10 Best Horror Novels of The Year 2023

In this blog, we unveil a carefully curated selection of the “10 Best Horror Novels of The Year 2023.” These tales beckon you to explore the darkest corners of human nature and the supernatural, promising spine-tingling suspense, macabre mysteries, and unsettling narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned horror enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these novels are your gateway to a world where fear and fascination converge.

How to Sell a Haunted House (Grady Hendrix)

Known for his mastery of blending horror with pop culture references and a touch of campy darkness, Grady Hendrix continues to weave his magic in “How to Sell a Haunted House.” In this latest offering, he elevates the emotional stakes and introduces genuinely unsettling scenes of supernatural strangeness and familial psychodrama.

The story follows Louise as she reluctantly returns to her childhood home after her parents’ sudden death, where she must confront not only her brother’s resentment but also a malevolent presence that refuses to let go of the house. Hendrix’s knack for turning the seemingly innocuous into something spine-chilling is on full display, making even puppets a source of fear in this captivating tale.

Her Little Flower (Shannon Morgan)

Francine Thwaite has spent her entire fifty-five years in her family’s ancestral home, a sprawling Elizabethan manor. While no living souls share the house with her, she is far from alone, for Thwaite Manor is haunted by a presence of friendly and familiar ghosts. Among them, the most cherished is Bree, a mischievous ghost girl who has been Francine’s companion since her childhood.

However, the tranquility of Thwaite Manor is disrupted when Francine’s estranged sister, Madeleine, returns after years of absence. Madeleine brings with her a haunting tale that shakes the very foundation of Francine’s beliefs—a narrative of cruelty, desperation, terror, and profound heartache.

As Francine delves deeper into the dark shadows of her family’s past and begins to uncover the role she may have played in its haunting history, she faces the harrowing truth that confronting the past may require her to sacrifice what she holds most dear. This gripping and emotionally charged story invites readers to explore the intricate tapestry of family secrets, haunting memories, and the haunting presence of Thwaite Manor.

Maeve Fly (C. J. Leede)

In this tale of unbridled excess, we follow the disaffected Maeve as she navigates the streets of Los Angeles, concealed behind a mask that conceals her psychopathic tendencies. As the fragile threads connecting her to society begin to fray, the harsh realities of the modern city collide with a woman who has lost all regard for societal norms. While Leede initially withholds the gory details, when the floodgates finally open, “Maeve Fly” descends into a maelstrom of absolute carnage.

Bodies are mutilated, and power tools find unconventional uses that would undoubtedly void their warranties. It’s evident that Leede draws inspiration from Bret Easton Ellis’ “American Psycho,” yet Maeve retains just enough humanity to emerge as the year’s most compelling anti-hero, a character who straddles the line between horror and empathy, making her a truly unforgettable presence in the literary landscape.

The Spite House (Johnny Compton)

The tradition of the American ‘Bad Place’ in literature, from Edgar Allan Poe through Shirley Jackson, Richard Matheson, and Stephen King, finds a compelling contemporary addition in Johnny Compton’s “The Spite House.” Compton’s initial concept is striking: a house constructed purely out of spite, raising questions about the malevolence woven into its very foundation. He masterfully expands upon this premise, offering a fresh perspective on the nature of ghosts. However, the true magic lies in how Compton packs an abundance of substance into a relatively concise novel.

The intricate backstory that ensnares the beleaguered Ross family within the Spite House could suffice as a novel on its own, yet Compton seamlessly layers history, haunting, family curses, themes of madness, and a subtle commentary on racial and economic inequality. And let’s not forget, it’s genuinely terrifying, making “The Spite House” a multifaceted and spine-chilling addition to the lineage of the American ‘Bad Place’ in literature.

Don’t Fear the Reaper (Stephen Graham Jones)

Stephen Graham Jones’ award-winning “My Heart is a Chainsaw” returns to the epicenter of self-aware carnage in Proofrock, Idaho. This second volume of a proposed trilogy reunites readers with the indomitable and slasher-savvy Jade Daniels for another night of extreme violence intertwined with niche movie trivia. The mythic Native American killer, Dark Mill South, descends upon the town, and this time, with prior knowledge of Jade’s character, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” offers a more intimate view of her.

