For centuries, we’ve loved scaring ourselves and the horror genre of fiction is a true testament to this fact. Ever since Gothic horror burst onto the scene back in the 18th century, we’ve been obsessed with stories of witches, vampires, demons and serial killers.
We enjoy books that unsettle us. We love writers who can make us feel a bit on edge with their words. We get a sick little thrill out of novels that force us to check our wardrobes for monsters before we turn off the light and try to get some sleep.
In the 18th century horror fiction became popular because it offered fantastic stories, it compelled readers to feel strong emotions like fear (or disgust) and it grabbed their imaginations in a way that few other genres could.
In modern times, horror fiction still has a powerful hold on the human mind, and it is this grasp that has allowed it to remain so popular.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the genre or you’re just dipping your toes into its inky depths, here are six of the best novels that horror fiction has to offer. A word of warning: you might want to read them with the light on…
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The Silence of the Lambs by: Tom Harris
First published back in 1988, this is the sequel to Tom’s 1981 novel Red Dragon. Both of the books feature the creepy serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter, although this is the novel that is most well known after it was made into an Oscar-winning film starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.
In the book Clarice Sterling, a young FBI trainee, asks Hannibal for his help in the hunt for another serial killer called ‘Buffalo Bill.’ It’s creepy and incredibly well-written. Read the book and then watch the film.
Dracula by: Bram Stoker
Don’t let the classic status of this book put you off. It’s just as relevant today as it ever wasy and once you get absorbed into it, you won’t be able to put it down. Stoker’s Dracula is made up of a series of letters, diary entries and log books. It starts off with Jonathan Harker, a solicitor who is travelling to Count Dracula’s remote castle in Transylvania. Once he arrives at the castle, Jonathan soon realises that things are wrong and they get even worse when the Count catches a glimpse of his fiancee, Mina Murray.
The Monk by: Matthew Lewis
Another classic horror stories and truly one of the best books in the genre. Published in 1796, this book was considered too extreme and banned for years. Matthew Lewis was accused of blasphemy, debauchery and a host of other stuff. The author wrote the novel in the space of 10 weeks shortly before his 20th birthday and it follows the story of Ambrosio – a devout monk who is tempted into evil when he meets the mysterious Matilda. The book has horror, murder, demons, witchcraft, sex and a multitude of other things that gave it an infamous reputation.
American Psycho by: Bret Easton Ellis
When American Psycho was released, people didn’t know what to think. In fact, their first reaction (after they had recovered sufficiently from reading it) was to make thousands of petitions to have it banned. The book had such an effect on the public that publishers Simon & Schuster actually dropped Bret, however the book was released again later that year.
Following the story of Patrick Bateman (a very successful psychopath who murders people in his spare time) the book was deemed overly violent, sick and completely misogynistic. We’re not going to lie, it’s stomach churning – if you’ve seen the film, we can assure you that the book is far, far worse. Two Her.ie staffers who read it are still completely traumatised.
Haunted by: Chuck Palahniuk
Originally released in 2005, Haunted is a novel that consists of 23 short stories told by the main characters in the novel. The book is most famous for its first short story ‘Guts.’ The short story is so terrifyingly disgusting that it has spawned it’s own ‘effect.’ Every time Chuck reads it for an audience at least two people faint. It’s THAT intense. Be warned: it’s vulgar, traumatising and not for the weak of heart.
The Shining by: Stephen King
This is possibly one of the most famous horror novels of all time. Published in 1977, the book follows Jack Torrance, a writer who is trying to get his marriage and his career back on track. Jack accepts a job as a winter caretaker at the Overlook Hotel, an isolated mountain hotel and takes his family with him.
Danny, Jack’s soon, soon realises that he has psychic abilities and that the hotel is haunted. Things turn from bad to worst and Jack starts to lose his grip on reality. This is a chilling book and if you’re easily frightened, you might have to do a Joey and put it in the freezer…
