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My House of Horror
136
items A complete list of the books, mostly horror and thriller, that I read. Something scary for everyone lives in this list.
Sections
8
My Recent Reads
All-Time Favorites
Shameless Self Promotion
Sets and Series
Haunting Indie Reads
Dark Cookbooks
My Recent Reads
A comprehensive list of the books I have read and reviewed
A brilliant cast of characters, a bonkers tales, and a ton of adventure in an alternate version of Victorian London. Some great Easter Eggs in there, too.
Green Unpleasant Land (Cycle Book 1)
For me, Cutter is the best modern horror author in the business. The Troop is an unflinching horror novel that will make you squirm from start to finish.
The Troop by Nick Cutter
I'm not usually a fan of gothic horror, but as usual, Candace won me over. A beautiful and tragic gothic tale.
Shadow Manor - Kindle Edition by Candace Nola
An absolutely gut-wrenching tale that is a walking trigger warning. Exquisitely written and still somehow beautiful despite being tragic.
MORIBUND eBook : Osborn , Jennifer : Kindle Store
Another fantastic book from Bergling. This one is a revenge tale against a seemingly unbeatable foe. Nasty and violent.
Red Walls - Bergling, Christina: Books
Kaine is at the top of his game in this one, which is the first in the American Horrors series. This book also won the FB Books of Horror Author Brawl, and deservedly so.
The Dead Children's Playground (American Horrors)
Just got finished with this one last night and I absolutely loved it. This is the first book of Cassidy's I have read, but it won't be the last. Don't let the title and cover fool you, as this IS NOT a werewolf tale. It's a good deal deeper than that...
When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy, Paperback
Not really my usual fare, as this one falls into the YA category. That said, it was a fun read that slots nicely into the genre, serving as a good starter read for those dipping their toe into horror.
The Heart Taker by A. M. Wiley
Imagine fairy tales if they were reimagined in the style of Black Mirror. That is exactly what you get with Ever After Glitched by Murphy Gray. There is not a weak story in the bunch. Highly recommended.
Ever After Glitched|Paperback
Um, we need to talk about this book. The main character sets off on a chore, with her mentally challenged sister in tow, set by a murderer she is obsessed with. It's a stunning book, with the awful revelations coming thick and fast, but read up on th...
Gone to See the River Man
More of a challenge and a dare as opposed to an enjoyable read. House of Leaves is an experience that you have to try once.
House of Leaves (Remastered Full-Color Edition)|Paperback
Step into a world of the occult, where revenge takes a provate detective down a path he should never have followed.
To Keep Silent
I discovered this book after subscribing to the author on Substack. Heartbreaking, dark, and a killer twist ending, this book is a must read.
The Confession: Justice in Blood
When two young siblings' parents are murdered by a mysterious entity later known as The Hangman in 1840 in a rural area of Indiana, the brother and sister, Jacob and Luann must learn to take care of each other. Decades later in post Civil War Texas i...
Hangman of Darkness
A locked room mystery set on Mars? Count me in?
Exiles: 9780593851630: Coile, Mason: Books
All-Time Favorites
These are the horror books that have stuck with me, for one reason or another.
This was the book that got me into horror when I was a kid growing up in Scotland. For me, Herbert is one of the horror greats.
Carry on Screaming: The Fog by James Herbert (1975)
Slow burn Southern gothic horror done to absolute perfection. This book is a classic for a reason
The Elementals by Michael McDowell
I first read this upon release, when it was delivered as a 6-part serial novel. Quite possibly my favorite King book.
The Green Mile (novel)
Absolutely my favorite book of all time. When I finished this one, I immediately re-read it. I have it in all kinds of different formats, including an artist edition that I am almost too scared to touch.
Imajica: Featuring New Illustrations and an Appendix|Paperback
This is actually a pick from Penny, who tore through this series in no time at all. Not sure how many there are in total, but this one is the first.
The Sensitives|Paperback
This book creeped me out in a big way. Possession weirds me out in general but the overall vibe of this one is amazing, as is the twist at the end.
A Head Full of Ghosts|Paperback
There is a chapter in this book that is absolute nightmare fuel, taking what was a very good book into a whole new stratosphere. LOVE this one.
FantasticLand: A Novel|Paperback
You can't go wrong with any book by Candace Nola, but Bishop is a great starting point for new readers.
