As a seminal work of horror fiction by Shirley Jackson, "The Haunting of Hill House" was first published in 1959. It follows the story of four individuals who embark on a paranormal investigation at Hill House, a mansion known for its dark and tragic history. Dr. John Montague, an investigator of the supernatural, invites three people, Eleanor Vance, Theodora, and Luke Sanderson, to explore the paranormal occurrences within the house.

As the characters spend time at Hill House, they encounter a series of bizarre and terrifying events that test their sanity and courage. The creepy house seems to have a life of its own, and it's not letting anyone leave easily. The characters’s tension and the unsettling occurrences within the house build a sense of dread and suspense that pervades the entire novel.

Shirley Jackson's masterful writing creates an atmosphere of unease and hair-raising that grips readers from the beginning. The characters' complex emotions and their gradual descent into madness make "The Haunting of Hill House" one of the best psychological horror novels. The novel has inspired numerous adaptations, including a 1963 film adaptation and a critically acclaimed Netflix series.

Author: Shirley Jackson

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Haunting-Hill-House-Penguin-Classics/dp/0143039989

Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars (from 23,231 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,215 in Books

#2 in Ghost Fiction

#30 in Gothic Fiction

#106 in Literary Fiction (Books)

As one of the best psychological horror novels, "The Shining" is a classic by Stephen King and published in 1977. The story revolves around the Torrance family, particularly Jack Torrance, who takes a job as the off-season caretaker at the secluded and eerie Overlook Hotel. Jack, along with his wife Wendy and their young son Danny, move to the hotel in the offseason, unaware of its dark history.

As the family settles in, strange and terrifying events begin to unfold. The young Danny has psychic abilities, including the power of "shining," which allows him to see the hotel's disturbing past and the malevolent spirits that haunt it. These supernatural forces within the hotel begin to exert their influence on Jack, driving him toward madness and violence.

King's expert character development and suspenseful storytelling make "The Shining" a psychological horror masterpiece. The novel takes a deep dive into themes of isolation, supernatural forces, and the fragility of the human mind. In addition to the novel, the book was famously adapted into a successful film by director Stanley Kubrick in 1980, which further solidified its place in popular culture.

Author: Stephen King

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Shining-Stephen-King/dp/0345806786/

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 42,969 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #1,383 in Books

#3 in Ghost Fiction

#3 in Ghost Thrillers

#115 in Literary Fiction (Books)

“Hidden Pictures” begins with the main character, Mallory Quinn, a woman who has been grappling with OxyContin and heroin addiction for the past year and a half. She has recently completed rehab and takes a nanny job for Ted and Caroline Maxwell, caring for their son Teddy.

She really loves this job and is very close to Teddy, a cute five-year-old boy who likes drawing. Teddy often draws familiar elements like trees, rabbits, and balloons. However, one day, his drawings take a sharp turn when he sketches a man in a forest, dragging the dead body of a woman. Mallory begins to suspect that these illustrations might reveal details of an unsolved murder, considering the complexity of the drawings beyond Teddy's capabilities.

From a little-known book to the Goodreads Choice Award winner, “Hidden Pictures” has proven to be one of the best psychological horror novels, giving readers a haunting and unforgettable experience. The abstract and inexplicable drawings, the complex relationships between the characters, and the layers of mystery in the book will make you couldn't put it down. It is thrilling and intriguing enough without making the reader overly scared.

Author: Jason Rekulak

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Pictures-Novel-Jason-Rekulak/dp/1250819350/

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars (from 26,379 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #2,013 in Books

#78 in Domestic Thrillers (Books)

#83 in Murder Thrillers

#224 in Suspense Thriller

Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" is a groundbreaking psychological horror work that introduced the true crime genre to literature. The book recounts the horrific and real-life events of the 1959 Clutter family murders in Kansas. The author combines factual reporting with a literary style, creating a narrative that reads like fiction but is rooted in real events.

