Sometimes, there’s nothing better than curling up in a cozy library and losing yourself in a good book. But as an adult, finding the time to read can feel like a scam! The endless pile of unread books on my nightstand only grows. That’s why I love stumbling upon an unexpectedly short novel in the horror genre—my personal fave. These best short horror books mix heart-pounding terror with just the right tempo, making them a thrilling escape. And when you find not one, but two excellent picks, it feels like a win!
If you’re on the hunt for a quick read that leaves you terrified, flooded with nightmares, or even scarred for life, look no further. I’ve got you covered with some of my favorite short horror books, all organized from longest to shortest—and none over 250 pages! Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start working on your TBR list. To help you get started, I’ve picked best short horror novels under 300 pages. They’ll pack a month’s worth of scary stories into your October.
There’s just something about horror that works best in small doses. The tension builds, the scares come quickly, and there’s no time for the game to grow stale. Unlike a haunted house at an elementary school, these books know how to keep their frightening edge sharp, ensuring you stay on your toes with every page.
Must-Read Short Horror Books
If you’re short on time or can’t commit to a doorstopper novel. You need to try short horror novels under 200 or 300 pages horror book that still pack a punch. While long classics like Stephen King’s IT with its 1,000 pages, Tananarive Due’s The Good House at 500 pages, or Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves at 700 pages are unforgettable, shorter reads are equally thrilling. These compact stories are perfect for a quick scare and might even have you sleeping with the light on tonight.
Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle
Page Count: 224 Pages
Why You Should Read It
In Wolf in White Van, John Darnielle presents a gripping tale that blends strategy, survival, and the complexity of the human mind. The protagonist, Sean Phillips, separated from the outside world for 17 years due to a disfiguring injury, creates imaginary worlds for strangers to navigate through. His life, much like his Trace Italian game—a text-based, roleplaying experience—is filled with dark and bright moments, where the boundaries between the real and imagined are blurred.
Living in his apartment in Southern California, Sean orchestrates adventures where players from around the world explore a ravaged, savage future America. However, the disaster that strikes when his game merges with the real world forces Sean to confront his self-inflicted departure from the life he once knew. The terrain of his past is intricately woven into the narrative, and as we follow Lance and Carrie, high school explorers from Florida, their journey intertwines with Sean’s as they move closer to understanding the consequences of their actions.
‘Creature Feature’ Horror Short Story Collection
Why You Should Read It
If you’re looking for a quick thrill, a collection of short horror stories available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited is a must-read. This anthology features some of the best novelists in the genre, including Grady Hendrix with Ankle Snatcher, Chandler Baker’s Big Bad, Joe Hill’s The Pram, Josh Malerman’s It Waits in the Woods, Jason Mott’s Best of Luck, and Paul Tremblay’s In Bloom. These stories take innocent objects and situations, like a baby stroller, a space under the bed, or an algae-ridden pond, and transform them into sinister, bloody, gruesome, and bizarre elements. The whole collection can be devoured in one sitting, offering a chilling treat for horror fans.
The writers featured here really know how to scare their readers. Each story is a perfect blend of tension and horror, with unexpected twists that keep you at the edge of your seat. This collection is a great way to enjoy some of today’s best horror stories, as each tale builds a world that is haunting yet entirely fascinating. Whether you’re into supernatural thrillers or disturbing situations, this collection brings it all in one place. It’s definitely one of the absolute best choices for anyone seeking a horror fix.
Come Closer by Sara Gran
Page Count: 168 Pages
Why You Should Read It
In Come Closer by Sara Gran, Amanda, a successful architect with a happy marriage, begins to feel her life slowly spiraling out of control. It starts with a recurring, unidentifiable noise in her apartment and a memo to her boss that turns into obscene insults. As Amanda’s behaviour becomes more erratic, she finds herself smoking again and, without even realizing it, burns her husband with a cigarette. A beautiful woman with pointed teeth appears to her in a dream at night.
