This terrifying tale centers on Louis Creed, who discovers a cryptid that can bring the dead back to life. But, spoiler alert: Not all returns are rainbows and tail-wagging. The true horror lies in the consequences of life and death flirting with each other, creating a spine tingling sensation that makes you question the boundaries of love and grief. Because of King’s unsettling storytelling habits, you might think twice before burying your beloved Fido. If you have courage, get enough sleep.
3. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a stylish descent into horror that proves your family reunion may not be as sweet as you remember. Set in a decaying mansion in 1950s Mexico, our fiery protagonist, Noemi Taboada, faces creepy relatives, an eerie atmosphere, and a whole lot of fungus – yes, you read that right. It is not just the supernatural elements but the insidious grip of patriarchal control and colonial legacy that lies beneath it. With Gothic charm and hair-raising twists, this story will make you question what lies hidden in your family’s past. Just don’t forget to leave the lights on.
4. The Cabin at the End of the World, by Paul Tremblay
Paul Tremblay’s ‘The Cabin at the End of the World’ invites you on a vacation gone horribly wrong, where a peaceful retreat turns into an apocalyptic nightmare. When four strangers arrive at their remote cabin demanding a terrifying alternative to saving humanity, things take a sinister turn. The real horror lies not only in the impending apocalypse, but also in the psychological torture of impossible decisions and the fragility of love and trust. Tremblay masterfully blurs the lines between terror and humanity, leaving you to wonder: What would you sacrifice for the greater good?
5. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty