The Greatest Family, Supernatural, and Suspense Books of All Time
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 488 '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.
Genres
The "Family" category of books encompasses stories that revolve around the dynamics, relationships, and experiences of families. These books explore the complexities of familial bonds, including love, loyalty, conflict, and forgiveness. They may focus on different types of families, such as nuclear families, blended families, or extended families, and may cover a range of themes, from coming-of-age tales to domestic dramas. Overall, the "Family" category offers a rich and diverse collection of books that delve into the joys and challenges of family life.
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.
Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.
Countries
Date Range
Reading Statistics
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1. 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 204th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Sandman by Neil Gaiman
Preludes & Nocturnes
"Sandman" is a dark and fantastical series that follows the character Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the seven Endless who personify certain universal concepts that transcend beyond gods. The narrative explores Dream's realm and responsibilities, his interactions with humans, gods, and his own family, as well as the consequences when he is captured and subsequently escapes after 70 years. The series is renowned for its blending of myth, history, and contemporary issues, creating a richly nuanced universe that delves into the nature of storytelling itself.
The 898th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
The novel is a complex and multi-layered narrative that revolves around a young man who comes across a manuscript written by a blind man about a documentary that doesn't appear to exist. The documentary is about a family who moves into a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, with shifting walls and hallways that lead to impossible spaces. The novel is known for its experimental layout, with some pages containing only a few words and others filled with footnotes, different fonts, and sideways text, reflecting the disorienting and labyrinthine nature of the house itself.
The 1548th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. 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 2128th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco
"Burnt Offerings" is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the Rolfe family as they embark on a summer vacation in a secluded mansion. As they settle into their new home, they soon realize that something sinister lurks within the walls. The house seems to have a malevolent presence, slowly draining the life out of its inhabitants. With each passing day, the family becomes more entangled in the house's dark secrets, leading to a terrifying climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
The 2509th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. The Other by Thomas Tryon
The book is a chilling psychological horror novel set in the 1930s that delves into the lives of identical twin brothers, Niles and Holland Perry, living in a rural Connecticut town. When a series of tragic events begins to unfold, it becomes apparent that one of the twins is influencing these occurrences. As the story progresses, the line between reality and illusion blurs, revealing a dark and twisted secret that challenges the nature of innocence and evil. The narrative's suspenseful exploration of identity and the supernatural culminates in a shocking twist, leaving readers to question the very essence of humanity and the impact of familial bonds.
The 3140th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon
Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.
The 3859th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. All Heads Turn When The Hunt Goes By by John Farris
In this chilling horror novel, a wealthy and powerful family is haunted by a malevolent force that has plagued them for generations. As the family gathers for a reunion at their ancestral home, they soon realize that they are trapped in a nightmarish cycle of violence and death. With each passing generation, the evil grows stronger, and the family members must confront their darkest secrets and confront the terrifying truth behind their curse. Filled with suspense and supernatural elements, this gripping tale explores the destructive power of family legacies and the lengths one must go to break free from their grip.
The 3857th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In "Mexican Gothic," a young woman named Noemí travels to a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside to rescue her cousin who has seemingly fallen under the spell of her new husband. As Noemí delves deeper into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and confronts a malevolent force that threatens their lives. Blending elements of gothic horror and Mexican folklore, this atmospheric tale explores themes of colonialism, racism, and female empowerment in a captivating and chilling narrative.
The 5580th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
"The Little Stranger" is a gothic novel set in post-World War II Britain, where a country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family living in a crumbling mansion. The doctor becomes increasingly entangled with the family as he attempts to unravel the mystery of a malevolent presence that seems to be causing accidents and illness. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the haunting may be more psychological than supernatural, reflecting the decline of the British class system and the trauma of war.
The 5623rd Greatest Book of All Time -
11. The Elementals by Michael McDowell
"The Elementals" is a Southern Gothic horror novel that delves into the eerie and mysterious world of two old, aristocratic families, the McCrays and the Savages, who share a haunting past intertwined with two secluded Victorian houses on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The story unfolds as the families gather for a funeral, only to be drawn into a chilling confrontation with malevolent forces that reside in the third, abandoned house—known as the third house—where the elementals, sinister entities that are not quite ghosts, lurk. As the oppressive summer heat intensifies, so does the terror, revealing dark family secrets and testing the bonds of kinship as the characters struggle to contend with the supernatural threat.
