Sure. 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson is a good start. It's not overly gory but still very spooky. It builds a great sense of dread around the haunted house. Another one is 'Carrie' by Stephen King. It's a relatively short and easy - to - read novel that shows King's talent for horror at an early stage. And 'Let the Right One In' by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It has a unique vampire story that is both touching and terrifying.
I think 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a good cult horror novel for beginners. It's a bit of a psychological horror, with a governess believing she sees ghosts in the old house where she's taking care of two children. It's a bit more of a slow - burn horror but very effective. 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer is also interesting. It has a strange and otherworldly setting in Area X where a group of women explore and encounter very odd and terrifying things. Also, 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is a cult classic. It's not just about a serial killer but also about the psychological battle between the detective and the killer.
I'd recommend 'The Woman in Black' for beginners. It has a very gothic feel to it. The story of a vengeful ghost in a desolate landscape is both spooky and easy to follow. 'The Omen' is also a good one. It's about a young boy who might be the Antichrist. The idea is simple yet very effective in creating a sense of horror. And 'Psycho' by Robert Bloch is a classic that's not too hard for beginners. The infamous Bates Motel and Norman Bates are well - known horror icons that are introduced in this novel.
I think 'The Sandman' can be a good start for beginners, although it's quite complex in parts. The overall concept of the Dreaming and all the different characters from mythology and folklore are really interesting. And the art in different volumes varies but is generally very well - done. 'Watchmen' is also a classic that's worth starting with. It challenges the idea of superheroes in a way that will make you think, and once you get into it, you'll be hooked by its intricate plot and deep characters.
I would also suggest 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. It's a humorous and light - hearted cult classic. The story follows the adventures of an ordinary human as he travels through the galaxy, and it's full of absurd and funny situations.
'Carrie' by Stephen King is also suitable. It's about a girl with telekinetic powers who gets bullied at school and then takes revenge in a very horrifying way. It's not too complex and can draw beginners into the horror genre.
For beginners, 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a great choice. It's a relatively short and straightforward horror novel. It has a spooky atmosphere and a simple yet effective plot about a haunted house and a vengeful ghost. Another good one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. While it's more of a thriller with horror elements, it's very accessible. The character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic and terrifying in literature. And 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is also suitable. It's a young - adult horror story that is not too intense but still manages to be creepy with its alternate world and the 'Other Mother' concept.
A good beginner - friendly horror novel is 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman. It has a touch of the macabre but is also suitable for younger readers getting into horror. It's about a girl who discovers a parallel world that's not as nice as it seems. And 'Let the Right One In' by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It combines elements of vampire lore with a coming - of - age story in a unique and not - too - intense way.
For beginners, 'Dracula' is an excellent choice. It has a captivating plot that unfolds as the characters discover the existence of the vampire. The descriptions of Dracula's powers and the spooky settings like his castle are really engaging. Also, 'Carrie' is quite accessible. It deals with relatable themes like bullying at school and then takes a turn into horror when Carrie's powers are unleashed.
If you're new to horror novels, start with 'Ghost Story' by Peter Straub. It has elements of mystery and horror combined in a way that is easy to digest. 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is also a good option. It's a well - known classic with a thought - provoking horror concept. And 'Let the Right One In' by John Ajvide Lindqvist. It's a vampire story with a unique twist that can be a great introduction to the darker side of literature.
If you're a beginner in horror novels, 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman is a wonderful choice. It's a story about a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard. It has some spooky elements but also a lot of heart. 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski is also interesting. It has a unique format that adds to the overall sense of unease. It's a bit complex but still accessible for those new to horror.
Sure. 'Jaws' is a great start for beginners. It's not too complex in terms of language and the story is really engaging. You can easily get into the horror of the shark attacks.