The Greatest Horror Books Since 1990
Click to learn how this list is calculated.
This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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.
What should I read next?
Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.
Get RecommendationsGenres
Horror is a genre of literature that is designed to evoke feelings of fear, terror, and dread in the reader. It typically features supernatural or paranormal elements, such as ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly creatures, and often explores themes of death, violence, and the unknown. Horror books can range from subtle and psychological to graphic and gory, but they all share the common goal of scaring and thrilling their readers. Whether it's a classic ghost story or a modern slasher novel, horror books offer a unique and thrilling reading experience for those who enjoy being scared out of their wits.
Countries
Date Range
Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.
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.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
Login to Download-
251. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
The novel follows four Native American friends who are haunted by a disturbing event from their youth involving the illegal killing of a herd of elk. As they grapple with their cultural identity and the consequences of their past actions, a vengeful spirit begins to stalk them, seeking retribution. The story weaves together themes of tradition, guilt, and survival, exploring the tension between modern life and indigenous heritage. As the men confront their shared history, they must face the supernatural force that threatens their lives and the lives of those they love.
The 14232nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
252. 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 14232nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
253. Come With Me by Ronald Malfi
In this gripping psychological thriller, a man's life is turned upside down after the sudden death of his wife. As he delves into her past, he uncovers a series of dark secrets and hidden obsessions that lead him on a chilling journey across the country. With each revelation, he questions how well he truly knew the woman he loved, while confronting the haunting possibility that her death was not an accident. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense and emotional depth, exploring themes of grief, love, and the shadows that linger in the corners of our lives.
The 14334th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
254. We Are Here To Hurt Each Other by Paula D. Ashe
We Are Here To Hurt Each Other is a collection of twelve stories by Paula D. Ashe. The stories explore a dark and bloody world where nothing is sacred and no one is safe, set against a landscape of urban decay and human degradation. They probe shared psychic pressure points and present relentless, inescapable confrontations.
The 14376th Greatest Book of All Time -
255. How To Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
The novel revolves around Louise, who returns to her childhood home after the sudden death of her parents, only to confront unresolved family tensions and eerie occurrences. As she and her estranged brother Mark attempt to sell the house, they discover that it is haunted by malevolent forces tied to their family's past. The siblings must navigate their fraught relationship while unraveling the dark secrets hidden within the house, ultimately confronting the supernatural entities that threaten their lives. The story blends horror with themes of family, grief, and reconciliation, creating a chilling yet emotionally resonant narrative.
The 14427th Greatest Book of All Time -
256. The Babysitter by Liza Rodman, Jennifer Jordan
My Summers with a Serial Killer
Set against the backdrop of Cape Cod in the 1960s and 1970s, this chilling true crime narrative intertwines the innocent memories of a young girl with the sinister reality of a notorious serial killer. As a child, she was often left in the care of a seemingly kind and trustworthy babysitter, who unbeknownst to her, led a double life as a cold-blooded murderer. The story delves into the haunting realization of the duality of human nature, exploring themes of innocence lost, the complexity of memory, and the unsettling truth lurking beneath the surface of familiar faces.
The 14589th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
257. Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko
Book One of the Night Watch Trilogy
This novel is set in a contemporary Moscow where the forces of light and darkness coexist in a delicate balance, each side policing the other to prevent the other from gaining too much power. The story follows Anton Gorodetsky, a member of the Night Watch, an organization of Others who have sworn to serve the Light, as he navigates a complex world of magic, morality, and political intrigue. Anton's journey takes him through various missions that challenge his beliefs and loyalties, forcing him to confront difficult truths about the nature of good and evil. As he delves deeper into the shadowy world of the Others, he encounters vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic war between the forces of Light and Darkness.
