15 Horror Books to Read This Summer

Looking for a way to add some chills to your summer reading list? Look no further than these 15 Horror Books to Read This Summer. From classics to modern masterpieces, this list has something for everyone who loves a good scare. Whether you prefer supernatural creatures, psychological thrillers, or haunted houses, these books will have you checking under your bed and double-checking your locks. So settle in with a cool drink and get ready to experience some spine-tingling terror with these horror reads.

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King (1975)

Salem’s Lot, one of Stephen King’s earliest works, is an enthralling read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. This tale of a small town taken over by vampires is both captivating and creepy. As the townspeople encounter increasingly bizarre phenomena and connect the dots, you’ll find yourself on edge, eagerly awaiting the ultimate revelation and showdown. In this case, a slow-burning plot makes for an exceptional horror novel that you won’t want to put down.

Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman (2011)

Set in 1935, this eerie tale follows a professor and his wife as they escape a scandal and settle in a family home near a plantation ruins in Georgia. Every month, the locals participate in a bizarre sacrificial ritual where two pigs are decorated with flower garlands and sent across the river, never to return. But what is devouring them? And what will happen if the townspeople cease this ritual? This Southern Gothic novel with supernatural elements delves into the consequences of our ancestors’ wrongdoings and is a perfect Halloween read that will leave you captivated even after the holiday has passed.

The Ruins by Scott Smith (2006)

Scott Smith’s novel takes readers on a thrilling journey with a group of carefree adventurers exploring the jungles of Mexico, only to stumble upon ancient ruins and an ominous presence. After one of their own disappears, the rest of the group forms a search party, but soon realizes that this jungle holds far more than they bargained for. Prepare to be shocked as you witness how a seemingly benign botanical kingdom can be transformed into a source of terror in this unique survivalist horror. And if you’re uncertain about what book to pick up next, consider selecting one based on your zodiac sign.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (1959)

This is yet another spine-chilling horror book that has been adapted into a popular movie and a successful Netflix series. But if you thought those were frightening, wait until you read the book – it’s even more terrifying. A peculiar investigator brings together a group of strangers in a haunted house with the intention of documenting any supernatural activity. However, they quickly become consumed by the ghastly sights and sounds within the house. Will anyone survive the ordeal? That’s the question that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

It by Stephen King (1986)

It’s no shock that Stephen King appears multiple times on this list of the best horror books since he’s widely regarded as the master of horror. This particular novel delves into a commonly held fear: clowns. Pennywise, the murderous clown, resides in the sewers beneath Derry, Maine, and feeds on the town’s youth by taking on the shape of their greatest terrors. To vanquish him, a group of children (known as the Losers Club) must unite and take a stand.

The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager (2022)

This is a horror novel that takes place in a secluded vacation home in Vermont, which is a common and effective setting for this genre. Casey Fletcher, a widowed actress seeking solace in the countryside, becomes obsessed with spying on her wealthy neighbors through binoculars. As she delves deeper into their seemingly perfect lives, Casey discovers disturbing secrets that lead to the disappearance of one of the couple. The book takes readers on a dark and twisted journey, where Casey is forced to confront a murderer and face the consequences of meddling in other people’s lives. If you’re a horror fan, be sure to add this gripping tale to your summer reading list.

Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh (2022)

Are you in the mood for a supernatural read? Look no further than Lapvona’s latest release, which has been praised as one of the best horror books of the year. Described by New Republic as a “relentless gore fest,” this dark story follows a young shepherd boy in a medieval village grappling with ancient forces of life and death. Despite the tragic loss of his mother in childbirth, the boy learns to navigate a cruel culture of cannibalism, self-flagellation, and threats by powerful men. Lapvona’s chilling portrayal of life in the Middle Ages is sure to linger with readers long after they turn the final page. If you’re thinking of starting a book club, this new release would be an excellent choice for a first read.

