They often have a sense of the unknown. Things that are not fully explained or understood create a lot of horror. For example, in many such novels, there might be a strange noise in the dark that no one can identify.
Abscurb horror novels usually play on our deepest fears, such as the fear of death, the fear of the supernatural, or the fear of losing our sanity. They create an atmosphere of dread from the very beginning, using elements like dark settings, strange characters, and unexpected plot twists to keep the readers on edge. For instance, a character might start to see things that others don't, and as the story unfolds, we realize that there is something truly evil at work.
Isolation is a big characteristic. When characters are alone, like in a big empty house or in a desolate forest, it amplifies the fear. It's like they are cut off from help and are at the mercy of whatever horror is lurking. And the use of vivid and often grotesque imagery to shock the readers is also common in abscurb horror novels.
Another one could be 'It' by Stephen King. The shape - shifting monster that preys on children's fears is extremely creepy. The whole atmosphere of the town being haunted by this entity and the childhood traumas that are explored make it a great abscurb horror read.
Many 2020 horror novels seemed to focus on modern fears. For example, in 'The Only Good Indians', there was a sense of dread related to the past coming back to haunt the present, which could be seen as a reflection of our fear of past mistakes catching up with us.
These horror novels also had a strong sense of mystery. In 'The Fireman', the origin and nature of the spore that was causing people to combust was a mystery that drove the plot forward. The readers were constantly trying to figure out what was going on, which added to the overall sense of unease and horror. There was also a trend towards more complex characters who had to deal with the horror in different ways, adding depth to the stories.
The 2019 horror novels had several characteristics. A lot of them had a strong sense of atmosphere. Whether it was the oppressive heat in a southern setting or the cold isolation of an old mansion, the settings added to the horror. The use of unreliable narrators was also common. This added an extra layer of mystery and unease as the reader couldn't always trust what they were being told. Moreover, these novels often had a moral or ethical underpinning, making the horror not just about scares but also about deeper human concerns.
One characteristic of horror novels is the creation of a menacing atmosphere. Authors use things like dark settings, strange noises, and gloomy weather to make readers feel uneasy. Another is the presence of terrifying characters, such as vampires, ghosts or deranged killers. Also, horror novels often play on the fears of the unknown, leaving readers in suspense and making them constantly wonder what's going to happen next.
Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.
Many of them would likely play on the psychological fears of the readers. This could include things like the fear of losing one's mind, or the fear of being alone in a menacing situation. They might also use elements of the supernatural in a way that was believable within the context of the story, blurring the lines between the real and the otherworldly. This was a time when horror was exploring different ways to terrify its audience, and these novels from 1976 were part of that exploration.
Many of them had a focus on psychological horror. For example, in some novels, the real horror came from the minds of the characters rather than just external monsters. It made the readers feel more involved as they could relate to the psychological states.
The settings are often very atmospheric. In novels like 'The Scarf', the places described seem to have a life of their own. They add to the sense of dread and unease, making the reader feel as if they are in that spooky environment.
Some, like 'The Girl with All the Gifts', combine horror with a sense of humanity. The main character, a child zombie, makes you feel empathy while still being in a horror - filled world.