The Greatest Indian, British "Horror" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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Horror

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.

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  1. 1. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

    "Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.

    The 917th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

    A young girl named Coraline Jones moves into a new home and discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life, where her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" reside. Although this parallel world seems better at first, she soon realizes that her Other Parents want to keep her there permanently and that they are not as they appear. Coraline must use her bravery and wits to save herself and her real parents, who have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and free the souls of other children trapped in this alternate world.

    The 2451st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

    The 4066th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Perdido Street Station by China Mieville

    In a sprawling steampunk metropolis teeming with bizarre creatures and arcane technologies, a gifted scientist unwittingly unleashes a nightmare upon the city. When his experiment with a rare caterpillar goes awry, monstrous, dream-eating moths are set loose, preying upon the citizens' minds and plunging the city into terror. As the scientist grapples with the consequences of his actions, a motley group of individuals, including a renegade artist, a wingless bird-man, and other outcasts, come together in a desperate attempt to save their city from the eldritch horrors that now haunt its shadowy streets. Their journey takes them through the city's various layers, from the opulent heights to the grimy depths, revealing the complex tapestry of cultures and conflicts that define this urban labyrinth.

    The 4546th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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 6748th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Deliver Me From Eva by Paul Bailey

    In "Deliver Me From Eva" by Paul Bailey, the story revolves around Eva, a strong-willed and independent woman who becomes the center of attention for three men. As they each try to win her over, they soon discover that Eva's past and her complicated relationships with her family and friends make it difficult for her to trust and open up. Through a series of unexpected events, the characters are forced to confront their own insecurities and learn the true meaning of love and forgiveness.

    The 6961st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Alone With The Horrors by Ramsey Campbell

    "Alone With The Horrors" is a comprehensive collection of horror short stories that spans several decades of the author's career, showcasing his mastery in the genre. The anthology brings together a chilling array of narratives, each distinct in its setting and characters, but all united by the common thread of psychological terror and the supernatural. The tales delve into the darkest corners of fear, exploring themes of existential dread, the uncanny, and the monstrous, both human and otherworldly. The author's skillful use of language and atmosphere weaves a tapestry of suspense and horror that lingers with the reader long after the final page is turned.

    The 7115th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

    The book is a unique blend of espionage thriller and Lovecraftian horror, following a tech-savvy protagonist who works for a clandestine British agency responsible for suppressing dangerous occult phenomena. The narrative weaves together bureaucratic satire with supernatural elements, as the protagonist must navigate the perils of office politics and eldritch abominations alike. Tasked with halting extradimensional entities from wreaking havoc on Earth, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to unleash an unspeakable horror, leading to a high-stakes mission that blurs the lines between advanced technology and ancient magical forces.

    The 8683rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. White Is For Witching by Helen Oyeyemi

    In this hauntingly atmospheric novel, readers are introduced to a young woman grappling with a rare eating disorder and the loss of her mother, all while living in a malevolent, sentient house that has a disturbing history. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives, including that of the house itself, to explore themes of identity, race, and belonging. As the protagonist's condition worsens and the house's sinister intentions become more apparent, the lines between reality and the supernatural blur, creating a chilling tale of psychological horror and the complexities of inheritance—both familial and cultural.

    The 9347th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Justine by Alice Thompson

    "Justine" by Alice Thompson is a haunting and atmospheric novel set in 19th-century France. The story follows a young woman named Justine who becomes a governess for a wealthy family in a remote mansion. As she delves into the secrets of the house and its inhabitants, Justine finds herself trapped in a web of manipulation, deceit, and madness. With its Gothic undertones and psychological suspense, the book explores themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.

    The 9374th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Anno Dracula by Kim Newman

    In this alternate history novel, the world is a macabre tapestry where Count Dracula has not only survived but triumphed, marrying Queen Victoria and spreading vampirism throughout the British Empire. The narrative weaves a complex, gothic tale where historical and fictional characters coexist. As the vampire elite rise to power and influence, a gripping story of political intrigue, horror, and murder unfolds, with a Jack the Ripper-like figure preying on vampire prostitutes in London's shadowy streets. The book explores themes of class, power, and the nature of monsterhood, all set against the rich backdrop of a Victorian society transformed by the undead.

    The 9666th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Midnight Sun by Ramsey Campbell

    This novel is a chilling tale of supernatural horror that unfolds in a seemingly tranquil English village. The story centers around a family who moves into the area, seeking a peaceful life, only to find themselves entangled in ancient, malevolent forces that lurk beneath the village's serene surface. As the family's connection to these dark powers deepens, they are drawn into a terrifying struggle against a maleficent entity that threatens not just their sanity but their very lives. With its atmospheric setting and psychological depth, the book masterfully blends the mundane with the supernatural, leading to a climactic confrontation between the forces of good and evil.

    The 10859th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Dark Sister by Graham Joyce

    This novel delves into the life of a woman who, feeling trapped in the monotony of her domestic existence, stumbles upon an ancient book of magic that once belonged to her husband's ancestor, a reputed witch. As she begins to experiment with the spells contained within, she discovers an exhilarating sense of power and freedom. However, her dabbling soon spirals out of control, leading to unforeseen and dangerous consequences that threaten to unravel her reality. The narrative explores themes of female empowerment, the duality of human nature, and the thin line between sanity and madness, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary suburban life transformed by the allure of the occult.

