friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil, all while maintaining a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Vampire Junction by S.P. Somtow
The novel weaves a chilling tale of a young vampire rock star who returns to his hometown, where his dark past and supernatural nature collide with the modern world. As he navigates the complexities of fame and immortality, he encounters a cast of characters, including a psychiatrist and a journalist, who become entangled in his eerie existence. The story explores themes of identity, the allure of eternal youth, and the haunting consequences of one's actions, all set against a backdrop of gothic horror and rock music.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
This classic novel explores the duality of human nature through the story of a respected London doctor who creates a potion that transforms him into a sinister, violent alter ego. As the doctor increasingly loses control over when the transformations occur, his alter ego's evil deeds escalate, causing havoc in the community. The narrative is a chilling exploration of humanity's capacity for evil and the struggle for individuals to reconcile their public personas with their private desires.
The 217th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Dracula by Bram Stoker
This classic horror novel tells the story of Count Dracula's attempt to move from Transylvania to England so that he may find new blood and spread the undead curse, and of the battle between Dracula and a small group of people led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing. The narrative is composed of journal entries, letters, and telegrams written by the novel's protagonists, providing different perspectives on the gruesome events unfolding. The book touches on themes of sexuality, gender roles, and the clash of modern science with traditional superstition.
The 53rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Some Of Your Blood by Theodore Sturgeon
The book is a psychological horror novel that delves into the mind of a young soldier named George, who is institutionalized after exhibiting disturbing behavior. Through a series of letters, therapy sessions, and reports, the narrative unfolds to reveal George's traumatic past and his dark, violent tendencies. The story explores themes of identity, mental illness, and the nature of monstrosity, ultimately blurring the lines between human and inhuman as George's chilling secrets come to light.
The 5270th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Phantom by Thomas Tessier
In this gripping tale, a detective is drawn into a complex web of mystery and intrigue as he investigates a series of seemingly unrelated crimes in a city shrouded in secrets. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a hidden world of deception and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide. The detective must navigate through layers of lies and danger to uncover the truth, confronting his own demons along the way. The story weaves together elements of suspense, drama, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Sacrifice by Andrew Vachss
The book "Sacrifice" delves into the intricate dynamics of loyalty, love, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. Set against a backdrop of tension and uncertainty, the narrative follows the protagonist as they navigate a world where personal desires clash with greater responsibilities. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the story explores the profound impact of choices made in the name of duty and the personal costs of such decisions. Through its compelling plot and richly developed characters, the book offers a poignant reflection on the nature of sacrifice and the enduring quest for redemption.
The 17008th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon
Horror Writer Association, 40 Books
Here is the description of this list from the Horror Writer Association
The HORROR WRITERS ASSOCIATION was formed, in part, to foster a greater appreciation of dark fiction among members of the general public. Whether you are new to Horror, or simply want to become familiar with some of the classics and “bests” of dark fiction, the following books are a wonderful place to begin.
Like most “best of” lists, ours is somewhat quirky. The books that appear here were picked using a survey of HWA’s general membership in 1996, so many excellent books published more recently do not appear here, and some of those that do are now out of print. Most of the recognized classics of dark fiction do appear here, though.
This list was originally published in 1996 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.
This list has a weight of 1%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.
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