10 great horror books to try if you're new to the genre!

My recommendations for horror beginners!

Books discussed:
Thin Air by Michelle Paver
From Below by Darcy Coates
The Fisherman by John Langan
Fear/Trickery/other short stories by Roald Dahl
We've Always Lived in a Castle by Shirley Jackson
Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark
Psycho by Robert Bloch
Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin
Devolution by Max Brooks
Woman Eating by Claire Kohda
How the Dead Live by Derek Raymond
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Music: Who's Afraid of Halloween by Alfred Grupstra from Pixabay

[bennyhill]

Ira Levin is a genius. Rosemary's Baby is so well written. To add that amount of suspense and fear without revealing any actual horror until the end is not easy.

Son of Rosemary is brilliant too.

[fabiwilliams]

Thankyou. You're the first person I've come across to present horror stories by female authors

[keninmaine]

I just came across your channel a couple weeks ago, and I'm so glad I did. While I am by no means a new horror fan, this list introduced me to some books which I've added to my TBR list. And in a timely coincidence, I was able to find a used copy of Thin Air this evening at our local music/book store. I look forward to starting it soon!

[johnnythepillpopper]

I recommend Salems Lot by SKING. That was my first horror book and the rest is history

[AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

I like the sound of both Thin Air and From Below. I like suspenseful ghost stories. The Fisherman sounds super creepy. I still haven’t got to Lovecraft. Shirley Jackson is great, and We Have Always Lived in the Castle is so strange! I’ve never read Psycho but it’s a brilliant film. Too many books here I want to look out for!

[brianpratt]

People don't always know Max Brooks is the son of Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft

[patlockwood]

Just found your channel. I plan on ordering all . I am in Costa Rica and it is quite a journey to get the books down here but your reads seem to be worth it.
It takes about 3 weeks to get the books so, I will be chomping at the bit.
Thanks so much.

[karopi]

Roald Dahl is one of my favorite authors. He actually wrote first his adult short fiction. His stories also appear in Alfred Hitchcock presents that was a TV show very similar to the tales of the unexpected. I got all his short stories and is one of the few authors that I buy his books in physical format.

[KitsuneCool]

This is a fantastic list! I guess I’m reading The Fisherman; I keep hearing about it, you’ve convinced me to finally pick it up. Great video!!

[rickcroucher]

Ira Levin's first book A KISS BEFORE DYING is also a fantastic book. It was his first and it held me on the edge of my seat as I read it. I just picked up the Kindle edition of THE FISHERMAN. Thanks for the heads up.

[jenniferlovesbooks]

I agree about Ira Levin, I have really enjoyed his books that I have read, especially Rosemary's Baby.

[lynnlovesyou]

Great list, Olly!! Excellent presentation, too!
I love Psycho - both the movie and the book! Love Rosemary's Baby, especially the book.
However, one of the scariest books I've ever read was a true crime book called Fatal Vision. It literally kept me awake some nights after reading it!!
Keep up the brilliant work, buddy! ♥️♥️

[jacko]

Awesome video. Never heard of The Fisherman, I'll add that to my ever-growing list!

[Rose_]

thanks mate, really enjoy your videos… i’m just trying to get more into reading, finding it challenging but i’m gonna try & keep working at it!

[interestedobserver]

I would recommend a book from 1974 by Ramond Rudorff who wrote a few good books, but the one that stands out is titled (House of the Brandersons.) It is excellent, atmospheric, creepy, stays with you long after you have finished it. I believe it would make a very good film.

[jewellparker]

Subscribing to your channel today. This was a great first time video for me - I've been itching to try reading horror but wouldn't have known where to start. Loved the Rosemary's Baby movie, so I'm looking forward to reading it; will also be checking into the others mentioned.

[ashurmom]

I absolutely loved We Have Always Lived The Castle, haunting!!! I also love early Peter Straub, particularly Ghost Story, his other early works are great! Ira Levin holds a place on my list, thanks for highlighting these great authors!! Also want to give a shout out to short stories “ the room in the tower” and “the yellow wallpaper “ for gripping reads, thanks for encouraging people to read!!!

[CestKevvie]

From Below sounds up my alley! Ooh yes I love Roald Dahl's short story Lamb to the Slaughter, I should pick up one of his collections! I read Ring Shout earlier this year and loved it!

[trashcangoblin]

Thanks for the fisherman recommendation - not quite as scary as I was hoping, but did have me scrabbling to turn each page. Devoured it in a day or two.

[jadedpaladin]

Great list!
I would also add Rusted Hearts by S.I Almanza