Bishop|Paperback
Call it nepotism if you must, but I had to have a fellow Scottish author on the list. A great story of urban legends brought to life.
Maggie's Grave: A Horror Novel|Paperback
A non-fiction read that weaves the 1893 World's Fair with serial killer, H.H. Holmes. Riveting stuff.
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America|Paperback
You are going to believe you know what is happening in this book, but I can guarantee that you don't. Fantastic read and an amazing ending.
When the Wolf Comes Home|Paperback
I got to know this author via Substack, and she is as great a person as she is a writer. We need to support more female authors.
Diary of a Damsel Dame: A Psychothriller Serial Killer Romance|Paperback
Shameless Self Promotion
This was my first novel, which I published at the grand old age of 51. It is an interconnected set of stories told in transcript style via interviews with the singers. All manner of different horror styles in this one.
Karaoke Night by John Watson | eBook
If you ask my wife, this is the book of mine that cannot be beat. I tend to disagree, but I do enjoy a quiet life. Off the Grid tells the story of a young couple moving out of NYC to live in a tiny home. They get waylaid along the way and encounter a...
Off the Grid: Watson, John
My father-in-law asked me to write a cowboy book, so I decided to oblige by sticking him in the middle of a blood soaked Western town under attack my the Lazarus brothers, a rather nasty trio of vampires. Thanksgiving dinners are still awkward.
Sundown: The West's never been so wild... by John Watson
This is easily my most forgotten book. It was part of a list run to try and get a box set onto the USA Today Besteller List. We came up short, and when it came time to release it as a standalone, I was eesentially done with it. Still, looking back no...
The Hollow-Eyed Girl by John Watson
It was so much fun to do a co-write with MW Brown, who is about as talented as it gets. An old school mummy tale, where we took turns writing a chapter. I will be adding her books to my favorites list, so look out for those.
Through the Eyes of the Mummy: Creature Feature
This one was partially inspired by Cabin in the Woods, in that it has a jail containing all manner of mythical creatures, all owned by a crazy billionaire. A few of them get out, and it all goes to hell in a handbasket, with Salem the only one that c...
Salem by John Watson & Samantha Talarico
The sequel to Salem, we have the titular character out trying to hunt down the escaped creatures, while also trying to bring down Spencer Thorn, the billionaire with evil intent.
Salem Unleashed by John Watson
My publisher has a fantastic sense of humor. She set up a slew of Shop Series books, all of which were mostly romance. She would invite me to write for them, all to upset the apple cart. I took the old Bloody Mary legend and gave it a little bit of a...
Bloody Mary by John Watson
This was part of another series, all of which can be read as standalones. In The Greys, I focused on a man who had been abducted as a kid and was now incredibly paranoid. To get the most out of this one, you should also read Feral by MW Brown, as her...
The Greys: Never Trust Your Neighbors
This is one of my two non-horror books, but I had one of my readers tell me it was the most horrific thing I had written to that point. My wife threw it at me and used rather unsavory language when she finished it, so I guess it's a little bit of a d...
Swimming Upstream - Watson, John: Books
My publisher asked me to take part in this series of standalone stories and I passed. While tell my wife, I said, “how can I make a crueller creepy?” No sooner had the words left my mouth than the story started to form. Of course, I was in at that po...
Crueller: Twisted Donut Shop Novella
This was a fun one to write, as it got a little grosser than my usual stuff. A whole load of flesh eating disease loveliness with a tiny splash of cosmic horror thrown in for good measure. I have a sequel of sorts in mind for this one, but whether or...
Rotten by John Watson
The idea for this one came to me while reading about an old manor house in Scotland that was up for auction for one dollar. Throw in an old Scottish cannibal legend and you have yourself a little horror novella.
Curse of the Bean House: A horror novella by John Watson
I hate this book with the fire of a thousand blazing suns. Am I not the best marketer you have ever seen? I tried to get a bit too clever with this one and I'm not sure it worked. Oddly enough, though, I've had a few of my regular readers tell me it ...
Slave to Blood: Watson, John, Talarico, Samantha
If you had to force me to make a decision, this might be my favorite book that I have written. A creature that feasts on expectant mothers and infants let loose in a hospital clinging to life after an earthquake. It basically writes itself.
