Best Horror Books by Famous Authors Reviewed (2024)

Here's a list of six must-read books by famous horror authors. They will keep you awake at night!
Carrie coverThe Haunting of Hill House coverHell House cover

Ever sat down on a dark stormy night and thought, ‘I need a good scare’? Well, we’ve got you covered with our list of spine-chilling tales by famous horror authors. When we pick books for this list, we focus on stories that keep you up at night, make you double-check your locks, and perhaps, even sleep with the lights on. From classic haunts to modern psychological horrors, we’ve selected books that will grip you from the first page to the last. So, brace yourself as we explore the terrifying worlds crafted by some of the most famous horror authors.

On this list:

6 Carrie by Stephen King

Carrie cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1974
  • Pages: 199

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We chose this book because it’s Stephen King’s first published novel and it sets the tone for his career in horror. It’s about a high school girl with telekinetic powers who gets pushed too far. It’s a wild ride from start to finish.

5 The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House cover

  • Genre: Gothic, Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1959
  • Pages: 182

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This book is a classic in haunted house stories. Shirley Jackson knows how to creep you out without needing lots of gore. The eerie atmosphere and psychological horror make it a must-read.

4 Hell House by Richard Matheson

Hell House cover

  • Genre: Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1971
  • Pages: 301

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Richard Matheson, another one of the famous horror authors, delivers a terrifying haunted house experience that amplifies the chills. This book is known for its intense and graphic scenes.

3 American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

American Psycho cover

  • Genre: Psychological horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1991
  • Pages: 399

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This one is extreme and not for the faint-hearted. Bret Easton Ellis dives into the mind of a psychopath. The book explores the dark side of human nature and consumer culture, making it both horror and satire.

2 Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Bird Box cover

  • Genre: Horror, Post-apocalyptic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 272

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Here’s a modern horror story that sticks with you. Josh Malerman creates a world where seeing the unknown drives people insane. It’s a gripping tale of survival and the unknown.

1 Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula cover

  • Genre: Gothic, Horror
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1897
  • Pages: 418

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The best for last! Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ is iconic. This is the one that set the bar for vampire stories. The gripping tale of Count Dracula’s attempt to move from Transylvania to England is filled with suspense and horror. It’s a must-read for any horror fan.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!