I do love a good horror book, and having recently bought myself a Kindle Paperwhite, I thought it was a great opportunity to share with you some of my favorite horror novels for Kindle. Even if you don't have an e-reader, you'll be able to find many of these books in paperback format on Amazon or at your local bookshop. Here are 9 haunting horror novels for Kindle - you might want to read these with the lights on!
1. The Small Hand by Susan Hill
I guess it’s more of a ghost story than a horror novel, but I loved The Small Hand. It tells the story of an antiquarian bookseller who discovers an abandoned Edwardian house. I won’t tell you any more as you’ll need to find out what happens for yourself, but this is definitely one of my favorite horror novels for Kindle – I recommend reading it during daylight hours!
2. Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill
What would you do if you bought something on eBay that was haunted? I guess you’d try to give it back to the seller, but what if you couldn’t? That’s the main premise of Joe Hill’s terrifying novel Heart Shaped Box. To say more about the story would spoil it, but this is one which will stay with you, so don’t read it if you’re alone!
3. The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill
I downloaded this recently on impulse, after enjoying The Small Hand. It’s short at 160 pages long but it’s well worth reading. The author of The Woman in Black has created another really creepy ghost story here, and if you’re looking for a tale of mystery and intrigue, this is for you!
4. The Strain by Guillermo Del Toro and Chuck Hogan
This is currently being made into a film, which I can’t wait to see – fans of Guillermo del Toro’s movies and Stephen King books will love The Strain trilogy. This is the first book in the trilogy about a vampire plague – pretty scary stuff!
5. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion
You might have seen the recent film release – a friend got me the book a while back and it’s definitely one I want to keep on Kindle. I would describe it as more of a horror comedy – lots of zombies taking over the world but with a romance at the heart of the story; I love it.
6. 20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill
Another Joe Hill novel (he’s a great writer!) this is a collection of haunting, creepy short stories. Great for reading on your morning commute or dipping in and out of when you don’t have time to sit and read a novel. ‘Pop Art’ is one of my favorites.
7. Dark Matter by Michelle Paver
This ghost story, set in the 1930s, will stay with you long after you turn out the lights. This was an impulse buy for me on Kindle, and I definitely don’t regret it. If you’re a fan of Susan Hill, you’ll love Michelle Paver’s books, and in my opinion this is one of her best!
8. House of Small Shadows by Adam Nevill
Billed as ‘Britain’s answer to Stephen King’, us Brits have certainly given author Adam Nevill a lot to live up to, and he doesn’t disappoint with House of Small Shadows. A horror story about a puppeteer and taxidermist with an abandoned house thrown into the mix – what could be more spooky? I read this with the lights on, but if you’re feeling brave you might want to hide under the covers with it!
9. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
I have this in paperback and now on my Kindle too and I have to say, it’s one of my favorite books. I guess it’s a historical horror – sort of like a new retelling of the Dracula story, but with a difference. It’s very well written, haunting and absolutely unputdownable! I read it from cover to cover twice!
Hopefully this has given you a few titles you want to add to your Kindle wishlist, or purchase right now. Horror stories are great winter reading with a cozy cup of tea or hot chocolate – make sure you don’t get too scared! What are some of your favorite horror novels?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a good horror book on Kindle Unlimited?
- A good horror book keeps you on the edge of your seat, has a gripping story, and memorable characters. It should give you that eerie feeling where the shadows seem to move. Plus, it should be available on Kindle Unlimited so you can easily dive into it!
- Can you recommend some must-read horror novels on Kindle Unlimited?
- Sure! Some of my top picks are 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson, 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman, and 'NOS4A2' by Joe Hill. These books will definitely give you goosebumps and keep you up at night.
- What's so special about 'Dark Matter' by Michelle Paver on Kindle?
- 'Dark Matter' is spooky and atmospheric. It's set in the Arctic, which adds an extra layer of isolation and fear. Paver's writing pulls you into the icy cold and the supernatural elements perfectly. It's a definite must-read if you're into bone-chilling horror.
- Are there free horror books on Kindle that are worth reading?
- Absolutely! Sometimes, Kindle Unlimited features free titles that are fantastic. Keep an eye out for promotions and you might snag a great horror read without spending a dime. 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is often available for free and is a timeless classic.
- How do I find the best horror books on Kindle Unlimited?
- You can start by checking out the bestseller lists and reading reviews from other readers. Websites like Goodreads are also great places to see ratings and recommendations. Plus, keep an eye on articles and lists (like the one you're reading) for curated suggestions.