The Greatest British "Supernatural, Horror" Books Since 1970

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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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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.

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. Sandman by Neil Gaiman

    "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 1105th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Bloody Chamber And Other Stories by Angela Carter

    "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that reimagines and deconstructs traditional fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strong female characters, sexual exploration, and violent and gothic themes. Each story presents a unique spin on classic tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard, challenging the typical gender roles and expectations found in the original stories.

    The 1240th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock

    In "Mythago Wood," a man named Steven Huxley delves into the mysterious depths of Ryhope Wood, a forest that holds ancient and mythical creatures known as mythagos. As he explores the ever-changing landscape, Steven encounters his deceased father's mythago, a powerful and seductive woman named Guiwenneth. Drawn into a world of magic and danger, Steven must confront his own desires and confront the dark secrets that lie within the heart of the wood.

    The 1302nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Books of Blood by Clive Barker

    "Books of Blood" is a collection of horror stories that explore the depths of fear, the supernatural, and the macabre. Each tale is intricately woven and filled with terrifyingly vivid imagery, taking readers on a journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The stories range from the terrifying tale of a city consumed by an enormous, flesh-eating monster, to the chilling account of a man haunted by the spirits of the dead. Each story is unique, yet they all share a common thread of fear, horror, and the unknown.

    The 1596th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Arabian Nightmare by Robert Irwin

    "The Arabian Nightmare" is a captivating and surreal journey through the dreams and nightmares of a young scholar named Abdulla. Set in medieval Cairo, the book explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as Abdulla becomes entangled in a web of magical creatures, mythical beings, and supernatural occurrences. With richly descriptive prose and a deep understanding of Arabian folklore, the story delves into themes of identity, love, and the power of storytelling, leaving readers questioning the nature of dreams and the boundaries of the human imagination.

    The 1989th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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 2453rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Weaveworld by Clive Barker

    In this dark fantasy novel, the reader is transported to a world where a magical carpet, known as the Fugue, contains an entire realm within its intricate weaves. This tapestry serves as a sanctuary for a race of beings and their rich culture, hidden from the dangers of the human world. When a young man accidentally discovers the carpet, he becomes entangled in a struggle to protect the Fugue from malevolent forces that seek to destroy it. As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate a perilous landscape of treachery and sorcery, where reality and fantasy intertwine, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.

    The 3787th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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 4072nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. 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 4551st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. 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 4800th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Damnation Game by Clive Barker

    "The Damnation Game" by Clive Barker is a dark and twisted tale that follows the life of a professional thief named Marty Strauss, who is hired by a wealthy and mysterious man named Joseph Whitehead. As Marty delves deeper into his assignment, he becomes entangled in a deadly game of supernatural forces, where he must confront his own inner demons and face the consequences of his actions. With its haunting atmosphere and complex characters, this novel explores themes of desire, redemption, and the price one is willing to pay for ultimate power.

    The 4928th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Influence by Ramsey Campbell

    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 5172nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Sandman: Preludes & Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman

    This graphic novel introduces readers to the world of the Dream King, who is captured and held prisoner for 70 years by an occult ritual gone awry. Upon his escape, he must reclaim his lost objects of power, restore his kingdom of the Dreaming, and rectify the chaos that has spread across the waking world during his absence. As he embarks on his quest, he encounters various dark and fantastical elements, from the depths of hell to the madness of humans, setting the stage for a series that intertwines myth, horror, and fantasy.

    The 6976th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. 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 7126th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. 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 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 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 9690th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. To Wake The Dead by Ramsey Campbell

    This novel is a chilling exploration of the supernatural, where the protagonist's fascination with contacting the dead leads to unforeseen and terrifying consequences. Set against a backdrop of eerie landscapes and unsettling occurrences, the story delves deep into the psyche of its characters, blurring the lines between reality and the paranormal. As the protagonist becomes increasingly obsessed with his quest, the fabric of his world begins to unravel, revealing a dark and haunting truth. The narrative masterfully builds suspense, drawing readers into a world where the past is never truly dead, and the boundaries of the living and the deceased are perilously thin.

    The 10819th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Incarnate by Ramsey Campbell

    This novel is a psychological horror story that delves into the realm of nightmares and the power they hold over the human mind. It follows the life of a protagonist who, after participating in a sleep study that goes horrifically wrong, finds reality and dreams blurring together. The experiment, intended to explore and manipulate the nature of dreams, instead unlocks a nightmarish landscape that begins to seep into the waking world. As the boundary between dream and reality becomes increasingly indistinct, the protagonist must confront not only the terror of an encroaching otherworldly horror but also the dark corners of the human psyche. This tale weaves a chilling narrative that questions the nature of reality and the depths of human fear.

    The 10833rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. 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 10881st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. 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 10894th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. 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 10901st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. 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 10922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. 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 11035th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. 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 11040th 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