Story unfolds, a new voice enters Amanda’s head, urging her to do things like steal from people and talk to strange men in bars. This frightening voice leaves her questioning whether she’s being possessed by a demon or if she’s simply losing her mind and becoming insane. With her sense of control slipping away, Amanda must figure out if she can regain her life or if she’s truly beyond saving.
True Crime By Samantha Kolesnik
Page Count: 156 Pages
Why You Should Read It
The bright stars don’t seem to shine at night in Suzy’s dark town, home to her abusive mother and her brother, Lim. When the abuse becomes unbearable, the siblings decide to embark on a sordid cross-country murder spree, starting with their mom. As the murder tally rises, Suzy’s mental state begins to spiral into a place of irredeemable madness.
Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen
Page count: 256 pages
Patricia Wants to Cuddle by Samantha Allen takes a quirky and chilling turn on reality TV tropes. Imagine the sleazy, conniving drama of a competition series like ‘The Catch’ or ‘The Bachelor’ franchise. Now, drop that cast and crew—full of ditzy personalities and “over-it” attitudes—onto a small island in the Pacific Northwest. They’re there to shoot the last episodes of the season, but they soon face eerie phenomena and odd residents that transform their stay into a nightmare. One by one, people start disappearing, hunted by something sinister.
Why This Book is a Must-Read
With its great characters, bonkers plot, and inventive twists, this queer horror-satire is one of the most fantastic reads in recent years. Allen, also the author of Real Queer America, crafts a gory, fast-moving story that’s both loved and frustrating for its brevity. At just a short book, it sometimes skims past details that leave you wishing for another 50 to 75 pages, but that’s part of its charm. Patricia Wants to Cuddle stays on my list of unforgettable books for its ability to surprise, unsettle, and entertain. You really should read it for yourself—this is one horror tale you won’t forget.
Below By Laurel Hightower
Page count: 124 pages
Why You Should Read It
During a late-night snowstorm in the mountains of West Virginia, a divorced woman faces bizarre electrical problems that leave her stranded. She finds herself relying on a charismatic truck driver, but their safety is threatened by an unexplainable creature with haunting red eyes. Forced to make one of the toughest decisions of her life, she must choose whether to abandon the stranger who kept her safe or climb below, into a warped reality shapeshifted into a living nightmare.
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
Page count: 251 pages
Why You Should Read It
The award-winning author of Her Body and Other Parties shares an intimate and deeply traumatic story in In the Dream House. This book traces a relationship that moves from the initial bloom of love to the painful reality of physical and emotional abuse, showing how it slowly overtakes everything. The stunning portrayal of this transformation reveals the darkness at the core of a harmful relationship. Machado uses her sharp, precise prose to explore these themes, making it a powerful read for anyone who has experienced or wants to understand the complexities of abuse.
Machado’s memoir is not your typical horror story, but it reads like one due to the way she dissects the rot within the heart of a traumatic relationship. Her prose is sparest, yet it slices through the darkness with a sharpness that will leave readers shaken. The book’s poignant dedication—”If you need this book, it is for you”—is a reminder of how psychological suspense can be woven into real stories. If you’ve had this on your TBR pile, this might be the perfect time to read it, as it’s not just a haunted house story but a real look at the emotional ghosts that haunt us all.
The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
Page count: 246 pages
Why You Should Read It
The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado is a haunting mix of psychological horror and memoir that leaves you breathless. The author explores her relationship, blending horror elements with vivid, personal reflections. Machado takes the reader on a journey through a troubled relationship, where the house itself becomes a metaphor for abuse, and the boundaries of reality blur. Like a haunting, the emotional terror in the narrative is intense.
Machado uses this YA style, which stands out for its rich storytelling and unsettling atmosphere. Fans of unpredictable horror that dives deep into dark themes like emotional trauma will find this a gripping read. Whether you’re looking for something that feels like a cross between psychological horror and raw truth, this book is sure to get under your skin and stay with you.
