Do you mean crime or general? I haven’t read Helter Skelter but apparently that and others on him are pretty freaky. Like to have so much power/influence over other humans to do your bidding xxx
@Llainy For sure. And I see a lot of parallels with what is going on in the world right now, which is the truly terrifying bit 🙁 Very well worth reading.
@Gavin Ok so not read but I watched a lot of crime stuff and these ones are defo on my list to read and I would say creepy. John Wayne Gacy (the guy was a monster hidden in plain sight and his killings and bodies hidden in his own home).
Ted Bundy, his victimology was the same all along until his last escape where he was particularly vicious in his killings and went off type with I believe a 13 year old victim? He respresented himself and even after the jury knowing his crimes his charm was still working on them. He was a super smart guy & I think that would make for creepy reading. xxx
@Steven just remember we all read books differently but I would give hime a bash. I read Horns 3/5 (film with Daniel Radcliffe) Heart Shaped Box 3/5 and NOS4R2 4/5 I really liked that and can be a tough critic. I bought The Fireman by him and still to read it, it is a big book xxx
That was highly disturbing I had to three quarters of the way in. Repulsed would be my word but at the same time I appreciated the psychological element – but too much for me!
Hjortbergs book was filmed as ‘Angel Heart’ with Mickey Rourke and Robert de Niro. Hjortsberg was an American novelist, his output was rather small. His 1978 debut (Falling Angel) was nominated for Edgar. He passed away earlier this year.
Mo Hayder is a British Edgar-winning crime writer and has published at least 10 books.
There’s only one book I started which I couldn’t keep reading. It was a long, long time ago but I’m sure it was the Books of Blood by Clive Barker. I love horror books but it was far too disturbing. He was the author behind the Hellraiser movie.
It’s in my TBR pile ?. Looking forward to it ?. I’m fine with blood and gore etc etc, but that book had a bit at the beginning which put me off reading further, but I don’t want to put you off your dinner ??.
Read the book and saw the film when I was 13, managed to sneak in the cinema wearing my mum’s high heels and make-up, lol. When everyone ran out screaming when the girl vomited pea soup and spun her head round I stayed in my seat laughing. Could say I had a very strong stomach despite my young years. Now coming up 59 so it was many, many years ago.
I think I have all of his @Tina including a biography called By Horror Haunted. I’m pretty proud of them to say the least 🙂 @Gill – see all of the above lol. Haunted might seem dated now as I’ve not read it for a while but it’s a nice introduction to David Ash and his “issues”
I gave about 6 boxes of books to a charity shop as I was fed up of carting them each house move (10 in as many years?) now I volunteer in a charity shop I know my name will have been mud that day lol
Oh my gosh! I got chills from head to toe! I LOVED that book! Saw the movie, too, a gazillion years ago. Movie was okay but as usual, book was way better.
Yes, the book is much better than the film; the films still good though. Anthony Hopkins is great ? Oh, I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about it ?. Did you read For the Love of Audrey Rose too @Katie?
I’ve read most of his. Darkfall, Macabre, Spectre, Ghost Train, Daemonic and The Wyrm are the ones I’ve read. (Got all of his though!) From what I remember, the creepiest was Darkfall and I reckon is the reason I’ve never wanted to work in an office block!!!!
A book that terrified me. He really takes you on a journey. Cujo was the same. A few friends couldn’t see the appeal of a story about a dog. But with some persuasion, they read it….and became avid fans. Going to reread It ??? xx
Pet cemetery by Stephen King, I used to have to take my moped down the garden when I was 16, and we had loads of pets that had died over the years and been buried in the garden. I used to run like hell at night!
The Man in the Moss – Phil Rickman. OR Japanese Fairy Tales – Lafcardio Hearn used to scare myself witless reading them under the covers as a kid – I’ve never met anyone else who has even heard of them 🙂
Reading a strange one at the moment ‘ Bird Box’ very creepy in an odd way ? getting really in to it now and just don’t know where it will end ? liking it though ?
