Everyone knows that this is the best month for stories that send chills racing up your spine. Although you could just stick with a classic read from Stephen King, there are a handful of fantastic horror and thriller novels that have been released this year.
Here are the top five you should check out if you're looking for something truly terrifying.
The Hunger by Alma Katsu
This reimagining of the Donner Party with a supernatural twist follows a group as they realize that something evil lurks in the mountains. They have dreams of their future in the West, but fate might have other (more gruesome) plans in store for them. By combining the supernatural with historical happenings, Katsu takes a chilling look at the volatility of human nature and what pushes people to their breaking points.
"Deeply, deeply disturbing, hard to put down, not recommended reading after dark." - Stephen King
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
From the author of The Lying Game comes this highly-anticipated tale of a woman who receives a mysterious letter bequeathing her a large inheritance. The woman, Hal, realizes that it must be a mistake, but she decides to use her tarot-reading skills to claim the money anyway. However, once she attends the funeral of her benefactor, she discovers that the situation might be more complicated than she initially thought.
“Ware’s fourth novel is her best yet, with steadily increasing tension, a complicated twisty mystery, and a sharp, sympathetic heroine who’s up to the challenge of solving it… well-crafted, gothic-tinged suspense.” - Library Journal (starred review)
The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
Eric and Andrew are vacationing with the daughter, Wren, in a remote cabin when a stranger appears in their rental's driveway. The man warns the daughter that "None of what's going to happen is your fault." After, three more strangers arrive carrying menacing objects. The strangers use the daughter to enter the house, and what ensues is a gripping tale of apocalypse, sacrifice and fear.
“Read Paul Tremblay's new novel, The Cabin at the End of the World, and you might not sleep for a week. Longer. It will shape your nightmares for months – that's pretty much guaranteed.” - NPR
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
Erin and Mark set off to enjoy a dream honeymoon in Bora Bora, but while scuba diving in the blue sea, they stumble across something startling in the ocean's depths. Do they share their secret, or do they keep quiet? Either way, their lives will be forever changed. Fascinating and unpredictable, Something in the Water will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat.
“With unreliable characters, wry voices, exquisite pacing, and a twisting plot, [Catherine] Steadman potently draws upon her acting chops... A darkly glittering gem of a thriller from a new writer to watch.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Anna Fox has lived alone for far too long. She spends her days drinking wine and watching old movies while she spies on her neighbors from her window. It all seems very humdrum... until she sees something she was never supposed to witness. Can she figure out where the danger lies and who is behind the threat? Like Hitchcock's Rear Window, this novel is packed with paranoia and big twists.
“Astounding. Thrilling. Amazing.” - Gillian Flynn
Which of these scary stories are you excited to read? Do you have other recommendations?