One characteristic of lesser known horror novels is their ability to surprise readers. Since they're not as well - known, they can deviate from the common horror tropes. They might not always have a clear - cut hero or villain. The horror could be more ambiguous, making it scarier as the reader has to figure out what's really going on. The use of local folklore or little - known myths is also common. This gives the story a sense of authenticity and otherness. Moreover, the endings of these novels are often more open - ended or bittersweet, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease rather than a neat resolution like in many popular horror novels.
Lesser known horror novels can be really diverse in their characteristics. A lot of them focus on the psychological aspect more than the physical horror. They build tension through the characters' inner thoughts and fears. They may also have a slower pace compared to more mainstream horror, taking time to develop the atmosphere. Some might blend different genres like mystery or historical fiction with horror. For instance, a novel set in a Victorian - era haunted house could combine historical details with spooky elements. This gives the horror a more immersive and unique feel. Another characteristic is that they often rely on the power of suggestion rather than showing everything explicitly, leaving more to the reader's imagination.
Some lesser known horror novels often have unique settings. For example, they might be set in remote, desolate places like abandoned asylums or old lighthouses. They also tend to play with different types of horror elements. Instead of just the typical ghosts or vampires, they could feature things like malevolent plants or cursed objects. Their characters are usually complex, not just simple victims. They might have their own secrets or motives that add to the overall horror of the story.
Many lesser known fantasy novels offer fresh perspectives. They may introduce new species or races not often seen. For instance, some might have unique creatures that are a blend of different mythologies. Their world - building can be very detailed yet not as widely known, like in 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' with its complex magical England. Also, the pacing can be different. Some might have a slower build - up that allows for deeper exploration of the characters and their surroundings, rather than the fast - paced action often found in more mainstream fantasy novels.
The characters in these novels can be more complex and less stereotypical. They might have flaws and quirks that make them feel like real people. In a good but lesser - known romance, the relationship development might be more gradual and based on deeper emotional connections rather than just physical attraction. For instance, two characters might bond over a shared love of old books or a particular type of music.
One lesser known horror novel is 'The House Next Door' by Anne Rivers Siddons. It tells a disturbing story about a haunted house. Another is 'The Elementals' by Michael McDowell. It has a really eerie atmosphere set in an old beach house. And 'Lost Souls' by Poppy Z. Brite is also great. It has a unique take on vampires and the horror that surrounds them.
For new horror readers, 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a great start. It's a classic - style ghost story that is not too overly gory but still very spooky. Another good one is 'The Ruins' by Scott Smith. It's about a group of tourists who get trapped in a place filled with a deadly and mysterious plant. 'The Grip of It' by Jac Jemc is also a good choice as it focuses on a couple who move into a house with a malevolent presence and the psychological toll it takes on them.
I would recommend 'Lost Souls' by Poppy Z. Brite. It's a dark and atmospheric horror novel that delves into the world of vampires in a different and more gritty way compared to the typical vampire stories. Then there's 'The Keep' by F. Paul Wilson. It has a great sense of mystery and horror set in an old castle. 'The Shuddering' by Ania Ahlborn is also a great pick. It's about a group of friends who encounter a terrifying presence in a remote cabin in the woods.
The Donner Party incident in 1846 - 1847. A group of American pioneers got stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter. As food ran out, they resorted to cannibalism. It was a desperate and gruesome situation that arose from the harsh conditions of the journey westward.
Some best lesser known novels include 'The House on Mango Street' by Sandra Cisneros. This novel is a series of vignettes that beautifully portray the life of a Latina girl in a poor neighborhood. 'The Remains of the Day' by Kazuo Ishiguro is also remarkable. It's about a butler reflecting on his life and lost opportunities. Then there's 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole. It features a unique and hilarious main character, Ignatius J. Reilly, and offers a vivid look at New Orleans.
Often, they have unique concepts. For example, they might explore less common scientific ideas or social scenarios in a sci - fi setting. They may also have more experimental narrative styles compared to mainstream ones. Like some might use non - linear storytelling to convey their ideas better.
One lesser known Stephen King novel is 'The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon'. It tells the story of a young girl lost in the woods and her psychological journey while relying on the thought of baseball player Tom Gordon for strength.
One could be that she had a bad experience with a fan who sent her some really disturbing and inappropriate gifts. It can be quite scary to receive such things from strangers.