There is something about scary stories: they are so horrific that we don't want to read them yet so addictive at the same time that we are compelled to do so. Here are 10 of the scariest to get stuck into:
The Crowfield Curse
Set in the 14th century this chilling tale of angels, hobs and the supernatural is the complete horror novel. Not only are the scares plentiful and the tension near-unbearable, but the series also has a protagonist and set of characters, Will, who are ultra-realistic due to their genuine chemistry and amiable nature(except for the nefarious villains of course). With this surprisingly brilliant debut, Walsh gives an entirely new take on the genre, allowing space for humour without jeopardising the series' eeriness.
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Lord Loss
Darren Shan, the author of the wildly popular vampire series returns to form with his Demonata novels. They are scarier, bloodier, and more thrilling than the Chronicles of Darren Shan; Lord Loss is so frightening that you will want to put it down but, so addictive that you will find it a tedious task doing so. You are sure to fly through the series in no time, but, the terror will stay with you long after.
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A Monster Calls
How can a novel manage to be scary yet touching at the same time? Ness gives us a masterclass in blending themes and genres in his modern classic, A Monster Calls. It is a poignant tale of coming to terms with loss, where the titular monster is not so much what we fear but rather the unknown of having to lose a loved one. Just make sure to have tissues to hand while reading as the novel is sure to leave you in tears.
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Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
A timeless classic from Robert Louis Stevenson, although written in 1886 it maintains its relevance even today and continues to uphold its reputation as a pioneering exemplar of the genre. The book exposes humanity's constant inner struggle between good and evil, which adds another layer of fear to Stevenson's prose. It is fascinating and undoubtedly creepy you should most definitely read it at some point.
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The Graveyard Book
In Neil Gaiman's spooky story a baby is abandoned after his family get murdered, consequentially, he is raised by the ghosts in the local graveyard. What truly brings the Graveyard Book to life is the beautiful illustration which captures the tone deftly, it is a book that is scary, yet accessible to all with its simplicity. The plot will draw you in and the masterfully constructed world will ensure you stay.
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His Dark Materials: Northern Lights
Pullman has created a lifelike world of fantasy and I am totally in awe of it. Furthermore, the series has a strong and three-dimensional protagonist in the form of Lyra to boot. The series transports you to a world of armoured polar bears, magical compasses and supernatural phenomena, however, at first glance, it may not seem horrific but I can assure you nothing is more terrifying than a cult that will stop at nothing to remove your soul.
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Chronicles of Ancient Darkness: Wolf Brother: Book 1
Wolf Brother is a flawless amalgam of fantasy and light-horror, walking the line between the two genres expertly. If you enjoyed His Dark Materials these books are particularly suitable as they contain many of the same elements, they have been widely praised for their original setting and storytelling which fuse to make the books feel more like ancient mythology rather than contemporary novels.
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Coraline
Neil Gaiman most definitely knows how to write a horror story, a prime example of this is Coraline. It centres around a young girl who by chance finds herself in a parallel universe where everything seems better, but everything is not as it seems...Prepare to be scared and if the book catches your attention the film is equally chilling.
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Goosebumps
They may not be the most critically-acclaimed books of all time, but R. L. Stine sure knows how to draw his audience in and make them jump when they least expect it. Perfect if you are looking for a quick read and if you can withstand the somewhat cheesy dialogue they may even frighten you. Also, you will never have to worry about running out of material to read, the series goes on forever.
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Horowitz Horror
Perhaps the scariest short stories you will ever read, they will leave you fearful of your camera, Bathtub and Mobile phone. They come from the eclectic master himself: Horowitz who can expertly write anything from comedy to spine-chilling horror with ease. In short, if terror is what you are looking for in your next read, these short stories are a great place to start.
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