Best Horror Novels of All Time
One. I Am Legend. Before you see the new movie starring Will Smith, be sure to pick up the book written in 1954 by legendary horror author Richard Matheson. The short novel is about the struggle of the last man on earth. But he's not alone.
Two. Hell House. If you enjoy I Am Legend, pick up a copy of Hell House, also by Richard Matheson. As the title suggests, this is a haunted house story that will scare the hell out of you. Four people are asked to examine the psychic phenomena at the Belasco House to determine if there is life after death. But the question is: Will any of the four come out alive?
Three. The Haunting of Hill House. If you enjoy haunted house stories, you will love this classic by Shirley Jackson. It was made into an awful movie called The Haunting, but the original novel, published in 1959, remains one of the best horror novels of all time.
Four. The Shining. This story of the Overlook Hotel's caretaker remains one of Stephen King's best. Jack Torrance's slow descent into madness is even better on the page than it is on film. Originally published in 1977, the newest paperback edition includes an introduction by the author.
Five. The Exorcist. Think the movie was scary? Try reading William Peter Blatty's original manuscript. The Exorcist is the best novel featuring possession, and one of the best horror novels of all time.
Six. Rosemary's Baby. Another fantastic film that was originally a fantastic horror novel. Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin is a magnificent read, unless your pregnant.
Seven. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This classic by Robert Louis Stevenson is as eerie today as it was in January of 1886 when it was first published. None of the movie adaptations do this horror story justice, so just read the book.
Eight. Dracula. Bram Stoker's masterpiece is a must-read for any fan of the horror genre. The Count truly comes alive on the page in Bram Stoker's classic vampire novel.
Nine. Frankenstein. Mary Shelley delved deep into the human condition and examined man's fascination with death on a level never before (or after) achieved in fiction. Frankenstein remains one of the best horror novels of all time.
Ten. At the Mountains of Madness. As a matter of fact, read just about anything by H.P. Lovecraft, and you will not be disappointed. He was a true master of the horror genre. Another great recommendation is The Dunwich Horrors.
Published by Jack Oceano
Jack Oceano is an attorney whose articles cover a broad range of topics, including politics, legal issues, travel and tourism, dining and nightlife, sports, books, movies, music, and writing. View profile
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36 Comments
Post a Comment"The Haunting of Hill House," by Shirley Jackson, WAS made into a horrendously bad movie in 1999. But do yourselves a favor & watch the 1963 version, also called "The Haunting" (preferably alone, late at night, in an isolated area). Even the title credit is scary.
Love creed By James Herbert, The Shining and the Breathing Dead by A M Esmonde for gore!
good book!
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was a good idea on the duality of man.. but it wasn't scary at all... maybe back in Victorian times it was creepy, but that book really isn't scary at all. also, I am legend really shouldn't be number 1...
Great list but I have to agree with others that IT was a terrifying book. Just thinking about Pennywise is sending a chill down my spine!
Great topics, great list!
I would like to nominate William Goldman's "Magic" which took the old device of a ventriloquist doll with a mind of its own to new heights of literary excellence.
I think that this is a great atricle I love scary movies I think that they are the best ever. I haven't read any scary novels but love them also. My favorite would be halloween I love that movie every time I see it it is like the frist time I ever saw it it is that scary to me. And if it came out in a book or novel that I no of I would like to see it and or like to read it I haven't seen a novel yet in the Halloween book. Very good and instering atricle thanks for a great conversation picece.
wow good story.. im not that much in to scary movies/books but sometimes i like to give them a go.
Great list, Jack! I am currently reading Hell House, and it's awesome. I love Stephen King and The Shining is one of my favorites, but I have to agree with one of the other comments, you left out Pet Sematary and It. Pet Sematary is my absolute favorite, with The Shining next. You are right, the movie cannot do justice to the book, although the tv movie starring Steven Weber came close. Rosemary's Baby is a good read, but I didn't really like Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Again, great list. I'm a horror fan myself and they sure don't write them like they used to.