Killer Clown Books to Read on Halloween

Want to read a book about something other than haunted houses or vampires this Halloween? Well, most Americans will tell you that killer clowns are pretty high on their fear lists, so check out these books about insanely terrifying clowns as you prepare to scare yourself silly this Halloween.

It by Stephen King

When one thinks of killer clown books, It usually comes to mind. It was released in 1986, but it has remained in the nightmares of King's readers (and, later, viewing audiences) ever since. Who could forget Pennywise, the killer, supernatural, clown form that "It" takes when it really wants to scare the kiddies. If you've only heard of the legend that is this book, than maybe it's time for you to actually sit down and read it. This is an excellent book to begin around the Halloween season. Plus it's easy to find both new and used copies because it's such a pop classic.

The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland

If you haven't heard of this classic already, The Killing Joke stars The Joker from the Batman universe. So, no, The Killing Joke is not a big, thick book. In fact, it's a graphic novel, but that doesn't stop it from being one scary story. The great thing about a graphic novel, it's just the right size to read before bed on Halloween night. So do your nightmares a favor and pick up this insane gem--perhaps you could even dress up in a Joker costume to get yourself ready to read. However, if you're just not that interested in reading a graphic novel, but you still think that The Joker is one scary clown, try out Batman: Inferno by Alex Irvine. Inferno ties in with Batman: Begins, but general readers who don't follow the Batman comics won't be lost. It stars The Joker as well as another enemy of Gotham City named Enfer.

Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz

Life Expectancy isn't Dean Koontz's best known work of fiction, but it is definitely worth the read. Now, you might be thinking, is this the Koontz version of It? Absolutely not. However, the image of the evil clown is all over this one. The story begins with birth and murder, and, you guessed it, the main antagonists in the story are killing clowns Konrad Beezo and his son Punchinello. Koontz's evil clowns are less supernatural and more like The Joker in their crazed beliefs, thieving, murderous ways, and dark humor.

Killer Clown: The John Wayne Gacy Murders by Terry Sullivan and Peter Maiken

Craving something more horrifying? Try real life. Here's the guy who inspired so much of the fear that society feels towards the "evil clown" image. If you enjoy true crime stories, you'll probably want to read the tale of this horrendous man and the investigation surrounding his victims. A warning, though, this tale might actually be more graphic and terrifying than the fiction it inspires.

So, if you're wanting to be a little less traditional with your Halloween reading list this year, try out a few of these tales of murderous clowns.

Sources and Where to Buy:

http://www.amazon.com/Killer-Clown-John-Wayne-Murders/dp/0786014229/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252949651&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Life-Expectancy-Dean-Koontz/dp/0553588249/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252950086&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Batman-Killing-Joke-Alan-Moore/dp/1401216676/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252950158&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-King/dp/0451169514/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252950135&sr=1-1

Personal Knowledge