The best books for the classic horror fiction fanatic

There is nothing that screams Classic Horror Fiction quite like a good haunting story. Stephen King’s impeccable style of a slow-burn story with soft hints of horror until it builds into a crescendo of wild visuals and horrific happenings certainly hit home. There is a fabulous cast of characters, that even in the modern age can be related to. That’s the thing about King, despite being written years ago, his books hold relativity because you connect with the characters, not the things they have and do. His graceful way of incorporating back stories for both his main characters and his ghosts just makes the story more chilling. After all, what’s more terrifying—a ghost or a man possessed by addiction?

I felt full emerged and terrified from the first time I read it, and every time I reread it.

While on the shorter side of horror, Five Nights at Freddie’s has the classic jump scares that you’re looking for in a punchy horror book. Some might not consider it classic fiction as such, but it has its roots in the old adage of something lurking around the corner waiting for you—a timeless story motif. With a harrowing twist in the end, this book gives all the right chills at the right time. You hang onto the edge of your seat while you follow the main character and the ‘things’ that are haunting her. Despite it having a clear motif, I still found it a bit unpredictable and enjoyed it thoroughly. Suitable for younger audiences. 

What can I say about Anne Rice that hasn’t already been said? She is the Queen of the genre, especially with how Gothic and historical her tales are. She always incorporates such rich descriptions and historical background that you fully immerse not only into the story, but in the world it is taking place in. In the case of this book you’re taken on a mesmerizing journey through New Orleans. A huge fan of the area, Anne Rice brings everything to life from the magnolias growing in the garden to the wrap-around porches. This story was a ghost/demon feature story, but done in such a way I haven’t seen before. I was hooked from start to finish with this book, picking it up any chance I could, and finishing it within a few days. It is a long book and Rice prefers to go into thorough detail, which might bother some, but I find that’s a marker of a good Classic horror fiction—the details. 

I went into this book blind, I can’t remember the exact circumstances but if I’m not mistaken it was when I was advertising myself as a reviewer for indie authors. This takes the serial killer theme to all new levels as based on a truth fiction tale. Hammott has an enjoyable writing style that flows and draws the reader in. It is an excellent retelling that kept me wanting to know more about Holmes. I have subsequently researched the killer and found Hammott's accounts to be factually correct which just makes the story that much more chilling. 

Now this is definitely a cult classic. The devil, a woman, the baby she wants desperately, and a deal that haunts everyone involved. I don’t have much to say about this book's style, it was good but nothing to write home about. The story, though—the very concept—was brilliantly done. Sharp twists and turns keep you gasping, which is nice for a read. I loved the imagery in this book and lost some sleep over it. Definitely recommended.