Scariest Books I've Ever Read

Ranking the top 5 scariest books I've ever read. From scary horror books to the scariest horror books, from Canadian horror writers, American horror writers, and British horror writers. I also talk about my own short story collections and novellas of psychological horror.

#books #booktube #horrortube #horror #reading #scary

Some of the best horror books I recommend in this video include
The Deep by Nick Cutter
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Ian Reid
The Ritual by Adam Nevill
Off Season by Jack Ketchum

[msvalkyrie]

Try reading Pet Semetary when alone in a house miles from anywhere on a
Winter's night . ? You'll sleep with the light on !!

[jimmyhill]

You should read Carrion Comfort by Dan Simmions. There is a short version and a long version. But it’s AWESOME.

[horizonmage_o]

Great list, didn't know any of these! They all sound interesting too, excited to check them out

[B-RollBooks]

I very much enjoyed the way you phrased your introduction. The scariest books do indeed seem to frighten you from within. Matheson's Hell House was simply too frightening for me to enjoy.

Glad to find your channel. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos!

[rodgilley-writer]

I saw Cliff from Cliff's Dark Gems review this book. He named you, so I had to come check out your channel. Off Season flew to my Looking forward to seeing more of your videos!!!!

[BigDog]

Excellent selection. I've read them all except for I'm Thinking of Ending Things, which I admit I gave up on. I might try it again given I'm aware what you think you're seeing you actually aren't. I adored Adam Neville's The Reddening too. I spent most of my life in the area where he set the book. That man can really write.

[kelligray]

You did a great job- thank you. I’ll be picking these up.

[philbennett]

Great list and I commend you for your rich and compelling descriptions which have motivated me to read each one. I am not sure if I should be ashamed or not but I have to admit to not having read any of the five you highlight. I aim to change that in the coming weeks. The fact you read one in french, a language I am currently trying to learn impresses me. I am envious, again not sure if I should admit that or not. Great video, thank you 🙏🏻.

[TalenLee]

Hi there! This got randomly suggested to me and I see you have a super low subscriber count, so I'm going to treat you like this is something you haven't done a lot of (I've not checked yet). I'd recommend checking when you listen back how your speaking voice (which is pleasantly soft) contrasts with the bumper music you use - it's a really marked difference in volume.

I look forward to seeing you do more stuff, this was an interesting video!

[angelwalker]

I agree with Nevill, he can do scary! I loved the Ritual, and i havent read the Reddening but for me House of small shadows creeped me out, i even had nightmares from that book and so it holds a special place in my heart lol.🤓 great list!

[Bimmermpower]

awesome. enjoy how straightforward and direct you are. will be on the hunt for a few of these for this winter's reading. horror is my favorite genre. i myself only have only read a few that actually have 'scared' me thus far.

[spudspuddy]

try crash by jg ballard, and high rise...you'll never trust your neighbours again

[brightyellwgun]

Great list! :) I felt the same way about Off Season.
Have you read Adam Neville's short story collections? If you haven't yet, you should definitely check them out! They're excellent and very creepy

[reecegunningham]

I've started reading The Deep last night based on your recommendation. I shall be back for more recommendations when I have finished this one. Thanks Michael!

[BoughtByTheBlood]

Can't speak for the novels, but this narrator is by far one of the creepiest guys I've ever listened to! 😮

[rickcroucher]

The ONLY book that scared me all the way through was THE SHINING. DRACULA had one scene that scared hell out of me that is Dracula crawling along the face of his castle.

[Tetsujin-]

New to the channel. "I'm Thinking of Ending Things" was entertaining. I enjoyed it.
Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica: It'll be a while until read a book as disturbing as this.
Hawk Mountain by Conner Habib is a close 2nd place.
Movie: I'll take a guess and say you liked "Eyes of My Mother" which while a brilliant film, it's deeply disturbing .
I look forward to more recommendations.

[scottishbuffy]

Hi Michael I recently read Cunning Folk by Adam Neville. I found it a bit of a slog to get through & the plot was maybe too fantastical for my taste. Based on your top 5 I may add the reddening onto my tbr. Sounds interesting. Thanks!!

[mrg]

Maybe it was the age I was when I read it - because I know Dean Koontz is not the highest caliber of authors - but I think Phantoms was my personal scariest book. An entire town disappearing, locked room mysteries, things that go bump in the night - I really enjoyed the suspense and the creepiness and I thought the monster was truly something different and terrifying. As I grew up afterwards, books just didn't scare me as much even though i still loved reading them.

[eriebeverly]

Great list of books. I've read them all except the Ketchum. Not a fan and it has more to do with the way he makes connections than the yikes factor. The only book that has ever unnerved me as an adult was Michael McDowell's The Elementals.