I’m not much of a scary book reader, but since it’s that time of year I figured I’d share my favorites all the same. I could only come up with four that would qualify, so as a bonus I turned to my husband David who loves this stuff. Here we go!
IT by Stephen King
– David turned me on to Stephen King as a writer, and although I tend to stay away from his horror stuff, I did tackle IT and man was it good. Yeah there is some scary stuff in there, but you’d also be surprised to know that there is a beautiful coming-of-age story within it, as well as a lovely portrait of childhood friendship. (P.S. – David says the scariest Stephen King book is Pet Sematary.)
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
– This is the true story of a near Ebola outbreak in the U.S. After reading this, Ebola was my #1 fear for quite awhile, and it’s super scary how quickly it can spread. Too apt in light of recent events, as well.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
– A classic for a reason, this is such a well-written, suspenseful story.
The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule
– One of my favorite true crime books because the author, Ann Rule, was actually friends with serial killer Ted Bundy at the time of his killings and so had a unique insight into his psychopathy. This one freaked me out because of the way Bundy lured innocent women to him. It was definitely good for me to read as a friendly, trusting person.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
(David’s pick) He says: I knew the story and I had seen the movie, but it was still the scariest thing I’ve ever read and maybe even the best book I’ve ever read. It’s raw, and you feel so deeply how helpless the girl’s parents are as they try to figure out what’s going on with their daughter.
Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
– (David’s pick) He says: If you like vampire stuff at all, this is absolutely not cheesy. It’s set in Sweden which gives it an amazing atmosphere and you feel cold and actually scared.
Full disclosure: I started getting really creeped out when searching for these book covers, so I don’t know if I’ll ever read David’s suggestions. ;) But he really does have great taste if you like that kind of thing!
Do you read scary books? What are your favorites?
From lauren w:
I am way too easily scared for scary books. I have heard good things about Let the Right One In. They made a movie about it, a Swedish one and an American remake, I think. Supposed to be good!
From Nora:
I’ve read Let the Right One In, back when I was on a vampire kick (read some Anne Rice ones, too). It was GOOD. Suspenseful in that creepy something is going to happen but I don’t know what kind of way.
While not scary necessarily, I did like all of the Charlaine Harris True Blood stories (better than the show by far) and am sad the series came to an end. Goblins and vampires and witches. Some of the books were scarier than others, content wise.
Thanks for sharing and loved David’s picks. (Supposedly the Exorcism in the Exorcist took place in STL at one of our Catholic University hospitals. If you ever come to STL, we can take David to go see it; visitors are welcome!)