If you’re a true horror fan, there’s nothing like sinking your teeth into a classic horror novel that leaves you sleeping with the lights on. Sure, modern horror has its thrills, but there’s something about the old-school terrors that really gets under your skin. Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned horror junkie, here’s a lineup of classic horror novels that should be on every horror fan’s reading list.

I have read most of these novels, but not all. I am going by what many others who are in this field recommend.

1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

People love to credit Stoker and some others with inventing horror, but it's Mary Shelley who really did. I love this novel!

Let’s kick things off with the mother of all horror stories—Frankenstein. Written when Mary Shelley was just 18, this tale of a mad scientist and his monstrous creation is more than just a creepy read. It’s a deep dive into what it means to play God, the fear of the unknown, and the consequences of tampering with nature. Victor Frankenstein’s tragic tale might not have the jump scares of modern horror, but it’s a slow-burn that will haunt you long after you’ve turned the last page.

To be honest, this is horror, sci-fi and more of a psychological thriller than you'd think.

2. Dracula by Bram Stoker

You can’t talk about horror without bringing up the OG vampire—Dracula. Bram Stoker’s novel isn’t just a spooky tale about a bloodsucking count; it’s also a rich tapestry of Gothic atmosphere, Victorian fears, and a hero’s journey to vanquish evil. Plus, there’s something endlessly cool about reading the book that set the stage for every vampire story to come. From creepy castles to hypnotic eyes, Dracula is a must-read for anyone who loves horror with a side of elegance and dread.

For me, personally, I find Stoker's prose dry and boring, however. I have tried and tried to finish this one and then end up turning on one of the many adaptations.

3. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

If ghost stories are your jam, then Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is going to be your new favorite read. This isn’t your typical haunted house story—Jackson is a master at building psychological tension. The novel follows four strangers who gather at Hill House, each with their own reasons for being there. But as the house’s dark history starts to surface, things get freaky fast. Is it all in their heads, or is there something truly sinister at work? Jackson leaves you questioning everything, and that’s what makes this book so deliciously unsettling.

The true classic haunted house story.

4. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Ever feel like you have a dark side? Well, Dr. Jekyll knows exactly how you feel. Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella is a classic exploration of duality and the evil that lurks within us all. Dr. Jekyll’s experiments lead to the creation of his alter ego, the vile Mr. Hyde, and things go downhill from there. What’s chilling about this story is how relatable it is—who hasn’t wondered what would happen if they let their worst impulses take control? Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a quick read, but it packs a punch that will leave you thinking about your own inner monsters.

5. The Shining by Stephen King

You didn’t think I’d leave out Stephen King, did you? While King has a long list of horror hits, The Shining is arguably his most iconic. Set in the eerie Overlook Hotel, the story follows Jack Torrance as he slowly loses his grip on reality, driven mad by the hotel’s malevolent forces. King’s ability to create a sense of creeping dread is unparalleled, and the psychological horror of Jack’s descent into madness is enough to make you shiver. Just be warned: after reading The Shining, you might think twice about staying in an isolated hotel.

This novel really kept me on the edge of my seat and scared the bejeebers out of me. Separate yourself from the movie when you read this, but enjoy the ride.

6. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of horror, but The Picture of Dorian Gray is as dark as they come. This novel explores the consequences of vanity and the pursuit of eternal youth, with Dorian Gray making a Faustian bargain that allows his portrait to age while he remains young and beautiful. But as Dorian sinks deeper into depravity, his portrait becomes a grotesque reflection of his soul. Wilde’s wit and prose make this more than just a horror story—it’s a chilling commentary on the price of living for pleasure alone.

7. Psycho by Robert Bloch

Before it was a Hitchcock film that made you afraid to shower, Psycho was a novel that redefined horror. Robert Bloch based the character of Norman Bates on real-life killer Ed Gein, and the result is a deeply disturbing tale of madness, murder, and mommy issues. What makes Psycho so effective is how it gets into the mind of its twisted protagonist, making you question what you think you know about the human psyche. If you’re into psychological horror, this book is a must-read.

8. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Are the ghosts real, or is the narrator just losing her mind? That’s the question at the heart of Henry James’s The Turn of the Screw. This novella tells the story of a governess who takes a job caring for two children in a remote mansion. As strange events begin to unfold, the line between reality and imagination starts to blur. James’s masterful ambiguity means that you’ll be left guessing until the very end, which only adds to the unsettling atmosphere. It’s a classic tale of psychological horror that plays with your mind in the best way possible.

9. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend is a novel that blends horror, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic themes to create something truly unique. The story follows Robert Neville, the last man on Earth, as he battles against a world overrun by vampires. But it’s not just the creatures of the night that make this novel terrifying—it’s the crushing loneliness and the slow realization that Neville might be the true monster. I Am Legend has influenced countless works in the horror genre, and its themes of isolation and survival make it as relevant today as it was when it was published.

10. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

Last but certainly not least is The Exorcist, the novel that made an entire generation afraid of little girls. William Peter Blatty’s tale of demonic possession is one of the most terrifying books ever written, full stop. When young Regan MacNeil starts exhibiting strange and terrifying behavior, her mother turns to the church for help, leading to a showdown between good and evil that will make your skin crawl. The Exorcist is a masterclass in building tension, and its themes of faith, doubt, and the nature of evil give it a depth that’s rare in horror. Just don’t read it right before bed—you’ve been warned.

The movie is terrifying, but the novel might be more scary. I read far too much of this novel working at a tiny radio station where I had to push a button twice an hour, when it was still dark outside.

So there you have it—ten classic horror novels that every fan of the genre should read at least once. These books aren’t just scary—they’re also rich with themes, atmosphere, and characters that have left a lasting impact on horror as we know it today. Whether you’re in the mood for ghosts, monsters, or a deep psychological dive, these novels have got you covered. So grab a blanket, turn down the lights, and prepare for a reading experience that’s as thrilling as it is chilling. Happy haunting!

For all of my books (which I hope will become classics some day) you can visit my bookstore and see all of my novels, novellas, short stories, and audiobooks.