12 Scary Books for Adults That Will Haunt Your Dreams

As the evenings grow colder and the shadows lengthen, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a scary book. With Halloween around the corner, things are getting much creepier. To help you get into the spirit of Trick-or-Treat, we’ve compiled a list of the most chilling works of literature for adults. But be warned: these terrifying tales are not bedtime stories that lead to a peaceful night’s sleep.

1. It – Stephen King

It is the ultimate thriller, following the adventures of seven children terrorised by a shape-shifting evil. This entity, known as It, takes on whatever form helps it hunt its victims, often appearing as a frightening clown to lure children. The novel explores themes that have cemented King’s literary legacy, such as the power of memory, the lasting scars of early-life experiences, and the unsettling darkness hidden beneath small-town life.

Goodreads rating: 4.24/5

2. Come Closer – Sara Gran

This eerie novel follows Amanda, a successful woman seemingly content with her job and relationships, who begins to experience a terrifying transformation. As her world unravels, Amanda struggles against dark urges to harm herself and those around her. But is she truly possessed, or is the evil she fears something that has always been within her? Discover the chilling truth by ordering your copy.

Goodreads rating: 3.65/5

3. The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson

Considered one of the greatest ghost stories of the 20th century, Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House delves into the menacing occurrences at Hill House, once owned by the late Hugh Crain. The novel follows four characters as they investigate the supernatural phenomena within the mansion, leading readers to question whether the real source of the haunting is closer than anyone realises. You can purchase it online from Penguin. And if this spine-chilling tale leaves you wanting more, don’t miss the Netflix adaptation for an even darker thrill.

Goodreads rating: 3.82/5

4. The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Stories – H.P. Lovecraft

Cthulhu is a familiar figure to gaming fans, having made appearances in popular titles like Terraria and Call of Duty. However, this iconic creature originated in H.P. Lovecraft’s short story The Call of Cthulhu. The tale unfolds as the ancient, god-like being from a world predating humanity is accidentally revealed and unleashed, bringing terror and chaos. This spooky story will surely send shivers down your spine and leave you questioning what lurks beneath the surface of our world.

5. Song of Kali – Dan Simmons

Set in Calcutta’s sweltering, claustrophobic streets, Song of Kali follows protagonist Robert Luzcak on a mission to uncover new poetry from the supposedly deceased poet Das. What begins as a literary quest quickly spirals into a nightmarish journey, where the boundary between life and death blurs, and danger lurks around every corner. As Robert delves deeper into this haunting world, he discovers that even the dead may not rest in Calcutta.

Goodreads rating: 3.85/5

6. Annihilation – Jeff Vandermeer

Annihilation follows a team of four female scientists as they embark on a perilous mission to explore the enigmatic Area X, a place isolated from the rest of the world. Previous expeditions have faced disappearances, mental breakdowns, and aggressive cancers. As the team ventures deeper into the unsettling landscape, they begin to realise that something far more sinister is lurking in the shadows—something that may already be watching them.

Goodreads rating: 3.77/5

7. People Who Eat Darkness – Richard Lloyd Parry

In People Who Eat Darkness: The True Story of a Young Woman Who Vanished From the Streets of Tokyo—and the Evil That Swallowed Her Up, Richard Lloyd Parry gives a gripping account of the real-life disappearance and murder of 21-year-old British hostess Lucie Blackman in Tokyo. Set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s nightlife, the book offers a haunting look at the botched police investigation, the jarring behaviour of Lucie’s father, and the drawn-out trial of her killer, a man with a dark history of violence.

Goodreads rating: 3.78/5

8. Threats – Amelia Gray

Threats by Amelia Gray follows David, who is left reeling after his wife’s unexpected death. Struggling to comprehend the reasons behind her passing, he finds solace only in fading memories that become increasingly elusive with time. As he grapples with his grief, troubling messages begin to appear throughout his home, heightening his sense of dread. Gray’s novel will make you question every shadowy corner, dreading the eerie secrets they might hide.

Goodreads rating: 3.02/5

9. Broken Monsters – Lauren Beukes

Amid the gritty streets of Detroit, Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes turns the serial killer genre on its head. Instead of a conventional grim detective sifting through evidence, Beukes offers a mystical descent into a world on the brink of chaos. The story weaves together multiple threads as Detective Gabi hunts for a killer driven by a dark vision of remaking reality itself. This gripping tale promises to challenge the boundaries of sanity and morality as it explores the depths of human ambition and madness.

Goodreads rating: 3.59/5 

10. Diary – Chuck Palahniuk

Misty, a talented painter turned waitress, finds herself trapped in a life that has left her dreams behind in Diary by Chuck Palahniuk. Compelled by her contractor husband, Peter, she returns to her childhood home to raise their daughter, Tabitha. Yet, her unease grows as Peter’s secretive behaviour emerges, revealing a malevolent plot that seems to conspire against her. As Misty confronts the shadows of her past and the dark forces at play, her world spirals into chaos. Explore the twists of her journey by ordering Diary today. And if you find yourself haunted by spooky dreams, check out our insights on what ghost dreams mean.

Goodreads rating: 3.51/5

11. The Little Stranger – Sarah Waters

Set in 1940s England, this atmospheric ghost story, shortlisted for the Booker Prize, centres on Hundreds Hall, a once-grand estate now in decline. The arrival of Dr. Faraday stirs up dark secrets that have long been buried. As tension escalates, The Little Stranger masterfully intertwines psychological dread with supernatural horror, compelling readers to ponder what truly lurks within the shadows of Hundreds Hall.

Goodreads rating: 3.57/5

12. The Cabin at the End of the World – Paul Tremblay

In the harrowing story of The Cabin at the End of the World, a family’s remote holiday is shattered by a shocking confrontation. During their retreat, four strangers approach them and deliver unnerving warnings about the end of the world. As the tension mounts, the family is faced with an impossible choice. Will they trust these ominous predictions or fight for their survival against a disturbing backdrop of psychological terror? Tremblay expertly crafts a gripping narrative that leaves readers questioning how far one would go to protect their loved ones.

Goodreads rating: 3.33/5

As the nights draw in and the thrill of Halloween approaches, immerse yourself in these spine-tingling tales that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat. Explore our Halloween inspiration guide to help you celebrate in style for even more thrills. Once you’ve explored the chilling depths of these stories, why not have your own eerie experience? Discover the most haunted places to stay in the UK and find out where you can spend a night surrounded by ghostly legends.