A good unknown horror novel is 'Experimental Film' by Gemma Files. It's about a film critic who discovers a long - lost silent film and the disturbing secrets it holds. 'Come Closer' by Sara Gran is also worth mentioning. It's a psychological horror novel that follows a woman's descent into madness as she experiences some strange and unexplainable things. And 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson, though not completely unknown, is still under - appreciated in the horror genre. It has a creepy and isolated atmosphere that builds up the horror.
Well, 'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons is an underrated horror novel. It tells the story of a family haunted by the events that seem to occur in the neighboring house. Also, 'Lost Souls' by Poppy Z. Brite is quite good. It's a dark and gothic horror novel that focuses on vampires in a rather different and edgy way. Then there's 'The Elementals' by Michael McDowell. It has a spooky setting with a beach house and some strange and menacing entities.
One great unknown horror novel is 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It weaves a complex and terrifying tale around a fishing trip that goes horribly wrong, with elements of Lovecraftian horror. Another is 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman. It has a unique concept where people must avoid looking outside or they'll go insane from seeing some unknown horror. And 'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is also a great pick. It involves a group of Boy Scouts on an island facing a parasitic horror that slowly consumes them.
One great unknown novel is 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It's a mystery set in post - war Barcelona, filled with complex characters and a plot that weaves through the city's history. The atmosphere is beautifully created, making the reader feel as if they are walking the cobbled streets along with the characters.
One great unknown mystery novel is 'The Chalk Man' by C. J. Tudor. It has a really engaging plot that involves a mystery from the past resurfacing in the present. The characters are well - developed and the twists keep you guessing until the end.
One great unknown fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of a golem and a jinni in 19th - century New York. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique take on magic and a captivating heroine. And 'Among Others' by Jo Walton is also excellent, with a blend of Welsh folklore and a coming - of - age story.
'The Ryuo's Work is Never Done!' is also a good unknown light novel. It focuses on the world of shogi, a Japanese board game. The story is not just about the game itself but also about the relationships and growth of the characters involved. It has a charming protagonist who is a shogi master and his interactions with those around him, especially his young protege, make for an engaging read.
Well, 'Bluebird, Bluebird' by Attica Locke is a great unknown crime novel. It combines elements of racial tension and crime in a small - town setting in the South. Then there's 'The Widows of Malabar Hill' by Sujata Massey. This book is set in 1920s Bombay and features a female lawyer investigating a mystery. And 'Before the Fall' by Noah Hawley is also a good pick. It has a plane crash as the starting point for a complex web of mystery and intrigue.
One of the best unknown classic novels is 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton. It offers a profound exploration of New York society in the early 20th century, with a complex and tragic heroine. Another is 'The Return of the Native' by Thomas Hardy. It delves deep into rural English life, with themes of love, fate, and the unforgiving nature. And 'The Portrait of a Lady' by Henry James, which tells the story of an independent - minded American woman in Europe and her journey through love and self - discovery.
Often, unknown horror novels can be more experimental. They might not follow the typical horror tropes as closely as well - known ones. For example, they could have really unique settings or use different narrative styles.
You can start by exploring small independent bookstores. The owners often have a passion for unique and lesser - known books, including horror novels. They can recommend some hidden gems. Another way is to join online horror reading groups. Members share their discoveries of unknown horror novels all the time. Also, check out local library sales. Sometimes you can find some great but not well - known horror books there.
One great unknown sci - fi novel is 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester. It has a unique take on teleportation and a very noir - like feel to the story. Another could be 'The Lathe of Heaven' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores themes of reality alteration in a really thought - provoking way. And 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr. is also relatively unknown but is a deep exploration of post - apocalyptic society and the role of the Church within it.
Another good one is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It's a space - opera epic that weaves together the stories of several pilgrims on a journey to the Time Tombs on the planet Hyperion. The book is rich in world - building, with diverse cultures and technologies, and it also delves deep into philosophical and religious themes.