I recently loved the portions of the Murderbot Diaries books where they are navigating planets containing alien remnants that potentially pose a threat. I loved the spookiness where the threat is not necessarily a sentient being, but rather the potential infection by something with unknown ill effects (or attacks by those exposed to it).
Other books I've enjoyed in this vein are Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey and The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton. As a space opera fan, I'd generally prefer the main story to take place in space. Thanks in advance!
by watchfulprotector