10 Best Horror Novels in 2022 (Stephen King, Shirley Jackson, and More)

First published in 1959, Jackson's ghost story is hailed as a work of genius. An occult scholar is looking for proof of the supernatural in this tale. He looks to investigate the inexplicable phenomena that occur within the forbidding Hill House. But the mysterious powers of the house soon reveal themselves and claim one of his team for its own.

This book relies more on atmosphere and creating a sense of terror rather than on gore and blood. Readers were drawn by the subtle psychology of the author and narrative style, which led them deeper and deeper into dark rooms of the house, the past, and the mind.

The Shining is one of the most famous pieces of literary horror. The off-season caretaker of the Overlook Hotel attempts to finish a play he's working on during the harsh winter season. While living with his wife and son, strange and sinister paranormal forces center themselves on the unfortunate family in the empty hotel.

This book is beloved by horror fans but moves too slowly for some reviewers. However, many readers enjoy it more than Stanley Kubrick's movie, saying the book is much more detailed and has a captivating narrative. No matter which side you're on, The Shining is a book that is practically compulsory reading for all book fans.

Ira Levin's book is a true masterpiece that braids together many horror elements into a sinister tapestry. It tells the story of a young couple who move into a new house. The husband struggles with his acting career as the wife desperately wishes for a baby. Adding to their stress are the nosy neighbors that act as if they have a claim on their family. 

Readers praise the story for including not only the psychological struggles of toxic relationships and isolation but also exploring the unending battle between good and evil. The prose is simple and straightforward, which makes the realizations even more terrifying when they dawn on the protagonist and the reader. 

Hunger and misfortune plague the Donner Party wagon train as the pioneers head down the experimental and unfortunate route that ends in tragedy. As bitter quarrels arise, members start mysteriously disappearing. They realize something, just beyond the campfire, is picking them off one by one.

Some readers found the ending to be a little unsatisfying, but most enjoyed the slow and suspenseful narrative. Readers also enjoyed how the narration made the environment into a character itself, which fights against the doomed pioneers. The mix of history and supernatural was also enjoyed by readers.

When the protagonist Gyre lies her way onto an off-world expedition, she did not expect to be blackmailed and controlled by the nefarious Em. Not only is she at the mercy of Em's whims, but a mysterious run of bad luck also seems to be tagging at her heels. Did Gyre leave Earth only to die in a dark cave at the hand of an invisible force?

Readers were struck by how this horror story played out with only two characters. The descent of Gyre into madness and literal darkness makes it a thrilling tale. They say that the story reveals to us that monsters don't just live in the physical darkness, but they exist in the darkness in our minds as well.

Eighty-year-old Donald spends the winter of his life pleasantly ambling in the countryside. He is not one for flights of fancy, though old age has taken its toll on his memory. Darkness rears its head as he comes across shattering realizations regarding his wife, his children, and all those he assumed to trust as he stumbles across the Croning.

Readers recommend this novel if you like Lovecraftian horror, but some readers found the writing style difficult to follow. However, many were gripped by this unsettling piece of literary horror. It weaves ancient evils and modern madness as the shadow of death closes on the aged protagonist. 

Danni ran away from her childhood home to escape the abuse and the misery inflicted by her father. Years later, she must return with her family to bury him and lay down the ghosts of her past. As she faces what she left behind, she begins to understand that there is evil waiting in the shadows.

Readers enjoyed the heavy atmosphere of the house created by the author. They say that the novel was fast-paced, entertaining, and delivered a very satisfying take on the haunted house genre. Many readers said this is one of the few novels that has actually scared them!

Fellside is a maximum-security prison where Jess may find herself locked up if convicted of a horrific crime she didn't commit. But this prison has an extra layer of terror. The walls are whispering to Jess in a voice from the past that she did not believe could reach her.

Readers enjoyed this book as it deals with multiple layers of shame, guilt, and the paranormal. They praise the well-developed characters and how real the author made them feel. Readers also say that the book makes you question the line between the physical world and the reality within our heads.

Hanna is the apple of her father's eye. All she wants is to spend time with him, even if it means getting rid of her annoying mother. Hanna's mother Suzette tries desperately to take care of her child. But what do you do if your own daughter dislikes you with an intensity that doesn't seem normal?

Some readers found the writing lackluster, but many enjoyed the riveting creepiness of the tale. They like how the author flips the narration between a psychopathic child and an entrapped mother, providing the motivations of each character. They also say the writing is fast-paced and straightforward but has some pretty weird plot twists.

Four university friends reunite to go on a hike in an ancient forest deep in the Scandinavian countryside. However, tensions rise and they try to take a shortcut through the forest just to end their trip faster. They end up lost, hungry, and afraid, stumbling into the midst of an ancient evil that lurks in the forest.

Some reviewers found the first part of the book more convincing than the second part. Other readers affirm that there are satisfying gore scenes and an equally satisfying plot twist! Readers also enjoyed the atmospheric tension as the group of friends deals with in-fighting as well as the psychological terror of being hunted.