The Greatest British "Fiction, Horror" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 284 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Horror

Horror is a genre of literature that is designed to evoke feelings of fear, terror, and dread in the reader. It typically features supernatural or paranormal elements, such as ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly creatures, and often explores themes of death, violence, and the unknown. Horror books can range from subtle and psychological to graphic and gory, but they all share the common goal of scaring and thrilling their readers. Whether it's a classic ghost story or a modern slasher novel, horror books offer a unique and thrilling reading experience for those who enjoy being scared out of their wits.

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  1. 1. Lord of the Flies by William Golding

    A group of British boys are stranded on an uninhabited island after their plane crashes during wartime. Initially, they attempt to establish order, creating rules and electing a leader. However, as time passes, their civility erodes, and they descend into savagery and chaos. The struggle for power intensifies, leading to violence and death. The novel explores themes of innocence, the inherent evil in mankind, and the thin veneer of civilization.

  2. 2. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

    A young woman marries a wealthy widower and moves into his large English country house. She quickly realizes that the memory of her husband's first wife, Rebecca, haunts every corner of the estate. The housekeeper's obsessive devotion to Rebecca and the mysterious circumstances of her death continue to overshadow the second wife's attempts to make a happy life with her husband. As secrets about Rebecca's life and death are revealed, the new wife must grapple with her own identity and place within the household.

  3. 3. The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham

    In this post-apocalyptic novel, the majority of the world's population is blinded by a comet shower, leaving society vulnerable to the Triffids - venomous, mobile plants that were previously farmed for their oil. The protagonist, who retains his sight after being hospitalized during the comet shower, must navigate this new world, dealing with the Triffids and the desperate remnants of humanity. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptation, and the inherent fragility of civilization.

  4. 4. The Wasp Factory: A Novel by Iain Banks

    The novel is a dark and disturbing tale of a 16-year-old boy named Frank who lives on a secluded island with his eccentric father. Frank, who has killed three children in his past, spends his time engaging in violent rituals and maintaining his "Wasp Factory," a barbaric contraption he uses for divination. The narrative takes a turn when his older brother, who is institutionalized, escapes and heads home, leading to shocking revelations about their family's past and Frank's identity.

  5. 5. The Man Who Was Thursday by G. K. Chesterton

    "The Man Who Was Thursday" is a metaphysical thriller that revolves around a poet turned detective who infiltrates a secret society of anarchists in London. Each member of the society is named after a day of the week, and the protagonist becomes 'Thursday.' As he delves deeper, he discovers that the other members are also undercover detectives, each unaware of the others' true identities. The narrative explores themes of order and chaos, faith and unbelief, with a surprising twist regarding the identity of the society's leader, 'Sunday.'

  6. 6. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

    "Good Omens" is a humorous take on the biblical Apocalypse, following an angel and a demon who have grown fond of Earth and its inhabitants, and are not too keen on the impending end of the world. As they try to locate the misplaced Antichrist and prevent the Four Horsemen from bringing about Armageddon, they encounter an array of quirky characters, including witch-hunters, modern-day witches, and the Four Horsemen themselves. The novel combines comedy, fantasy, and philosophical themes, offering a satirical critique of religious prophecy and human nature.

  7. 7. Hawksmoor by Peter Ackroyd

    "Hawksmoor" is a novel that alternates between the 18th century and the 1980s, focusing on two characters both named Nicholas Dyer and Nicholas Hawksmoor. Dyer, an architect in the 18th century, constructs seven churches in London, each with a dark and sinister secret. In the 1980s, Hawksmoor, a detective, investigates a series of murders that occur in the same churches. The narrative explores themes of history, time, architecture, and supernatural elements, creating an eerie and atmospheric tale.

  8. 8. The Bloody Chamber And Other Stories by Angela Carter

    "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that reimagines and deconstructs traditional fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strong female characters, sexual exploration, and violent and gothic themes. Each story presents a unique spin on classic tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard, challenging the typical gender roles and expectations found in the original stories.

