Jade Westley

Horror: say the word, and your mind might conjure images of gore, or axe-murderers, or supernatural hauntings. But the genre is much more than just a niche story. Horror literature covers a much wider range of narrative than hauntings and killings. In fact, if you’ve read a dozen books in your life, you’ve probably read a horror novel.

And that’s a good thing.

Horror literature, like all genres, has its drawbacks. It isn’t for everyone. But there’s plenty of reasons why you should read horror books:

1. Horror can help people work through fear or trauma

Throughout life, everyone encounters fears, endures hardships, and deals with monsters in his or her closet. The odds seem to stack up against you, and you wonder if you’ll ever make it, if the clouds will ever break. If your real world looks bleak, maybe you’ll want to turn to a horror book.

Horror stories always contain triumph. Dive into any horror book and you’ll encounter chaos, trouble, and fear. But as your fingers turn the pages, the characters will reach into themselves, mustering up courage and perseverance to fight–and oftentimes overcome–the evil in the novel. If horror novels can teach readers anything, it’s that anything can be overcome.

No matter how many monsters jump out of the abyss, no matter how many supernatural creatures haunt an unsuspecting town, the protagonist (and company) will find a way–even unconventionally–to beat the odds. By reading horror novels, you can, too.

2. Lessons about good and evil

Horror might actually be the most wholesome genre of literature. Before you heartily disagree, take a second and think about it. Every horror book needs a villain: some are people, some monsters, some supernatural beings. In the book, the villain represents evil, and the heroes or protagonists must overcome that evil to attain victory and peace. Horror teaches us about evil, in that the genre shows that evil can take many forms, and is not always by-the-book. However, if horror teaches about evil, it also shows that, no matter the form of evil, it can be overcome. Good wins over evil nearly every time.

Many times, horror novels tackle popular fears or superstitions. The popularity of the genre speaks for itself, here: people have an innate desire to ponder the unknown, or the gruesome, or the taboo. But real life is more brutal than horror books: good doesn’t always win. The best way to ponder the repercussions of a murder, or of haunting, or anything that scares you, is to read a horror book. Because in horror novels, good always wins.

3. Helps children control their fears

Everyone is familiar with the monster in the closet, or under the bed, or down the hall. Adults are able to use advanced logic to control these types of fears, to banish the monster. But children aren’t as capable: on average their imaginations are more active than that of an adult. The pile of laundry in the closet becomes a monster, the sound of the air conditioning a ghost.

But reading horror books–even in small doses–can help children confront their fears and build the logic bridge between the monster and the air conditioning. Reading about the monsters allows children’s minds to be imaginative, while also shutting the monster in the closet of their imagination instead of their bedroom. Horror allows children to use that overactive imagination without letting it control their nightmares.

4. Adrenaline without danger

Roller Coasters were invented for the thrills. Adrenaline junkies around the world seek thrills at the cost of their own safety. Horror literature can provide a similar adrenaline-inducing experience, but without the threat of life or limb.

While reading any book, you become–to some extent–the protagonist. For about 300 pages, you walk in their shoes, feel their emotions, think their thoughts. If a book is written well, you feel everything the characters experience, including adrenaline. Not many genres can make your heart beat faster.

And if the action is too intense, or if your heart’s beating too fast, you can put the book down. You can come back later, after you’ve watched a Hallmark movie or done some coloring. After all, you’re not strapped into the harness.

5. More immersive experience

Books have a strange way of captivating readers. On the outside, readers don’t seem to be doing much: sitting in a chair, eyes running down the lines, fingers turning the pages. But inside, readers are fully immersed in the story. The characters come to life, the story twisting and turning.

But one thing about a horror book’s immersive experience is its unpredictability. Many genres follow the classic literary structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution. In most books, you can guess where the characters will end up, and sometimes even predict how the book is going to end.

Horror tries to stay away from this. After all, if a scary story is predictable, it isn’t scary. So many books in the genre are fully equipped with unexpected plot twists, blindsiding choices, or endings that don’t quite satisfy. When you read a horror book, you never know just what you might get. Will there be a happy ending? You’ll only know if you keep reading.

6. Endlessly entertaining

The horror genre revolves around the unknown. Because of this, horror books contain unexpected twists and turns, well-rounded characters, and a satisfying, hair-raising story arc. If a horror book is well-written, it’ll be one you’ll want to read in full, in one sitting. If you put it down, you’ll likely be thinking about it until you pick it up again, asking yourself “what happens next?”.

That’s the beauty of horror novels. You never know what happens next. But you know the characters, and you’re rooting for them the whole time. You get so connected to them that you feel like you almost are the characters. And that makes for great reading, no matter the genre.