While horror isn’t usually mixed with such personal reflections, this book gives an eerie twist to the genre. Carmen Maria Machado’s ability to keep the reader engaged while exploring profound themes of abuse, control, and identity makes it a must-read for anyone interested in stories that challenge your perception of the world around you. If you’re into fiction that isn’t just entertaining but also thought-provoking, this one is worth your time. It’s a powerful narrative that will likely leave a lasting impact on anyone who loves intriguing horror.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
Page count: 241 pages
Why You Should Read It
In I’m Thinking of Ending Things, the story begins with a woman contemplating her relationship with her boyfriend while on a trip to his parents’ house in the country. As they journey through the way to the house, strange and bizarro happenings unfold, leaving her uncertain about whether to end things or not. The plot is full of unsettling moments that lead to a mind-bending conclusion.
The book’s weird and unnerving atmosphere will keep you hooked from start to finish. It feels like a trippy, disorienting experience, similar to an A24 movie vibe. Fans of Netflix adaptations may already be familiar with the film. But even if the adaptation didn’t quite live up to expectations, the story itself is worth reading. The key pieces of the plot will leave you thinking long after you finish, and the experience of reading it is truly unique.
Penpal By Dathan Auerbach
Page Count: 243 pages
Why You Should Read It
Penpal began as a series of short stories posted on an online horror forum. The chilling tales quickly expanded into various illustrations, audio recordings, and short films before being revised and turned into a full-fledged novel. The story follows a man investigating the strange, bizarre, and tragic events of his childhood that seem disconnected at first. As the narrator uncovers the fragments of his past, he realizes that these horrific incidents are all part of a larger, terrifying tale that has shaped his life.
Throughout his journey, the man discovers how these events were tied to a deep, unsettling connection, pushing him to confront fears that many of us have experienced, like wandering in the woods too long or feeling that something or someone was out to hurt us. Penpal explores the power of bonds and friendship, how they shape us, and how certain events can never be forgotten. After you’ve finished reading this novel, you’ll be left thinking about its gripping and eerie atmosphere.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
Page Count: 240 pages
Plot Summary
In Our Wives Under the Sea, Miri’s wife, Leah, a marine biologist, returns home after a six-month deep-sea mission, but something is clearly wrong. Leah’s sub lost communication while underwater, and now Miri must face the unsettling reality of what happened down there. Did something come back with her, something that didn’t stay behind in the depths of the sea? The mystery deepens as Miri begins to realize that not everything is as it seems.
Why you should read it
This book is truly exceptional—a beautifully written, haunting, and romantic story that I adored from start to finish. Julia Armfield masterfully blends eerie, subtle scares with moments of raw emotion, creating an eerie drama that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. While it might not be the typical horror story for hardcore horror lovers, it delivers a unique and deeply moving experience that’s perfect for readers who appreciate a slow burn with a touch of the supernatural.
Hide by Kiersten White
Page Count: 240 pages
Plot Overview
In Hide, Mack enters a challenge to spend a week in an abandoned amusement park. It is only a matter of staying out of trouble. As the days pass, competitors begin to disappear, and the sinister agenda behind the game is slowly revealed. Mack is trying to escape her haunting past, but the more she hides, the more she realizes this game may be her biggest challenge yet. It’s a high-stakes test of survival, where every moment counts.
Why You Should Read It
If you loved Kiersten White’s 2023 horror novel. Mister Magic, then you’ll want to add Hide to your 2024 TBR pile. It hasn’t been my pleasure to read it yet. I can only imagine that it’s going to be a wild thrill ride, and totally worth the price of admission. Come with White’s unique storytelling, it promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, much like her previous works. You won’t want to miss this one!
The Birds By Daphne du Maurier
Page Count: 75 pages
Why You Should Read It
It seems as if the birds of The Birds by Daphne du Maurier appear out of nowhere and relentlessly attack the protagonist. The silent attack is only broken by the beating and fluttering of their wings. With every swoop, the protagonist can feel the warm blood on his hands, wrists, and neck, as the sharp beak of each swooping bird tears into his flesh. The horror intensifies as he desperately tries to keep them from his eyes. But nothing else mattered in that moment except survival. The terrifying scene reflects the overwhelming power of nature and the helplessness of man in the face of it.
Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda
Page count: 240 pages
Why You Should Read It
Claire Kohda’s Woman, Eating is far from a traditional vampire horror novel. It doesn’t rely on being full of gore and terror but instead paints an understated story of a young, restless vampire navigating her place in the modern world. Set in London, the protagonist, an artist, finds herself squatting in a studio, surviving on fresh pigs’ blood while contemplating the point of survival. Her eternal life, though seemingly boundless, is riddled with challenges, especially since she’s denied simple joys like a drink of bubble tea. Kohda’s choice to explore the psychological depth of a supernatural creature, rather than the spectacle of vampirism, adds layers of relatability to this tale.
What makes this book stand out is how it focuses on internal conflicts that reconcile a myriad of struggles. The protagonist’s challenges as a woman and artist, much like the themes in Chelsea G. Summers’ A Certain Hunger, reflect the tension between survival and identity. Both novels delve into consumption, whether it’s literal or metaphorical, and explore the weight of misogyny and the struggles of womanhood. Kohda’s bloodthirsty protagonist, much like Summers’ female serial killer and cannibal, mirrors the darker facets of human nature and what it means to truly exist. This nuanced narrative captures the essence of being torn between monstrous urges and human longing.
Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica
Page count: 209 pages
Why You Should Read It
This disturbing novel dives into a chillingly real world where an infectious virus makes animal meat poisonous to humans. Instead of abandoning meat altogether, society undergoes a government-led transition to legalize eating special human meat. Following Marcos, a meat factory exec, the story unfolds with a nauseating level of detail, exposing the grim realities of this dystopian system. Every disgusting sausage or product processed comes to symbolize how far humanity might go in the name of survival and appetite.
What makes this horror book stand out isn’t just its shocking premise but also its sharp commentary on our relationship with consumption. It’s a quick read, but its impact lingers, making readers question societal norms. I loved it, even though it made me sick—and I wasn’t the only one; it has earned wide acclaim for its brutal honesty. In fact, the story left such an impression that I turned vegetarian for months. I’d only recommend this to readers with strong stomachs, as its unflinching portrayal can truly haunt you.
The Night Guest by Hildur Knutsdottir
Page count: 208 pages
Why You Should Read It
Imagine living in Reykjavík, where the long nights add to the eerie atmosphere. A woman begins noticing something isn’t right—her days start with her feeling overly exhausted, and she’s covered in mysterious bruises. She’s told by doctors that there’s nothing wrong, yet each night, it feels as though something happens while she sleeps, as if she goes somewhere she cannot recall. With each passing day, her injuries worsen, leaving her no choice but to start investigating the strange occurrences herself. What she uncovers are startling and even creepy revelations tied to a late family member, making her question the boundaries between reality and imagination.
The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir feels like a chilling splinter of psychological horror that burrows deep into your mind. Its compact nature allows readers to finish it in a single sitting, but beware—it may pull you into a murderous psychosis, leaving you to dwell on its haunting theme and tone. Fans of Rachel Yoder’s Nightbitch will appreciate the similarities in the way both books navigate surreal, unsettling territory. This book is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys a good scare and seeks to dive into an evocative story with haste.
Fear Is the Rider by Kenneth Cook
Page count: 197 pages
Why You Should Read It
Fear Is the Rider is a fast-paced horror-thriller that will immediately grip you by the throat, pulling you into a brilliant, pure, and undiluted world of insanity. From the very first chapter, the unstoppable force of terror pursues its victims without a second to waste. This lean-and-mean story focuses solely on the meat of the things, leaving no room for long character backstories. The results are horrifying, a relentless chase that seems to reach the ends of the earth, and it doesn’t stop until the last page. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t waste seconds and dives straight into the action, this is a must-read.
