r/horrorbookclub • u/OkComplex9040 • Apr 09 '26

Book recommendations for newbie?

Hi!

I'm trying to get into proper horror fiction. I've been reading horror short stories online for years but have never been able to get into proper horror books.

I've tried some Steven King, but I am not a big fan of his writing style. I also am a bit too squeamish for something in the realm of splatterpunk and the like.

Any good recommendations for some books that have real scares in that realm?

Thanks!

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2

u/SpectorStitch Apr 10 '26

T Kingfisher is a great beginner author for horror. All novellas with very likeable protagonists. If you want something more period and inspired by classic lit, I’d recommend What Moves the Dead. If you want more southern gothic (my personal favorite) I’d reccomend The House With Good Bones

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u/pri_y Apr 10 '26

We used to live here by Marcus kliewer, stolen tongues by felix Blackwell, I am thinking of ending things by Ian Reid. I think they don't have any splatter punk vibes in it but it's been while since I read them so maybe check the trigger warnings for splatter punk or gore etc. Have a good day ❤️

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u/OkComplex9040 Apr 10 '26

I'll have to check them out!

1

u/HorrorMakesUsHappy MOD Apr 10 '26

If you're on the squeamish side, can't go wrong starting with some of the classics. Have you read any of these?

Dracula
Frankenstein
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The Turn of the Screw
I Am Legend
The Haunting of Hill House
Interview with the Vampire

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u/OkComplex9040 Apr 10 '26

I've read Frankenstein and Dracula, bit not the rest. I've also read a fair bit of Lovecraft.

Thanks for the suggestions!

1

u/WanderSA Apr 11 '26

Transitioning from short stories I would recommend Penpal.

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u/Suspicious_Goose_243 Apr 11 '26

Salems Lot. Its an actual horror story by King who is a suspense writer and not horror. Its rather short and is very creepy. Clive Barker is a great horror writer, He writes the Hellraiser books. He's twisted.

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u/sligoomy Apr 12 '26

Just finished "The Fisherman" by John Langan, and it is a great read. Nothing too graphic, and a nice blend of dark folklore and as close to Lovecraftian vibe without being quite there. Would recommend.

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u/esoxblack45 Apr 12 '26

I like midnight by dean Koontz nothing crazy but felt the horror movie vibes.

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u/ella_wall97 Apr 16 '26

I always recommend either T.Kingfisher or Grady Hendrix as a place to start. I feel like both authors are a great way to start dipping your toes in to horror, easy to enjoy and not be too intense plus a they can be a little whimsical.

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u/mxhernandez21 Apr 21 '26

You may enjoy the work of Felix Blackwell. I read the Sorrowstones which was a fantastic read