The Greatest American "Supernatural" Books of All Time

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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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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.

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  1. 26. Who Made Stevie Crye? by Michael Bishop

    In "Who Made Stevie Crye?" a brilliant scientist named Victor Huntley creates a lifelike android named Stevie, who becomes his lover. However, when Stevie mysteriously malfunctions, Huntley's life takes a dark turn. As he desperately tries to fix Stevie, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. With a blend of science fiction and psychological thriller, this gripping novel explores the boundaries of love, obsession, and the consequences of playing god.

    The 2144th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Burnt Offerings by Robert Marasco

    "Burnt Offerings" is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the Rolfe family as they embark on a summer vacation in a secluded mansion. As they settle into their new home, they soon realize that something sinister lurks within the walls. The house seems to have a malevolent presence, slowly draining the life out of its inhabitants. With each passing day, the family becomes more entangled in the house's dark secrets, leading to a terrifying climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 2188th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Goosebumps by R. L. Stine

    The book is a thrilling children's horror novel that follows a young protagonist who encounters a series of eerie and supernatural events. When the character stumbles upon something strange, such as a mysterious object or a creepy new neighbor, they soon realize that their ordinary life is about to take a terrifying turn. Each chapter builds suspense, leading to chilling discoveries and encounters with monsters, ghosts, or other paranormal phenomena. The story is designed to both spook and entertain, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its blend of humor, twists, and frights, typical of the series it belongs to.

    The 2199th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Werewolf Of Paris by Guy Endore

    "The Werewolf of Paris" is a gripping and chilling tale set in 19th-century France, exploring the life of a tormented werewolf. The story follows the protagonist's journey as he navigates his dual nature, torn between his human desires and the uncontrollable beast within. Filled with suspense, horror, and a deep exploration of the human psyche, this haunting novel delves into themes of identity, morality, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

    The 2211th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

    Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.

    The 2221st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The King In Yellow by Robert W. Chambers

    "The King In Yellow" is a collection of interconnected short stories that explore the mysterious and macabre world of the eponymous play, which is said to drive those who read it to madness. Set in a fictional world where the play's influence spreads like a plague, the book delves into themes of forbidden knowledge, the fragility of sanity, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. With its haunting atmosphere and unsettling tales, "The King In Yellow" captivates readers with its dark and enigmatic narrative.

    The 2274th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite

    This novel delves into the dark and seductive underworld of vampires, exploring themes of desire, freedom, and the quest for identity. Set against the backdrop of the American South, it follows a group of nomadic vampires who live outside the norms of society, indulging in their thirst for blood and pleasure. Their lives intersect with that of a young man searching for meaning and belonging, leading to a journey that challenges their beliefs and desires. The narrative is rich with gothic imagery, eroticism, and the exploration of the boundaries between life and death, creating a compelling and provocative tale of the supernatural.

    The 2322nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2428th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain

    The novel is a dark and philosophical exploration of the human condition, set in a remote Austrian village during the Middle Ages. It follows the story of a group of young friends who encounter a mysterious and supernatural boy named Satan, who claims to be an angel and demonstrates his otherworldly powers through a series of thought-provoking and often unsettling miracles. As the narrative unfolds, the boy challenges the villagers' beliefs and perceptions of morality, good and evil, and the nature of existence, leading to a profound and controversial climax that questions the very fabric of reality and the role of a seemingly indifferent universe.

    The 2634th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. 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 2832nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Boarded Window by Ambrose Bierce

    In this eerie tale set in the dense forests of the American frontier, a man lives a solitary existence in a cabin with a peculiar boarded window. The narrative delves into the man's past, revealing a heart-wrenching story of love, loss, and the supernatural. As the story unfolds, the reason behind the boarded window is disclosed, intertwining the man's fate with a chilling encounter that blurs the line between the living and the dead. This short story masterfully combines elements of horror and tragedy, showcasing the author's skill in creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers with the reader.

    The 3258th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Our Lady Of Darkness by Fritz Leiber

    The novel explores the eerie and supernatural as it follows the life of a recovering alcoholic and writer in San Francisco who becomes entangled in a web of occult horror. After discovering a mysterious book, he is drawn into the world of "paramentals"—sinister entities that feed on the energy of the modern city—and must confront the legacy of a long-dead sorcerer. As the protagonist delves deeper into the arcane, he must unravel the secrets of an ancient mystical theory called Megapolisomancy and face the terrifying forces that lurk in the shadows of urban decay, all while grappling with his personal demons.

    The 3260th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb

    The novel follows the journey of Fitz, the bastard son of a noble prince, who is taken into the royal household of the Six Duchies and secretly trained in the art of assassination. As he grows, Fitz is caught between his loyalty to the throne and his own moral compass. He must navigate a court rife with political intrigue, magic, and treachery, all while grappling with his own identity and the magical Skill that he possesses. His quest for acceptance and purpose is further complicated by the kingdom's need for his unique talents to protect the realm from internal and external threats.