  9. 9. Sandman by Neil Gaiman

    "Sandman" is a dark and fantastical series that follows the character Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the seven Endless who personify certain universal concepts that transcend beyond gods. The narrative explores Dream's realm and responsibilities, his interactions with humans, gods, and his own family, as well as the consequences when he is captured and subsequently escapes after 70 years. The series is renowned for its blending of myth, history, and contemporary issues, creating a richly nuanced universe that delves into the nature of storytelling itself.

  10. 10. Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock

    In "Mythago Wood," a man named Steven Huxley delves into the mysterious depths of Ryhope Wood, a forest that holds ancient and mythical creatures known as mythagos. As he explores the ever-changing landscape, Steven encounters his deceased father's mythago, a powerful and seductive woman named Guiwenneth. Drawn into a world of magic and danger, Steven must confront his own desires and confront the dark secrets that lie within the heart of the wood.

  11. 11. The Collector by John Fowles

    The book revolves around a socially awkward and reclusive young man who wins a substantial amount of money in a lottery, which he uses to execute a long-held, sinister fantasy: to "collect" the object of his obsession, a beautiful and unattainable art student. He kidnaps her and holds her captive in the cellar of his rural farmhouse, convinced that she will grow to love him over time. The narrative delves into the psychological complexities of both captor and captive, exploring themes of power, possession, and the nature of love, ultimately revealing the chilling and tragic consequences of his delusional pursuit.

  12. 12. Books of Blood by Clive Barker

    "Books of Blood" is a collection of horror stories that explore the depths of fear, the supernatural, and the macabre. Each tale is intricately woven and filled with terrifyingly vivid imagery, taking readers on a journey into the darkest corners of the human psyche. The stories range from the terrifying tale of a city consumed by an enormous, flesh-eating monster, to the chilling account of a man haunted by the spirits of the dead. Each story is unique, yet they all share a common thread of fear, horror, and the unknown.

  13. 13. The Green Man by Kingsley Amis

    "The Green Man" is a chilling and darkly humorous novel that follows the life of Maurice Allington, a middle-aged innkeeper who becomes haunted by a malevolent spirit. As Maurice's life unravels, he must confront his own demons and face the consequences of his actions. Blending elements of horror, comedy, and psychological suspense, this gripping tale explores themes of guilt, mortality, and the supernatural, leaving readers questioning the boundaries between reality and the supernatural.

  14. 14. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

    A young girl named Coraline Jones moves into a new home and discovers a secret door leading to an alternate version of her life, where her "Other Mother" and "Other Father" reside. Although this parallel world seems better at first, she soon realizes that her Other Parents want to keep her there permanently and that they are not as they appear. Coraline must use her bravery and wits to save herself and her real parents, who have been kidnapped by the Other Mother, and free the souls of other children trapped in this alternate world.

  15. 15. The Crystal World by J. G. Ballard

    "The Crystal World" by J. G. Ballard is a mesmerizing and haunting novel that takes place in a remote African jungle, where a mysterious phenomenon is turning everything into crystal. As the crystallization spreads, it threatens to engulf the entire world, trapping its inhabitants in a frozen and beautiful but deadly landscape. Amidst this surreal backdrop, the characters grapple with their own desires, fears, and the inevitable decay of life, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Ballard's evocative prose and exploration of themes such as time, love, and the fragility of existence make this a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.

  16. 16. The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

    The novel is a chilling ghost story set in the remote English countryside, where a young solicitor is sent to settle the estate of a recently deceased client. Upon his arrival at the eerie and isolated Eel Marsh House, he encounters unnerving supernatural occurrences and the repeated sightings of a mysterious woman dressed in black. As he delves deeper into the town's tragic history, he uncovers a tale of a vengeful spirit whose appearance foretells the death of children. The solicitor's skepticism turns to horror as he becomes entangled in the spectral web of the woman in black, and he must confront the haunting secrets that lie within the house and the town.