Do you mean crime or general? I haven’t read Helter Skelter but apparently that and others on him are pretty freaky. Like to have so much power/influence over other humans to do your bidding xxx
Really scary because some of his ideas were actually plausible 😮
@Lesley I think that is why they would never let him out xxx
Have it on my tbr pile. Might just be my next. Thanks both!
@Deirdre I am toying with buying it as I have heard so much about it xxx
I shall let you know. Reading Blood Mist by Mark Roberts and it is brilliant. Dark!
Had this one on my list for ages, had a library copy but such small print I couldn’t get in to it. Might be a kindle buy I think.
I was thinking more crime creepy
@Llainy For sure. And I see a lot of parallels with what is going on in the world right now, which is the truly terrifying bit 🙁 Very well worth reading.
@Gavin Ok so not read but I watched a lot of crime stuff and these ones are defo on my list to read and I would say creepy. John Wayne Gacy (the guy was a monster hidden in plain sight and his killings and bodies hidden in his own home).
Ted Bundy, his victimology was the same all along until his last escape where he was particularly vicious in his killings and went off type with I believe a 13 year old victim? He respresented himself and even after the jury knowing his crimes his charm was still working on them. He was a super smart guy & I think that would make for creepy reading. xxx
Just been on to Amazon and downloaded part one of Helter Skelter for free, now I can start it and see how I like it.
Then easy… Silence of the lambs and all Hannibal books. And then the chris carter books are maybe More gruesome
Ack! I forgot about that book. Definitely the creepiest! Then followed by It.
fluke by james herbert!
That was the one with the dog? Xxx
@Llainy yep, or maybe it was a human??? lol x
Oh don’t lol al need to re buy and re read it. Xxx
I loved that one. I wanted to call our dog Fluke but the hubby wouldn’t let me ?
I still have my copy. Great book!
I even persuaded my hubby to read Fluke and he enjoyed it. He’s not a reader.
@Gill i did the same!! lol x
I still have my James Herbert and Shaun Books from over the years on my bookshelves! No romance novels there lol
The heart-shaped box by Joe Hill, really scared me couldn’t finish it!
Is he a good author? I have some of his books to read. I love his dads’ work!
@Steven I have read 2 of his, I would say yes xxx
Brilliant, thanks @Llainy! I will look forward to them! I always worried it would read like a loose copy of his Dads’ work.
@Steven just remember we all read books differently but I would give hime a bash. I read Horns 3/5 (film with Daniel Radcliffe) Heart Shaped Box 3/5 and NOS4R2 4/5 I really liked that and can be a tough critic. I bought The Fireman by him and still to read it, it is a big book xxx
How big? Stephen King’s unedited version of The Stand weighs in at more than 1500 pages! x
I need to grab it and have a look, the others are normal lengths I think. The fireman is a chubby book xxx
It by Stephen King
I re read this in prep for the movie, you going to see it? xxx
Definitely-even though clowns scare the crap out of me! But then I am scared of needles and getting a bookish tattoo in October too, so hey!
Also saw the Dark Tower on Friday. Not a patch on the books but still a fun film x
Im 56% in, not really enjoying it, shame as it’s highly rated
The Shadows Call by @MattHilton and I’ve read A LOT of books. Than is an utter creep fest!
Never heard of this one xxx
His books are fab! The action thriller’s and the spooky ones.
Is that part of his new series? Haven’t tried them yet. Love the Joe Hunter Books x
They are stand alone. Not Joe Hunter. Honestly, it’ll give you the creeps!
Will give it a look x
Shadows Call by @Matt. Don’t read after 6 o’clock at night.
Still creeps me out! How can one book do that??
It by Stephen king, very creepy but an absolutely fantastic read.
I got through Rats by James Herbert but the next one in the trilogy was way too creepy for me to finish…
I love this trilogy, have read them so many times
I can read all sorts of nasty stuff… Just… Rats… Shudder…!
Don’t laugh. It’s the Boogeyman. Stephen King. Even now, I have to make sure the wardrobe doors are tightly shut!. ?
Pet cemetary by stephen king
Agree with It by Stephen King!
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Oh yes!