The 14650th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
258. My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Vol. 1 by Emil Ferris
"My Favorite Thing Is Monsters Vol. 1" is a graphic novel that follows the story of Karen Reyes, a ten-year-old girl living in 1960s Chicago. Through her vivid imagination and artistic talent, Karen transforms herself into a monster to navigate the complexities of her life, including her brother's mysterious death and her mother's illness. As she uncovers secrets and delves into the dark underbelly of her neighborhood, Karen's journey becomes a poignant exploration of identity, family, and the power of art.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
259. Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff
"Lovecraft Country" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, science fiction, and historical fiction. Set in the 1950s, the story follows a young African American man named Atticus Turner as he embarks on a dangerous journey through the racially segregated United States. Along the way, Atticus and his friends encounter supernatural forces, face institutional racism, and confront the horrors of Lovecraftian mythology. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of racial tensions, the book offers a unique and compelling perspective on both the genre of horror and the complexities of American society.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
260. The Cabin At The End Of The World by Paul Tremblay
"The Cabin At The End Of The World" by Paul Tremblay is a gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows a family's vacation turned nightmare. The story revolves around a group of strangers who invade a peaceful cabin in the woods, claiming that the world is about to end and they need the family's help to prevent it. As tension rises and trust is tested, the family must make impossible decisions to protect themselves and their daughter. With its intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, this book explores the depths of human nature and the lengths one will go to survive.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
261. Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto
The book is a dark fantasy manga that follows the life of a young man burdened with crippling debt, who finds himself entangled in a brutal world of devil hunters after merging with a devil dog he names Pochita. This transformation grants him the ability to transform parts of his body into chainsaws, which he uses to fight malevolent devils in exchange for money. As he becomes more involved in this violent and morally ambiguous society, he navigates through complex relationships, his own desires for a better life, and the sinister machinations of those who seek to use his unique powers for their own ends.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
262. Tokyo Ghoul by Sui Ishida
In a dark and twisted version of Tokyo, creatures known as ghouls lurk in the shadows, surviving by consuming human flesh. The story follows a young college student who, after a fateful encounter with a ghoul, becomes a half-ghoul himself. Thrust into a hidden world filled with danger and hunger, he must navigate the blurred lines between human and monster, grappling with his new reality and the moral complexities of his insatiable appetite. As he struggles to maintain his humanity, he finds himself caught in the crossfire between ghoul factions and the relentless ghoul investigators determined to eradicate their kind.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
263. 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 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
264. Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton
Vampire Hunter
This series introduces readers to a world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings are legal citizens of the United States, and follows the life of Anita Blake, a professional zombie raiser, vampire executioner, and supernatural consultant for the police. Set in St. Louis, Missouri, Anita navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, dealing with various supernatural mysteries, crimes, and often finding herself in the middle of vampire politics. As the series progresses, Anita's powers and relationships with the supernatural community grow, leading her into ever more dangerous and morally ambiguous situations. The blend of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery, along with a strong, complex female protagonist, has garnered a dedicated fan base.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
265. Dreamcatcher by Stephen King
In this novel, four childhood friends, bound by a shared secret involving a telepathic entity they once saved, reunite in the Maine woods for their annual hunting trip. Their peaceful retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when they encounter a mysterious military quarantine, a deadly virus, and a malevolent alien force. As the situation spirals out of control, the friends must rely on their bond and the powers they gained from their childhood encounter to survive. The story combines elements of horror, science fiction, and psychological drama, exploring themes of friendship, memory, and the human capacity for both good and evil.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
266. Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda
The novel delves into the dark and intricate dynamics of female adolescence, exploring themes of power, fear, and obsession. It centers around a group of teenage girls at an elite Catholic school in Ecuador who form a secret society, engaging in increasingly dangerous and transgressive activities. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including that of a teacher who becomes entangled in the girls' sinister games, revealing the psychological complexities and hidden traumas that drive their behavior. The narrative is a haunting examination of the boundaries between innocence and corruption, and the ways in which violence can manifest in the most unexpected places.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
267. The House Across The Lake by Riley Sager
