Greatest Horror Novels of All Time The Things in the Basement

Looking for a good read? Consider dusting off one of these oldies but goodies. Okay, they may not be the greatest (that's hard to say), but there's no doubt they're some darn good reads. The following is a top ten list of some of the best horror novels of all time. Enjoy.

#10 Whispers by Dean Koontz

An early Koontz that we still think is the best. It has nauseating scenes of horror and a good surprise ending. For once Koontz doesn't screw up the ending to a good book.

Bruno Frye is killed during an attempted rape. But if he's dead what is he doing up walking around?

#9 They Thirst by Robert McCammon

Robert McCammon used to be one of the powerhouses of horror fiction. Then her retired. He's back with a truely awful book, "Speaks the Night Bird". This is a classic from when he was still good.

Stephen King ratcheted things up by having a vampire take of the small town of Salem's Lot. Well, McCammon does him one better by making that town LA instead.

#8 The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane by Laird Koenig

A creepy, nasty little book. Just our cup of tea.

A little girl lives all alone after her father's death. When someone finds out, he tries to take advantage of her in the worst way. Read the book to see what happens.

#7 The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson at her best. This is a truly creepy haunted house story. Its more psychological terror then full on horror, but the atmosphere and the writing are fantastic.

Read as Eleanor's mind is twisted during a paranormal investigation of Hill House. There are plenty of creepy scenes and what the investigators learn is truly horrifying.

#6 The Exocist by William Blatty

The movie was great. The book was even better. Even if you've already seen the movie you should read the book for the added scenes and detail.

A little girl is possessed by the devil and only an exorcism can save her. Follow a cop and the priest as they try to head off disaster. This is one fun read.

#5 The Shining by Stephen King

Stephen King at his best. What can one say? Read the Stephen King on this list and you'll most likely be hooked. Hell, you might even become devoted enough to read Rose Madder.

Spend a weekend at the Overlook Hotel with Jack, a reformed alcoholic and his family. Find out what's in room 213, then watch Jack deteriorate to the point of becoming a danger to his family. Now we're getting really creepy.

#4 Ghost Story by Peter Straub

This is the book that put Peter Straub on the horror map. Its a creepy little book that starts out cozy before the horror builds. It really is a must read for all horror fans.

Join the Chowder Society as they gather to tell each to drink and tell each other stories. But there's one story the members are hiding, until it comes back to bite them.

#3 It by Stephen King

This is a massive book which demonstrates how brilliant Stephen King is at writing about children. You've got to read this book.

In the fifties, a small group of children banded together to fight the evil which had come to Derry, Maine. Well, it's back. This book has a creepy clown and lots of stories about kids growing up.

#2 Dracula by Bram Stoker

Some books are classics because English teachers say they are. This book's a classic because it's good.

You already know the story, but you need to read Stoker's descriptions of Dracula climbing down castle walls, the Bloofer Lady, and Dracula's insane sidekick, Renfield. This is great stuff. Trust us.

#1 The Stand by Stephen King

This is it. The best. A number one, hands down, the best horror novel that we've ever read. By the way, read the complete, uncut version. It contains a lot of added scenes and characters that accentuate the experience.

Postapocolyptic fun with two groups of survivors. One serves evil and the other good. Who will win? Only the Trashcan Man knows.

I know what you're saying, what about Interview with a Vampire (a girly book) or Frankenstein (boring). Everybodies got their favorites, these are ours. We hope this list prompts you to read anything you missed.

© 2009 by The Things