Complex characters are also important. In modern horror like 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia, the characters have their own motives, fears, and secrets. The protagonist's journey of discovery about the strange family she is staying with and the secrets of the old house makes the horror more engaging as we care about what happens to her.
Good modern horror novels often play with psychological elements. Take 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It blurs the lines between sanity and insanity. The mystery surrounding the patient who has killed her husband and won't speak is a psychological horror that keeps readers guessing until the very end.
Modern cosmic horror novels often have a sense of the vast and unknowable. They deal with entities or forces that are far beyond human comprehension. For example, in 'Annihilation', the Area X is a place full of strange mutations and phenomena that seem to defy scientific explanation. Another characteristic is the feeling of insignificance they instill in the reader. Characters in these novels usually face threats that make them realize how small and powerless they are in the grand scheme of the universe.
They often have a gloomy and atmospheric setting, like old mansions or fog - covered landscapes. The characters usually face some sort of moral or psychological dilemma. And there's often a sense of the past haunting the present.
Modern horror classic novels often feature complex characters. For example, in 'The Shining', Jack Torrance is not just a one - dimensional victim or villain. He has his own psychological issues and backstory that contribute to the horror. Another characteristic is the use of contemporary settings. Instead of the old castles of traditional horror, they might be set in modern cities like in 'American Psycho'. Also, they tend to play on modern fears such as isolation in a technological age as seen in 'Bird Box'.
Modern horror noir novels often have a dark and moody atmosphere. They typically involve elements of mystery, like an unknown threat or a hidden past. For example, in many of these novels, the main character might be trying to solve a mystery that is also related to the horror elements. Another characteristic is the use of complex and often flawed characters. These characters are not perfect heroes but rather people with their own problems and secrets.
They usually have strong, relatable characters. In 'The Girl Next Door' by Jack Ketchum, the main character's experiences are so real - life - like that it makes the horror more palpable. Also, good horror novels create a creepy atmosphere, like the fog - filled streets in 'The Fog' by James Herbert.
One characteristic is the blurring of reality and the supernatural. In post modern horror novels, it's often hard to tell what's real and what's not. For example, the narrative might shift between a seemingly normal world and a nightmarish otherworld without clear boundaries. Another aspect is the deconstruction of traditional horror tropes. Instead of the typical monsters like vampires or werewolves, it could be something more abstract like the horror of modern society's alienation or the fear of losing one's identity in a digital age.
One characteristic is the use of scientific or technological concepts in a terrifying way. For example, in many such novels, genetic mutations or advanced alien technology is used to create horror. It makes the horror seem more plausible in a modern context.
Some characteristics include a spooky atmosphere. For example, old, decaying mansions often feature. There's also a sense of mystery, like a hidden family secret or a strange event from the past that haunts the present. Dark and brooding characters are common, such as the Byronic hero type. And often there are elements of the supernatural, like ghosts or curses.
In 'The Haunting of Hill House', the characteristic is the psychological horror. It messes with the minds of the characters and the readers. For 'It', it's the use of a menacing, shape - shifting monster. 'Bird Box' has the unique characteristic of a world - ending threat that you can't see.
Good Japanese horror novels often have a strong sense of atmosphere. They use detailed descriptions of settings, like old houses or isolated villages, to create a feeling of unease. For example, in 'Ring', the description of the lonely cabin where the videotape was found adds to the overall spookiness. Another characteristic is the exploration of deep - seated fears such as the fear of the unknown, death, and the supernatural. In 'Uzumaki', the fear of the spiral pattern which seems to be everywhere in the town taps into our fear of something that is so common yet becomes so menacing.