They might have had a strong sense of atmosphere. In 1988, horror books often created a really spooky and oppressive mood, like dark, foggy settings or creaky old houses. This helped to draw the reader in and make them feel the horror.
The horror fiction books from 1986 probably had vivid descriptions to create a spooky atmosphere. They would use details like the creaking of old floorboards in a deserted house, or the howling of the wind on a desolate night. These descriptions were used to draw the reader into the terrifying world of the story.
I think 'Misery' by Stephen King was also quite popular. It's about a writer who is held captive by his so - called 'number one fan'. The psychological torture he endures is truly horrifying.
'The Changeling' had its share of popularity too. Its combination of horror and deep - seated human emotions like fatherhood made it a hit. It was different from the typical horror fare, and that uniqueness made it appealing to a wide range of readers who were looking for something new in the horror genre in 2017.
I'm not sure which are the absolute most popular, but 'The Throat' was quite popular as it was well - received for its spooky plot. It had a lot of fans who liked Straub's writing style.
One could be 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King. It's a terrifying tale about a burial ground with some very dark secrets. The concept of bringing the dead back to life in a not - so - normal way is really spooky.
Probably 'The Girl with All the Gifts'. It was widely read and even got adapted into a movie. Its popularity stems from its fresh take on the horror genre, with a sympathetic 'monster' in the form of Melanie.
I think 'The Silence of the Lambs' is quite popular. It was not only a great horror book but also had a very successful movie adaptation which increased its popularity. It's a story that gets under your skin with its exploration of the human psyche in relation to extreme violence and madness.
I'm not sure which are the absolute most popular, but 'The Ruins' was quite well - received. It had a great premise and the horror elements were really effective, which attracted a lot of readers.