One of the notable ladies of horror fiction is Mary Shelley. She wrote 'Frankenstein', which is considered a pioneer work in horror and science - fiction. Also, Daphne du Maurier should be mentioned. Her novel 'Rebecca' has elements of psychological horror that are quite captivating.
Among the ladies of horror fiction, there's Clive Barker. Wait, Clive Barker is male, sorry. Actually, Octavia Butler is an important figure. Although she is often associated with science - fiction, her works like 'Kindred' have horror elements. And then there's Poppy Z. Brite, who has written some very dark and disturbing horror stories.
Some well - known ladies in horror fiction include Shirley Jackson. Her work 'The Haunting of Hill House' is a classic in the horror genre. Another is Anne Rice, famous for her Vampire Chronicles which have a unique blend of horror, romance and the supernatural.
One could be 'The First Lady' by James Patterson. It delves into the complex world of the White House and the role of the first lady with elements of mystery and political intrigue.
The ladies of horror fiction are unique because they often bring a different perspective. For example, they might focus more on the psychological aspects of horror rather than just the gore. They can explore female experiences in a horror context, like the fear of being preyed upon in a male - dominated world.
One great horror fiction novel in 2017 was 'The Changeling' by Victor LaValle. It combines elements of horror with themes of fatherhood and the supernatural in a very engaging way.
Often, the old lady herself can be seen as a villain. Her motives might be unclear, but she could be doing things that harm others, like cursing people who cross her path.
Stephen King is still very relevant in modern horror. His works continue to influence the genre with their deep characterizations and exploration of human fears. Paul Tremblay is another great one. His books often play with the readers' expectations and blend psychological horror with real - world anxieties. And then there's Carmen Maria Machado, who brings a unique, often feminist perspective to horror with her innovative storytelling.
Another possible novel could be 'Fevre Dream' by George R. R. Martin. This horror story is set on a steamboat on the Mississippi River. It combines horror with elements of historical fiction. The vampire - like creatures in the story are not your typical vampires, and the unique setting adds to the overall horror atmosphere as the characters have to navigate not only the dangers of the river but also the threats from these inhuman beings.
A book that was quite popular in the 90s is 'Bag of Bones' by Stephen King. It's about a writer who returns to his old lakeside home after his wife's death. There are all sorts of spooky things going on there, like ghosts and strange occurrences in the town. King is a master at creating a sense of unease and dread, and this book is no exception.
One of the horror novels from that list could be 'The Keep' by F. Paul Wilson. It has a great atmosphere of dread.
Dean Koontz is a popular horror author. His books often combine elements of suspense and the supernatural. Also, Clive Barker has made a mark with his unique and disturbing horror tales.
Stephen King is a well-known horror novelist. His works like 'It' and 'The Shining' are quite famous.