Top 5 Horror Books To Read For The Atmospheric Feel Of Being Spooked

While the story of The Exorcist is most commonly known with the film of the same title, this novel can be considered a genesis to that massive popularity that the film gained. Written by William Peter Blatty the story of the book follows with a young girl named Regan MacNeil being possessed by a demon, as a result of which her behavior is not only erratic but unbelievably horrifying. The book tells the story of how her exorcism is carried out with a link to the demon’s origin as well. This is a power packed horror book that will keep the readers on the edge of their seats till the very end. 

If you are on the lookout for a classic horror story then Frankenstein by Marry Shelley is one of the most impressive books to think of. It is a marvellous read that has a lot of subtext to follow and offers some wisdom to the readers with its moral lessons. The plot follows the obsession of a scientist with creating something unnatural, a best of sorts that is hard to kill or be injured, he does so with the making of Frankenstein whom he eventually abandons, but the twist to the story is that the monster is not dumb or incapable of intelligence and feelings. To read what happens next, reading this book is recommended. 

Any list of horror book recommendations is incomplete without including in a read from Stephen King and that is why Mr. Mercedes is mentioned here. It is the macabre tale of a psychotic killer and a detective trying his best to beat the odds of catching the perpetrator of unkind and unhinged evilness. This may not qualify as a strictly horror book with supernatural elements but it is spooky enough given the fact that it is about a merciless serial killer on the loose planning to execute unspeakable horrors all the while challenging a detective to find him. The plot of this book has been adapted into a series on Netflix as well, but we recommend that you choose to read the book. 

The plot of this book is straight out of a well made horror film, similar tropes but with a twist of originality to offer that will keep your interest in reading the book intact. Mallory finds a new job to take care of a 4 year old charming young boy Teddy, but things start to get spooky and thrilling when Teddy starts drawing disturbing and graphic images with his crayons about his imaginary friend Anya. Teddy’s parents and Mallory even with the innocence of crayon drawings can spot the malicious nature behind the Teddy craft and creativity, as result and reach the unanimous decision of confiscating all means to discourage him from drawing, despite this the drawings still happen. Spooked enough with the summary? Get the book to find out what happens next. 

Horror is redefined in this book that borders on a survival challenge and watching really bad things happen if not following the strict code of reaching an enclosed space before the light of the day fades. Readers would be introduced to the character of Mina who finds herself trapped in a setting which is mysterious and horrifying. She is urged by a woman screaming and telling her to seek refuge in a bunker, and the plot thickens from there on as she finds herself inside a room with a wall of glass through which she can see all the horrors that may befall a person if they do not reach a shelter before night begins as creatures come out for mayhem, murder and gore. 

Explore such recommendations in our Reading Corner section.