Favorite Horror Novels for upcoming Spooky Season

By Kirkletonn· August 11, 2026 · 8 items ·69 views

Just wanted to drop some of my favorite horror novels. horror novels got me back into reading in general and with scary season approaching, I thought others may enjoy some recommendations. Thanks @adam-milton for the inspiration to do this list.

1A-

The Staircase in the Woods

Chuck Wendig · 2025

Fantasy Horror

This movie is a wild ride and I loved it all. The ending escapes me a bit but the journey was still very enjoyable

2B+

Incidents Around the House

Josh Malerman · 2024

Horror Fantasy +1

A haunting tale told from the perspective of an 8 year old girl. Very chilling and well thought out in its writing in my opinion.

3A-

We Used to Live Here

Marcus Kliewer · 2024

Horror Thriller +1

A wild ride. So many "wtf" moments. Really fun read.

4A-

Hidden Pictures

Jason Rekulak · 2022

Horror Suspense +2

Really nice main character who goes through good development when wrapped up in a weird babysitting situation that takes a twist I didn't see coming.

5B-

Old Country

Matt Query · 2022

Fantasy Horror

A little controversial on this one. People on reddit didn't like it apparently and their complaints were valid, but the idea alone of this one kept me going until the end. I enjoyed it but some may not

6B+

Intercepts

T.J. Payne · 2019

Thriller Horror +2

Really good sci-fi thriller with good horror aspects and a solid ending twist.

7B-

Dead Silence

S.A. Barnes · 1996

Science Fiction Adventure +1

Very simple in nature and nothing overly outstanding about it, but I still had fun. I am also a sucker for sci-fi/in-space horror and this book does a good job at establishing that feeling.

Dead of Winter

Robert Asprin · 2023

Thriller Mystery +1

A fun who-done-it style mystery filled with bloody murder. This book sent me down a rabbit hole of this author's work and I have enjoyed several others from her.

Comments5

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Adam MiltonAug 12, 2026

@Kirkletonn I saw Dead Silence on instagram a few months ago. I am going to add a few of these to my backlog. We are still nemesis, however.

KirkletonnAug 12, 2026

Hope you enjoy the list! I was surprised to see we showed up as opposites considering when I look at your top 5 and a lot of your ratings, we like a lot of the same things haha hopefully our taste in horror lines up!

Electric SheepAug 11, 2026

I've been meaning to finish reading Between Two Fires. I've heard it's a really good horror story.

KirkletonnAug 11, 2026

That is actually next on my read list now that I have finished/caught up on the DCC books. I heard its like reading a dark souls book which excites me

Electric SheepAug 11, 2026

@adam-milton