Stephen King's 'Rose Madder' also features a haunted house - like setting. King is a master of horror, and in this book, the house holds many secrets and terrors. The main character's journey in and around this menacing place is filled with suspense and horror, with the house almost becoming a character in itself.
Another good one is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. This novel is very unique in its structure and narrative. It plays with the concept of a house that seems to be constantly changing and has a lot of mind - bending horror elements. It's not for the faint - hearted as it can be quite complex and disturbing.
Well, 'The Exorcist' by William Peter Blatty is definitely in the top 5. It's a terrifying story of demonic possession that was so impactful it became a famous movie too. And then there's 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King. The idea of a burial ground that brings things back wrong is truly spooky. Oh, and 'Interview with the Vampire' by Anne Rice, which gives a different take on the vampire genre.
Another top pick would be 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. This novel introduced the world to the iconic vampire, Count Dracula. It's filled with Gothic horror elements, from the spooky Transylvanian setting to the slow - building sense of dread as Dracula makes his way to England.
Another great one is 'Locke & Key'. It combines horror with mystery. The story is set in a large, old house with keys that have strange powers. There are all kinds of spooky creatures and secrets to uncover.
One of the top Japanese horror novels is 'Ring' by Suzuki Koji. It's a classic that introduced the world to the terrifying Sadako. The story is centered around a cursed videotape. Once you watch it, you'll receive a call saying you'll die in seven days. It's really creepy and has been made into a very successful movie series.
One of the top African novels is 'Things Fall Apart' by Chinua Achebe. It gives a profound look into the Igbo society before and during the colonial era. Another great one is 'Half of a Yellow Sun' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which is set during the Biafran War and explores themes of love, war, and identity. And 'The Famished Road' by Ben Okri is also a must - read with its unique blend of magical realism and African folklore.
Well, 'The Exorcist' is a great scary novel. It tells the story of a young girl possessed by a demon, and the exorcism process is filled with horror. 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King is also in the top. It plays on the fear of death and the unknown beyond it. These novels are really good if you like to be scared while reading.
Well, if you're into really intense and gritty zombie novels, 'The Walking Dead' series of novels (which the TV show is based on) is a great start. It shows the struggle for survival in a post - zombie - rise world. 'I Am Legend' by Richard Matheson can also be considered a precursor to the modern zombie novel. It has a lone survivor in a world filled with what are basically zombie - like creatures. And then there's 'Feed' by Mira Grant, which is set in a world where zombies are a part of everyday life and the story focuses on bloggers covering the news about them.
Some of the top Dostoyevsky novels are 'Crime and Punishment', 'The Brothers Karamazov', and 'Notes from Underground'. 'Crime and Punishment' is a great starting point. It delves deep into the psychological turmoil of its main character, Raskolnikov, who commits a murder and then grapples with his conscience. The exploration of guilt, morality, and redemption makes it a classic and a captivating read for those new to Dostoyevsky.
One great lesbian romance novel is 'Fingersmith' by Sarah Waters. It's a Victorian - era story full of mystery, love, and complex characters. Another is 'Annie on My Mind' which is a classic that beautifully portrays the relationship between two young women. And 'Ash' by Malinda Lo is also a wonderful pick, with its fairytale - like atmosphere and a great lesbian relationship at its core.
One of the top crime thriller novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and a unique protagonist. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which is full of twists and turns. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic, with the terrifying Hannibal Lecter. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a non - fictional crime thriller that reads like a novel. And 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty is a crime thriller with a focus on the secrets of suburban women.