    The 3411th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Stress of Her Regard by Tim Powers

    "The Stress of Her Regard" by Tim Powers is a supernatural thriller that follows the life of a young doctor, Michael Crawford, who becomes entangled with a group of poets haunted by a mysterious force that feeds off their creativity. As Michael delves deeper into the lives of these poets, he discovers that they are all connected by a common thread: they have all been visited by a seductive, vampiric creature known as a Lamia. As he struggles to uncover the truth behind the Lamia's power and its connection to the poets, Michael must confront his own demons and fight for his own survival.

    The 3676th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Geek Love: A Novel by Katherine Dunn

    This novel follows the lives of the Binewski family, a group of circus performers who have been genetically modified by their parents to ensure their uniqueness and ability to draw in crowds. The story's narrator, Olympia, is a hunchback albino dwarf, and her siblings include Arturo, a boy with flippers for hands and feet, Iphy and Elly, Siamese twins, and Chick, who possesses telekinetic powers. The novel explores themes of love, family, and the concept of normality, all set against the backdrop of the family's traveling carnival.

    The 3749th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Sleeping And The Dead by August Derleth

    "The Sleeping And The Dead" by August Derleth is a gripping mystery novel set in a small town, where a series of strange and unexplained deaths occur. As the local police investigate, they uncover a web of secrets and hidden motives that lead them to question the true nature of the crimes. With a blend of suspense, supernatural elements, and a cast of intriguing characters, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking truth is revealed.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Complete Short Stories Of Ambrose Bierce by Ambrose Bierce

    "The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking tales that showcase the author's mastery of the short story form. Bierce's stories delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of war, death, and the supernatural. With his sharp wit and incisive writing style, Bierce crafts narratives that are both entertaining and deeply unsettling, leaving readers pondering the complexities of the human condition long after they have finished reading.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Darker Than You Think by Jack Williamson

    In this classic science fiction novel, the protagonist, a journalist, is thrust into a hidden world of ancient, shape-shifting sorcerers who have lived alongside humanity for eons. After the death of a renowned anthropologist who uncovered their existence, the journalist discovers he may be one of these powerful beings, known as the Children of the Night. As he grapples with his newfound abilities and identity, he must navigate a world where magic is real, morality is complex, and a battle between humans and these supernatural entities is imminent. The novel explores themes of identity, power, and the thin line between good and evil.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Out Of Space And Time by Clark Ashton Smith

    "Out Of Space And Time" is a collection of fantastical and imaginative short stories that transport readers to otherworldly realms and dimensions. From encounters with ancient gods and mythical creatures to journeys through time and space, the author weaves together captivating tales that blur the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. With vivid descriptions and richly developed characters, this book invites readers to explore the unknown and embrace the limitless possibilities of the imagination.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Nine Horrors And A Dream by Joseph Payne Brennan

    "Nine Horrors And A Dream" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the depths of the human psyche and the supernatural. From haunted houses and cursed artifacts to encounters with malevolent spirits and ancient evils, each story presents a unique and spine-tingling nightmare. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, the author takes readers on a journey through the darkest corners of the imagination, leaving them questioning the boundaries between reality and the macabre.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Worse Things Waiting by Manly Wade Wellman

    In "Worse Things Waiting" by Manly Wade Wellman, a collection of eerie and suspenseful tales unfolds, each one delving into the realm of the supernatural. From encounters with vengeful spirits to mysterious disappearances, the stories explore the darker corners of human existence, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, Wellman invites readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred, and where the worst things imaginable are waiting just beyond the shadows.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Day After Judgement by James Blish

    In this sequel to a modern take on the Faust legend, the narrative continues the tale of the ultimate confrontation between good and evil, as the forces of Hell have seemingly triumphed, spilling into the earthly realm. The protagonists, a poet and a black magician, find themselves amidst the chaos, navigating a world where the boundaries between the diabolical and the divine are blurred. As the characters grapple with the implications of a universe where the traditional understanding of God and Satan is turned on its head, the story explores themes of power, redemption, and the complexities of human nature in the face of cosmic upheaval.

    The 3788th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. All Heads Turn When The Hunt Goes By by John Farris

    In this chilling horror novel, a wealthy and powerful family is haunted by a malevolent force that has plagued them for generations. As the family gathers for a reunion at their ancestral home, they soon realize that they are trapped in a nightmarish cycle of violence and death. With each passing generation, the evil grows stronger, and the family members must confront their darkest secrets and confront the terrifying truth behind their curse. Filled with suspense and supernatural elements, this gripping tale explores the destructive power of family legacies and the lengths one must go to break free from their grip.

    The 4129th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg

    In this gripping mystery novel, a down-on-his-luck private investigator is hired to find a missing person, only to uncover a web of dark secrets and supernatural forces. Set in 1950s New York City, the protagonist delves into the city's seedy underbelly, encountering eccentric characters and facing his own demons along the way. As he gets closer to the truth, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax. With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The 4381st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Ghost Story by Peter Straub

    "Ghost Story" by Peter Straub is a chilling tale that follows a group of elderly men who are haunted by a dark secret from their past. As they gather to share ghost stories, they soon realize that their own lives have become intertwined with the supernatural. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as they are forced to confront their deepest fears and face the consequences of their actions. With atmospheric prose and a gripping plot, this haunting novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of secrets.

    The 4442nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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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