The Greatest Supernatural Books Since 1927
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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.
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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. The Shining by Stephen King
A recovering alcoholic accepts a job as a winter caretaker at a remote Colorado hotel, hoping the isolation will help him reconnect with his wife and young son, and work on his writing. However, the hotel has a dark history and a powerful malevolent presence that influences him into violence, while his psychic son sees horrific forebodings from both past and future. As the winter weather leaves them snowbound, the father's sanity deteriorates, leading to a terrifying climax.
The 400th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Outsider And Others by H. P. Lovecraft
"The Outsider And Others" is a collection of chilling and macabre tales by H. P. Lovecraft. This anthology takes readers on a journey through the author's unique and unsettling imagination, exploring themes of cosmic horror, ancient gods, and the fragility of the human mind. With its atmospheric prose and nightmarish scenarios, this collection is a must-read for fans of Lovecraft's dark and haunting storytelling.
The 579th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
3. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
The novel is a dark and atmospheric tale of a centuries-old vampire, Louis, who shares his life story with a young reporter. He recounts his transformation into a vampire by the charismatic and ruthless Lestat, their complex relationship, and their encounters with other supernatural beings. The narrative explores themes of immortality, loss, identity, and the human desire for love and companionship. The book is known for its rich detail and its philosophical and historical depth.
The 661st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin
The book revolves around a young couple, Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse, who move into an old New York City apartment building with a sinister reputation. Eager to start a family, Rosemary becomes pregnant under mysterious circumstances. As she becomes increasingly isolated and ill, she discovers that her husband and their eccentric neighbors have malevolent plans for her unborn child, which are tied to a diabolical pact with supernatural forces. Her paranoia and fear escalate as she uncovers the truth about a conspiracy that involves the birth of the Antichrist, leading to a chilling realization about the fate of her baby.
The 894th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. It by Stephen King
A group of seven childhood friends, known as The Losers Club, come together in their small hometown to confront an evil entity that they first battled as children. This malevolent force, which often takes the form of a terrifying clown, preys on the children of their town by exploiting their deepest fears. The friends must confront their own personal demons and past traumas in order to once again face this entity, and the novel alternates between their childhood and adult experiences with this evil.
The 981st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. Conjure Wife by Fritz Leiber
In this dark fantasy novel, a college professor discovers that his wife, along with other women in his social circle, practices witchcraft, using their powers to manipulate events and protect their loved ones. Initially skeptical, the professor is forced to confront the reality of magic when he becomes the target of a colleague's malevolent spells. As he delves deeper into this hidden world, he must rely on his wife's conjuring abilities to combat the dark forces that threaten to destroy his life and career, leading to a suspenseful exploration of the supernatural's influence on the mundane world.
The 1196th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. Salem's Lot by Stephen King
In a small town called Salem's Lot, a writer returns to his childhood home to find that the town is being plagued by a mysterious evil force. As the residents slowly succumb to the darkness, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to fight against the ancient and powerful vampire who is responsible for the town's descent into chaos. With a chilling atmosphere and intense suspense, this novel explores the themes of fear, loss, and the battle between good and evil.
The 1293rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
"The Exorcist" is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the terrifying ordeal of a young girl named Regan who becomes possessed by a malevolent entity. As her behavior becomes increasingly disturbing and her health deteriorates, her desperate mother seeks the help of two priests who embark on a harrowing battle against the forces of evil. With its gripping narrative and intense portrayal of demonic possession, the book explores themes of faith, doubt, and the power of good versus evil, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.
The 1398th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. And The Darkness Falls by Boris Karloff
Tales of Terror and the Supernatural
"And The Darkness Falls" is a chilling tale that follows a small town plagued by a series of mysterious deaths. As the darkness engulfs the community, a group of unlikely heroes must uncover the sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. With suspenseful twists and turns, the book explores themes of fear, redemption, and the power of unity in the face of darkness.
The 1425th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
10. Carrie by Stephen King
A young high school girl with telekinetic abilities is mercilessly bullied and isolated by her classmates and religious fanatic mother. After a particularly humiliating incident at her senior prom, she uses her powers in a fit of rage and despair, leading to a terrifying and catastrophic event that devastates her small town.
The 1688th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. 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 1757th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
12. Darker Than You Think by Jack Williamson
A Novel of Fantasy and Terror
In this classic science fiction novel, the protagonist, a journalist, is thrust into a hidden world of ancient, shape-shifting sorcerers who have lived alongside humanity for eons. After the death of a renowned anthropologist who uncovered their existence, the journalist discovers he may be one of these powerful beings, known as the Children of the Night. As he grapples with his newfound abilities and identity, he must navigate a world where magic is real, morality is complex, and a battle between humans and these supernatural entities is imminent. The novel explores themes of identity, power, and the thin line between good and evil.
The 1848th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
13. The Second Century Of Creepy Stories by Hugh Walpole
"The Second Century of Creepy Stories" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of fear, madness, and the supernatural. From haunted houses to malevolent spirits, each story takes readers on a suspenseful journey, leaving them questioning the boundaries between reality and the unknown. With its masterful storytelling and eerie atmosphere, this anthology is sure to captivate fans of horror and suspense.
The 1948th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
14. Great Tales Of Terror And The Supernatural by Herbert A. Wise
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This anthology is a chilling collection of classic horror and supernatural stories that delve into the eerie and macabre. It brings together a diverse range of tales from renowned authors, exploring themes of fear, the unknown, and the otherworldly. Each story is crafted to evoke suspense and dread, featuring haunted houses, ghostly apparitions, and unsettling encounters that challenge the boundaries of reality. The compilation captures the timeless allure of the supernatural, offering readers a journey through the darker corners of human imagination and the mysteries that lie beyond the veil of the ordinary.
