Ready to dip your toes into the world of horror this Halloween? If you’ve always been curious about the thrill of horror but aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the essentials of ‘horror reading’ — trying out the genre without getting overwhelmed. From picking the right horror sub-genre to finding tales that balance suspense with just the right amount of spook, we have gathered eight beginner-friendly tips to make your first foray into horror both fun and unforgettable.
Let’s get you ready for a Halloween filled with chills, thrills, and maybe just a few goosebumps!
Start with Short Stories
Horror anthologies or short story collections let you sample different types of horror in bite-sized pieces without scaring you away just as you begin. Collections like Night Shift by Stephen King or Through the Woods by Emily Carroll are perfect for testing out the genre.
Milder Sub-genres
Begin with lighter horror, like Gothic or psychological horror, rather than diving straight into intense gore or supernatural horror. Gothic novels like Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier or Misery by Stephen King offer eerie atmospheres and unsettling themes without overwhelming readers.
Related Reading: 10 Best Short-stories for Beginners of Horror
Dark Fantasy and Horror-Lite
Dark fantasy combines horror with adventure and fantasy, often softening the scary parts. Books like Coraline by Neil Gaiman or The Graveyard Book (also by Gaiman) offer spookiness in a whimsical, less terrifying format, and thus are some of the most read horror books of all time.
Psychological Thrillers
Psychological thrillers often include horror aspects but focus more on suspense and mystery. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Sharp Objects by the same author provide intense, unsettling atmospheres without traditional horror tropes.
Related Reading: 12 Best Stephen King Novels for Horror-lovers
Horror with Humor
Horror-comedy is a great entry point because humor can ease tension. Books like Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix, which combines horror with IKEA-style satire, or Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, which blends humor and supernatural themes, are fun yet spooky reads.
Day-time Reading
Reading horror in broad daylight can help avoid the feelings of fear and anxiety often associated with the genre. The safe, familiar environment of daylight provides a stress-free nook against the tension that horror stories can evoke.
Related Reading: 5 Greatest Gothic Horror Novels Ever
Read with a Buddy
Join a book club or read with friends who love the genre, as that can make horror less intimidating. Discussions can help process the scares and make the experience feel more fun and fulfilling.
And last but most important tip:
Don’t Be Afraid to Put the Book Down
Horror is meant to be thrilling, but not overwhelming. If a book feels too intense, take breaks or switch to a different one. There’s no need to push through discomfort to enjoy the genre.
Do you have any reading tips to add to this list? Do share.
