The Greatest "Suspense, Supernatural, Horror, Fiction" Books Since 1980

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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Genres

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Supernatural

The "Supernatural" category for books typically includes stories that involve paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures. These books often explore themes of magic, mystery, and the unknown, and may incorporate elements of horror, romance, or fantasy. Supernatural books can range from dark and eerie tales to lighthearted and whimsical stories, but they all share a common thread of exploring the supernatural world beyond our own.

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.

Fiction

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  1. 1. It by Stephen King

    A group of seven childhood friends, known as The Losers Club, come together in their small hometown to confront an evil entity that they first battled as children. This malevolent force, which often takes the form of a terrifying clown, preys on the children of their town by exploiting their deepest fears. The friends must confront their own personal demons and past traumas in order to once again face this entity, and the novel alternates between their childhood and adult experiences with this evil.

    The 677th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

    The novel is a complex and multi-layered narrative that revolves around a young man who comes across a manuscript written by a blind man about a documentary that doesn't appear to exist. The documentary is about a family who moves into a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, with shifting walls and hallways that lead to impossible spaces. The novel is known for its experimental layout, with some pages containing only a few words and others filled with footnotes, different fonts, and sideways text, reflecting the disorienting and labyrinthine nature of the house itself.

    The 974th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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.

    The 1102nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon

    In the aftermath of a nuclear war that devastates the United States, a group of survivors, including a professional wrestler, a young girl with mystical powers, and a bag lady, embark on a journey across a ravaged America. They must navigate the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world and battle a malevolent force known as the Man with the Scarlet Eye, who seeks to claim the wasteland as his own. Throughout their journey, they discover the power of hope, community, and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

    The 1602nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Pet Sematary by Stephen King

    The book revolves around a family that moves to a rural town in Maine, where they discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home. After their cat is killed by a car, it is buried in this "pet sematary," only to return to life with a malevolent change in its behavior. Tragedy strikes the family again, and despite warnings about the dangerous powers of the ancient burial ground, the grieving father makes a decision that unleashes a chain of horrific events, ultimately confronting the devastating consequences of tampering with the boundary between life and death.

    The 2834th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Ceremonies by T. E. D. Klein

    "The Ceremonies" is a chilling horror novel that follows the lives of two academics who stumble upon an ancient evil lurking beneath a small town. As they uncover a series of disturbing rituals and dark secrets, they become entangled in a battle against an otherworldly force that threatens to consume them and unleash chaos upon the world. With its atmospheric writing and spine-tingling suspense, this book delves into themes of ancient mythology, the power of belief, and the terrifying consequences of meddling with forces beyond human comprehension.

    The 4577th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Damnation Game by Clive Barker

    "The Damnation Game" by Clive Barker is a dark and twisted tale that follows the life of a professional thief named Marty Strauss, who is hired by a wealthy and mysterious man named Joseph Whitehead. As Marty delves deeper into his assignment, he becomes entangled in a deadly game of supernatural forces, where he must confront his own inner demons and face the consequences of his actions. With its haunting atmosphere and complex characters, this novel explores themes of desire, redemption, and the price one is willing to pay for ultimate power.

    The 4911th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Nest Of Nightmares by Lisa Tuttle

    "A Nest of Nightmares" by Lisa Tuttle is a chilling and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows the life of a young woman named Sarah, who moves into a seemingly idyllic small town to start afresh. However, as she settles into her new home, she begins to experience a series of inexplicable and terrifying events that unravel the town's dark secrets. With each twist and turn, Sarah finds herself questioning her sanity and the true nature of the people around her, leading to a shocking climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 5019th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

    In the novel, a team of four women—an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist—embark on an expedition into Area X, a mysterious and remote region cut off from civilization. The area is known for its strange occurrences and the disappearance of previous expedition members. As the team delves deeper into the wild and enigmatic landscape, they encounter bizarre creatures, cryptic signs, and the remnants of a lost civilization. The biologist, serving as the narrator, documents their discoveries and her own personal transformations, driven by the unseen forces of Area X. The novel explores themes of nature, mutation, and the unknown, as the expedition's members confront the limits of knowledge and the consequences of seeking to uncover the inexplicable.