While she remains fierce, she also reveals vulnerability and forms new friendships to combat the horror. The story strikes a balance between warmth and intellectual engagement, much like a finely honed knife. As we anticipate the final part of the trilogy, “Don’t Fear the Reaper” could be considered the horror equivalent of “The Empire Strikes Back,” although it’s safe to say that the concluding installment won’t feature anything as endearing as an Ewok.

Wild Spaces (S. L. Coney)

S.L. Coney’s enigmatic tale unfolds in a coastal setting where a young boy enjoys an idyllic life filled with the wonders of nature and simple adventures. However, the arrival of his grandfather sets in motion a subtle yet profound transformation within the boy, one that perplexes his parents and elicits eerie reactions from his loyal dog, Teach. This Lovecraftian gem of a story, while brief in its exposition, is rich in its ability to evoke a sense of unease and curiosity.

The narrative, much like the tentacles of an otherworldly creature, slips through your grasp, leaving you circling around the elusive truth it harbors. Yet, amidst the cryptic atmosphere, Teach, the loyal canine companion, emerges as a beacon of loyalty and warmth. His presence adds depth to the narrative, allowing even this concise tale to leave a lasting imprint on your heart, reminding us of the enduring power of the bond between humans and their faithful companions in the realm of horror fiction.

The Night Begins (Abigail F Taylor)

In this intriguing tale, “Freshman” Darcy Mills yearns to mend the strained relationship with her mother, Althea. When Darcy receives a heartfelt letter from Althea, requesting her assistance with a downsizing move to Dallas, she eagerly embraces the opportunity to reconnect. However, returning to her childhood home means confronting the haunting memories that still linger within its walls.

As Darcy grapples with her past, she is also confronted by a sinister presence lurking in the nearby woods, keenly aware of her return. This story weaves a captivating narrative of family rituals, southern folklore, and the mystical, all set in the evocative backdrop of rural Texas. As Darcy seeks to repair her family bonds, she must also contend with the malevolent force that awaits her, adding an eerie and suspenseful layer to this tale of self-discovery and supernatural intrigue.

Loteria (Cynthia Pelayo)

In “Lotería” by Cynthia Pelayo, readers are treated to a collection of over fifty miniature tales inspired by the Mexican card game, drawing from Latin American folklore and beliefs. While not all stories are horrific, the collection tends towards the macabre, featuring ghosts, monsters, vengeful acts, and sinister rituals. Pelayo, an award-winning poet, showcases her talent for concise and evocative storytelling, crafting narratives where every word matters.

Her prose, at times as succinct as Hemingway’s, doesn’t lack in atmosphere or unsettling detail. As a Puerto Rican writer, Pelayo creates culturally specific yet universally imaginative pocket worlds, where tiny details like a pink quinceañera dress, a crow’s feather, or the eerie scratching in a child’s bedroom form the basis for dark celebrations of otherworldly otherness, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

Tell Me I’m Worthless (Alison Rumfitt)

This compact yet cutting novel portrays modern Britain as a haunted and malevolent house, with the state of the nation serving as its backdrop. Following a disturbing night at Albion House, Alice and Ila’s friendship is shattered. Alice, a transgender woman, seeks solace online, while Ila becomes entangled with militant gender-critical feminists. In a narrative reminiscent of classic haunted house tales, they are compelled to return to the site of their trauma in search of closure, facing a host of demons along the way.

Rumfitt’s deeply personal and haunting approach draws intentional parallels with Shirley Jackson’s iconic “The Haunting of Hill House,” but “Tell Me I’m Worthless” is a story deeply rooted in the harsh realities of British life. It is a novel that undeniably reflects the zeitgeist of our times, making it a valid and timely addition to contemporary literature.

Spin a Black Yarn (Josh Malerman)

In Josh Malerman’s “Spin a Black Yarn,” readers are treated to a collection of five chilling tales that seamlessly blend horror, dark humor, and unexpected twists. “Argyle” unravels sinister secrets behind a father’s facade through a dying man’s confession, while “Doug and Judy Buy the House Washer(TM)” dives into modern consumerism and possession.

“Egorov” pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe with its faux-haunting and revenge narrative, and “Half the House Is Haunted” stands out as an eerie exploration of childhood trauma and uncanny presence, reminiscent of Shirley Jackson or Paul Tremblay. “The Jupiter Drop” takes readers on an extraordinary journey into space, intertwining it with introspective psychological horror. This collection exemplifies Malerman’s talent for blurring the lines between the supernatural and the human psyche, delivering a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience.

Also Read: 15 Must-Read Books of the Year 2023