15 (Excellent) Horror Novels You Can Read in a Single Sitting
If you’re someone who loves the thrill of horror novels but struggles to find time for lengthy reads, this list is your ultimate guide. I’ve spent countless nights diving into stories that are both compact and impactful, perfect for those moments when you crave fear but only have a few hours to spare. From creepiness that sneaks up on you to tales so intense they leave you scarred, these 15 excellent horror novels pack a punch without overstaying their welcome. Each book delivers a quick yet immersive experience, whether it’s through a single-sitting narrative or a tightly woven storyline. As someone who has read under the covers with a flashlight, I can assure you these picks range from ghoulish reads to full-blown nightmares, making them must-reads for fans of Horror Novels About Haunted Houses, all while keeping you hooked till the final page.
15. Elizabeth by Ken Greenhall
A Disturbing Tale of Occult Powers and Psychological Depth
Ken Greenhall’s Elizabeth stands out as a cult horror classic, blending the eerie with the deeply unsettling. Written under the pseudonym Jessica Hamilton , this novel introduces us to Elizabeth Cuttner , a fourteen-year-old girl whose life takes a dark turn when she begins seeing the image of a mysterious woman named Francis in her mirror . Francis, eager to teach Elizabeth the secrets of occult powers , leads her down a path filled with darkest purposes . The story unfolds in Elizabeth’s own narrative voice , which is both ironic and chillingly cold as bone , leaving readers questioning whether she’s truly developing magical powers or simply cracking up . While not overtly gory , the book delves into profoundly uncomfortable sexual and psychological topics , making it a thought-provoking yet disturbing read. As someone who appreciates horror novels that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished them, I found Elizabeth to be a masterclass in crafting unease through subtlety.
14. Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen
Why This Bonkers Plot and Gory Horror-Satire Is a Must-Read
Samantha Allen’s Patricia Wants to Cuddle is a wild ride that blends queer representation , horror , and satire into a story you won’t forget. Set on a seemingly idyllic island in the Pacific Northwest , the cast and crew of a reality show called The Catch (think: The Bachelor franchise) face eerie phenomena, odd residents, and something hunting them down one by one. With great characters , an unpredictable bonkers plot , and some truly inventive twists , this book stands out as one of my favorite reads of the last few years. Though its short length occasionally leaves me wishing for 50 to 75 more pages to flesh out certain moments, it’s precisely this fast pace that makes it unforgettable. I loved how Allen balances humor, gore , and heart, even if it sometimes frustrated the hell out of me. A fantastic , thought-provoking addition to queer horror , this book demands your attention—and trust me, you’ll want to dive in yourself.
13. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
A Brilliantly Written Exploration of Love, Abuse, and a Haunted House
Carmen Maria Machado’s In the Dream House is not your typical horror story, but it haunts you in ways that linger long after you’ve turned the last page. This stunning memoir traces her traumatic relationship with her ex, from the intoxicating bloom of white-hot love to the suffocating grip of physical and emotional abuse . Machado’s precise prose cuts deep, using the sparest language to uncover the dark, twisted, rotting heart of abuse. It reads almost like a psychological suspense , a real haunted house story where the ghosts are memories and the walls echo with pain. When I first read the poignant dedication — “If you need this book, it is for you” — I knew I had to dive in. Let me tell you, it knocked me flat. Though it may not fit the mold of standard horror fare , its brilliance lies in how it slices into the grim darkness of human experience, leaving readers both shaken and profoundly moved.
12.The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
Why This YA Horror Novel Is a Must-Read for Fans of Supernatural Thrills
If you’re looking for a gripping YA horror novel , The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass is a story that blends the eerie vibes of Get Out and The Sixth Sense . The book follows Jake Livingston , one of the few Black students at his elite prep school , where he deals with typical teen struggles while also grappling with an extraordinary ability: he can see the dead . Most spirits are harmless, but when Jake encounters a vengeful spirit tied to a tragic school shooting , things escalate quickly, and all hell breaks loose . A friend recently recommended this book to me, and it immediately reminded me of Leigh Bardugo’s Ninth House and Hell Bent , which I adore. The mix of supernatural elements , a tense school setting , and Jake’s unique perspective makes this a compelling addition to the world of short horror books . Yes, please—this one is absolutely worth checking out!
