I published a post on Ezine Articles last week, 10 Best Horror Novels of All Time, where I shared some of my favorite scary stories. For some reason though, picking just ten books was so hard! I decided to do this follow up post to add a few more.
Carrie by Stephen King Carrie by Stephen King - This was the novel that started it all and brought world wide attention to the master of horror! This is the book that made me terrified of that lonely girl that sat alone every day in the school cafeteria. I just knew that she was waiting for the perfect moment to kill all of us with her amazing telepathic powers.
I don't know how the knew movie holds up to the book, but I do have to say that I am very impressed by the marketing!
I don't know how the knew movie holds up to the book, but I do have to say that I am very impressed by the marketing!
Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe - I love me some Poe. No list of horror novels is complete with him on it. Now I know he wrote poetry and short stories, BUT...Until Stephen King came along, Edgar Allan Poe was the end all be all of horror and to this day I still love to read his work.
I was really shocked when I referenced his poem The Raven and my daughter had no clue what I was talking about. My first thought was, "Oh honey, your public education has failed you."
I promptly remedied that by reading her a few lines. I can't have my child going through life Poeless.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury - I couldn't leave this off of the list! I always think about this story when I see a carousel and I have to admit, it was in the back of my mind when I wrote the parade scene for Once (Gypsy Fairy Tale Book One).
I can remember as a child, staying up late to watch it and have even voice my opinion about the need for a remake.
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice - In my last list, I just didn't feel as though Anne Rice was represented enough. For those of you that are new to the blog, she is my favorite writer of all time so of course I have to include some of her novels.
The Vampire Lestat was so good because she took the "villain" of Interview With The Vampire and made him the hero for the rest of the story every though he was scary as hell.
Jaws by Peter Benchley - I'm adding this one to the list even though I haven't read it yet. I mean come on, thanks to this book and the movie based on it, millions of people are now terrified to go into the water. For that reason alone, it deserves a mention on a list of the best horror novels!
I will say that during one of our trips to Myrtle Beach, that music was playing in my head when I saw a dark fin appear in the water. To my embarrassment, it was only a dolphin...But Still.
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice - One of my favorite novels of all time! There is just something about the seductive spirit Lasher that moves the story along so beautifully, but at the same time he's completely terrifying!
I'm always shocked when I read reviews that people didn't like it. What's not to like? A vengeful spirit guides a family through generations, seeking to create the perfect witch so that he can return?
I so hope that one day a movie is made from this book!
The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice - This novel combined some of my favorite things: Vampires and Egypt. I loved the character of Akasha! She was so deliciously evil! She made the perfect opposite for Lestat!
I have to say, I loved the movie too which despite the evidence in this list, is a pretty rare thing.
So tell me, are there any novels that I've missed? What books would be on your list of the best horror novels of all time?
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