Books to Read Alone at Night

It is no secret that I am a serious fan of horror novels.  I love the rush I get reading them, the build up, the anxiety.  Although I definitely read my share on my trusty kindle, classic paperbacks are my favorite when it comes to horror.  I especially love searching the used book stores for the retro covers and tattered corners of a well loved copy that has scared countless others before me.  Something about the feel of an old book adds to the legitimacy of the thrill.  

I figured that as all good blog cliches I should round up some of my favorites just in time for the Big Spook Day.  

*****

Firstly, Stephen King.  I've read a lot of his works, and although there have been a handful that have failed to impress, he's a pretty go-to author for me.  

Pet Semetary

 

This is one of those classics.  The kind that hits home because it could so easily be you, your kids, your family.  You know King pulls no punches, that nobody is safe, so the pages go by in a blur of dreadful foreshadowing, and still it's impossible to put down.   I promise, you'll never look at a gray cat the same way... 

It

 

Of course this is cliche right now.  It's all everyone is talking about.  That doesn't mean it isn't a kick ass book.  Seriously, it covers a lot of scary ground, and not just the monstrous kind.   It delves deep into the human psyche and explores many of today's hot button topics, the kind that we still haven't outgrown.  Plus, those kids give me major squad goals. 

Lisey's Story 

 

You have simply got to give the man props.  He writes about some amazingly strong and resilient ladies.  This is one of my favorites,  because deep down it's actually a love story.  If love stories involved monsters, third dimensions, and homicidal torturing maniacs...

Cujo

 

Now if this one doesn't make you give every stray the side eye, and double check the dates on your own pets vaccinations, you're a braver person than I am.  It'll also make you want to hug your kids a little closer.  If you've ever seen the movie, you'll know that it was a total cop out if you read the book.  This author promises no happy endings. 

I could go on for days about the books of Stephen King, but everyone already has so it's a bit unnecessary.  If you have a favorite, definitely share it. If you've read these, here's a cheat list of some of the other ones.

Stephen King- http://amzn.to/2gNGTbg

I also recommend Delores Claiborne, Misery, Gerald's Game and The Shining, to name a few.  

*****

Like father like son, Joe Hill writes a seriously twisted and spooky tale that weaves through time and space like a pro. 

NOS4A2

 

This one is twisted, and follows a set of deeply flawed characters.  Somehow, this makes their redemption more believable, their struggle that much more relatable.  A good horror novel has you so desperate for the characters to survive that you feel as if you're right there with them, fighting that fight.  Bust out your bicycles, it's going to be a wild ride.  

Locke & Key

 

Yeah it's a comic.  Or graphic novel.  But it's written by Joe Hill, who turns out a spooky, frightening story that is eerily illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez.  This is one that can be enjoyed by adult fans whether you typically like this medium or not.  

***** 

I was recently introduced to a new to me author,  Robert R. McCammon, and his chilling post-apocolyptic thriller.  

Swan Song

 

 

This novel starts off with several main characters, and half the excitement is waiting for the point where they all meet up.  Seeing how their lives are destined to intersect, along with the perils of their situations kept me on the edge of my seat and reading WAY past my bedtime.  Hell, sleep is for the weak, right? 

*****

One of my absolute favorite authors is F. Paul Wilson.  He doesn't pull any punches, and you can never trust that the good guys are going to win.  I'm in the middle of his delightfully dark vampire novel, Midnight Mass, and he is also the author of one of my favorite series ever. 

Repairman Jack  

 

 

You're going to want to start with The Tomb, but you aren't going to want to end there.  You know how you read a couple books in a series, then get a little bored and need a break?  Not this one.  I literally devoured almost the entire series in the span of a week.  I couldn't get enough of this character.  Jack isn't a good guy in the traditional sense.  He does bad things to even worse people to accomplish better things for the good people.   As if that isn't enough, he somehow becomes a key player in the world's fight against the ultimate evil.  All in a days work, eh?  

*****

Ok, so this might be enough to keep you busy for a while.  If you have any good horror recommendations, I absolutely hope you'll share them with me!  I can't get enough of this genre, all year round, but I especially crave it as all the little devils kids go around begging shamelessly for candy Trick or Treating.