Many of these novels would likely build suspense gradually. They would start with a normal situation, like a family moving into a new house or a small town with a strange reputation. Then, as the story progresses, small, odd things start to happen. These little details add up and create a feeling of unease and fear. For instance, in a novel, it could start with a character noticing a strange smell in the attic, then hearing faint noises at night. Eventually, these small things lead to a big, terrifying revelation.
Some novels in the list might have a strong focus on the supernatural. For example, they could feature ghosts, vampires or other otherworldly creatures. This was a common theme in horror novels of that era.
The settings in 1979 horror fiction novels were often key to the horror. Isolated places such as old mansions, small desolate towns, or dark forests were popular settings. These locations added to the sense of isolation and helplessness of the characters. In a novel set in an old mansion, the creaking floors, the dusty rooms, and the locked doors all contribute to the overall feeling of dread. The characters are cut off from the outside world, making it easier for the horror elements to take hold and terrify them.
Some might have a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, they could create a really spooky and isolated setting like an old haunted house or a desolate forest. This immediately sets a mood of unease for the reader.
The horror fiction novels in 1989 might have also incorporated elements of the supernatural. This could include ghosts, demons, or otherworldly forces. These elements added an extra layer of fear, as they often defied the laws of nature and reason. They made the readers question what was possible and what was not. Moreover, the settings of these novels were often dark and foreboding, like old mansions or desolate cemeteries, which enhanced the overall spooky atmosphere.
Some might have had a focus on gore. With vivid descriptions of blood and violence to shock the readers. For example, detailed accounts of monster attacks or brutal murders.
The horror fiction novels in the 1973 list tended to build suspense gradually. They didn't rely on cheap scares but rather on creating an atmosphere of dread. This was done through detailed descriptions of the settings, the characters' emotions, and the slow revelation of the horror elements. For example, in many of these novels, the first part of the book would introduce the normal lives of the characters, and then slowly, things would start to go wrong, and the horror would unfold in a very methodical way. This made the horror more effective as it drew the reader in and made them invested in the story.
Some of them had a strong focus on the supernatural. This could include ghosts, demons, or otherworldly forces. In 'The Tommyknockers', the presence of an alien - like force that changes the townspeople is a great example. These elements added an element of the unknown and the unknowable, which is a key aspect of horror.
Many of the 1971 horror fiction novels might have had a strong focus on the psychological aspect of horror. They could make the reader feel a sense of unease and dread through exploring the inner workings of the human mind.
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.
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.