Every page of this novel is crafted to keep you on the edge of your seat. As the force continues its pursuit, tightening its grip until the very end. It’s a nightmarish journey where the insanity of the situation becomes almost too much to bear, but in the best way possible. If you’re into stories that don’t give you time to breathe. Fear Is the Rider is a wild ride that will make your heart race from start to finish.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Page count: 182 pages
Why You’ll Love Reading This Gothic Masterpiece
Hill House stands as a true gothic classic, and if you haven’t had the chance to read it. You’re missing out on an unforgettable experience. Unlike Mike Flanagan’s stunning Netflix adaptation. Which reimagines the tale in its own unique way. Shirley Jackson’s novel delivers a more psychological, eerie charm. Its excellent, short narrative is packed with tension and dread, creating an atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.
Who can’t get enough of Jackson’s haunting style, her other works like We Have Always Lived in the Castle are must-reads. Plus, the recent sequel, A Haunting on the Hill, pays homage to the original with its own gripping story. Whether you’re a fan of the macabre or just dipping your toes into the gothic genre. Hill House will pull you into its shadowy corridors and leave you marveling at its brilliance.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
Page count: 176 pages
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher weaves an unsettling tapestry of atmospheric gothic horror that grips the imagination. Drawing inspiration from Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher, Kingfisher delivers a chilling yet fresh retelling that feels like stepping into an eerie dreamscape. The novel invites fans of the genre to explore a world. Where the haunting beauty of a countryside estate is overshadowed by nightmarish fungal growths and the unsettling presence of wild animals seemingly possessed by unseen forces. It’s a masterpiece for readers who appreciate stories reminiscent of The Last of Us but crave a distinctive literary twist.
Kingfisher’s writing balances the fine line between the grotesque and the sublime, offering undeniably freaky moments without delving into overly gory territory. The plot centers on Alex Easton, a retired soldier, racing to save their childhood friend, Madeline Usher (Maddy), who is dying from a mysterious illness, alongside her brother, Roderick, battling a mysterious malady of his own. Alex’s quest for the estate’s secrets begins with his assistance from a British mycologist and an American doctor. Kingfisher masterfully brings Poe’s story into a contemporary light, making the impossible task of reinvention feel effortless. This one is highly recommended for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in gothic literature.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
Page count: 106 pages
If you’re looking for a short book that delivers an unforgettable punch. The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw is an excellent choice. This award-winning author, known for Nothing But Blackened Teeth, crafts a bizarre, beautiful, and wonderfully bleak novella that takes a fresh, apocalyptic horror spin on The Little Mermaid. The story is anything but traditional, blending blood, violence, and cannibalism into a chilling narrative set in an eerie, snow-crusted forest village. The atmosphere reminds me of Craster’s Keep from Game of Thrones, with its uniquely horrifying evil lurking beneath the surface—a nod to George R.R. Martin’s creation, but with a different twist.
At just 106 pages, it’s one of the shortest books. I’ve read in years, and its compact size only adds to its charm. I remember laughing when I received my copy in the mail, mistaking it for one of my daughter’s children’s books—what an oops moment that was! Khaw’s masterful storytelling immerses you in a classic story infused with elements that make it feel both nostalgic and utterly unsettling. And if you find yourself craving more, don’t miss Khaw’s 2021 novel, Nothing But Blackened Teeth, another slim read at just 128 pages.
Gone to See the River Man By Kristopher Triana
Page count: 182 pages
Super fans and groupies often show an intense dedication that teeters on the edge of fascination and mania. It’s not uncommon to find people who would give anything for the chance to connect with their idols. Whether it’s rock stars, actors, or authors, this deep worship sometimes crosses into darker realms. But what happens when that obsession is directed toward the sinister world of serial killers? In this chilling narrative, Lori embodies the ultimate fanatic, consumed by her obsession with Edmund Cox, a man infamous for his sadistic cruelty and for having butchered more than twenty women.
Driven by her need to forge a relationship, Lori begins visiting Cox in prison, exchanging letters on a regular basis. Her connection deepens as she gets close to him and eagerly accepts a chilling task he assigns her. Her journey takes her to a cabin in the woods of Killen, where she must retrieve a key and deliver it to a mysterious figure known only as The River Man. What lies ahead is a descent into unimaginable horror, where the thin line between devotion and destruction shatters entirely.
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