Warning: This article discusses topics of sexual assault, extreme violence, and death.
✕ Remove ads
There are many incredibly scary stories that are not technically classified as a horror book. While there are several classic and terrifying horror books you can check out, there are also titles from other genres that are just as creepy.
While there may not be monsters or anything supernatural, fear comes in many forms. From science fiction to thrillers with twist endings, these brilliant novels also make disturbing reads.
10 The Road (2006)
Written by Cormac McCarthy
Near
Cormac McCarthy’s The path is a fantastic post-apocalyptic read about a father and son living in the dust of the remains of America. The pathThe cannibalistic groups and messages about global warming are definitely chilling. Although there is no great threat other than humanity itself, no one is truly safe in The path.
✕ Remove ads
Images such as those of a newborn baby roasted on fire or the father shooting a prowler are even more disturbing in The path graphic novel, but McCarthy’s original words create an atmosphere of terror that stays with readers long afterward.
9 The Sparrow (1996)
Written by Maria Doria Russell
the sparrow by Mary Doria Russell is a fascinating story about a Jesuit missionary’s journey to a distant planet. The opening sets the overall unnerving tone of the book, with the sole survivor, Emilio, barely making it back to Earth. His recollection of the events on Rakhat begins fondly, but his narrative becomes more heartbreaking as he recounts meeting more of the planet’s inhabitants.
✕ Remove ads
Emilio is clearly psychologically damaged after witnessing mutilation, death and destruction. the sparrow It’s a great science fiction novel that deserves a film adaptation, especially since Russell’s description of the disturbing incidents is so memorable.
8 Never Let Me Go (2005)
Written by Kazuo Ishiguro
Near
never let me go by Kazuo Ishiguro is a spooky, dystopian book about an alternate reality that uses human cloning for organ cultivation. Kathy’s description of this world is bizarre, and the horrible treatment given to the clones and the conditions they are forced to live in is shocking.
The novel’s political and ethical themes are thought-provoking, and while there are no outright horrifying moments, the harsh reality of the characters’ situation is incredibly terrifying.
✕ Remove ads
never let me go It is a book that is more fiction than science, but this allows for its scarier elements. The novel’s political and ethical themes are thought-provoking, and while there are no outright horrifying moments, the harsh reality of the characters’ situation is incredibly terrifying.
7 The Bright Girls (2013)
Written by Lauren Beukes
Near
Although Lauren Beaukes The bright girls Winner of the August Derleth Award for Best Horror Novel, the haunting time-travel story is technically filed as science fiction. Serial killer Harper Curtis’ journey through the decades to attack the titular group is exciting but nerve-wracking.
✕ Remove ads
The non-linear narrative that jumps between the murders and a future investigation into Curtis builds a lot of anticipation, especially since the killer is apparently motivated by a haunted house that sets him on this path. AppleTV bright girls The adaptation beautifully brings Beaukes’ novel to life and perfectly depicts Curtis’ unhinged behavior.
6 pretty girls (2015)
Written by Karin massacre
Karin Slaughter, the mind behind the police procedure Will TrentHe is also the author of pretty girlsa compelling story set twenty years after the disappearance of Claire’s sister Julia. Claire’s determination to understand her sister’s absence is chilling, especially when she discovers more about Julia’s past.
✕ Remove ads
15 Thriller Related Books With Twisted Endings That Did Not Disappoint
A good psychological or crime thriller should keep readers in suspense until the big final plot twist, and these suspenseful books won’t disappoint.
2
pretty girls It is an emotional read, and the simple murder mystery novel becomes a narrative full of extreme violence and psychological manipulation. There are many spooky elements to pretty girls that make it feel like a horror book, mainly due to its overly graphic descriptions of certain moments.
5 Lord of the Flies (1954)
Written by William Golding
Near
lord of the flies by William Golding is unofficially considered horror, but is actually labeled as a thriller. The waning mentality of young people stranded on an island is a brilliant look at how separation from the real world can mentally destroy someone.
✕ Remove ads
The fact that the characters are children makes this story even more disturbing, something that the next lord of the flies The remake must be executed perfectly. The abrupt change in their personalities as the threat of the imaginary Beast is strange, but it makes readers cringe again and again.
4 Johnny Got His Gun (1939)
Written by Dalton Trumbo
Near
Dalton Trumbo surprisingly creates a heartbreaking story with Johnny got his gunwhich focuses on World War I Private Joe. The loss of his limbs makes Joe a prisoner of his own mind from which he cannot escape, and his memories of happier times before the war are deeply heartbreaking.
✕ Remove ads
Johnny got his gun It’s also a film that depicts the most horrific depictions of war, and Trumbo fantastically adapts his own work to the screen. Readers often claim that Johnny got his gun plagues his nightmares, which makes sense, considering how brutal Joe’s experiences are.
3 1984 (1949)
Written by George Orwell
Near
1984 by George Orwell is a classic novel that delves into the petrifying realities of a totalitarian society. Orwell presents a world that is far from idyllic, plagued by war, conflict, and centralized power, all for the sake of the government’s message of the common good that it dictates.
Orwell presents a world that is far from idyllic, plagued by war, conflict, and centralized power, all for the sake of the government’s message of the common good that it dictates.
✕ Remove ads
1984 It forces readers to reflect on society in a way that makes them uncomfortable, but that’s the point of the book. Several dystopian films with an Orwellian message are inspired by 1984especially since the threat to individuality and freedom is undoubtedly a terrifying general premise.
2 The Last Policeman (2012)
Written by Ben H. Winters
Ben H. Winters The last policeman Initially it appears to be a standard detective story. However, the establishment of a barely functioning world in the lead-up to an extinction-level event is extremely terrifying. Society gives up on the imminent knowledge that an asteroid is approaching Earth, except for Hank Palace.
✕ Remove ads
While Hank tries to stay calm and continue investigating murders, The last policeman He wonders what the meaning of life is.The last policeman It begins with mystery, but the haunting shadow of the end of days gives readers goosebumps.
1 A Clockwork Orange (1962)
Written by Anthony Burgess
Near
A Clockwork Orange is another dystopian story that is tremendously heartbreaking. Alex’s life and world are filled with horrible things, ranging from extreme violence, nights of drinking and drugs, and mass sexual assaults. Anthony Burgess’ iconic novel becomes increasingly erratic in each of the three parts.
10 Related Horror Books That Are Perfect Fall Reads
Fall is a spooky and chilling time, and these fantastic horror books are absolutely perfect reads to curl up and enjoy while staying out of the cold.
✕ Remove ads
Alex is far from a likable protagonist and it makes sense that A Clockwork Orange It is banned or censored in certain parts of the world. Although it invites reflection, A Clockwork Orange It’s absolutely a horror book, even if it’s not filed as such.