Cradle Robber: A Creature Feature Novella
I do have a softer, gentler side, and it is on display in this one. It was initially going to be a much darker story, but when I head my mum's voice in my head when writing the first dialog for the older female character, it changed everything. It st...
Be Kind, Rewind: Dark Paranormal Romance
The first in a monthly series of short stories that I am releasing under the 8-Bit Horrors banner. All short and not so sweet.
8-Bit Horrors - Floaters
Sets and Series
Why buy just one book when you can have the whole set? Epic sets and series from the best authors out there.
Get on board with The Gunslinger and follow his journey from start to finish. My wife has a set very similar to this one and she loves it.
The Dark Tower 8-Book Boxed Set|Paperback
While this set might not shimmer in the moonlight, it is a must have for fans of the Twilight series. Really cool design that will look amazing on your bookshelf.
The Twilight Saga Deluxe Hardcover Collection (Boxed Set)|Hardcover
My daughter loved these books when she was a kid and talked me into reading them. While horror is my jam, I'll admit that I tore through this series.
Hunger Games 4-Book Paperback Boxed Set Deluxe Edition (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)|Paperback
For a while, these books were all over TikTok, and even now, I still see book lovers talking about them on social media and book clubs.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)|Paperback
While this set is aimed at YA readers, it has also become a hit with adults who refuse to grow up. The new covers in this set look amazing.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set (new covers) (B&N Exclusive Edition)|BN Exclusive
We had to read this set in high school, and while I was not a fan, I have developed a new appreciation for the work of Tolkien. This set just looks beautiful, too.
The Lord of the Rings 3-Book Paperback Box Set|Paperback
Haunting Indie Reads
While the likes of King, Koontz, and Barker get all the love, there are some amazing authors delivering regular scares in the indie horror world.
Set in the Pacific Northwest, this psychological thriller is dripping with tension and atmosphere.
You Watched in Silence|Hardcover
Who doesn't love a good tale of vengeance? This one is set in Puerto Rico, where a group of young men look to avenge the murder of one of their mom's.
House of Bone and Rain|Hardcover
A mother and daughter on the run, while the FBI and a monster chase in hot pursuit.
Blood Like Mine|Paperback
If you loved “Ghost,” you are probably going to love this one, too.
I'll Be Waiting: A Novel|Paperback
What could possibly go wrong on a romantic honeymoon? Get on Murder Road and find out.
Murder Road|Paperback
Lucy Westenra is a lesser character in Dracula lore, but she gets her full story told here.
Lucy Undying: A Dracula Novel|Paperback
I am an indie horror author, and I have to tell you that my fellow authors have been buzzing about this one.
Incidents Around the House: A Novel|Paperback
A gripping supernatural tale dripping with Chinese mythology.
Sacrificial Animals: A Novel|Paperback
This one is set to become a Netflix movie, but read the book first. Let's be honest, the book is always better.
We Used to Live Here: A Novel|BN Exclusive
Possession, damnation, and rock ‘n’ roll. Brom books are always a work of art.
Evil in Me|Hardcover
Trapped in a labyrinthian subway station. This one is giving off backroom type vibes.
Coup De Grâce|Paperback
A haunted house tale that is generating a ton of buzz in the indie world.
William|Paperback
I am a big fan of Malfi's work and have this one sitting in my TBR pile.
Small Town Horror|Paperback
Widely regarded as one of the best horror books of 2024. Time to play catch up.
Bury Your Gays|Paperback
Murder and cannibalism combine in a grotesque novel that is a must read.
The Eyes Are the Best Part|Hardcover
Think of this one as a mashup of Substance and The Devil Wears Prada.
youthjuice|Paperback
A time bending tale that is sure to please.
God's Junk Drawer|Hardcover
Take your search for cryptids into any room in the house with this really cool book.
Legends of the National Parks
David Hume, Florida State Senator, introduces a new, innovative plan to curb crime: the One Homicide Act. The law allows each citizen to commit one murder in their lifetime, provided their application is approved. This is the story of this experiment...
The One Homicide Act
Dark Cookbooks
While you tend to want to keep horror out of the kitchen, the books in this list are too deliciously dark to omit.
Dinner and a movie just got a little creepier with this amazing recipe collection.
