Words have power, especially when written down on a page. When these are collected and arranged into books, they have the uncanny ability to transport you to other worlds, allowing you to immerse yourself in the lives of the characters and experience new things. Different genres can provide you with a variety of thrilling, emotional and fun reading experiences. One of my favourite genres is supernatural horror. I have been reading horror since I was a teenager, my favourites were Stephen King, Richard Laymon and Dean Koontz (when he still had the R. in his name).
The supernatural and horror genres have a unique ability. A well-written story can crawl under your skin, burrowing deep into your soul, and has the power to make you jump out of it. There is just something spine-tingling chilling and enticing about the unknown; those eerie whispers in the dark and the feeling that something, or someone, might just be watching you. Who doesn’t like a good scare every now and then?
Supernatural horror, from witches and zombies to ghosts and demons, thrives on the eerie, the unknown, and the unsettling presence of forces beyond human comprehension. If you’re craving a book that will leave you checking under the bed or double-checking the shadows, and that will keep you awake long after you’ve turned the last page, here are some chilling supernatural horror novels I have enjoyed reading and think deliver unforgettable scares.
Ghosts by Iain Rob Wright
This ghost story immerses readers into a realm of restless spirits and haunted locations. This novel plunges readers into a world where an online trend called ‘Summoning the Dead’ goes terrifyingly wrong. What starts as a seemingly harmless ritual found on the internet spirals into a series of gruesome teen deaths, drawing the attention of Shane Mogg, a cynical journalist with a penchant for the bizarre. Wright’s skill in creating suspenseful and atmospheric horror renders this work essential for enthusiasts of supernatural hauntings. Click here to read the full review.
The Witch of Woodplumpton by David Hatton
A gripping tale of witchcraft and dark magic, this novel delves into the eerie legend of a shadowy witch, offering an unsettling horror experience. Based on the real character of Meg Shelton, who was rumoured to be a shape-shifting witch who put curses on farmland and people. In 1705 she died and is buried under a large boulder in the grounds of St. Anne’s Church, an 11th-century church in Preston (which is still there to see to this day). She was the last reported death of a British witch. Click here to read the full review.
The Institute by Stephen King
This book masterfully combines supernatural horror and psychological tension. It revolves around gifted children trapped in a sinister facility with a deeper, hidden terror. The Institute travels a down a road of kidnapping, telekinesis, telepathy, horrific experimentations, abuse of power and the power of friendship that results in a terrifying, gripping and totally absorbing tale. Click here to read the full review.
Ouija by Zoé-Lee O’Farrell
In this supernatural horror novel, friends using a Ouija board invite a sinister presence into their lives. Rather than “playing” with it in the comfort of their own homes they decide to pay a visit to the site of terrible tragic event. And all does not well. The tension escalates to a terrifying climax as the haunting grows stronger. Click here to read the full review.
The Crow Witch and Other Conjurings by Catherine Cavendish
This book contains a selection of stories involving witches, dark magic, and supernatural elements. A well-written collection of tales including gothic horror components, making it suitable for readers interested in atmospheric and unsettling themes. An excellent collection of spooky and creepy stories featuring witches and ghosts that will leave you chilled. Click here to read the full review.
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
A supernatural road-trip horror featuring Charles Manx, an immortal serial killer who kidnaps children to Christmasland. Only Victoria McQueen can stop him – if she survives. Joe Hill’s novel is disturbing, thrilling, and psychologically deep. Click here to read the full review.
These supernatural horrors offer a mix of ghostly hauntings, sinister witches, and eerie paranormal encounters. Whether you prefer psychological horror, folklore-inspired tales, or classic ghost stories, there’s something here to keep you up at night.
