Hi all, I am an avid reader who really enjoys mystery, suspense and triller books! I read approx. 100 books a year but oddly enough, I never got into Stephen King so I thought it might be time! Any recommendations on what book or series I should start with? I am looking for something somewhat scary since it is spooky season but more horror less sci-fi. Additionally, if you have recommendations for horror or thriller books outside of Stephen King, I'd love those too! Looking for something really scary, so give me your best! I also love audibooks so let me know if you recommend the audio book version. Thanks!
by RemiexX
19 Comments
Pet Sematary has my vote
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones.
Try The Troop by Nick Cutter. It’s seriously disturbing.
I’m currently rereading The Shining for the first time in decades and boy was Stephen King writing his butt off during this book. It’s so good. Really you can’t go wrong with his early novels.
My first and only King novel was 11/22/63 and I thought it was great. I couldn’t believe how fast I read such a long book. Highly recommend.
While The Shining is my favourite, I also recommend The Dead Zone and ‘Salem’s Lot.
Listen to The Devils – Joe Abercrombie. Vampires, Werewolves, etc.
Non-King: I recommend Dracula.
It’s a surprisingly fast-paced and easy read.
*The Books of Blood* by Clive Barker
*Foundations of Fear* by David G Hartwell
My favorite Stephen King book is “The Stand.” It just captivated me, but I wouldn’t say it’s scary.
“Salem’s Lot” had me afraid to sleep at night because I could imagine vampires in the corner waiting to pounce.
Desperation – Stephen King
The Shining for sure. For me, Cocaine Era King just hits better than his new works, for the most part. And to be honest I like his short stories better than the long form. Again, for the most part.
Full Dark No Stars by Stephen King
The Fisherman by John Langan
The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward and Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica.
Misery- Stephen King
The Shining, It, Misery, Per Semetery. .
Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco is pretty darn scary.
Salem’s Lot was the scariest Steven King book that I read. But if you happen to like psychological dread, then The Shining is for you.
In fact Burnt Offerings and The Shining would be good companion readings because the house is the villian in both of them.
Ushers Passing by Robert McCammon! A fave Halloween season read of mine!
It if you are willing to read a very long book.
If you’re not down with 1000+ pages, The Shining is a truly terrifying book. So much deeper and more frightening than the movie.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson is truly one of the greats, also Hill House by Jackson.
The Shining – Stephen King
Slewfoot – Brom (good, scary autumnal story)