In this suspenseful thriller, a recently widowed actress retreats to her family's lake house in Vermont, seeking solace and escape from the public eye. Her days are spent drinking and spying on the glamorous couple living in the house across the lake. When the wife mysteriously disappears, the actress becomes entangled in a web of secrets and deception, uncovering dark truths about her neighbors and herself. As she delves deeper into the mystery, she must confront her own demons and the blurred lines between reality and illusion.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
268. The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
The novel follows travel journalist Lo Blacklock, who embarks on a luxury cruise aboard a small, exclusive ship. Her trip takes a dark turn when she believes she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard from the adjacent cabin, number 10. Despite her frantic attempts to alert the crew and passengers, she is met with skepticism, as all passengers are accounted for and no one seems to be missing. As Lo struggles to uncover the truth, she grapples with her own credibility and sanity, leading to a tense and suspenseful unraveling of secrets and deception on the high seas.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
269. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
The novel follows Dan Torrance, the traumatized son of Jack Torrance from "The Shining," as he struggles with alcoholism and his psychic abilities. Now an adult, Dan finds solace working at a hospice where he uses his powers to comfort dying patients, earning the nickname "Doctor Sleep." His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters Abra Stone, a young girl with powerful psychic abilities, who becomes the target of a sinister group called the True Knot. This group feeds on the "steam" produced by children with the shining as they are tortured to death. Dan must confront his past and embrace his abilities to protect Abra and defeat the True Knot, leading to a climactic showdown that tests his courage and resilience.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
270. Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates
The book delves into the mind of a disturbed young man named Quentin P., who meticulously plans and executes a series of gruesome crimes in his quest to create a "zombie"—a submissive, lobotomized companion. Through Quentin's chilling and detached perspective, the narrative explores themes of obsession, power, and the dark recesses of human psychology. The story is a haunting examination of a sociopath's inner world, revealing the terrifying blend of banal normalcy and monstrous intent.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
271. In The Night Room by Peter Straub
In this gripping and surreal tale, a successful children's author finds her life entwined with a horror novelist when their fictional worlds begin to bleed into reality. As they confront a series of bizarre and terrifying events, they must unravel the mystery of a haunted past and a sinister force that threatens to consume them. The narrative explores themes of identity, the power of storytelling, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality, culminating in a chilling confrontation with the supernatural.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
272. Lisey's Story by Stephen King
The novel intertwines the past and present of Lisey Landon, the widow of a famous novelist, as she navigates her grief and uncovers dark secrets about her late husband, Scott. Through a series of haunting memories and supernatural elements, Lisey confronts the mysterious and terrifying world that Scott inhabited, known as Boo'ya Moon. As she delves deeper into Scott's legacy, she must face both external threats and her own inner demons, ultimately discovering her strength and the enduring power of love.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
273. The Missing by Sarah Langan
In this chilling horror novel, a small town in Maine is plagued by a mysterious and deadly virus that begins to spread after a young boy goes missing in the nearby woods. As the infection takes hold, the town's residents are driven to madness and violence, revealing the dark secrets and hidden fears lurking beneath their seemingly ordinary lives. The story weaves together the perspectives of various characters, each grappling with their own demons, as they confront the terrifying reality of the contagion and the supernatural forces at play. Amidst the chaos, a few brave souls must uncover the truth and find a way to stop the horror before it consumes them all.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
274. Duma Key by Stephen King
The story follows Edgar Freemantle, a construction company owner who suffers a severe accident that results in the loss of his right arm and significant memory and speech issues. To aid his recovery, Edgar moves to the remote Duma Key in Florida, where he discovers a latent talent for painting. As his artwork begins to take on a life of its own, Edgar uncovers dark, supernatural forces linked to the island's history. With the help of new friends, he must confront these malevolent entities to protect himself and those he cares about, ultimately exploring themes of healing, creativity, and the power of the past.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
275. Audrey's Door by Sarah Langan
The novel follows Audrey Lucas, an ambitious architect who moves into a historic Manhattan apartment building called The Breviary. As she settles in, Audrey begins to experience unsettling phenomena and discovers the building's dark history, including its connection to a cult that practiced a sinister ritual known as "The Door." Struggling with her own personal demons and mental health issues, Audrey becomes increasingly entangled in the building's malevolent influence, leading her to confront both the supernatural forces at play and her own inner turmoil. The story explores themes of madness, isolation, and the haunting power of the past.
The 14986th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
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.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
Login to Download