best horror mystery thriller novels

One great horror mystery thriller novel is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. It's set in an isolated hotel with a family as caretakers during the off - season. The slowly building sense of dread as the father descends into madness is truly terrifying. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It starts as a mystery when a wife goes missing, but then it takes so many twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are complex and the plot is full of surprises.

I think 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin is also excellent. It's about a young woman who believes she may be carrying the devil's child. The mystery of what's really happening to her and the horror of the situation she finds herself in are very well - written. The paranoia that builds in Rosemary as she starts to suspect those around her is a key part of the thriller aspect of the novel.

One classic is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It combines horror elements like the vampire, mystery in the search for Dracula, and thriller aspects with the constant danger the characters face. Another is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. The mystery of the first wife, Rebecca, creates a spooky and thrilling atmosphere as the new wife tries to uncover the secrets of the estate. Also, 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a terrifying serial killer, mystery in the way he thinks and acts, and the thriller aspect of the FBI's race to catch him.

A very good mystery horror thriller novel is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. The mystery lies in the creation of the monster and what it will do next. The horror is in the grotesque appearance and the actions of the monster. It also has elements of a thriller as Victor Frankenstein tries to stop his creation from causing more harm.

Stephen King is extremely famous. He has written many such novels like 'It' which has a mystery around the shape - shifting Pennywise and is full of horror and thriller elements as the kids face their fears. Another is Edgar Allan Poe. His works like 'The Tell - Tale Heart' are short but pack a punch with mystery, horror and a sense of the thriller in the narrator's madness.

I would recommend 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. It has a strong sense of mystery as the new bride tries to figure out the secrets of her husband's first wife, Rebecca. The brooding atmosphere and the relationship between the main characters add a romantic and thrilling touch to the story.

I think 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a top mystery thriller novel. It's based on a true crime story, which makes it even more gripping. Capote's detailed writing style draws you into the events. Also, 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn is really good. It has a dark and disturbing atmosphere that adds to the mystery. The main character's journey to uncover the truth about some murders in her hometown is full of surprises. 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty is another great one. It starts as a mystery about a possible murder at a school event and gradually reveals the complex relationships and secrets among the characters.

I also recommend 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a dark and gritty mystery with well - developed characters. The story delves into a decades - old disappearance and the secrets that are unearthed along the way.

One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed, especially the two main characters whose relationship is at the center of the mystery. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, crime, and a touch of social commentary. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a very unique and engaging character.

One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its complex characters and a plot full of twists. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, thriller elements, and a strong female lead. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic. The cat - and - mouse game between Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter is truly thrilling.