What are the characteristics of the novels in the list of universal horror novels?

Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.

Many of them would likely play on the psychological fears of the readers. This could include things like the fear of losing one's mind, or the fear of being alone in a menacing situation. They might also use elements of the supernatural in a way that was believable within the context of the story, blurring the lines between the real and the otherworldly. This was a time when horror was exploring different ways to terrify its audience, and these novels from 1976 were part of that exploration.

Sure. 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is a classic in the list. It features the iconic vampire, Count Dracula, and his terrifying exploits in England. Another one is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It tells the story of a scientist creating a grotesque creature, exploring themes of creation and monstrosity.

Many of them had a focus on psychological horror. For example, in some novels, the real horror came from the minds of the characters rather than just external monsters. It made the readers feel more involved as they could relate to the psychological states.

Some, like 'The Girl with All the Gifts', combine horror with a sense of humanity. The main character, a child zombie, makes you feel empathy while still being in a horror - filled world.

The novels in this list usually play on the idea of forbidden love. In horror romance, the love is often not straightforward because of the nature of the characters. It could be a love between a human and a demon or a ghost. This makes the relationship full of tension, not just from the external threats but also from the very nature of the relationship itself.

The horror fiction novels from 1978 could feature a lot of atmospheric settings. Think of old, decrepit mansions or dark, fog - covered forests. These settings added to the overall sense of dread and unease in the stories. Also, the use of foreshadowing was probably common to hint at the impending horror.

The horror fiction novels from 1986 frequently had complex characters. In 'The Dark Half', the main character's struggle with his own dark side was a central part of the horror. And a lot of them used elements of the supernatural. 'It' has the shape - shifting Pennywise, which is a supernatural entity that uses people's fears against them. Another characteristic was the exploration of the unknown. 'The Tommyknockers' delved into the mystery of an ancient object and the strange things that start to happen as a result.

The horror fiction novels in 1989 might have also incorporated elements of the supernatural. This could include ghosts, demons, or otherworldly forces. These elements added an extra layer of fear, as they often defied the laws of nature and reason. They made the readers question what was possible and what was not. Moreover, the settings of these novels were often dark and foreboding, like old mansions or desolate cemeteries, which enhanced the overall spooky atmosphere.

Some might have had a focus on gore. With vivid descriptions of blood and violence to shock the readers. For example, detailed accounts of monster attacks or brutal murders.