The 5941st Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Bag Of Bones by Stephen King
This novel is a gripping tale of love, loss, and haunting mysteries. The story follows a bestselling novelist struggling with writer's block after the sudden death of his wife. Seeking solace and inspiration, he retreats to their lakeside summer home in Maine, only to find himself entangled in a decades-old curse haunting the small town. As he delves deeper into the town's dark past, he encounters a series of supernatural events and uncovers a tragic love story that mirrors his own. With a blend of horror, romance, and suspense, the narrative explores themes of grief, redemption, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.
The 6845th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons
The novel centers around an affluent suburban neighborhood where a newly constructed house seems to bring tragedy and destruction to the lives of those who come into contact with it. The story is narrated by a neighbor who initially welcomes the architectural beauty of the house but soon becomes witness to a series of catastrophic events that befall the various occupants. As relationships crumble, accidents occur, and the dark influence of the house grows, the narrator becomes increasingly convinced that the house is not just an inanimate structure, but a malevolent force that preys upon the weaknesses of its residents, leading to a chilling exploration of psychological horror and the supernatural.
The 6912th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Nos4 A2 by Joe Hill
In this chilling novel, a sinister and immortal being named Charlie Manx kidnaps children and takes them to a twisted Christmasland, a place where every day is Christmas and unhappiness is forbidden. But when a resourceful young girl named Victoria escapes his clutches, she grows up haunted by the memories of her ordeal. Years later, she must confront Manx once again to protect her own son from falling victim to his malevolent plans. With a blend of horror, fantasy, and suspense, this gripping tale explores the darkness that lurks within the human soul and the power of love and resilience to overcome it.
The 7537th Greatest Book of All Time -
15. Lost Boy Lost Girl by Peter Straub
In "Lost Boy Lost Girl," a haunting narrative unfolds around the mysterious disappearance of a teenage boy shortly after his mother, a troubled novelist, commits suicide. The boy's uncle, a writer, delves into the dark and unsettling history of the family's home, uncovering secrets that blur the lines between fiction and reality. As he investigates, he encounters stories of a malevolent presence and a hidden room that may hold the key to the family's terrifying and tragic past. The novel explores themes of loss, the impact of trauma, and the possibility of the supernatural.
The 7696th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. The Passage by Justin Cronin
"The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Amy, who holds the key to humanity's survival. Set in a world ravaged by a government experiment gone wrong, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption. As Amy grows older, she embarks on a perilous quest to find her purpose and confront the sinister beings known as Virals, while a group of survivors battles against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.
The 8054th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. The Influence by Ramsey Campbell
A Novel of Terror
This horror novel delves into the chilling tale of a young girl named Rowan, who inherits a troubling legacy from her deceased aunt. As Rowan moves into her aunt's eerie, isolated house, she begins to experience disturbing changes in her behavior, suggesting that her aunt's malevolent spirit is exerting its influence from beyond the grave. The narrative masterfully intertwines psychological horror with supernatural elements, exploring themes of family secrets, the power of the past, and the struggle for control over one's own destiny. As the haunting intensifies, Rowan must confront the dark forces within the house and within herself, leading to a suspenseful and terrifying climax.
The 9177th Greatest Book of All Time -
18. A Head Full Of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
The book is a chilling psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and supernatural horror. It revolves around the Barrett family, whose lives are turned upside down when their eldest daughter exhibits signs of acute mental illness—or perhaps demonic possession. As their situation grows increasingly dire, the family agrees to participate in a reality television show, with cameras documenting the exorcism of their daughter. The story is recounted years later by the younger sister, who reflects on the traumatic events and the impact of public scrutiny, leading readers to question the true nature of the horror that befell the Barretts.
