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'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.
Some might have a strong sense of psychological horror. For example, like in 'The Silence of the Lambs', it plays on the fears and the mindsets of the characters and the readers. The idea of a serial killer on the loose and the complex relationship between the hunter and the hunted is a characteristic that makes it so engaging.
I think 'The Reapers Are the Angels' is also quite popular. It's set in a post - apocalyptic world filled with zombies. The main character's journey through this desolate world is both harrowing and full of horror, which made it a favorite among horror fans.
Some of the books in that list likely had a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, they might have created a really gloomy and oppressive setting, like a haunted house or a desolate forest. This helps to build up the fear factor.
The characters in these books are often faced with extreme situations. They might be isolated, either physically like being trapped in a desolate place, or emotionally, having no one to trust. This isolation amplifies the horror because they have to face the terrifying events all alone. And the pacing is usually fast - paced in the parts where the horror is intensifying, to keep the reader's heart racing.
A book that was quite popular in the 90s is 'Bag of Bones' by Stephen King. It's about a writer who returns to his old lakeside home after his wife's death. There are all sorts of spooky things going on there, like ghosts and strange occurrences in the town. King is a master at creating a sense of unease and dread, and this book is no exception.
Another great one is 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman. The concept of not being able to see outside without risking madness and death is really terrifying. It has a great atmosphere throughout the story.