Gifts for Movie & TV Lovers The Horror Movie Night Cookbook: 60 Deliciously Deadly Recipes Inspired by Iconic Slashers, Zombie Films, Psychological , Book 3, (Hardcover)
Ghoulish recipes that you don't need to save until Halloween.
Creepy Kitchen - by Kim Kindelsperger (Hardcover)
Drinks and recipes inspired by your favorite horror films.
Death for Dinner Cookbook: 60 Gorey-Good, Plant-Based Drinks, Meals, and Munchies Inspired by Your Favorite Horror Films, (Hardcover)
Creepy and tasty all at the same time, the recipes in this one are howlingly good.
Howling Good Halloween Recipes: Your Spooky Cookbook of Creepy but Tasty Dish Ideas!
Hocus Pocus is a Halloween holiday classic, but now you can enjoy it every day with this collection of recipes.
The Unofficial Hocus Pocus Cookbook: Bewitchingly Delicious Recipes for Fans of the Halloween Classic (Hardcover)
When the original ghost whisperer taloks about recipes, you really need to listen.
Beyond Delicious Cookbook - (America's Haunted Road Trip) 2nd Edition by Mary Ann Winkowski & David Powers (Paperback)
More than 60 recipes inspired by classic horror movies.
The Halloween Movie Cookbook - by Ryan Alvarez & Adam Merrin (Hardcover)
Almost positive that this collection of dark recipes is Jack Skellington approved.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Official Baking Cookbook - by Sandy K Snugly (Hardcover)
All the deepest, darkest recipes can be found in the kitchen under the stairs.
Horror Movie Cookbook: "The Kitchen Under the Stairs" - cult classic horror, scary movies, full color, easy recipes
Something wicked this way comes with this creepy collection of baked goods.
The Little Gothic Bakeshop - by Helena Garcia (Hardcover)
We guarantee your cooking won't be cursed with this amazing recipe collection.
Cursed Cooking: A Horror Community... book
50 Scariest Books Ever
This Top 50 list was put together by Esquire, and while I might not agree with them all, there are some great spooky titles in here.
I've read this one, and while it was a very good book, it would not make my list. Not the best sales pitch…LOL
The Loop
This one has been sitting on my Kindle forever and I have heard nothing but great things.
Harvest Home: A Novel
Not familiar with this book at all, but the fact that it got adapted to a Hulu series means I might need to go and read it.
The Other Black Girl: A Novel
I LOVED this book. Old school creepy and a total classic. Slow burn, though, for sure.
The Auctioneer (Paperbacks from Hell)
Another book that would definitely make my top 50. Historical horror fiction done to absolute perfection.
The Hunger
Ashamed to admit that I haven't read this one, bit it's easy to understand why it's on the list.
Something Wicked This Way Comes: A Novel
I am going to need to adjust my TBR list, as this is another one that has been sitting on my Kindle for a minute.
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke
Call it nepotism if you must, but I love Scottish authors. Donnelly has a ton of great books to choose from besides this one.
Dark Valley
Truth be told, this book has never been on my radar, but the blurb is very interesting indeed.
The Red Tree
Dipping into the classics for an absolute masterpiece of gothic fiction.
The Monk (Penguin Classics)
This is another one that I am not familiar with but which is now sitting in my cart. I need to read this.
Experimental Film
I might have expected to see American Psycho by the same author in this spot, so this is a surprise.
Lunar Park (Vintage Contemporaries)
There is a theme in this list, as this is another one that is currently sitting on my Kindle. Again, I have heard great things.
The Ballad of Black Tom
I've seen and enjoyed the movie, so since the book is almost always better, this might be a must read.
Bird Box: Inspiration for Film, Post-Apoc Thriller
Nevill is, in my opinion, one of the best modern horror authors out there. I have not read this one, but I would recommend Last Days.
Apartment 16
Yes, another one sitting on my Kindle as we speak. There is a lot of love out there for this book and author.
Lost Souls
While the rest of the series was a little hit and miss, the original deserves to be in the Top 50 of the best horror books.
Interview with the Vampire
It may look like a cozy romance novel, but this is apparently a creepy haunted house tale.
The House Next Door
The concept of this one is a little controversial to say the least, but it is worthy of being in the horror top 50.
The WASP FACTORY: A NOVEL
For me, I found this book to be a little too bleak and depressing, but if that is your jam, it's well worth a read.