11. I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
Why This Weird and Unnerving Tale Is a Must-Read
If you’re into stories that are as trippy as they are disorienting , I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid is the perfect book for you. It follows a woman on a road trip to her boyfriend’s parents’ house in the country , all while she contemplates ending their relationship. But don’t let the simple premise fool you—this book takes a sharp turn into the bizarro and deeply unsettling, leaving readers questioning everything. When I first heard this novel was being adapted into a Netflix film , I decided to dive in, and I’m so glad I did (even if the adaptation didn’t quite hit the mark). The story feels like an A24 movie come to life, with its eerie tone and psychological twists. If that’s your kind of vibe , this one will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
10. The Whistling by Rebecca Netley (2021)
A Chilling Ghost Story Set on a Remote Scottish Island
Rebecca Netley’s The Whistling is a masterclass in crafting a chilling and gripping ghost story that will leave you haunted long after you finish. The tale centers around Elspeth Swansome, a nanny who takes up a position caring for Mary, a troubled child , on the remote Scottish island of Skelthsea. Mary, still reeling from the sudden death of her twin , William, hasn’t spoken a word since his passing, and no one seems willing to talk about what truly happened. As winter begins to close in, trapping Elspeth in the eerie isolation of the island, she starts questioning whether the strange occurrences are caused by ghosts haunting the house or by the dark secrets of the living. With its atmospheric tension and deeply unsettling mystery, this book is perfect for anyone who loves a good ghost story with layers of psychological depth.
9. Luckenbooth by Jenni Fagan (2021)
A Haunted Tale Set in the Heart of Edinburgh
Jenni Fagan’s Luckenbooth is a masterfully crafted story that dives into the eerie depths of Edinburgh , a city brimming with hidden stories and mysteries . At its center lies 10 Luckenbooth Close , a building as towering as it is haunted , standing tall among the city’s ghosts and centuries-old tenement buildings . Fagan weaves a chilling narrative with unnerving pace and striking realism , exploring the secrets buried within the city’s catacombs and spires . As the tale unfolds, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where the past lingers like a shadow, ready to haunt your waking hours . This is the kind of story that feels both timeless and immediate, leaving an indelible mark on anyone who dares to step into its pages.
8. Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda
A Vampire Story That Explores Womanhood and Artistry
If you’re searching for a vampire tale that defies the usual gore and terror , Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda is a refreshing take. This isn’t your traditional horror novel —instead, it’s an understated story about a young, restless vampire navigating life in London while grappling with deeper questions of identity and purpose. She squats in an artist studio , guzzles fresh pigs’ blood , and muses over whether survival is worth it if she can’t enjoy simple pleasures like bubble tea . What makes this book stand out is how it uses the supernatural to explore universal themes: the struggles of womanhood , the complexities of consumption (in all forms), and the weight of misogyny . Much like Chelsea G. Summers’ A Certain Hunger , which delves into similar ideas through a female serial killer , Kohda crafts a narrative that focuses on the internal conflicts of her protagonist—a bloodthirsty creature who yearns for more than just survival.
7. Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
A Disturbing Yet Thought-Provoking Take on Consumption and Humanity
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica is not for the faint of heart, but it’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. This horror novel imagines a world where an infectious virus has made animal meat poisonous, forcing humanity to legalize the consumption of human meat , referred to as “special meat .” Through the eyes of Marcos, a meat factory exec , readers are taken on a chilling journey into a nauseating new reality. The book spares no detail in showing how this grotesque system operates, leaving you both horrified and reflective. It’s a razor-sharp commentary on our real world’s relationship with consumption , and while it’s undoubtedly the most disturbing book I’ve ever read, it’s also one of the most impactful. (Fun fact: it made me go vegetarian for three months !) Though it’s a quick read , its themes will weigh heavily on anyone with a strong stomach .
6. The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir
A Creepy Psychological Horror Perfect for a Single Sitting
The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir is an eerie and unsettling dive into the mind of a woman in Reykjavík who wakes up each morning feeling overly exhausted , covered in mysterious bruises , and haunted by the sense that something happens to her overnight . As her injuries worsen, she begins investigating on her own, uncovering startling revelations about a late family member that blur the line between reality and nightmare. This psychological horror is compact yet deeply chilling, making it easy to finish in one sitting —if you can handle the creeping dread of potentially slipping into a murderous psychosis yourself. Fans of Rachel Yoder’s Nightbitch will find plenty of similarities in theme and tone here, so if you enjoyed that book, this one should be next on your list. With its haunting atmosphere and shocking twists, this little splinter of a novel leaves a lasting impression.