I thought Rats by James Herbert was bad until I read Domain, by James!
That’s the one I have up on. I have them on kindle now and intend to try again…
It
Definitely Rats trilogy by James Herbert, scarry but had to be read
Loved those!
Pet Cemetery by Stephen King
I do miss James Herbert and Michael Crichton.
Hex
I’ve Been Watching You by KA Richardson
Salems lot
Out by Natsuo Kirino
Oh I have this on my shelf ?
Adam Nevill’s The Ritual. They’ve recently made a film out of it.
The crow girl.
That was highly disturbing I had to three quarters of the way in. Repulsed would be my word but at the same time I appreciated the psychological element – but too much for me!
Loved it!
It ? by Stephen king but loved it
Ash by James Herbert is pretty disturbing.
The Fog by James Herbert.
Yes!
I want to read this now ?
Also, Nathaniel by John Saul. That was well creepy, but excellent read. 🙂 🙂
Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg was rather creepy, — and anything by Mo Hayder!
Don’t know those two authors Karl.
Mo hayder is brilliant
Hjortbergs book was filmed as ‘Angel Heart’ with Mickey Rourke and Robert de Niro. Hjortsberg was an American novelist, his output was rather small. His 1978 debut (Falling Angel) was nominated for Edgar. He passed away earlier this year.
Mo Hayder is a British Edgar-winning crime writer and has published at least 10 books.
Pet Sematary Stephen King
There’s only one book I started which I couldn’t keep reading. It was a long, long time ago but I’m sure it was the Books of Blood by Clive Barker. I love horror books but it was far too disturbing. He was the author behind the Hellraiser movie.
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter was very disturbing, really need a strong stomach for that one Gill.
It’s in my TBR pile ?. Looking forward to it ?. I’m fine with blood and gore etc etc, but that book had a bit at the beginning which put me off reading further, but I don’t want to put you off your dinner ??.
Yes, read that one Vonny, and saw the film, Fred Gwynne from the Munsters comedy show was in it. 🙂
“It.” And this is why I hate clowns!
It and I still won’t step over a storm drain
Erica Spindler her first one. Really creeped me out.
I’m not a fan of clowns, seeing them at the circus as a kid did it for me. well creepy.
Audrey Rose gave me goosebumps, and the Entity was a pretty scary read.
Have you read The Flowers In The Attic book series by Virginia Andrews Gill?
Yes, My Sweet Audrina etc. I loved them 🙂
When my mum was alive she loved those books, she did’nt like the film version on telly though, missed out half the story.
I wasn’t keen on the film either 🙁
Salems Lot by Stephen King. In its day it was a brilliant creepy vampire story.
I definitely need to re-read my Stephen King and James Herbert ?
The exorcist
Read the book and saw the film when I was 13, managed to sneak in the cinema wearing my mum’s high heels and make-up, lol. When everyone ran out screaming when the girl vomited pea soup and spun her head round I stayed in my seat laughing. Could say I had a very strong stomach despite my young years. Now coming up 59 so it was many, many years ago.
I was 16yrs old. It terrified me! I am a huge horror fan, this is the one I love to hate, but secretly love!
I just sat there munching on my snacks and drinking pop. lol. 🙂 :
It Lives in the Basement by @sahara foley.
I love the sound of that.
The Ash trilogy by James Herbert is really good. Haunted, Ghosts of Sleath and Ash.
I didn’t realise this was a trilogy! I’ve read Ghosts of Sleath and yes it was creepy!
Yep. Haunted was really good for its time although the shocking ending has been copied more than once since. Ash was Herbert’s last ever book.
I’ll keep my eyes open for those 2 ?
Please do Tina yes. Well worth it
@Gary really wish I’d kept all my James Herbert books. I’d love to read them again. Thought I must get thru the 150+ others on my bookcase 1st? lol
I didn’t realise it was a trilogy either. I’ve also read the Ghosts of Sleath and Ash but not Haunted.
