A good choice could be 'The Unseen'. It has a clear - cut horror concept. The idea of an unseen entity lurking around creates a lot of tension. The story is short enough for a beginner to get into quickly and still experience the kind of horror that John Keir Cross is known for.
I would recommend 'The Caller'. It has a relatively straightforward plot compared to some of his more complex works, but still has all the elements of a good horror story, like a sense of impending doom.
I'm not sure exactly which ones are considered the absolute best, but his stories often deal with the supernatural in a very spooky way. For example, his use of dark and isolated settings in many of his works adds to the horror factor. He has a talent for making ordinary things seem menacing, like an old house or a lonely road at night.
'The Dreadful Lemon Sky' is also a good choice for beginners. It's part of the Travis McGee series, but can be read as a standalone. It has an interesting mystery with plenty of twists and turns. The main character, Travis McGee, is very likable and the Florida setting adds a unique flavor to the story.
I would also recommend 'SOMA'. It has a thought - provoking story. Although it has some complex themes, the basic premise of exploring an underwater research facility and the strange things happening there is easy to grasp. The game also has a great sense of atmosphere and horror that can draw in new players to the horror genre.
For a beginner, 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu is also worth reading. It was one of the early vampire stories. It tells the story of a young woman who befriends Carmilla, who turns out to be a vampire. The story has an air of mystery and gothic horror that is not too extreme for someone new to horror short stories.
I'd recommend 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson. It seems like a normal small - town story at first. The townspeople gather for an annual lottery. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this lottery is not what it seems, and the 'winner' is actually going to be stoned to death by the rest of the villagers. It's a great introduction to the idea that not everything is as it appears in horror stories.
There's this story called 'The Haunted Attic'. In this YouTube scary sleepover story, a family moves into a new house. During a sleepover with friends, the kids decide to explore the attic. They find some old toys and a diary. As they read the diary, they start to realize that there's a presence in the attic. It's a story that builds up the suspense slowly and is not too intense, which is perfect for someone new to horror.
A lesser - known but interesting one could be his accounts of some of the early colonial adventures. These stories often involve encounters with strange tribes, dangerous terrains, and the fear of the unknown. They can be a bit of a horror read as they expose the reader to the perils and uncertainties that the early settlers faced.
For a beginner, 'The Monkey's Paw' is a great choice. It's a short story that shows how a simple wish - granting device can lead to horror. The family's desperation and the unexpected and dark outcomes are quite effective in creating a sense of dread.
'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin is also a good choice. It's more of a slow - burn horror, focusing on the paranoia of the main character, Rosemary. The sense of something being not quite right in her new home and her pregnancy is what makes it so scary. It doesn't rely on a lot of jump scares, which can be a plus for a beginner.
Sure. 'The Lottery' by Shirley Jackson is a good one. It seems like an ordinary small - town story at first, but then it takes a very dark turn. It shows how blindly following traditions can be extremely harmful. It's not too overly gory or complex, so it's great for a beginner.