What are the characteristics of some books in the list of 2018 horror fiction books?

Some might have a strong sense of psychological horror. For example, like in 'The Silence of the Lambs', it plays on the fears and the mindsets of the characters and the readers. The idea of a serial killer on the loose and the complex relationship between the hunter and the hunted is a characteristic that makes it so engaging.

Some of the books in that list likely had a strong sense of atmosphere. For example, they might have created a really gloomy and oppressive setting, like a haunted house or a desolate forest. This helps to build up the fear factor.

They might have had a strong sense of atmosphere. In 1988, horror books often created a really spooky and oppressive mood, like dark, foggy settings or creaky old houses. This helped to draw the reader in and make them feel the horror.

The horror fiction books from 1986 probably had vivid descriptions to create a spooky atmosphere. They would use details like the creaking of old floorboards in a deserted house, or the howling of the wind on a desolate night. These descriptions were used to draw the reader into the terrifying world of the story.

The characters in these books are often faced with extreme situations. They might be isolated, either physically like being trapped in a desolate place, or emotionally, having no one to trust. This isolation amplifies the horror because they have to face the terrifying events all alone. And the pacing is usually fast - paced in the parts where the horror is intensifying, to keep the reader's heart racing.

Many of these books often blend futuristic or otherworldly concepts (typical of science fiction) with elements that evoke fear. For example, they might have advanced technology that goes wrong and creates a terrifying situation.

Well, in general, the books from this list are likely to have elements that shock or startle the reader. They might have unexpected plot twists like in 'Bird Box'. Also, they often explore darker aspects of human psychology. The characters may be faced with moral dilemmas in the face of horror, which adds depth to the stories.

Take 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' for example. Its main characteristic is the creation of a rich and immersive magical world. There are unique magic spells, interesting magical creatures, and a detailed wizarding school system. Another book like 'The God of Small Things' has the characteristic of deep emotional exploration. It delves into complex family relationships and the social hierarchy in India in a very poignant way.

Some of these books could also be experimental in their narrative structure. Take 'The Ghost Writer' for instance. Philip Roth plays with the idea of the unreliable narrator and the blurring of fact and fiction, which makes the reading experience both challenging and thought - provoking.

One could be 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King. It's a terrifying tale about a burial ground with some very dark secrets. The concept of bringing the dead back to life in a not - so - normal way is really spooky.