7. The protagonist(s)

Raise your hand if you’ve always secretly wanted to be a monster slayer, or a clairvoyant, or epic adventurer. In horror novels, you can be. You can jump into a story and tag along with characters as they fight evil and slay monsters. Each protagonist is different, but most characters in horror novels are well fleshed out: they have to be in order for a reader to empathize with them. By picking up the book, you find friends–and enemies–within the words.

Sometimes, we see bits of ourselves in characters. The “classics” in literature do this well: they capture something of human nature in their characters. Protagonists in the horror genre almost need to do this: readers need to recognize part of themselves in the characters they’re reading. 

8. More than one narrative

Let’s face it: most books fall into more than one genre. A fantasy book, for example, can be characterized in different ways by different people: one might think it’s a thriller, another simply an adventure tale. The beauty of horror lies in the complicated network of sub-genres within the “horror” label.

If you want to read a horror book, but don’t want graphic depictions of gore, you’ll find plenty of books in the genre that fit the bill. From psychological thrillers to fantastical tales, the horror genre has much more to offer than monsters and murder. Each sub-genre is vastly different from the other: unlike some genres (looking at you, romance) one book is not exactly like another. They do not follow the same sequence, contain the same tropes, or even cause the same hair-raising response from readers.

Pick up two horror books from the same shelf, and you’ll notice that they’re different. One might be a true horror novel, with monsters, blood and gore. The other might be a murder mystery, or a fantastical thriller. Both are categorized in the horror genre, but are vastly different, even down to their basic premise.

9. Collections

Many horror novels are actually collections of shorter stories carrying the same theme. This does a number of things, both for the author and the reader. Many times, authors have a host of story ideas in their head, and the novel they publish is the most fleshed-out narrative. Many novels work like this, and are incredibly complex.

But horror, as previously stated, is not easily put in a box. Plenty of horror novels contain three or more different stories that fit the same theme. This method of writing, though somewhat unorthodox, provides a refreshing reading experience and shows the multiplicity of the genre. Any story of fear or superstition can be told in many different ways, and experienced again and again in small, less terrifying doses.

Horror isn’t for everyone. But maybe it should be. It’s not just about serial killers, or the supernatural. The genre encapsulates many subjects and sub-genres, offering a wide range of stories fit for any reader. Even if it scares you, reading horor can teach you about the fundamental framework of the harsh, cold world. It provides thrills without any risk, and can maybe even help you confront the monsters in your own closet.

For your horror fans out there, we have compiled a list of our favorites published within the past one year. Which one have you missed?

1) The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires

Author: Grady Hendrix

Published: April 7, 2020

Hendrix’s newest book, a New York Times bestseller, is a horror mystery centered around themes much deeper than catching the bad guy–or in this case, the serial killer. The narrative, weaving in and around life-like characters, reveals the tale of the women in the Book Club, not just the horror storyline.

Motifs of misogyny, camaraderie, and strength cause readers to sit back and ponder society’s injustices. Hendrix doesn’t shy away from any injustice, addressing the treatment of the Black community in as harsh, honest light as the women. In short, the book is more than a horror/mystery book: it’s one about discrimination, about trust, about courage, all wrapped in a truly Southern setting.

2) If It Bleeds

Author: Stephen King

Published: April 21, 2020

Stephen King: the king of horror. His latest book is a collection of four novellas previously unpublished by the successful author. For Stephen King fans, this book feels more like a homecoming, a nod to King’s classic form. Holly Gibney–a quirky character–makes a return, and the feature story is classic King narrative. The second installment, “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” hearkens back to The Twilight Zone, highlights King’s stance on the damaging impact of cell phones, and imitates King’s older style. The next story, entitled “The Life of Chuck,” represents King’s later fictional writing, told in three distinct parts. The final installment, “Rat,” is King’s attempt at conveying his writing process, and is reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe’s works. Fans of Stephen King must read If It Bleeds.

3) The Dark Winter: A Supernatural Apocalypse Novel

Author: Flint Maxwell

Published: April 4, 2020

The third book in the Whiteout series, The Dark Winter features realistic characters, a timely setting, and fast-paced storytelling. Many horror books are filled with cliches: static characters making terrible decisions, and so on. But Maxwell’s book explores the characters, bringing them into a reality not often shown in writing. This book, with its many references to Stephen King–is one of those that keeps readers turning pages: each page is riveting, the characters true to life.  The supernatural and natural join forces in Maxwell’s books, making The Dark Winter–and the Whiteout series–a must read.

4) Dark Celebrations

Author: Calvin Demmer

Published: March 13, 2020

Calvin Demmer is a master of horror and flash fiction: his work is revered in horror and short story circles. This book, a compilation of twelve short stories revolving around–you guessed it–celebrations, zaps with the energy horror readers have come to expect of Demmer. The beauty of Demmer’s latest novel? Each story is different, and each story caters to a different, unique reader. From government cover-ups to natural disasters, this collection checks off all the boxes, and for many, Demmer’s books are a must-read. Whichever sub-genre of horror you’re into, Dark Celebrations is guaranteed to deliver.