    The 6257th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Wizard And Glass by Stephen King

    In the fourth installment of a dark fantasy series, a gunslinger and his companions continue their quest for the Dark Tower, a mythical structure that is the nexus of all universes. Along their journey, the gunslinger recounts a poignant tale from his youth, a story of first love and tragic loss set in a haunting Wild West-like world filled with magic and menace. As he shares his past with his current ka-tet (group bound by fate), the narrative weaves a rich tapestry that deepens the lore of his world and reveals the depths of his character, all while the group faces new threats and the relentless pull of their ultimate goal.

    The 6531st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Communion by Whitley Strieber

    The book is a gripping account of the author's personal experiences with unidentified flying objects and alleged extraterrestrial beings. It delves into a series of encounters that challenge the boundaries of reality, beginning with strange occurrences at a secluded cabin and culminating in face-to-face interactions with mysterious visitors. The narrative explores themes of fear, curiosity, and the search for understanding as the author grapples with the implications of his experiences, questioning the nature of consciousness and what it means to be human in a universe where we may not be alone. The book has sparked considerable debate and has become a seminal work in the UFO and alien encounter literature.

    The 6702nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton

    This series introduces readers to a world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings are legal citizens of the United States, and follows the life of Anita Blake, a professional zombie raiser, vampire executioner, and supernatural consultant for the police. Set in St. Louis, Missouri, Anita navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, dealing with various supernatural mysteries, crimes, and often finding herself in the middle of vampire politics. As the series progresses, Anita's powers and relationships with the supernatural community grow, leading her into ever more dangerous and morally ambiguous situations. The blend of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery, along with a strong, complex female protagonist, has garnered a dedicated fan base.

    The 6737th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Nos4 A2 by Joe Hill

    In this chilling novel, a sinister and immortal being named Charlie Manx kidnaps children and takes them to a twisted Christmasland, a place where every day is Christmas and unhappiness is forbidden. But when a resourceful young girl named Victoria escapes his clutches, she grows up haunted by the memories of her ordeal. Years later, she must confront Manx once again to protect her own son from falling victim to his malevolent plans. With a blend of horror, fantasy, and suspense, this gripping tale explores the darkness that lurks within the human soul and the power of love and resilience to overcome it.

    The 7779th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Gideon The Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

    In a universe where necromancers hold power, Gideon, a skilled swordswoman, is reluctantly paired with her childhood rival, Harrow, to compete in a deadly trial that could grant them immortality. As they venture into an ancient, decaying mansion filled with secrets and puzzles, they must unravel the mysteries of their world and face sinister forces lurking within. With a blend of dark humor, complex characters, and a gripping plot, "Gideon The Ninth" is a thrilling and unique blend of science fiction and fantasy.

    The 8150th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Dreamcatcher by Stephen King

    In this novel, four childhood friends, bound by a shared secret involving a telepathic entity they once saved, reunite in the Maine woods for their annual hunting trip. Their peaceful retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when they encounter a mysterious military quarantine, a deadly virus, and a malevolent alien force. As the situation spirals out of control, the friends must rely on their bond and the powers they gained from their childhood encounter to survive. The story combines elements of horror, science fiction, and psychological drama, exploring themes of friendship, memory, and the human capacity for both good and evil.

    The 8371st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Minion by L. A. Banks

    In this urban fantasy novel, the protagonist is a young woman with a unique heritage who is destined to fight against supernatural forces threatening humanity. Trained as a vampire huntress, she navigates a world filled with danger and darkness, where vampires and demons are very real and very lethal. With the help of her friends and allies, she must embrace her destiny and use her skills and powers to protect the innocent and battle the evil entities that seek to spread chaos and destruction. Balancing her personal life with her responsibilities as a huntress, she confronts the challenges of her calling while uncovering deeper secrets about her own mysterious past and the complex world she is a part of.

