One great example is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic that builds intense psychological horror through the narrator's paranoia and guilt. Another is 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson, which uses a seemingly ordinary small - town setting to create a shocking and disturbing horror story. And 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman also falls in this category, with its exploration of a woman's descent into madness in a claustrophobic environment.
Well, 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu is a notable piece of best horror short fiction. It was one of the early vampire stories and influenced many later works in the genre. 'The Cone' by H. G. Wells is another. It has a sense of impending doom and a rather cruel twist at the end. Additionally, 'The Wendigo' by Algernon Blackwood is great. The concept of the Wendigo, a terrifying mythical creature, is brought to life in a very effective way in this short story.
Some of the best horror short fictions include 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs. It shows how a simple wish - granting object can bring about terrifying consequences. Then there's 'The Masque of the Red Death' by Edgar Allan Poe again. His vivid descriptions of the plague and the macabre party create a very spooky atmosphere. Also, 'August Heat' by W. F. Harvey is quite good. The strange coincidences in the story make it a chilling read.
Some top - notch horror fictions include 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin. It's a disturbing tale of a woman who suspects her unborn child is part of a satanic plot. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a great horror - thriller. The character of Hannibal Lecter is both fascinating and terrifying. Additionally, 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis, while more of a psychological horror, delves deep into the mind of a deranged serial killer.
One of the best horror fictions is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. It's a classic that takes place in an isolated hotel filled with malevolent spirits. Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the iconic vampire Count Dracula. 'The Exorcist' by William Peter Blatty is also highly regarded. It's about a young girl possessed by a demon, which is really terrifying.
One example could be 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It's a short but impactful piece that packs a powerful punch with its unexpected ending. Another is 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway, which conveys a complex relationship through sparse dialogue.
One great example is 'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova. It combines the horror of vampires with historical settings across different regions. Another is 'The Terror' which is based on the real - life Franklin Expedition and adds a horror element to the story of the lost Arctic voyage. And 'Mexican Gothic' is also a great one. It blends horror and Mexican history, with a spooky old house and strange family secrets.
One of the best - selling horror fictions is 'It' by Stephen King. It features a terrifying clown named Pennywise that preys on children in the town of Derry. Another is 'The Shining'. The story of a family in an isolated hotel with a haunted past is very gripping. And 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, which introduced the world to the iconic vampire.
Well, 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is a wonderful piece of recent horror fiction, especially for younger audiences while still being spooky for adults. It has a very creepy alternate world. 'The Girl with All the Gifts' by M. R. Carey is also great. It plays with the idea of the undead in a more scientific and thought - provoking way. And 'The Fisherman' by John Langan is a great example, with its slow - building horror and Lovecraftian undertones.
One great example is 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It's a classic in modern horror with its psychological scares and eerie atmosphere. The way Jackson builds tension is masterful.
One of the best is 'The King in Yellow' by Robert W. Chambers. It weaves elements of horror and fantasy in a really unique way. The stories within are filled with an otherworldly and disturbing atmosphere.
Well, in the realm of best contemporary short fiction, there's Raymond Carver. His minimalist style has influenced many. His stories are often about ordinary people facing life's hardships in a very real and relatable way. Then there's Zadie Smith. Her short fiction can be very thought - provoking, exploring topics like race, class, and modern society. And of course, there's Lydia Davis. Her short stories are often quite short but pack a punch, delving into the human psyche in interesting ways.
Another is 'Choice of Robots'. In this short interactive fiction, you get to make choices about creating and programming your own robot. You can decide its functions, its personality, and how it interacts with the world, which makes for a really immersive experience. It also has different story paths depending on your choices, which adds to its replayability.