Well, they can be termed as 'gothic fiction' or 'thriller novels' too. It depends on the specific elements and style of the story.
Scary fiction books are often called horror books.
Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. This classic novel introduced the world to the iconic vampire, Count Dracula, and his terrifying reign of horror. The way Stoker builds suspense and the dark, gothic atmosphere makes it a top pick in scary fiction.
Some of the best scary fiction books include 'It' by Stephen King. This novel features a shape - shifting entity that preys on children in a small town. It's a long and detailed story filled with scares. 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin is really good too. It's about a woman who suspects that her unborn baby is part of a satanic plot. And then there's 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The character of Hannibal Lecter is truly terrifying.
One great scary fiction book is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. It takes place in an isolated hotel and follows the Torrance family. The sense of isolation and the haunted nature of the hotel are truly terrifying. Another is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. This classic introduced the world to the iconic vampire, Count Dracula, with its gothic atmosphere and the horror of the undead preying on the living. And 'It' by Stephen King is also very scary. The shape - shifting clown, Pennywise, who lurks in the sewers and preys on children is a truly frightening concept.
Good scary fiction books often have a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, in 'The Woman in Black', the desolate and fog - covered marshland creates a feeling of isolation and foreboding that adds to the overall scariness.
One characteristic is the exploration of spiritual battles. These books often depict the fight between good and evil, with angels and demons. For example, in 'This Present Darkness', the readers can see the behind - the - scenes spiritual warfare. Another characteristic is the use of religious themes to create a sense of dread. The idea of sin and its consequences, or the coming of the end times as in 'Left Behind' series, can be really scary. Also, they might use elements of mystery and the unknown within a Christian context to build up the scariness.
Non-fiction books are often referred to as 'informational books' or 'documentary literature'.
One of the best is 'The Andromeda Strain' by Michael Crichton. It's terrifying as it explores a deadly extraterrestrial microbe that threatens all life on Earth. The scientific details and the sense of impending doom make it a classic in the genre.
Well, 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is very famous. It's about a scientist creating a living being from dead body parts, and the consequences are truly scary. It's not only about the horror of the creature itself but also the moral implications.
Some scary realistic fiction books are 'Room' by Emma Donoghue. It's a harrowing story of a woman and her son held captive in a small room, and the psychological trauma they endure is both terrifying and moving. Then there's 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the most chilling in literature, and the cat - and - mouse game between Clarice Starling and him is full of suspense and horror. And 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' by Lionel Shriver is a disturbing exploration of a mother's relationship with her son who has committed a heinous act.
Some scary historical fiction books are worth checking out. 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond' is a bit on the scarier side as it delves into the witch trials in colonial America. The superstition and the fear of the unknown during that time create a spooky atmosphere. Then there's 'The Graveyard Book' which, while having a young protagonist, is set in a graveyard and has elements of historical horror, especially when it comes to the ghosts and the darker parts of the cemetery's past.