The Greatest American Supernatural Books of All Time Set in California

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 429 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Supernatural

The "Supernatural" category for books typically includes stories that involve paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures. These books often explore themes of magic, mystery, and the unknown, and may incorporate elements of horror, romance, or fantasy. Supernatural books can range from dark and eerie tales to lighthearted and whimsical stories, but they all share a common thread of exploring the supernatural world beyond our own.

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  1. 1. 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 502nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Our Lady Of Darkness by Fritz Leiber

    A Novel of the Macabre

    The novel explores the eerie and supernatural as it follows the life of a recovering alcoholic and writer in San Francisco who becomes entangled in a web of occult horror. After discovering a mysterious book, he is drawn into the world of "paramentals"—sinister entities that feed on the energy of the modern city—and must confront the legacy of a long-dead sorcerer. As the protagonist delves deeper into the arcane, he must unravel the secrets of an ancient mystical theory called Megapolisomancy and face the terrifying forces that lurk in the shadows of urban decay, all while grappling with his personal demons.

    The 2048th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Strangers by Dean R. Koontz

    In this gripping thriller, a diverse group of strangers, each experiencing inexplicable and terrifying phenomena, are drawn together by a shared mystery that disrupts their lives. As they converge on a remote motel in the Nevada desert, they uncover a connection to a secretive government experiment that has altered their memories and realities. Together, they must confront their deepest fears and unravel the truth behind the experiment, ultimately discovering the power of human resilience and the importance of confronting the unknown.

    The 5239th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Sunglasses After Dark by Nancy A. Collins

    A Novel of the Undead

    The novel follows Sonja Blue, a vampire with a human soul, as she navigates a dark and gritty world filled with supernatural creatures and danger. Struggling with her dual nature, Sonja is on a relentless quest for vengeance against the vampire who turned her. Along the way, she battles her inner demons and external threats, including a sinister cult and other malevolent forces. The story delves into themes of identity, revenge, and the struggle for control over one's own destiny, all set against a backdrop of horror and urban fantasy.

    The 5449th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Bad Place by Dean R. Koontz

    In this gripping thriller, a man named Frank Pollard awakens with no memory of his identity or past, only to find himself pursued by mysterious forces. As he seeks help from a pair of private investigators, Bobby and Julie Dakota, they uncover a series of bizarre and terrifying events linked to Frank's lost memories. The story delves into themes of identity, fear, and the supernatural, as the characters confront a malevolent entity and unravel a dark secret that threatens their lives. The narrative weaves suspense and horror, keeping readers on edge as the mystery unfolds.

    The 5531st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Angelfall by Susan Ee

    In a post-apocalyptic world where angels have descended to Earth and unleashed destruction, a resilient teenage girl embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her kidnapped younger sister. With society in ruins and danger at every turn, she allies with a mysterious angel whose motives are unclear, navigating a landscape filled with roving gangs, gruesome creatures, and celestial warriors. As she fights to survive and uncover the truth behind the invasion, she confronts the blurred lines between good and evil, and the potential darkness within herself and her enigmatic companion.

    The 6142nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

    In this novel, a young transgender boy named Yadriel, determined to prove his identity to his traditional Latinx family, embarks on a journey to become a real brujo. After performing a ritual to summon the spirit of his murdered cousin, Yadriel accidentally summons the ghost of Julian Diaz, a rebellious classmate with unfinished business. As Yadriel and Julian grow closer while unraveling the mystery of Julian's death, they navigate themes of acceptance, identity, and love, ultimately challenging cultural norms and embracing their true selves.

    The 8942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Hunger by Alma Katsu

    In this historical horror novel, a perilous journey unfolds as a wagon train bound for California faces not only the brutal realities of the American frontier but also a terrifying supernatural force preying upon them. As members of the group begin to disappear or show signs of an insidious illness, paranoia and fear escalate among the survivors. The travelers' dire situation is compounded by their own secrets and the mysterious backgrounds of their companions, leading to a harrowing struggle for survival that blurs the line between man and monster, hunger and horror.

    The 13159th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Queen Of The Damned by Anne Rice

    In this gothic horror novel, the third installment of a popular vampire series, the narrative intertwines ancient history with the modern world, as the vampire Lestat awakens Akasha, the first and most powerful vampire, known as the Queen of the Damned. Her radical vision for a new world order threatens both human and vampire existence. As she enacts her plans, a group of vampires with varied motives converges to confront her, leading to a climactic battle that delves into themes of power, immortality, morality, and the essence of what it means to be human. The novel explores the deep lore of vampire mythology, expanding upon the origins and rules of the undead, while also examining the personal struggles and relationships between these eternal beings.

    The 13159th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download