If you’re a fan of horror and suspense, like “The Black Phone,” you’ll love diving into these chilling reads. Each of these books captures the eerie, unsettling atmosphere that makes the genre so captivating. From supernatural encounters to psychological thrillers, these stories will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Books Similar to The Black Phone
1. The Haunting of Hill House
Shirley Jackson’s classic novel, The Haunting of Hill House, is a masterclass in psychological horror. The story follows four characters who stay at the notoriously haunted Hill House, where they experience terrifying supernatural events. It’s a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted suspense and eerie atmospheres.
2. Bird Box
Bird Box by Josh Malerman is a gripping post-apocalyptic horror novel where unseen entities drive people to madness and suicide. The protagonist, Malorie, must navigate a world of unseen terror while blindfolded, adding a layer of psychological tension. This book is perfect for those who love a blend of horror and suspense.
3. The Shining
Stephen King’s The Shining is a seminal work in the horror genre. The story centers on Jack Torrance, who becomes the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel, where malevolent forces drive him to madness. King’s ability to create a sense of dread and psychological horror makes this a must-read.
4. NOS4A2
Joe Hill’s NOS4A2 is a chilling tale of a woman named Vic McQueen who has a supernatural ability to find lost things. She encounters a sinister figure named Charles Manx, who abducts children and takes them to a nightmarish place called Christmasland. Hill’s imaginative horror and compelling characters make this novel hard to put down.
5. The Exorcist
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty is a classic horror novel about the demonic possession of a young girl named Regan and the subsequent exorcism performed by two priests. The book’s intense, unsettling atmosphere and exploration of faith and evil make it a cornerstone of the genre.
6. The Silence of the Lambs
Thomas Harris’s The Silence of the Lambs is a psychological horror thriller that introduces the iconic characters of FBI trainee Clarice Starling and the cannibalistic serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The novel’s intricate plot and deep psychological insights make it a riveting read.
7. The Girl Next Door
Jack Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door is a harrowing tale inspired by true events. It follows the brutal abuse and torture of a teenage girl by her caretaker and the neighborhood children. The book’s raw, unflinching portrayal of human cruelty makes it profoundly disturbing and unforgettable.
8. The Ruins
The Ruins by Scott Smith is a terrifying novel about a group of friends who become trapped on a remote Mexican archaeological site by a malevolent, sentient vine. The book’s relentless tension and claustrophobic setting make it a gripping read for horror enthusiasts.
9. Pet Sematary
Stephen King’s Pet Sematary explores the dark side of grief and the consequences of tampering with life and death. When Louis Creed’s son dies, he discovers a burial ground that brings the dead back to life, but at a terrible cost. King’s masterful storytelling creates a haunting and emotionally charged horror experience.
10. Ghost Story
Peter Straub’s Ghost Story is a chilling novel about a group of elderly men who gather to tell ghost stories, only to find themselves haunted by a supernatural entity from their past. The book’s eerie atmosphere and intricate narrative make it a standout in the genre.
11. The Cabin at the End of the World
Paul Tremblay’s The Cabin at the End of the World is a tense, psychological horror novel about a family vacationing in a remote cabin when they are taken hostage by four strangers who claim the apocalypse is imminent. The book’s suspenseful plot and complex characters create a deeply unsettling experience.
12. Hex
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a contemporary horror novel about a town cursed by the ghost of a 17th-century witch. The townspeople are forced to live under her oppressive presence, unable to leave or speak of the curse. The book’s unique premise and chilling atmosphere make it a compelling read for fans of supernatural horror.