Q. Fall season has begun and I’m in the mood for a spooky read. Can you recommend some horror books?
A. According to the Horror Writers Association, “horror can deal with the mundane or the supernatural, with the fantastic or the normal. It doesn’t have to be full of ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night. Its only true requirement is that it elicit an emotional reaction that includes some aspect of fear or dread.” With that in mind, you can imagine there are many types of horror novels, so let’s talk about some of those sub-genres and book recommendations for each one.
Gothic horror is one of the oldest genres. It plays on thrills and a fear of the unknown, and places great importance on atmosphere. These stories can be written with or without supernatural elements. Many of the “classic” horror novels reside in this sub-genre, such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and Dracula by Bram Stoker. For a more contemporary take on gothic horror, try The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, The Woman in Black by Susan Hill, or The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. Looking for something even newer? Try The Garden of Bewitchment by Catherine Cavendish, published earlier this year. This is a gothic nightmare set on the Yorkshire Moors, full of ghosts, uncertain motivations, and the creepiest board game since Jumanji.