    The 10872nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Long Lost by Ramsey Campbell

    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 10879th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Tooth Fairy by Graham Joyce

    This novel blends the realms of reality and fantasy, exploring the coming-of-age story of a young boy who encounters a mysterious and unsettling version of the tooth fairy, far removed from the benign character of popular lore. This entity, neither wholly malevolent nor benevolent, becomes a constant presence in the boy's life, guiding and influencing his journey into adulthood with a mix of horror, wonder, and profound insight. Set against the backdrop of post-war England, the narrative delves into themes of loss, growth, and the painful transition from innocence to the complexities of adult life, all while challenging the reader's perceptions of folklore and mythology.

    The 10900th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Dusk by Tim Lebbon

    "Dusk" is a dark fantasy novel set in a world where magic is dying, casting long shadows over the land of Noreela. The story follows a young man named Kosar who embarks on a perilous journey after witnessing a devastating event that signals the return of magic to the world. As ancient evils stir and the boundary between life and death blurs, Kosar must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront malevolent forces to uncover the truth behind the magic's resurgence. Alongside a cast of complex characters, he faces a series of harrowing challenges that test his courage, loyalty, and understanding of the world's inherent darkness and light. The novel weaves a rich tapestry of adventure, horror, and mysticism, exploring themes of power, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

    The 11014th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Grin Of The Dark by Ramsey Campbell

    This novel delves into the unsettling journey of a film critic tasked with uncovering the truth about a long-forgotten silent film comedian. As he digs deeper into the comedian's life and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his career's downfall, he encounters a series of bizarre and terrifying events. The critic's obsession with the project leads him down a dark path, blurring the lines between reality and the eerie world of the films he studies. The narrative masterfully intertwines psychological horror with a critique of the obsession and madness that can arise from delving too deeply into the past, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is a product of the protagonist's unraveling psyche.

    The 11019th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. One by Conrad Williams

    "One" is a post-apocalyptic novel that plunges the reader into a world ravaged by a catastrophic event, leaving it bleak and desolate. The story follows a man's desperate journey across this devastated landscape in search of his family. Battling against the odds, he encounters various survivors, each coping with the loss and trauma in their own way, and faces numerous threats that emerge in this new, harsh world. The narrative is a gripping exploration of human resilience, the power of hope, and the unyielding bond of family, set against the backdrop of a world irrevocably changed by disaster.

    The 11031st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Ritual by Adam Nevill

    This novel is a gripping tale of four old university friends who reunite for a hiking trip in the Scandinavian wilderness, only to find themselves lost and stumbling upon an ancient evil lurking in the forest. As they delve deeper into the woods, they encounter a series of increasingly terrifying phenomena, including pagan symbols and unsettling artifacts, which suggest that they are not alone. Their journey quickly turns into a nightmare as they are hunted by a sinister presence, forcing them to confront not only the dark forces pursuing them but also the personal demons that have driven them apart over the years. This story masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, creating a chilling and unforgettable experience.

    The 11040th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Last Days by Adam Nevill

    This horror novel plunges readers into a chilling narrative centered around Kyle Freeman, a struggling filmmaker commissioned to document the activities of a notorious cult known as The Temple of the Last Days. As Kyle delves deeper into the cult's dark history, marked by gruesome rituals and the mysterious disappearance of its members, he finds himself ensnared in a terrifying web of supernatural forces. The story masterfully intertwines elements of suspense, cult dynamics, and the supernatural, leading to a harrowing exploration of fear and the unknown. The protagonist's journey is not just a quest for footage, but a descent into a nightmarish realm where the past and present collide with dire consequences.

    The 11044th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. No One Gets Out Alive by Adam Nevill

    This horror novel plunges readers into a chilling narrative centered around a young woman's harrowing experience in a dilapidated house she rents in a desperate attempt to start anew. As she navigates her impoverished circumstances, she quickly realizes that the building harbors dark secrets far beyond its decaying walls. Sinister forces and inexplicable occurrences escalate, ensnaring her in a terrifying struggle for survival. The story masterfully intertwines psychological terror with supernatural elements, creating a gripping atmosphere of dread that questions the very nature of reality and the possibility of escape from a malevolent past that haunts the present.

    The 11057th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Rawblood by Catriona Ward

    This novel is a chilling gothic tale set in early 20th century England, revolving around a haunted estate known as Rawblood. The narrative weaves through generations of the family living there, who are cursed to die if they ever fall in love. The story masterfully blends multiple perspectives and time periods, revealing the dark secrets and tragic fates of its characters. Through its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, the book explores themes of love, madness, and the inescapable nature of family curses, delivering a haunting and complex exploration of human vulnerability and the terror of the unknown.

    The 11063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Little Eve by Catriona Ward

    This novel unfolds on a remote Scottish island, where a cult under the enigmatic leadership of a man known as Uncle resides. The narrative delves into the lives of the cult members, particularly focusing on a young girl named Eve and the harrowing events leading up to a fateful New Year's Eve. The story is a chilling exploration of faith, family, and the dark secrets that bind them together. Through a series of flashbacks and shifting perspectives, the novel reveals the grim realities of life within the cult and the extreme measures Eve must take to seek liberation. Combining elements of horror, mystery, and historical fiction, it offers a gripping tale of survival and the quest for freedom.

    The 11077th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Reddening by Adam Nevill

    This novel delves into the heart of horror, set against the backdrop of the eerie English coastline. It weaves a tale of ancient folklore and modern nightmares, where a sinister discovery unearths the blood-drenched history of a forgotten community. As characters are drawn into a web of primal fear and dark secrets, they face a malevolent force that threatens not just their sanity but their very survival. The narrative masterfully combines elements of psychological horror with visceral terror, creating a chilling exploration of the depths of human depravity and the power of ancestral legacies.

    The 11082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. 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 11096th 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