Dating back centuries, horror literature was said to have been introduced during the 18th century pre-Romantic Era, which lasted from 1770 to 1798. It was during this time that readers craved fear and curiosity in their entertainment, and so began the “Gothic Horror” genre, which would continue to adapt and transform itself into what we’re familiar with today.
While many classic horror books are unbeatable in content or popularity, I have five modern recommendations that give the same horrific feel as classics by Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, Mary Shelley, and Sheridan Le Fanu.
Here are some contemporary horror books that are reminiscent of classic horror books…
If you love Carmilla (1872) by Sheridan Le Fanu… Read House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson.
Published in 2022, this gothic horror follows Marion, who’s been longing to leave home. After coming across a newspaper ad from a wealthy family looking to hire a “Bloodmaid,” she thinks she’s found the opportunity of a lifetime.
Soon after she’s hired and placed at the House of Hunger, she realizes the grave mistake she’s made when those within the house hunt her and fight to drink her blood. Marion must find a way to discover the puzzling details of the house so she can escape before it’s too late.
House of Hunger was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Readers’ Favorite Horror in 2022.
If you love Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley… Read Spare and Found Parts by Sarah Maria Griffin.
Published in 2016, this YA horror book follows Nell, a young girl whose father is a famed scientist who, after an epidemic that left several people in their community limbless, has created biomechanical limbs for survivors to use.
Though Nell feels pressure to live up to her father’s legacy, as someone who’s never found love, she wants to build a mechanical partner for herself. Will her father intervene before she gets a chance at love, or will she discover the truth about her city and everyone who's left inside of it?
If you love The Haunting of Hill House (1959) by Shirley Jackson… Read No One Gets Out Alive by Adam Nevill.
Published in 2014, this paranormal horror follows Stephanie, a woman who has recently moved into her new home at 82 Edgware Road, where she hopes to be lifted from the rock bottom she’s felt financially.
As time goes on, her landlord begins to make her feel uneasy, and she starts to see and hear things in her home. Whether it’s the whispers heard when she’s alone or the footsteps hitting the floor when she’s in the dark, something feels wrong.
When her landlord’s cousin arrives, the danger becomes more than paranormal, and she realizes she needs to find a way to escape. But will she be the first to make it out alive?
No One Gets Out Alive was awarded the British Fantasy Award for Best Horror Novel in 2015.
If you love The Shining (1977) by Stephen King… Read The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides.
Published in 2019, this psychological thriller matches the eerie descent into madness that many know and love from King’s 1977 classic. This story follows Alicia, a seemingly normal woman who one day shoots her husband five times in the face and never says another word.
As she’s hidden from the tabloids and thrown in a forensic unit, a criminal psychotherapist takes interest in her and declares it his job to figure out the mystery of Alicia’s crimes and the truth behind that fateful day. Will his hunt for the truth consume him before he can crack the case?
The Silent Patient was awarded the Goodreads Choice Award for Readers’ Favorite Mystery & Thriller in 2019.
Whether it’s gothic, psychological, magical realism, or plain horror books that you enjoy reading, I hope you love these recommendations!
Let me know which new horror reads you’ll be adding to your TBR! Until next time, Bookowls. Happy Reading!
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