  17. 17. Weaveworld by Clive Barker

    In this dark fantasy novel, the reader is transported to a world where a magical carpet, known as the Fugue, contains an entire realm within its intricate weaves. This tapestry serves as a sanctuary for a race of beings and their rich culture, hidden from the dangers of the human world. When a young man accidentally discovers the carpet, he becomes entangled in a struggle to protect the Fugue from malevolent forces that seek to destroy it. As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate a perilous landscape of treachery and sorcery, where reality and fantasy intertwine, and the fate of both worlds hangs in the balance.

  18. 18. The Horror Horn And Other Stories by E. F. Benson

    "The Horror Horn And Other Stories" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the realms of supernatural and psychological horror. From haunted houses and vengeful spirits to eerie premonitions and macabre transformations, each story offers a unique and spine-tingling experience. With masterful storytelling and a keen eye for suspense, the author takes readers on a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, leaving them captivated and unsettled until the very last page.

  19. 19. The House Of Souls by Arthur Machen

    "The House of Souls" is a collection of supernatural tales that explore the thin veil between the physical and spiritual realms. From haunted houses to ancient rituals, the stories delve into the mysteries of the occult and the unsettling forces that lurk in the shadows. With vivid descriptions and a haunting atmosphere, the book takes readers on a chilling journey through the unknown, leaving them questioning the boundaries of reality and the existence of otherworldly beings.

  20. 20. The Complete John Silence Stories by Algernon Blackwood

    "The Complete John Silence Stories" is a collection of thrilling tales written by Algernon Blackwood. The book follows the adventures of John Silence, a psychic detective who uses his extraordinary abilities to solve perplexing mysteries. From haunted houses to supernatural encounters, Silence's investigations take readers on a captivating journey through the realms of the unknown. With a blend of suspense, horror, and the occult, these stories offer a unique and chilling reading experience.

  21. 21. The House On The Borderland And Other Novels by William Hope Hodgson

    "The House On The Borderland And Other Novels" is a collection of thrilling and imaginative stories by William Hope Hodgson. The book takes readers on a journey through various eerie and otherworldly settings, where they encounter supernatural phenomena, ancient evils, and cosmic horrors. From a haunted house on the edge of reality to a terrifying voyage through time and space, these gripping tales offer a blend of horror, science fiction, and fantasy that will captivate fans of the genre.

  22. 22. The Second Century Of Creepy Stories by Hugh Walpole

    "The Second Century of Creepy Stories" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of fear, madness, and the supernatural. From haunted houses to malevolent spirits, each story takes readers on a suspenseful journey, leaving them questioning the boundaries between reality and the unknown. With its masterful storytelling and eerie atmosphere, this anthology is sure to captivate fans of horror and suspense.

  23. 23. Quatermass And The Pit by Nigel Kneale

    "Quatermass And The Pit" is a science fiction novel that follows the investigations of Professor Bernard Quatermass, a brilliant scientist, as he unravels the mystery behind a strange object discovered during an excavation in London. As Quatermass delves deeper into the origins of the object, he uncovers a terrifying truth that connects it to ancient Martian civilization and its influence on human evolution. With the threat of a malevolent force awakening, Quatermass must race against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could change the course of humanity forever.

  24. 24. Sub Rosa by Robert Aickman

    "Sub Rosa" by Robert Aickman is a collection of unsettling and atmospheric short stories that delve into the realms of the supernatural and the uncanny. Each story presents a unique and enigmatic narrative, often blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural, leaving readers with a lingering sense of unease. Aickman's masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions create an eerie and haunting atmosphere, making "Sub Rosa" a captivating read for fans of psychological horror and the macabre.

  25. 25. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

    The novel follows the unusual life of a boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens who, after his family is murdered, is raised by the supernatural inhabitants of a graveyard. Under the protection of ghosts and his guardian, who is neither living nor dead, Bod learns about the living world and the dangers it holds, including the man Jack who continues to hunt for him. As he grows up among tombstones and crypts, Bod explores the limits of his graveyard home, encounters creatures of the night, and ultimately confronts the sinister forces that took his family from him, all while trying to lead a normal life despite his extraordinary upbringing.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download