10 Best Horror Books of 2024: A Must-Read List

Horror books keep us up at night with chills and thrills. We love the suspense that horror books provide.
Bird Box coverThe Haunting of Hill House coverDracula cover

Looking for spine-tingling horror books that will keep you up all night? We’ve got you covered. Our list of the 10 best horror books focuses on those spine-chillers that bring out the goosebumps and make your heart race. We consider the eerie atmosphere, unforgettable characters, and the thrill that sets each story apart. Whether you crave psychological suspense or classic monster tales, our selection promises a reading journey into pure terror and excitement.

On this list:

10 Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Bird Box cover

  • Genre: Horror, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2014
  • Pages: 272

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We picked ‘Bird Box’ because it makes everyday life terrifying. The characters must walk blindfolded to avoid seeing mysterious creatures. It’s like playing hide and seek, but scarier!

9 The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House cover

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

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Chosen for its creepy house that somehow feels alive. This book turns any normal creak into a ghostly whisper. Perfect for ghost story lovers.

8 Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula cover

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

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This classic makes vampires both charming and scary. It’s like a history lesson but with more teeth. Great for those who love a good vampire tale.

7 The Shining by Stephen King

The Shining cover

  • Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1977
  • Pages: 447

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We added ‘The Shining’ for its creepy hotel setting and family drama. Just remember to stay away from room 237. Perfect for fans of psychological horror.

6 It by Stephen King

It cover

  • Genre: Horror, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1986
  • Pages: 1138

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We chose ‘It’ because of the terrifying clown and childhood fears. It’s long, but it fits all your phobias in one book. Ideal for those who enjoy long scares.

5 The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

The Exorcist cover

  • Genre: Horror, Supernatural
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1971
  • Pages: 340

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Selected for its chilling tale of possession. This book will make you think twice about using a Ouija board. Excellent for those who love a good scare.

4 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein cover

  • Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1818
  • Pages: 280

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This one’s a classic for a reason. It makes you question who the real monster is. Perfect for those who want more thought with their horror.

3 The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs cover

  • Genre: Horror, Psychological Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1988
  • Pages: 352

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It made the list for its chilling portrayal of a serial killer. You’ll never look at fava beans the same way. Great for fans of psychological thrillers.

2 Pet Sematary by Stephen King

Pet Sematary cover

  • Genre: Horror, Supernatural
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1983
  • Pages: 416

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This book was chosen for its haunting theme of loss and unnatural resurrection. Who knew pets could be so spooky? Ideal for those who love chills and thrills.

1 The Stand by Stephen King

The Stand cover

  • Genre: Horror, Post-Apocalyptic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1978
  • Pages: 1153

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We chose ‘The Stand’ as the best horror book for its epic story of good versus evil. It feels like reading an entire season of a spooky show. The character development is top-notch, and the plot is layered like a deliciously scary cake. It combines elements of horror, science fiction, and fantasy into a gripping tale that keeps you engaged for its entire length. Plus, the post-apocalyptic setting makes it relatable in today’s world. If you’re up for a long, thrilling read that mixes scares with deep stories, this is the book to grab. Just don’t read it alone at night!

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!