There is something about a good psychological thriller that keeps us on the edge of our seats, heart racing and palms sweating. The thrill of being scared and the adrenaline rush that comes with it is unmatched. And when it comes to psychological horror books, there is no shortage of spine-tingling, heart-racing reads to choose from.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top 10+ psychological horror books that will not only keep you up at night, but also make your heart race with fear and anticipation. So, get ready to dive into the twisted minds of these authors and experience the thrill of a good psychological horror book.
1. “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris
This classic psychological horror novel follows the story of FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she is tasked with interviewing the notorious cannibalistic serial killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, in order to gain insight into the mind of another serial killer on the loose. The intense psychological battle between Starling and Lecter will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
2. “The Shining” by Stephen King
No list of psychological horror books would be complete without a Stephen King novel. “The Shining” is a haunting tale of a family’s descent into madness as they spend the winter in an isolated and haunted hotel. King’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions will have you feeling like you are right there with the characters, experiencing their terror.
3. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
“Gone Girl” is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. When Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy, goes missing, he becomes the prime suspect in her disappearance. As the story unfolds, we are taken on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, and we soon realize that nothing is as it seems.
4. “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
This gripping psychological thriller follows Rachel, an alcoholic divorcee who becomes entangled in a missing person’s case. As she tries to piece together the events of the night in question, she begins to question her own memories and sanity. With a fast-paced plot and unreliable narrators, “The Girl on the Train” will keep you guessing until the very end.
5. “We Need to Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver
This disturbing novel tells the story of a mother’s struggle to come to terms with her son’s horrific act of violence. Through a series of letters written to her estranged husband, Eva Khatchadourian delves into the complexities of motherhood, guilt, and the nature of evil. “We Need to Talk About Kevin” is a thought-provoking and chilling read.
6. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson
Considered a classic in the horror genre, “The Haunting of Hill House” is a psychological horror novel that will leave you feeling uneasy long after you have finished reading it. The story follows four people who stay in a notoriously haunted house, and as strange and terrifying events unfold, we are left wondering what is real and what is in their minds.
7. “The Girl with All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey
In a post-apocalyptic world where a fungal infection has turned most of the population into zombie-like creatures, a group of scientists and soldiers must protect a young girl who seems to be immune to the infection. As they journey to find a cure, they must also confront their own fears and prejudices. “The Girl with All the Gifts” is a unique and thought-provoking take on the zombie genre.
8. “Bird Box” by Josh Malerman
In this chilling novel, the world has been taken over by a mysterious force that causes people to go mad and commit violent acts if they see it. The story follows a mother and her two children as they navigate their way to safety while blindfolded. With a tense and suspenseful plot, “Bird Box” will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
9. “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
This gripping debut novel tells the story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who is accused of murdering her husband and then refuses to speak. Theo Faber, a psychotherapist, becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia’s silence. With a shocking twist at the end, “The