The Clutters, a well-respected family in their community, were brutally murdered in their home. Capote digs deep into the lives of both the victims and the killers, giving us a close look at the crime, the investigations, and what happened afterward. What sets "In Cold Blood" apart is Capote's meticulous research and his in-depth interviews with the two murderers while they were in jail. He delves into their backgrounds, their motivations, and the psychological aspects of the crime.

"In Cold Blood" is often regarded as a true crime classic and a pioneering book in the genre. Capote's writing style is both evocative and captivating, drawing readers into the harrowing tale of the Clutter family's fate and the events that led to their tragic end. The book's exploration of the complexities of human nature, the pursuit of justice, and the consequences of violence contributes to its success.

Author: Truman Capote

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Blood-Truman-Capote/dp/0679745580

Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars (from 21,142 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #2,697 in Books

#4 in Criminology (Books)

#12 in U.S. State & Local History

#13 in Murder & Mayhem True Accounts

"Carrie" is a renowned horror novel by Stephen King, first published in 1974. It tells the story of Carrie White, a high school student who faces relentless bullying from her peers and abuse from her religious fanatic mother. Carrie discovers she possesses telekinetic powers, which she eventually learns to control.

Carrie's life takes a dark and violent turn when she becomes the focus of a malicious prank during her high school prom. Unable to endure the humiliation any longer, she unleashes her telekinetic powers, wreaking havoc and seeking revenge on those who have bullied her. It leads to a catastrophic and bloody prom night. The novel discusses topics of revenge, trauma, and the consequences of unchecked cruelty. It’s a tale full of horror and tragedy.

"Carrie" was Stephen King's first published novel, and its success paved the way for his illustrious career as a horror author. The book has been adapted into a popular film directed by Brian De Palma as well as several other adaptations, proving its lasting appeal in the horror genre.

Author: Stephen King

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Carrie-Stephen-King/dp/0307743667/

Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars (from 13,951 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #6,261 in Books

#23 in Ghost Fiction

#456 in Literary Fiction (Books)

#599 in Suspense Thriller

"Head Full of Ghosts" is a spine-chilling psychological horror novel by Paul Tremblay. The story follows the unsettling experiences of the Barrett family, primarily focusing on their teenage daughter, Marjorie, and her disturbing behaviors. As Marjorie's behavior takes a disturbing turn, the family has to face the terrifying possibility of a sinister force taking hold of their home.

To confront the mysterious happenings, the Barretts allow a reality television crew to document their ordeal. Through the voice of a young sister, Merry, the novel delves deep into the nature of evil and the primitive fear of humans in the face of inexplicable horrors. The book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, prompting them to question the fine line between reality and the paranormal.

“Head Full of Ghosts" is undoubtedly a must-read for horror novel fans. Tremblay's evocative writing style immerses readers in a creepy atmosphere, making them think about the mysterious forces that might be out there, beyond our understanding.

Author: Paul Tremblay

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Head-Full-Ghosts-Novel/dp/0062363247/

Ratings: 4.1 out of 5 stars (from 12,186 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #16,087 in Books

#356 in Psychological Fiction (Books)

#783 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)

#1,040 in Literary Fiction (Books

"Haunted" is a collection of twenty-three gripping and unforgettable stories that blend horror, humor, and gut-wrenching narratives. Comprising a series of interconnected short stories, the book follows the experiences of individuals who have responded to an enticing writer's retreat advertisement, only to find themselves trapped in a twisted and nightmarish reality show.

Many authors are invited to a special place where they are isolated from the outside world. Unbeknownst to each other, they each attempt to craft a story of survival. "Haunted" stands out as an exceptionally bone-chilling psychological story due to the varied and unique hellscape that each character brings to the fore.

As the characters' desperation grows, the tales they share become increasingly disturbing, revealing their deepest fears, desires, and insecurities. The novel delves into themes of human nature, survival, and the extremes to which individuals are willing to go when pushed to their limits.

