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Exploring Subgenres: From Psychological Thrillers to Supernatural Horror

Writer's picture: Bryan AlaspaBryan Alaspa
Genres of horror and horror writing horror fiction coffee and books

Are you a fan of spine-tingling narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat? Or perhaps you enjoy delving into the depths of the human psyche through the lens of suspenseful storytelling. If you find yourself nodding along, then you're in for a treat as we dive into the captivating world of horror subgenres. From psychological thrillers that play mind games to supernatural horror that sends shivers down your spine, there's something for every avid reader looking to explore the darker side of fiction.


Of course, if you are here, on this blog, at this website, you are most likely a fan of all of those things. But, if you've been wanting to explore other genres within the umbrella of "horror" then let's dig deeper.


Unveiling Popular Subgenres of Horror Novels


1. Psychological Thrillers


Psychological thrillers are the master manipulators of the literary world, expertly toying with readers' minds and emotions. These stories often focus on the psychological motivations and inner workings of characters, creating a sense of unease and suspense that lingers long after the final page. If you're a fan of intricate plot twists and unreliable narrators, psychological thrillers are sure to keep you guessing until the very end.


Notable Books:


  • "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

  • "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

  • "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides


2. Supernatural Horror


Supernatural horror takes readers on a chilling journey beyond the realm of the natural, where ghosts, demons, and otherworldly entities lurk in the shadows. These tales of the supernatural often evoke a sense of dread and fear, tapping into our primal instincts and fascination with the unknown. If you enjoy exploring the macabre and facing the things that go bump in the night, supernatural horror is the perfect subgenre for you.


Notable Books:


  • "The Shining" by Stephen King

  • "Bird Box" by Josh Malerman

  • "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson


Unpacking Unique Elements of Each Subgenre


  • Psychological Thrillers Twisted Narratives: Psychological thrillers are known for their complex and twisted narratives that keep readers guessing.

    • Character Study: These stories delve deep into the psyche of characters, exploring their motivations and darkest secrets.

    • Mind Games: Expect plenty of mind games, unreliable narrators, and psychological manipulation that will leave you questioning everything.

  • Supernatural Horror Atmospheric Settings: Supernatural horror excels in creating eerie and atmospheric settings that set the stage for terror.

    • Otherworldly Entities: Ghosts, monsters, and supernatural forces take center stage, instilling a sense of dread and fascination.

    • Fear of the Unknown: The fear of the unknown and the supernatural permeates these stories, tapping into primal fears and superstitions.


Whether you're drawn to the labyrinthine plots of psychological thrillers or the bone-chilling encounters of supernatural horror, there's a subgenre that's bound to captivate your imagination. So dim the lights, curl up with a cozy blanket, and prepare to embark on a journey into the heart of darkness with these gripping tales.


Dive into the world of psychological thrillers and supernatural horror, where the line between reality and nightmare blurs, and the only certainty is the thrill of the unknown. Get ready to immerse yourself in a realm of fear, suspense, and supernatural encounters unlike any other. Happy reading!


Merging the adrenaline-pumping suspense of psychological thrillers with the bone-chilling scares of supernatural horror, these subgenres take readers on a rollercoaster ride through the darkest corners of human nature and the supernatural realm. So, which subgenre will you be adding to your reading list next? Let us know in the comments below!


Of course, there are other sub-genres we can explore (and probably will in future blogs) like Splatterpunk and Extreme horror. There's Nature Horror and Gothic Horror. Honestly, the well goes deep, but the two above are the most popular.



For all of my books, check out my bookstore at Amazon. I have supernatural, thrillers, psychological and more.

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