5) The Sun Down Motel

Author: Simone St. James

Published: February 18, 2020

Is this book James showing off? Probably. Spanning two settings and 35 years, James’s latest book, The Sun Down Motel, is a psychological thriller at its finest. Nostalgia? Check. Entertaining? Check. The masterfully-crafted settings drop readers into a believable world, where ghosts roam among the living. As if propelled by ghosts, these pages turn themselves. From the first page, you forget the real world, diving deeper into the masterful writing, making friends with the incredibly-realistic protagonists. This book delivers on all fronts: it is spooky, supernatural, and riveting.

6) The Deep

Author: Alma Katsu

Published: March 10, 2020

This period piece, set on the fated ship the Titanic, follows a young, tormented protagonist across the ocean, through flashbacks, and into the supernatural. Katsu weaves a narrative of historical horror that keeps readers fascinated. Every scene is researched and rendered in spectacular, vibrant color that leaves no stone unturned. As the plot dives deeper into the protagonist’s past, readers take the plunge, experiencing a world only revealed by Katsu’s writing. Though the famous, fated ending looms in the last pages of the book, the flow of the book paired with Katsu’s calculated diction keep readers riveted until the last page.

7) Until Summer Comes Around

Author: Glenn Rolfe

Published: May 21, 2020

Vampires – a common topic in the horror genre. For fans of the trope, Rolfe’s book is a must-read. The tale is a classic one: a girl falls for a vampire, is forced to choose between her normal life or him. Rolfe leans on the familiar characters in vampires, expecting readers to understand and recognize these traits, a welcome detour from narrative over-explaining. This teen horror novel appeals to those fascinated with vampiric culture: love, intrigue, bloodlust, and horror come together, under Rolfe’s pen, to create a familiar yet refreshing novel.

8) Dead Daughters

Author: Tim Meyer

Published: April 16, 2020

Meyer’s latest book is an instant must-read. The first page lures readers in, unable to put the book down. This psychological thriller centers around a father and daughter, but it’s so much more than that. The plot grows with the page count, as does Meyer’s creativity: each scene is crafted with impeccable detail and storytelling, leaving you with no choice but to read until the last word. In addition to the story being just plain good, readers get a rare front-row seat to characters’ inner thoughts as they wrestle with moral and ethical decisions. This thriller combines all the best elements of mystery, thriller, and creative fiction a reader could ask for.

9) Lullabies For Suffering: Tales of Addiction Horror

Author: Caroline Kepnes, Kealan Patrick Burke, Gabino Iglesias, John FD Taff, Mark Matthews, Mercedes M Yardley

Published: January 4, 2020

This book is a collection of stories, written by many authors. In its 258 pages, it presents six different stories of addiction, each that affect readers on a deep, personal level. This is not a book to read lightly: it deals with addiction on its many fronts, from a soft lullaby to a heart-wrenching tragedy, and is not for the weak of heart. The stories told in the volume cause readers to sit back, close the cover, and process a fiction which sometimes doesn’t seem so much like fiction. Prepare to be glued to the words on each page, and affected by each story in this masterful collection.

10) The Midwives: A Gripping Folk-Horror Thriller

Author: Duncan Ralston

Published: February 24, 2020

Ralston’s most recent book is a nod to classic horror: blood, guts, and terror. This book meets every expectation of the genre, a genre Ralston thrives in. The characters come alive in his writing, crouching next to readers as they run from their pasts. The antagonist surprises, the plot captivates, the endless twists and turns keep readers on their toes from page one. Ralston is no newcomer to the world of horror, and he doesn’t disappoint in this thrilling adventure of fear, sacrifice, and family.

11) The Institute: A Novel

Author: Stephen King

Published: September 10, 2019

Stephen King isn’t the king of horror for nothing: it’s no surprise another of his books made the list. In any of King’s writing, readers see glimpses of their reality: The Institute is no exception. This novel, a thrilling tale following the lives of brilliant children in an institution, alludes to something everyone knows: Auschwitz. King weaves a narrative of false hope, survival, and bravery. It asks all the right questions, forcing readers to examine themselves and the culture around them as they turn the pages of this intense, surprisingly timely thriller. King manages a riveting narrative and contemporary commentary, creating an unsettling sense of familiarity.

12) Imaginary Friend

Author: Stephen Chbosky

Published: October 1, 2019

From the author who brought the world The Perks of Being a Wallflower comes a surprise: a thriller, hair-raising to the core. At over 700 pages, this novel is the first since Chbosky’s Wallflower, and is well worth the wait. The book enters a world of the imaginary and the real, in a very Stranger Things manner. The protagonist and reader watch the real world unravel as Chbosky weaves a narrative of small-town life and suffering. This book, which provides no lack of scenes true to its horror genre, also provides a glimpse of humanity and relationship. Chbosky’s voice is prevalent in this book, like his last, and keeps readers turning pages, even past 700.