Tender Is the Flesh
I have head nothing bit great things about this author, but I have yet to dive in. This might be my first read.
The Good House: A Novel
I paid a small fortune to get a signed copy of this book. I don't think I need to say more than that. Brilliant!!
The Hellbound Heart: Supernatural Horror Novel
I tore through this one when I read it. An absolutely fabulous piece of work.
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
This is a book and author that is new to me. The blurb sounds very cool, though.
The Return
I LOVE this book. There are a couple of scenes in here that are creepy to the point of terrifying.
Penpal
I was not aware that the Ring movies were based on a book, so here we go with the source material.
Ring (Ring Series, Book 1)
Who knew that the man responsible for Game of Thrones also wrote a vampire novel? Not me.
Fevre Dream: A Novel
If you read this one, stick with it. It seemd confusing at first, but the reveal and the twist is fantastic.
The Last House on Needless Street
Not my favorite novel by King, but it's one that is certainly essential reading for horror fans.
Pet Sematary
If you are looking to get into the roots of horror fiction, this is a great place to start.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Yes, you guessed it. Yet another one that is sitting on my Kindle waiting to be read. The reviews are amazing.
Come Closer
Jones' writing style take a bit of getting used to, but the idea for this story is totally chilling.
The Only Good Indians: A Novel
The movie did nothing for me, but the book is indeed an absolute classic.
I Am Legend
This is such a cool concept for a collection of stories, a couple if which are stomach churning.
Haunted: A Novel
Yup, yet another book sitting on my Kindle. Apparently, this one is a little divisive, but I have heard a ton of great things.
The Fisherman
I am not familiar with this one, but if the blurb is anything to go by, it will be in my cart sooner rather than later.
Geek Love: A Novel (Vintage Contemporaries)
Another book that is high on my list. Skip the movie and go straight to the book.
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I'm not entirely sure this belongs in horror, but given it's high ranking in the top 50, there must be some creepy moments.
Kindred
More than a little easy to understand why this absolute classic is on a list of the top 50 horror books. Truly haunting.
The Exorcist: Classic American Horror
I may have chosen Carrion Comfort by the same author first, but this is still an absolutely fabulous horror read. You can almost feel the cold.
The Terror
For me, this is where body horror was born. A must for any horror collection.
Frankenstein: The 1818 Text (Penguin Classics)
Where it all began for one of the most iconic horror monsters of all time.
Dracula (Reader's Library Classics)
One of the few books that legit creeped me out. A great ending to this one, too.
A Head Full of Ghosts: Bram Stoker Thriller
Sometimes, it is history itself that delivers the true horror.
Beloved: Pulitzer Prize Winner (Vintage Intl)
Another horror book that very much falls into the classic category. A definite must read.
Ghost Story
I'm not familiar with this book at all, but a movie adaptation and a nod from Mr. King are persausive hints that it might be great.
The Little Stranger (Movie Tie-In)
Easily one of my favorute King books of all time. The location, the descent into madness, and the hauntings. Brilliant.
The Shining
If Stephen King is indeed the King of Horror, then Shirley Jackson is the Queen.
The Haunting of Hill House (Penguin Classics)
Do not dive blindly into this book. Reading it is more of a challenge than an enjoyable experiece, but it's a challenge worth taking.
House of Leaves
For me, Pennywise is one of the greatest horror characters of all time. It is an absolute classic of the genre.
It: A Novel
The Cover Made Me Do It
They often say that you should never judge a book by its cover, but there are some that are just too good to pass up.
As soon as I saw the cover, it went in my shopping cart. It helped that the blurb is amzing, too.
Puzzleman: A Novel
I love this book and have it in my collection, but this Limite Edition slipcover is making me think I need two versions.
World War Z Deluxe Slipcase Edition
I can't say that I have ever read any medieval horror, but the cover for this one is making me reconsider.
Pilgrim: A Medieval Horror
I love Adam Nevill's work, and there is something so simple and haunting about all of his covers.
Monumental: A Novel of Pagan Terror
There is something creepy about fingernails that are overly long. I did a total double take when I saw this cover.
The Wilderness Within
There are a couple of different covers for this book, but I think this one is the clear winner. It is beautifully disturbing, which fits the content within.
Mother Maggot