The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon (2022)

In The Children on the Hill, Jennifer McMahon, a bestselling author according to The New York Times, delivers a spine-tingling horror book that will leave readers on edge. The story unfolds through two timelines and centers on a psychiatric facility in Vermont. In the 1970s, a renowned doctor named Helen adopts a feral child who becomes adept at hunting monsters. Decades later, in 2019, Lizzy, a monster aficionado and podcast host, returns to Vermont to investigate a kidnapping and becomes embroiled in a deeply personal monster hunt. Through a thought-provoking exploration of themes like monsters and mental illness, the author weaves a captivating and eerie tale that will keep readers engaged until the very end.

Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmons (1989)

Stephen King, the master of horror, considers Carrion Comfort to be one of the three greatest horror novels of the 20th century. In this novel, the villains take a unique form as “mind vampires” who possess the ability to infiltrate their victims’ minds and manipulate them into committing heinous acts. The story follows Dr. Saul Laski, a psychiatrist and concentration camp survivor, as he embarks on a mission to locate and defeat these malevolent beings. It’s worth noting that this blend of horror and historical fiction contains potentially triggering racist language and situations.

The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham (1957)

An alien invasion on Earth is a challenge we could face head-on with all the weapons available to us. However, the sci-fi horror book, The Midwich Cuckoos, introduces a more complicated problem – aliens inside our children. The story features a group of golden-eyed, hyper-intelligent kids who communicate telepathically and are among the most terrifying antagonists in literature. As humanity races to eradicate the aliens hidden among them, the situation becomes increasingly gruesome. Interestingly, the 1960 film Village of the Damned was based on this novel.

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (2003)

For those who are parents, considering parenthood, or know a teenager, this novel is sure to send shivers down your spine. Eva, the protagonist, never imagined having children, but she relents to her partner’s desires. However, she quickly regrets her decision once their son Kevin is born. Kevin is peculiar, cunning, and manipulative, even before he commits the horrifying act of murdering seven of his classmates before turning 16. The novel delves into Eva’s emotions of rage, guilt, and fear as she struggles to comprehend how her own child could become a stranger capable of such heinous deeds.

Dawn by Octavia E. Butler (1987)

Octavia E. Butler, a pioneer in the science-fiction genre, introduces her eerie Xenogenesis series with Dawn. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows a group of aliens who have abducted the few remaining humans with the intention of studying them and merging genetically to repopulate Earth. But is this a fate worse than death? The tale is narrated from the perspective of Lilith, a human widow who awakens centuries after Earth’s destruction. Her journey is fraught with forced reproduction, the emergence of half-alien offspring, and the aftermath of a devastated planet, leaving readers unsettled long after the final page.

The Hunger by Alma Katsu (2018)

This horror novel presents a reimagining of a true 19th-century mystery surrounding the Donner Party. The group is plagued by arguments and the mysterious death of a young boy, causing them to descend into madness. They feel as though they are being watched and cannot escape the constant tragedies that befall them. With each passing day, their fear and terror grow, as does the dwindling size of their group. As they struggle through scorching days and freezing nights, they begin to wonder what kind of malevolent entity is lurking in the mountains and who will be its next victim. This book seamlessly blends historical fiction with psychological terror to create a chilling tale.

Rings by Koji Suzuki (1991)

This spine-chilling Japanese mystery, which inspired an equally terrifying movie, revolves around an enigmatic video that warns viewers of their impending death exactly one week after watching it, unless they follow specific instructions. The video abruptly ends, appearing to have been taped over by an advertisement. After four teenagers die after viewing the tape, journalist Kazuyuki Asakawa takes it upon himself to investigate the eerie occurrences. The question remains: can Asakawa watch the tape and solve the mystery before the week’s deadline?

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones (2020)

The Only Good Indians opens with the unfortunate demise of hunter Richard “Ricky” Boss Ribs, who met his end after stepping outside to relieve himself and encountering a furious herd of elk. Set on a Blackfoot reservation, the book weaves together Blackfoot legends and contemporary reality to tell the intertwined stories of four men plagued by vengeful elk and a group of people caught between the traditions of their families and the outside world. It’s important to note that, like many horror novels, this book contains graphic depictions of violence and gore involving both humans and animals, which may be unsettling to some readers.

Also Read: 20 Best Books of Stephen King In Order (from 20th Century)