A diverse genre, horror has varied definitions, ranging from trope-laden conventions to atmospheric elements. The historical roots of literary horror trace back to 18th-century British Gothic fiction and late Victorian novels, addressing the crisis of masculinity and modernity. 

These are some of the best horror books ever written. 

It by Stephen King

In Derry, Maine, seven teenagers faced a horrifying creature. Now adults, they reunite as children are again murdered, and their memories of battling the evil resurface. Stephen King's "It" goes into Derry's deep, dark hold on the author, finding a place in some of the author's books. 

The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

Actress Chris MacNeil faces disturbing changes in her usually sweet daughter Regan. Regan experiences violent fits, foul-mouthed curses, and physical mutation. Medical efforts fail, prompting Chris to seek help from priest and psychiatrist Damien Karras. Identifying evil, Karras suggests an exorcism and brings forth Father Merrin, a specialist in demon exorcism. 

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Will Navidson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, and his partner Karen Green are the centers of this story as they face horrific unease against their new house with an abyss behind a closet door, growls endangering their minds wearing reality-like masks and filling nightmares. The novel's unconventional format, with colored words, footnotes, and appendices, adds to its cultural fascination and enduring impact across different mediums. 

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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

This classic masterpiece follows four seekers: Montague, an occult scholar; his assistant Theodora; Eleanor, who knows about poltergeists; and Luke, the heir to Hill House. Every day they spend in the unkind mansion reveals new abnormalities, and the Hill House gathers its forces to select one of them.  

The Shining by Stephen King

Jack Torrance sees his new job at the remote Overlook Hotel as a fresh start. He expects to reconnect with his family and work on his writing during the off-season. However, as winter sets in, sinister forces emerge. Only his son, Danny Torrance, with unique gifts, senses the strange and terrible presence. 

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

In postwar rural Warwickshire, Dr. Faraday is a respected country physician who goes to Hundreds Hall in its decrepitude. The Ayres family, the owner of the house, faces challenges keeping up with societal changes and internal conflicts. As the family struggles, Dr. Faraday becomes unwittingly entwined in their haunting story, facing more sinister forces than just the decline of a way of life. 

Ghost Story by Peter Straub

In Milburn, New York, four old men share frightening stories as a pastime. However, one tale involving a wicked mistake and a horrifying accident from their past returns to haunt them and their quiet town, revealing that the past cannot be buried forever. 

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Troubled by memories of Sweet Home, Sethe runs away to Ohio. Her house is haunted by the ghost of her dead child, who died without a name and whose tombstone only has one word written on it: Beloved. However, when a teenage girl proclaims she is Beloved, Sethe's secret unfolds. 

A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

Marjorie develops acute schizophrenia, and Barrett becomes worried that their life will take a major turn. Hopeless, they appeal to a Catholic priest advocating for performing an exorcism. They become the stars of a reality TV show, upon which it follows more tragedy. It is not until 15 years later that Marjorie's sister remembers contrasting memories, blurring reality and horror. 

Dracula by Bram Stoker

This 1897 novel introduced one of the most famous characters in horror. Count Dracula travels from Transylvania to England to spread an undead curse. Themes that are depicted in this novel include Victorian culture, sexuality, immigration, and colonialism. Bram Stoker defined the modern vampire and inspired various theater, film, and television adaptations. 

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