Whether you're a fan of the paranormal or simply seek a riveting tale, "Haunted" offers a scary and eerie narrative that will leave you breathless and wanting more. This book will take you on a heart-pounding journey into the supernatural, where the line between the living and the dead blurs and where the secrets of the past come back to haunt the present.

Author: Chuck Palahniuk

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Novel-Chuck-Palahniuk/dp/1400032822

Ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars (from 2,594 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #20,033 in Books

#425 in Short Stories (Books)

#1,274 in Literary Fiction (Books)

#1,344 in American Literature (Books

"Bird Box" is a gripping horror novel by Josh Malerman that follows the terrifying experiences of Malorie and her two young children during an apocalyptic crisis. In this world, there are creatures that, if seen, drive people to madness and self-destruction. As a result, Malorie and her children must wear blindfolds whenever they go outside. The tale alternates between the past and present, gradually revealing the harrowing events that led to the world's demise.

The suspenseful atmosphere of danger and the psychological strain of living in constant fear permeate the novel. Malerman explores the themes of motherhood, resilience, and the primal instinct for survival. As the characters face the threat of the unknown and struggle to maintain their sanity, the novel delves into the depths of human desperation and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their loved ones.

With its haunting premise and compelling characters, "Bird Box" is an excellent horror work that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through the challenges and torments of the characters, the book highlights the power of hope and enduring determination, even in the darkest of times.

Author: Josh Malerman

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Bird-Box-Novel-Josh-Malerman/dp/0062259660

Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars (from 25,253)

Best Sellers Rank: #29,522 in Books

#450 in Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction (Books)

#1,782 in Literary Fiction (Books)

#2,132 in Suspense Thrillers

"Misery" is another psychological horror novel by Stephen King. It was first published in 1987 and has since become one of King's most iconic and frightening works. The story centers around the character Paul Sheldon, a successful novelist known for his romance novels featuring the character Misery Chastain.

The story takes a dark turn when Paul gets into a car accident during a snowstorm. He is rescued by Annie Wilkes, a seemingly kind nurse and an avid fan of his work. She takes Paul to her remote home to nurse him back to health. However, Paul soon discovers that Annie is not the kind person she appears to be. She holds Paul captive and forces him to rewrite his latest novel, punishing him ruthlessly for any disobedience.

The author focuses on the intense mental struggle between the prisoner and captor. Through this, he highlights issues of obsession, manipulation, and the limits of creativity and human endurance. The novel is a horrifying discovery of the dark extremes of human behavior and the lengths to which obsession can drive a person. "Misery" is a masterclass in suspense and psychological horror and will haunt readers long after the story has ended.

Author: Stephen King

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Misery-Novel-Stephen-King/dp/1501156748

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 14,328 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #50,574 in Books

#1,635 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)

#2,804 in Literary Fiction (Books)

#3,360 in Suspense Thriller

On the list of the best psychological horror novels, it would be a big mistake not to mention this iconic book. "The Silence of the Lambs" introduces readers to Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant but monstrous serial killer who is also a psychiatrist. The story revolves around FBI Special Agent Clarice Starling, who seeks the help of Dr. Lecter to catch another serial killer, Buffalo Bill, who has been terrorizing the United States with his dreadful murders.

The novel delves into the psychological cat-and-mouse game between Clarice and Dr. Lecter as they try to outwit each other while she tries to solve the case. "The Silence of the Lambs" is renowned for its cold narrative, intense psychological profiling, and chilling interactions between the characters.

The book’s unforgettable characters and excellent storytelling solidify its place as a classic psychological horror novel, leaving a lasting impression on readers. "The Silence of the Lambs" received wide praise and was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1991, starring Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter.

Author: Thomas Harris

Link to buy: https://www.amazon.com/Silence-Lambs-Hannibal-Lecter/dp/1250048095/

Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars (from 9,187 reviews)

Best Sellers Rank: #88,152 in Books

#4,160 in Literary Fiction (Books)

#4,816 in Suspense Thrillers

#4,968 in American Literature (Books