The 9653rd Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis
The novel is a metafictional narrative blending reality and fiction, where a novelist with a tumultuous past grapples with the demons of his personal life, including substance abuse and strained relationships. As he settles into suburban life with his family, bizarre occurrences begin to unfold, blurring the lines between his creations and reality. The protagonist is haunted by the ghost of his father, a mysterious toy that comes to life, and a series of child abductions that eerily echo his own literary work, leading him on a surreal journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The 12015th Greatest Book of All Time -
20. The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford
In "The Shadow Year," a coming-of-age tale is woven around a young boy and his siblings as they navigate the complexities of childhood in 1960s suburban America. The novel captures the essence of innocence and the loss thereof, as the siblings create a miniature replica of their town in their basement, which becomes a fantastical escape from reality. However, their make-believe world is threatened by a series of mysterious and sinister events in their actual town, leading them to confront a creeping darkness that parallels their transition from the simplicity of childhood to the murkier shades of adult life. The story is a poignant exploration of memory, reality, and the shadows that linger at the edges of innocence.
The 12608th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. Last Call by Tim Powers
In "Last Call," a gripping blend of historical fantasy and modern-day thriller, the story delves into the mystical underbelly of Las Vegas, where a professional gambler discovers that a high-stakes card game played with a Tarot deck has the power to reshuffle reality itself. The protagonist must navigate a world where magic and mobsters intertwine, facing off against a formidable adversary who seeks to use the arcane game to become the Fisher King and wield control over the fate of the Western world. As he struggles to understand the rules of this supernatural game and the powers at play, he must confront his own past and make perilous alliances to protect himself and those he loves from the consequences of this cosmic gamble.
The 12761st Greatest Book of All Time -
22. The Long Lost by Ramsey Campbell
A Novel of Terror
This novel is a gripping tale of psychological horror that delves into the mysteries of the past and the shadows they cast over the present. The story follows the protagonist's eerie journey as they are drawn into a chilling investigation of a long-lost family member's disappearance. As they unravel the layers of this decades-old mystery, they encounter a series of unsettling events and revelations that challenge their sanity and reveal dark secrets about their family's history. Set against a backdrop of haunting landscapes and sinister atmospheres, the narrative masterfully blends suspense, terror, and the complexities of human emotions, leading to a climax that is both shocking and deeply moving.
The 13080th Greatest Book of All Time -
23. Disappearance At Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay
This novel is a gripping and eerie tale that unfolds in a small town where a teenage boy mysteriously vanishes from a local park, Devil's Rock, during a night out with friends. The story delves into the harrowing aftermath of his disappearance, as his mother and sister grapple with the unknown, piecing together clues that emerge in the form of shadowy figures, inexplicable diary entries, and unsettling folklore surrounding the park. The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, while also exploring themes of grief, family bonds, and the haunting nature of uncertainty. As the search intensifies, the community is drawn into a chilling quest for answers that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.
The 13080th Greatest Book of All Time -
24. The Last House On Needless Street by Catriona Ward
This novel is a gripping psychological thriller that delves deep into the mysteries surrounding a secluded house at the edge of a forest, where the reclusive Ted lives with his daughter Lauren and a cat named Olivia. The narrative intricately weaves between their perspectives, revealing the dark secrets and traumatic pasts that bind them. As the story unfolds, the arrival of a new neighbor seeking answers about her sister's long-ago disappearance sets off a chain of events that leads to shocking revelations. The book masterfully blurs the lines between reality and illusion, exploring themes of memory, identity, and redemption, ultimately revealing that nothing is as it seems in this haunting tale of horror and suspense.
The 13080th Greatest Book of All Time -
25. Those Across The River by Christopher Buehlman
In this gripping horror novel, a disillusioned World War I veteran moves with his partner to a small, seemingly idyllic town in Georgia to write a book about his family's history. However, they soon discover that the town is haunted by a dark and violent past that refuses to stay buried. As they delve deeper into the town's secrets, they encounter strange rituals and a menacing presence in the woods across the river, which the townspeople are desperately trying to appease. The couple's presence stirs the ancient evil, leading to a terrifying struggle for survival against a force that challenges the very nature of humanity and morality.
The 13255th Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!
Download
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