    The 8570th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. John Dies At The End by David Wong

    This book is a comedic horror novel that follows two college dropouts who gain psychic abilities after ingesting a mysterious drug known as "Soy Sauce." This substance opens their eyes to a bizarre and terrifying parallel universe, leading them on a surreal adventure as they confront an array of supernatural creatures, ghosts, and otherworldly threats. With a blend of humor, philosophy, and horror, the narrative takes readers on a wild ride through existential crises and the nature of reality, all while the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

    The 9094th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Imago Sequence And Other Stories by Laird Barron

    "The Imago Sequence and Other Stories" is a collection of nine dark tales that blend the genres of horror and noir, delving into the cosmic and the occult. The stories are characterized by their atmospheric tension and psychological depth, exploring the human psyche and its vulnerabilities against a backdrop of supernatural and existential dread. Each narrative in the collection is meticulously crafted, featuring complex characters and intricate plots that often culminate in chilling and thought-provoking conclusions. The eponymous story, "The Imago Sequence," serves as a standout piece, inviting readers into a world of arcane mysteries and the relentless pursuit of forbidden knowledge, encapsulating the thematic essence of the entire collection.

    The 9164th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Passage by Justin Cronin

    "The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Amy, who holds the key to humanity's survival. Set in a world ravaged by a government experiment gone wrong, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption. As Amy grows older, she embarks on a perilous quest to find her purpose and confront the sinister beings known as Virals, while a group of survivors battles against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.

    The 9700th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. A Head Full Of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

    The book is a chilling psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and supernatural horror. It revolves around the Barrett family, whose lives are turned upside down when their eldest daughter exhibits signs of acute mental illness—or perhaps demonic possession. As their situation grows increasingly dire, the family agrees to participate in a reality television show, with cameras documenting the exorcism of their daughter. The story is recounted years later by the younger sister, who reflects on the traumatic events and the impact of public scrutiny, leading readers to question the true nature of the horror that befell the Barretts.

    The 9712th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

    In this gothic novel, a 1970s British acid folk band retreats to an ancient country house to create their next album, only to find themselves enveloped by supernatural occurrences. As the young musicians are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Wylding Hall, the strange environment fuels their creativity, leading to the creation of a legendary album. However, the summer takes a dark turn when the lead singer mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangle of haunting memories and unanswered questions that persist for decades, until the surviving band members reluctantly confront their past in a series of interviews, revealing the chilling truth behind the disappearance.

    The 9789th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Ballad Of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

    The book reimagines the early 20th-century horror landscape by centering on a Black protagonist, Charles Thomas Tester, in 1920s Harlem. Tester, a street musician and hustler, becomes entangled in the dark and supernatural underbelly of New York City when he delivers an occult tome to a reclusive sorceress. His actions catch the attention of malevolent forces, leading to a series of events that expose the racial tensions and eldritch horrors lurking beneath the city's surface. As Tester's involvement with these arcane powers deepens, he is transformed in ways that challenge the very fabric of reality, culminating in a confrontation with otherworldly consequences. The narrative serves as both a critique of Lovecraftian racism and a compelling tale of cosmic horror and societal injustice.

    The 9868th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko

    This novel is set in a contemporary Moscow where the forces of light and darkness coexist in a delicate balance, each side policing the other to prevent the other from gaining too much power. The story follows Anton Gorodetsky, a member of the Night Watch, an organization of Others who have sworn to serve the Light, as he navigates a complex world of magic, morality, and political intrigue. Anton's journey takes him through various missions that challenge his beliefs and loyalties, forcing him to confront difficult truths about the nature of good and evil. As he delves deeper into the shadowy world of the Others, he encounters vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic war between the forces of Light and Darkness.

    The 10299th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

    This novel follows a young woman who, after a personal upheaval, moves in with her uncle to help run his quirky museum of oddities. When she discovers a mysterious hole in the museum's wall, it leads her into a series of surreal, alternate realities filled with terrifying creatures and endless, hollow spaces. Teaming up with a fellow traveler, she embarks on a harrowing journey to find her way back home, facing not just the physical dangers of these other worlds but also confronting her deepest fears and insecurities. The narrative weaves a tale of adventure, horror, and self-discovery, as the protagonist learns the true meaning of courage and resilience in the face of the unknown.

    The 11317th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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Download

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