5. Fear Is the Rider by Kenneth Cook
A Fast-Paced Horror-Thriller That Grips You from the Start
If you’re looking for a story that’s pure, undiluted , and brilliantly horrifying , Fear Is the Rider by Kenneth Cook is a must-read. This lean-and-mean novel wastes no time—approximately 0.0 seconds —on unnecessary character backstory , diving straight into the meat of the action. When a man takes a detour into the Australian Outback after meeting a young woman in a small-town bar , he sets off a chain of nightmarish results as an unstoppable force begins to pursue them relentlessly. From the first chapter , it grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the last page . The tension is relentless, squeezing every ounce of suspense out of this compact yet intense tale. If you enjoy fast-paced horror-thrillers , this one will leave you breathless and on edge throughout its entirety.
4.Come Closer by Sara Gran
A Chilling Descent into Madness and Demonic Possession
Come Closer by Sara Gran is a short yet deeply unsettling tale that explores the thin line between insanity and the supernatural. The story follows Amanda, a successful architect who seems to have it all—until her life begins to unravel. She starts smoking again, has nightmares , and hears a malevolent voice urging her to do bad things . Is she losing her mind, or is a demon truly possessing her? The paranoid descent into madness is palpable, leaving readers questioning what’s real and what’s not. Though Amanda’s blackouts sometimes leave gaps in the narrative, the sheer terror of demonic possession more than compensates, creating an atmosphere thick with delusions , confusion , and nightmares on top of nightmares . If you’re looking for a quick but chilling read, this one will haunt you long after you finish.
3.The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Why Hill House Remains a Gothic Classic
Do I even need to convince you to read The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson ? This gothic classic is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, where four people stay in a legendary old manse to test for poltergeists . What begins as spooky encounters soon escalates into a chilling revelation: the house itself seems determined to ensure that at least one of them will never leave . If you’ve seen Mike Flanagan’s Netflix adaptation , know this: the book is nothing like it (though both are incredible in their own ways). For fans of Jackson, her other works like We Have Always Lived in the Castle and the recent sequel A Haunting on the Hill are equally excellent and worth exploring. This short yet haunting tale proves why Hill House remains a cornerstone of horror literature.
2. What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
A Fresh Take on Gothic Horror with Freaky Moments
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher reimagines Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher in a way that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original. This atmospheric gothic horror follows retired soldier Alex Easton , who rushes to help their childhood friend, Madeline Usher , as she succumbs to a mysterious illness . The remote countryside estate is anything but welcoming, overrun with nightmarish fungal growths and wild animals seemingly possessed by an otherworldly force. With the help of a British mycologist and an American doctor , Alex races against time to save Madeline and her brother Roderick , who is also showing signs of a mysterious malady . Fans of The Last of Us will find the mushroom horror particularly unsettling, though this story leans more on its eerie atmosphere than gore. I was thoroughly impressed by how Kingfisher makes Poe’s classic tale feel so fresh —an impossible task handled masterfully. Highly recommend this one for anyone craving a mix of freaky moments and thoughtful storytelling.
1. The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
A Bizarre and Beautiful Take on a Dark Fairytale
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw is a hauntingly short yet impactful story that reimagines The Little Mermaid with an apocalyptic horror twist. Clocking in at just 106 pages , this novel(la) feels like a fever dream filled with blood , violence , and cannibalism , set against the backdrop of an eerie, snow-crusted forest . When a mermaid princess teams up with a plague doctor carrying their own darkness , they stumble upon a village ruled by violent children and bloodthirsty saints , reminiscent of Craster’s Keep from Game of Thrones . The evil lurking within is as horrifying as anything George R.R. Martin could conjure, though uniquely unsettling in its execution. Khaw’s writing is both bizarre and beautiful , blending the grim with moments of quiet humanity. If you enjoy this slim yet chilling tale, don’t miss her 2021 novel , Nothing But Blackened Teeth , which is equally gripping at 128 pages .
if you are interested in exploring further then you can watch this given below.