I think I have all of his @Tina including a biography called By Horror Haunted. I’m pretty proud of them to say the least 🙂
@Gill – see all of the above lol. Haunted might seem dated now as I’ve not read it for a while but it’s a nice introduction to David Ash and his “issues”
I gave about 6 boxes of books to a charity shop as I was fed up of carting them each house move (10 in as many years?) now I volunteer in a charity shop I know my name will have been mud that day lol
I had no idea these were a trilogy, thank you for sharing! I will be re-reading Haunted and buying Ghosts of Sleath and Ash ?
Unusually for a trilogy there were 24 years between first and last (1988 to 2012, with a 1994 in between)
Ash was really Good!
Into the darkest corner, Elizabeth Haynes
Another well loved book.
The Silence of the Lambs.
Who is Audrey rose by. Would like to read it.
It’s by Frank De Felitta. It’s a fabulous book 🙂
Thank u
Oh my gosh! I got chills from head to toe! I LOVED that book! Saw the movie, too, a gazillion years ago. Movie was okay but as usual, book was way better.
Yes, the book is much better than the film; the films still good though. Anthony Hopkins is great ? Oh, I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about it ?. Did you read For the Love of Audrey Rose too @Katie?
25p in a book sale in the 80s.
You by Caroline Kepnes. Creepy
Gavin, one has to be ‘Say Goodbye’ by Lisa Gardner! Creepy as hell!
Demonic by Stephen laws! I had to sleep with the lights on ?
LOVE Stephen Laws!!! He’s way too underated in my opinion!
@Sarah I’ve only read that one. Are they all that scary? 1st and only book that frightened me! What others of his would you recommend?
I’ve read most of his. Darkfall, Macabre, Spectre, Ghost Train, Daemonic and The Wyrm are the ones I’ve read. (Got all of his though!) From what I remember, the creepiest was Darkfall and I reckon is the reason I’ve never wanted to work in an office block!!!!
@Sarah oooo I shall look out for that. Although sometimes I’m in my office all alone. The building that is ?
Sorry for all the photos – getting too excited ??
The Magic Cottage by James Herbert
I love this book I read it every few years
I was lucky enough to meet James Herbert a few years ago & he said it was one of his favourites too!
the fog ,James Herbert
In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami
Wow!! I can’t wait to look some of these up!
The Exorcist, read it before filming was even thought about, totally spooked me
Poppet by no hayder
Still Missing by Chevy Stevens
The Road – Cormac McCarthy
Naomi s room , Jonathan aycliffe
The Rats by James Herbert but only because I have a horrific fear of rats!
Bird man by mo hayder
The Bible.
??
Salem’s Lot ??
It’s taken me ages to recover from rereading this. I have It on the go now lol x
A book that terrified me. He really takes you on a journey. Cujo was the same. A few friends couldn’t see the appeal of a story about a dog. But with some persuasion, they read it….and became avid fans. Going to reread It ??? xx
He is a great story teller x
IT
Steven Kings Pets Cemetery
’50 shades of grey.’ ? I murmured.
Yes totally creepy
Off the top of my head, False Memory, Dean Koontz
James Herbert – The Rats.
Read it during my goosebumps, preteen years. Still have it to this day.
I’ve actually seen rats as big as a domestic cat.
It’s a short story called the ten o’clock people by Stephen King… It really got to me..
Jigsaw Man by Gord Rollo
Rattle Fiona Cummings
On my tbr pile 🙂
Rattle was definitely creepy!!
Pet cemetery by Stephen King, I used to have to take my moped down the garden when I was 16, and we had loads of pets that had died over the years and been buried in the garden. I used to run like hell at night!
That’s my scariest book too!
Christine by Stephen King the film was absolute crap!
Dracula or Salems Lot
*writes recommendations down furiously* ?
Thats exactly what I’m doing @Patricia, I love being scared witless by a good creepy book from time to time ?
Ill Will by Dan Chaon
Roses are red by James Patterson
Neither the sea nor the sand – Gordon Honeycomb.
Mind of a Psychopath by Julie Hoffman?
She wrote a series of books (4) connected!
Hell house by Richard Matheson. Well scary ???
