Recs if you like The Amityville Horror...
Outside freezes, so I want chills in my book
Horrors and thrillers set in winter (21st December to 20th March, but I will count earlier December as winter too to make things easier) or in a really cold place that reminds of wintertime.
The list will contain both more known books that you've probably already been recommended and some that I've seen have had less attention, at least over here. I have not read them all, but I want to complete this list myself too during the next Christmasses.
Horror set in the late 1900s
I love horror that takes place in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, so figured I'd put it all together here and hope for more recs in the process! This is a Stephen King free list.
spring cleaning
the season for cleaning is upon us!
books about exorcisms 😈 featuring both fiction and nonfiction
as always, taking any and all suggestions!
Disturbing Novel Iceberg - Tier 1
Tier 1 from the disturbing novels iceberg. Iceberg was created in response to the disturbing movie iceberg. These are the 'beginner' books with difficult themes and some gore.
Haunt Me Baby, One More Time
"Walking around like regular people. They don't see each other. They only see what they want to see. They don't know they're dead." - The Sixth Sense (1999)
Nonfiction regarding paranormal activity - mostly ghosts, poltergeists and possessions. Recs are welcome!
Quintessential Horror Relics - Personal Curriculum
Inspired by reading Paperbacks from Hell (by Grady Hendrix), I wanted to broaden the horror novels under my belt. I might have grown up reading King and a little Koontz (and way too much Pike and Stine), but there are so many fascinating titles that predate those greats. Feel free to suggest older horror books and why they'd make a great addition to this list in the comments.
Your mother reads books in hell!
possession n that Most of these are recs I found on r/horrorlit so apologies if they don’t actually include possession 🫡 recs are always welcomed 🙂↕️
"Made For The Movies" But Make It Spooky
My pitch for horror movies to be added to the "Made For The Movies" quest. Or that they should get their own?? (Also let me know ones to add - I'd love some recs)
Last Podcast on the Left
Research material and references from the podcast. Relying heavily on lists made by others.
The Strange, Dark, and Mysterious
A collection of true crime and paranormal stories inspired by my favorite YouTuber, MrBallen! These stories will have you doublechecking you locked the doors at night, second guessing your decisions to go on an early morning run and more! But they're so great😈. Please let me know if you have any recs! This is one of my favorite genres! ( This list also includes books that he himself, MrBallen, has written and books from his podcasts and videos too!)
Horror, Sweet, Horror
Haunted houses, or homes that just aren't quite right... Enter at your own risk.
Real Estate Nightmare, from Paperbacks from Hell
Books from Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks from Hell chapter 4 which focuses on haunted house stories
The Kids are Not Alright
Horror (and horror adjacent) books with weird/creepy kids and teenagers
Gilmore Girls Required Reading
IN PROGRESS AS OF MAY 2026 (I'm rewatching it and trying to put everything in chronological order of the show T.T) - Every single book directly mentioned, referenced in a joke, or clearly seen in the show Gilmore Girls, because I'm obsessed and challenging myself to read them all. I'm also including if they mentioned a movie that's based on a book.
There’s something wrong with this house
It's coming from inside the house
House hauntings (Also let me know ones to add - I'd love some recs)
The Book Scared Me First
Horror novels that were so horrific they got adapted for the silver scream! Only select Stephen King titles to keep this from being The Stephen King Show :')
True Ghost Stories
Stories of true hauntings and ghostly encounters
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