The 1978th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
15. Tales Of Horror And The Supernatural by Arthur Machen
The book is a chilling collection of stories that delve into the eerie and the supernatural, exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the unknown. Each tale weaves a narrative filled with suspense, fear, and the inexplicable, often blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. The stories feature a variety of settings and characters, from haunted houses and ghostly apparitions to mysterious occurrences and psychological terrors, all designed to unsettle and provoke thought. Through atmospheric storytelling and vivid descriptions, the collection captures the essence of horror, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease and fascination with the macabre.
The 2057th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
16. Ghost Story by Peter Straub
A Novel of the Supernatural
"Ghost Story" by Peter Straub is a chilling tale that follows a group of elderly men who are haunted by a dark secret from their past. As they gather to share ghost stories, they soon realize that their own lives have become intertwined with the supernatural. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as they are forced to confront their deepest fears and face the consequences of their actions. With atmospheric prose and a gripping plot, this haunting novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of secrets.
The 2061st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
17. The Lurker At The Threshold by August Derleth, H. P. Lovecraft
"The Lurker At The Threshold" is a chilling tale that delves into the realm of cosmic horror. Set in the fictional town of Arkham, the story follows a man who discovers an ancient manuscript that reveals the existence of a malevolent entity known as the Lurker. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lurker, he becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets, forbidden knowledge, and impending doom. With Lovecraftian themes of madness, forbidden knowledge, and the fragility of the human mind, this book is a haunting exploration of the unknown and the terrifying forces that lurk just beyond our comprehension.
The 2078th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
18. The Witches Of Eastwick by John Updike
In a quaint Rhode Island town, three divorced women discover their shared supernatural abilities and form a coven of witches. Their lives are upended with the arrival of a mysterious and charismatic stranger who seduces each of them, stoking their powers and ambitions. As the women navigate their complex relationships with this man and each other, they confront the conservative mores of their community, leading to a series of conflicts and transformations that challenge their notions of female independence and power. The novel explores themes of sexuality, feminism, and the dynamics of social conformity through the lens of magical realism.
The 2192nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
19. Portrait Of Jennie by Robert Nathan
The novel tells the story of a struggling artist named Eben Adams who encounters a mysterious young girl named Jennie in Central Park. As their paths continue to cross, Eben becomes captivated by Jennie's ethereal presence and enigmatic nature, which seem to transcend time. Inspired by her, Eben's artistic abilities flourish, leading him to create a masterpiece portrait of Jennie. However, as he delves deeper into her world, he discovers that Jennie may not be as she appears, raising questions about reality, love, and the passage of time. The story weaves elements of romance, fantasy, and the supernatural, exploring themes of inspiration and the enduring power of art.
The 2195th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
20. That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis
A Modern Fairy-Tale for Grown-Ups
The novel explores the moral and spiritual struggles faced by its characters as they contend with a sinister scientific organization aiming to control humanity. Set in a quiet English university town, the story follows a sociologist and his wife as they become entangled with the National Institute for Co-ordinated Experiments, which seeks to manipulate human life through advanced technology and ruthless tactics. As the couple is drawn deeper into this morally corrupt world, they must decide where they stand in the cosmic battle between good and evil, with the help of a mysterious company that aligns with divine forces.
The 2197th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
21. Sub Rosa by Robert Aickman
Strange Tales
"Sub Rosa" by Robert Aickman is a collection of unsettling and atmospheric short stories that delve into the realms of the supernatural and the uncanny. Each story presents a unique and enigmatic narrative, often blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease. Aickman's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions create an eerie and haunting atmosphere, making "Sub Rosa" a captivating read for fans of psychological horror and the macabre.
The 2210th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
22. The Case Of Charles Dexter Ward by H. P. Lovecraft
In this chilling tale, a young man named Charles Dexter Ward becomes obsessed with his mysterious ancestor, Joseph Curwen, who dabbled in alchemy and necromancy in the 18th century. As Ward delves deeper into his ancestor's dark past, he uncovers horrifying secrets that lead to his own involvement in arcane and dangerous practices. His investigation causes alarming changes in his behavior, prompting a desperate response from those around him as they try to halt a rising evil. The story blends elements of gothic horror and historical mystery, creating a disturbing exploration of obsession and the supernatural.
The 2324th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
23. The Call Of Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft
In this classic tale of cosmic horror, a series of fragmented narratives converge to reveal the discovery of an ancient and malevolent entity, Cthulhu, lying dormant beneath the sea. After a series of strange events and encounters with bizarre cults, the protagonist uncovers the truth about the creature's terrifying influence on the minds of sensitive individuals across the globe. As the narrative unfolds through found documents, diary entries, and firsthand accounts, the monstrous figure of Cthulhu emerges as a symbol of the incomprehensible and indifferent forces that lurk beyond the edges of human understanding, waiting for the moment to reawaken and engulf the world in madness and chaos.
The 2432nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
24. Nine Horrors And A Dream by Joseph Payne Brennan
A Collection of Supernatural Tales
"Nine Horrors And A Dream" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the depths of the human psyche and the supernatural. From haunted houses and cursed artifacts to encounters with malevolent spirits and ancient evils, each story presents a unique and spine-tingling nightmare. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, the author takes readers on a journey through the darkest corners of the imagination, leaving them questioning the boundaries between reality and the macabre.
The 2437th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
25. Worse Things Waiting by Manly Wade Wellman
Supernatural Stories of Manly Wade Wellman
In "Worse Things Waiting" by Manly Wade Wellman, a collection of eerie and suspenseful tales unfolds, each one delving into the realm of the supernatural. From encounters with vengeful spirits to mysterious disappearances, the stories explore the darker corners of human existence, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, Wellman invites readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred, and where the worst things imaginable are waiting just beyond the shadows.
The 2452nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
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