We Need to Talk about Kevin
Not sure but im sure i have lol
Why this make you sad ?
Silence of the lambs – different to the movie and brilliant
Bag of bones
Scared crap out of me
Couldn’t put it down though
Who wrote it x
Stephen King.
Thank you x
What the night knows!!!!
Birdman Mo Hayder
It
The Ultimate Evil by Maury Terry
Misery – Stephen King
Anything by James Herbert… loved his books … RIP to one of the greats xx xx
Mo Hayder: Birdman
The Shining – Stephen King, I managed the book but could never watch all the film.
The Great God Pan by Arthur Machen
The winter people by Jennifer Mcmahon, and IT by Stephen King.
The Wasp Factory- Iain Banks
The shadow man Cody Mcfadyen
The butterfly garden
Pet Cemetery – Stephen King (even Stephen King himself wrote at the front of the book that he thought he’d taken it too far!)
dracula
562 Belisle street
Hi. I have just searched for this book and I can’t find it cheaper than £25 anywhere, do you know why this would be!
Sorry I’ve just noticed you are from SA not the UK so please ignore me 🙂
The Birthing House by Christopher Ransom, Blood Harvest by Sharon Bolton, ANYTHING by Stephen Laws especially Darkfall.
The Shining by Stephen King. Couldn’t sleep for weeks
The one that comes straight to mind was One by One, by Chris Carter. I read it recently, and has stayed in my mind ever since…
Just looked this up, think I may have a new series to read 🙂
@Katharine Can’t recommend them enough! They are all rather disturbing, though…
I quite like disturbing 🙂 I belong to a book club, and my friend and I often secretly grumble that there wasn’t enough gore 🙂
Just bought The Crucifix Killer, that you for the recommendation 🙂
@Katharine Enjoy! Just be prepared to do little other than read for the next few weeks, as you are gripped by Robert Hunter and his world… ?
Under the Skin by Michel Faber
Silence of the lambs…
Perhaps The Wasp Factory
IT
the dollhouse
Cujo
I loved Cujo.
Crucifix killer is giving me nightmares x
Afraid, Trapped, Endurance by Jack Kilborn… I enjoyed it! I actually want to read a hardcore horror or whatever you call it creepy book!!!???
The Ruins by Scott Smith. Now I want to read Crucifix Killer and some Jack Kilborn.
Yes! The Ruin was great as well and Jack Kilborn’s book! ?
never read that yet is it worth reading
Yes, if you like dark and disturbing. Beautifully written. Made into a very creepy movie.
creepypasta??
Nobody true by James Herbert, the treatment by mo hayder x
read so many books i loose count i think its the rats by james herbert
and the slugs by shaun hutson
I’d forgotten all about Shaun hutson? thx for the reminder ??
Was jus about to say exactly the same thing. I’d put it right out of my mind! So I’ll go for IT by Stephen King, never trusted clowns since!
Stop it! Had to tell that @Llainy off too the other week for posting nasty pictures 😀
@Aileen xxx
Thats a bit harsh ? Lesley didn’t fo anything to deserve that xxx
@Llainy Well its about time she came out then 😀
Lets not get crazy ? xxx
The Man in the Moss – Phil Rickman. OR Japanese Fairy Tales – Lafcardio Hearn used to scare myself witless reading them under the covers as a kid – I’ve never met anyone else who has even heard of them 🙂
Reading a strange one at the moment ‘ Bird Box’ very creepy in an odd way ? getting really in to it now and just don’t know where it will end ? liking it though ?
the bible
The bible creepy it’s all about sex and crime don’t believe the Sunday school bashers.
Sounds good to me ?
The house of leaves, it takes a while to get into but it’s really good
The Shining by Stephen King way back in 1976
Stephen king best writer!
Thank you all so much for the reccomendations! I’ve written those I’ve not read down in to little book. xx
Same! Got a long list lol
Richard laymon read one and you will know
He was a bit creepy for me Craig, verging on being a wee bit pervy imo!
Ye i thought so but i still like the stories. It seemed like realistic to life, not in a mean way