7 Books That Scared the Shit Out of Me

I love the thrill of a horror tale that sends shivers down my spine, making my heart race and leaving me breathless...

People have varying opinions on what constitutes fear, which is the beauty of list articles; they are inherently subjective. Determining the “best” or “scariest” is all about personal perspective.

Discussions can go on for ages about who deserves the title of the “Greatest of All Time” (GOAT). Is it Brady or Montana as the best quarterback? What about the all-time greatest basketball player—Jordan, Bill Russell, or Kobe? Often, people pick names not on the list at all. What’s considered best is entirely subjective.

One reader questioned, “How could you compile a list of the scariest books without including H. P. Lovecraft or Clive Barker? And what about Pet Sematary—King’s scariest book?”

In response, I mentioned, “I could have easily filled my list with King’s works and still omitted 35 or 40 others that deserve recognition.”

While some argue that Misery is frightening, I found it more thrilling than terrifying. However, if I were stuck in that bed waiting for Annie Wilkes to return, my definition of fear would certainly shift.

When discussing this with my daughter, an avid horror and true crime enthusiast, she pointed out, “HP Lovecraft isn’t universally scary. I dislike creature horror, so Lovecraft doesn’t resonate with me.” I can relate to that sentiment.

Nevertheless, I realized I needed to include Clive Barker’s The Hellbound Heart and Thomas Harris’s Silence of the Lambs in this list. So, without further ado, here are seven more books that left me terrified.

Since it's October and Halloween approaches, it seems fitting to dive into this topic.

This time, I’ll present the list starting from number eight to fourteen, skipping the reverse countdown format I used previously.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, allowing me to earn a small commission from approved purchases. Read my disclosure for more information.

#8 — The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

This novel by Clive Barker inspired the Hellraiser films, including Hellbound: Hellraiser II and several others. Pinhead described the Cenobites as “demons fashioned from the souls of mortals who succumb to forbidden and often disturbing pleasures.”

I recall Frank giving in to the “dark pleasures” that led him to the Lament Configuration (Lemarchand’s box); I don’t remember that description in the book, but perhaps it’s in one of the comics.

Of the 1,014 verified Amazon reviewers, 90% rated this book four or five stars, resulting in an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Buy it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/2FDadkL

#9 — Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

I previously assumed the Hannibal Lecter story was based on real events. However, the author revealed that Lecter was inspired by a death-row serial killer he met in a Mexican prison. So, in a way, the story is loosely based on a true murderer.

If the Oscar-winning adaptation frightened you, the written version of “The Cannibal” Hannibal Lecter is even more terrifying—his psychological torment of FBI trainee Clarice Starling (based on Patricia Kirby) is a masterclass in suspense. The book's real-life serial killer, Buffalo Bill, is equally menacing. This tale is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Out of the 1,668 verified Amazon reviewers, 96% awarded this four-book set four or five stars, giving it an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Buy the set of four Hannibal Lecter paperbacks: https://amzn.to/35dykzc

#10 — Hell House by Richard Matheson

Rolf Rudolph Deutsch, a wealthy publisher, is grappling with his mortality. He offers $100,000 to a renowned physicist, a spiritualist, and a physical medium to uncover the truths about life after death.

Dr. Lionel Barrett and the two mediums head to Maine, planning to investigate the infamous Belasco House, which locals have labeled Hell House. Once home to substance abusers, it has been abandoned for nearly a decade. Their mission is to uncover its secrets.

If you manage to finish the book, you may also uncover the mysteries of Belasco House.

“Hell House is the scariest haunted house novel ever written. It towers over the rest like mountains over foothills.” — Stephen King

Of the 976 verified Amazon purchasers, 75% rated this book four or five stars, resulting in an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Buy it on Kindle for $2.99: https://amzn.to/3k9tKZd

#11 — American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

American Psycho delves into the chilling depths of madness, capturing the dark violence of its era and others.

Patrick Bateman, a dashing college graduate, thrives in the tech-driven Wall Street environment.

While he navigates his daytime responsibilities on Wall Street, his nights are filled with unimaginable violence and horror that most sane individuals couldn't even fathom in daylight.

“A satire of conspicuous consumption and moral decay amid the giddy excesses…” — Variety

Of the 2,741 verified Amazon reviewers, 82% rated this book four or five stars, leading to an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5.

Buy it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/3o5sqZw

#12 — Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

In a season of decay, the Cooger & Dark Pandemonium Shadow Show descends upon Green Town, IL, wreaking havoc on every life it touches with its sinister and mysterious allure. This carnival arrives between midnight and dawn, heralding an early Halloween.

The calliope's haunting melody beckons all with a seductive promise.

Two teenage boys, Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, come to understand the essence of life amidst this carnival of nightmares, especially when Will's father becomes entwined in the tale.

Of the 1,331 verified Amazon purchasers, 86% rated this book four or five stars, resulting in an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5.

A Halloween treat priced at $3.99, or free for Kindle Unlimited members. Buy it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/31jWQxB

#13 — The Hunger by Alma Katsu

Having included a true crime narrative in my previous list, I couldn't resist this gruesome tale set against the backdrop of the American frontier. This story is inspired by the real-life events at Donner Pass in the Sierra Madre Mountains of California, although it takes creative liberties.

A misguided group of 90 settlers navigates the treacherous Sierra mountains, running low on supplies and patience as some begin to vanish. When a young boy dies, they grapple with a horrific choice—burial or a more sinister fate.

“Supernatural suspense at its finest… The Hunger will scare the pants off you.” — New York Times Review

“Deeply disturbing, hard to put down, not recommended for late-night reading.” — Stephen King

Of the 740 verified Amazon purchasers, 76% rated this book four or five stars, leading to an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5.

A Halloween special at $2.99, buy it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/31imhja

#14 — Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy

The Crossing, The Road, or No Country for Old Men could fit into this “scary” category, but for me, Blood Meridian, with its narrative of the Kid and the Glanton Gang, is hauntingly rich. These ruthless outlaws from the old West are bad enough, but the author introduces an even more sinister character, Judge Holden.

“The acclaim of Moby-Dick and As I Lay Dying is complemented by Blood Meridian, as Cormac McCarthy stands as a worthy disciple of Melville and Faulkner. No other living American novelist, not even Pynchon, has delivered a book as powerful and memorable.” — Literary scholar Harold Bloom

Of the 2,711 verified Amazon purchasers, 83% rated this book four or five stars, resulting in an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5.

Buy it on Kindle: https://amzn.to/3lQ1StA

Stephen Dalton, a retired US Army First Sergeant, holds a journalism degree from the University of Maryland and is a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. He is a Top Writer in Short Story, VR, Design, and Creativity. Dalton serves as the editor for Pop Off, Top Dalton’s Blog, 100WordStory, and SportsShorts100WordsOnly.

To view his portfolio, visit here. Contact: [email protected]

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