13) A Lush and Seething Hell: Two Tales of Cosmic Horror

Author: John Hornor Jacobs

Published: October 8, 2019

Jacobs forces readers to face the unknown in this book. His latest work comprises two stories (like the title suggests), each providing hair-raising narratives that will make readers squirm. Each story, though set in different times and places, tells a beautifully-crafted story of loss and terror that leaves readers trembling. Jacobs doesn’t shy away from the “cosmic horror” genre, weaving a narrative of the mysterious, creating lifelike characters in two very different, equally spooky stories. Fans of horror and fantasy alike will enjoy this book: Jacobs has a way of keeping readers turning the pages, and sleeping with the lights on.

14) Wounds: Six Stories from the Border of Hell

Author: Nathan Ballingrud

Published: April 9, 2019

Ballingrud is no stranger to horror, and his latest book does not disappoint. True to the genre, this collection is a nod to classic horror–even the cover of the book is eerie. Ballingrud’s detailed depictions of gore may surprise some readers, but each is crafted to perfection, and each story evokes a strange sense of beauty, even in these grotesque scenes. The stories are shorter, but gripping: if the titles don’t make your hair stand on edge, the plots will. Ballingrud’s style and voice shines in this display of classic horror that is sure to create a scare.

15) The Girl in Red

Author: Christina Henry

Published: June 18, 2019

From bestseller Christina Henry comes a surprisingly timely book, entitled The Girl in Red. This post-apocalyptic novel hits close to home in today’s climate: people live in fear of a virus and each other. In a plot that reminds some of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us, Henry takes readers on a journey along with the protagonist, trekking alongside the fearless adventurer as she faces inner demons and a reality that seems to come from science fiction. This carefully crafted novel earns its place in the horror genre, but it doesn’t seem too far from reality.

16) A Spectral Hue

Author: Craig Laurance Gidney

Published: June 18, 2019

Gidney’s first novel, A Spectral Hue, is a modern story in a hybrid form of horror, one that mingles with fantasy, folklore, and magical realism. This book spans decades, its many characters and settings spun into a gripping narrative. Gidney tackles current issues in today’s culture, bringing this book into focus as characters take on issues of race and sexual orientation amid a fantastical plot. This book forces readers to ponder their own opinions and beliefs while drawing them in with well-organized jumps through time. Gidney’s novel is a wonderful mix of genres, and of creativity that so many readers crave.

17) Full Throttle: Stories

Author: Joe Hill

Published: October 1, 2019

Hill’s second collection of short stories, Full Throttle reveals the author’s coming-of-age, of stepping out of Stephen King’s shadow into his own. The son of the King of horror, Hill proves in this novel that the horror genre has many voices, even if his famous father did co-write a number of the stories featured in Full Throttle. Many of the tales in the book feature a more fantastical plot, and though some plots become predictable, the book as a whole is definitely worth reading. Written over a thirteen year period with care and dedication, Hill’s latest collection is a refreshing read: Hill may yet earn his father’s title.

18) Camp Ghoul Mountain Part VI: The Official Novelization

Author: Jonathan Raab

Published: February 18, 2019

This book, written from the long-running of the same name, covers more than just the plot of the movie. Many script novelizations are average, some even boring, but Raab’s writing takes leaps and bounds above this standard, creating more depth and energy than the series has. The footnotes lining nearly every page bring clarity and comparison from the book to the series, filling in gaps that those who haven’t been following the series missed. Raab dives deeper into the canon of the series, revitalizing a world as layered as any horror story.

19) The Luminous Dead: A Novel

Author: Caitlin Starling

Published: April 2, 2019

This book, written in the third-person limited perspective, is a true science-fiction thriller: trapped in the protagonist’s head, readers struggle through the dark, unable to put the book down. But this book isn’t just about monsters: it’s about the slow unraveling of a relationship, of facing inner demons and secrets, and of surviving. Starling’s use of the single character allows readers to become completely immersed, sharing the shoes of the protagonist explorer. This is one of those books that truly transports its reader to a different, terrifying world, free of distractions.

20) Petra’s Ghost

Author: C.S. O’Cinneide

Published: August 13, 2019

O’Cinneide makes a thrilling debut with the book Petra’s Ghost. Travel journal meets mystery and thriller, the book follows one character on an emotional journey. Centered around grief, the story instantly gains a darker note, and the mystery of the story keeps readers glued to the pages. O’Cinneide’s writing brings the fiction into reality, and though the book may struggle with pacing in a few places, its original plot and emotive writing create a work worthy of reading. It isn’t a classic horror tale, but readers walk alongside the protagonist in a tale that contains all the draw of a thriller/mystery.