Discovering Karl Wagner's 39 Best Horror Novels

I haven't read all of Karl Wagner's 39 best horror novels, but some of the well - known ones might include works that are filled with psychological horror, like those that play on the fears of the unknown. For example, they could feature haunted houses or characters with dark secrets.

Some of his favorites might include works by H.P. Lovecraft. Lovecraft's 'The Call of Cthulhu' is a classic in the horror genre that many horror enthusiasts, including Wagner, might admire for its cosmic horror elements. It creates a sense of unease with its otherworldly creatures and the idea that humanity is insignificant in the face of such vast and terrifying entities.

Clive Barker's 'The Hellbound Heart' is also a strong candidate. Barker is known for his extreme and imaginative horror. The exploration of the Cenobites and the otherworldly realm of pain and pleasure in this novel is both disturbing and fascinating. Wagner, with his love for horror, might have found Barker's unique vision captivating.

'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin is a well - rated horror novel. It's about a young woman who suspects that her unborn baby is part of a satanic plot. The slow - building tension and the feeling of paranoia are what make this book so engaging and scary.

Well, 'Athira' is a great Malayalam horror novel. It's really good at creating a sense of dread. You know, like you're waiting for something bad to happen all the time while reading.

A great Indian horror novel is 'Annihilation' which takes place in a strange, otherworldly setting in India. The sense of isolation and the unknown creates a terrifying atmosphere. Another one is 'It Follows' which has been adapted into a movie. In the book, it has an Indian backdrop and the idea of a menacing entity following the characters is really scary.

A notable Japanese horror novel is 'The Grudge'. It tells the story of a curse that haunts a house. The novel does a great job of building an atmosphere of unease. Every corner of the house seems to hold a dark secret, and the vengeful spirits within are truly frightening.

The story 'Makdee' is quite good. It's about a girl who gets trapped in a world full of witches. The witches are depicted in a really creepy way and the girl has to find a way to escape. It has a lot of suspense and the settings are really dark and menacing.

'Monstress' was a big deal in 2017. It has a strong female lead and a really dark and complex world. The story is full of political intrigue, magic, and mystery. The art is a blend of Asian - inspired aesthetics and a more Western - style of storytelling through the visuals.

There's also 'The Dragonfly Sea' by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor. This novel is rich in Kenyan culture and mythology. It follows the journey of a young girl and is filled with beautiful descriptions of the sea and the coastal areas of Kenya. It's a story of self - discovery and the connection between people and their environment.