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Genre Guide

Classic Horror - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries

Staff-created list

These are the horror books that have stood the test of time, scared multiple generations of readers and have made the genre what it is today. We've got all the big names here: Henry James, Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King and of course, Mary Shelley with a wealth of other hair-raising authors. You have probably seen a lot of these films but these are the books that continue to shock and scare - they are the ultimate horror classics.

By:

ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries

15 items

15 items

Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Or, The Modern Prometheus

by Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft, 1797-1851

Book - 1980

This classic contains elements of monster horror, science fiction and gothic romance. It is a foreboding tale of a science experiment gone awry - having c...Show more This classic contains elements of monster horror, science fiction and gothic romance. It is a foreboding tale of a science experiment gone awry - having crafted a creature from stolen body parts, Frankenstein is horrified by the hideousness of what he has created. Racked with loneliness, this tragic, nameless creature turns on its maker. This title has never been out of print and modern readers will still find this story compelling and original. Show less

This classic contains elements of monster horror, science fiction and gothic romance. It is a foreboding tale of a science experiment gone awry - having c...Show more This classic contains elements of monster horror, science fiction and gothic romance. It is a foreboding tale of a science experiment gone awry - having crafted a creature from stolen body parts, Frankenstein is horrified by the hideousness of what he has created. Racked with loneliness, this tragic, nameless creature turns on its maker. This title has never been out of print and modern readers will still find this story compelling and original. Show less

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Dracula

Dracula

by Stoker, Bram, 1847-1912

Book - 1979

Bram Stoker’s classic novel conjures the inimitable Count Dracula in all his horror and throws in all the staple ingredients of a good gothic horror; anci...Show more Bram Stoker’s classic novel conjures the inimitable Count Dracula in all his horror and throws in all the staple ingredients of a good gothic horror; ancient stone castles, terrorized young maidens, supernatural beings and an eerie, mystical ambiance. This tale begins in the Transylvania region and then takes you to Victorian-era England, where the oppressive society, the strained relationship between religion and science and the position of women are explored. Written in an epistolary format (journal entries, newspaper clippings, log entries etc.), this novel gets the reader to the heart of the matter. Stoker paved the way for the rise of vampire fiction - thanks Bram. Show less

Bram Stoker’s classic novel conjures the inimitable Count Dracula in all his horror and throws in all the staple ingredients of a good gothic horror; anci...Show more Bram Stoker’s classic novel conjures the inimitable Count Dracula in all his horror and throws in all the staple ingredients of a good gothic horror; ancient stone castles, terrorized young maidens, supernatural beings and an eerie, mystical ambiance. This tale begins in the Transylvania region and then takes you to Victorian-era England, where the oppressive society, the strained relationship between religion and science and the position of women are explored. Written in an epistolary format (journal entries, newspaper clippings, log entries etc.), this novel gets the reader to the heart of the matter. Stoker paved the way for the rise of vampire fiction - thanks Bram. Show less

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The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House

by Jackson, Shirley, 1916-1965

Book - 1960

If you prefer to get your thrills from tales of ghosts and possessions, Amityville style, this will be up your alley, it is THE classic haunted house stor...Show more If you prefer to get your thrills from tales of ghosts and possessions, Amityville style, this will be up your alley, it is THE classic haunted house story. Set in an isolated mansion, the terror lies in the paranormal occurrences experienced by the main characters. This novel has twice been adapted for film as well as a Netflix horror series. Show less

If you prefer to get your thrills from tales of ghosts and possessions, Amityville style, this will be up your alley, it is THE classic haunted house stor...Show more If you prefer to get your thrills from tales of ghosts and possessions, Amityville style, this will be up your alley, it is THE classic haunted house story. Set in an isolated mansion, the terror lies in the paranormal occurrences experienced by the main characters. This novel has twice been adapted for film as well as a Netflix horror series. Show less

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The New Annotated H. P. Lovecraft

The New Annotated H. P. Lovecraft

by Lovecraft, H. P. 1890-1937

Book - 2014

Full of tales revolving around the concept that humans exist, blissfully unaware, in a universe swarming with ancient extra-terrestrial and supernatural l...Show more Full of tales revolving around the concept that humans exist, blissfully unaware, in a universe swarming with ancient extra-terrestrial and supernatural life, and stories that are delightfully teeming with such monsters. H.P. Lovecraft is a leading figurehead of horror fiction and his work deviates from that of many of his contemporaries as his stories contain strong sci-fi influences - a winning combination! Show less

Full of tales revolving around the concept that humans exist, blissfully unaware, in a universe swarming with ancient extra-terrestrial and supernatural l...Show more Full of tales revolving around the concept that humans exist, blissfully unaware, in a universe swarming with ancient extra-terrestrial and supernatural life, and stories that are delightfully teeming with such monsters. H.P. Lovecraft is a leading figurehead of horror fiction and his work deviates from that of many of his contemporaries as his stories contain strong sci-fi influences - a winning combination! Show less

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The Turn of the Screw [and] The Aspern Papers

The Turn of the Screw [and] The Aspern Papers

by James, Henry, 1843-1916

Book - 1952 1935

A truly spooky ghost story - 'The Turn of the Screw' blends gothic and supernatural horror and is a must for lovers of classic horror. Amidst a lot of old...Show more A truly spooky ghost story - 'The Turn of the Screw' blends gothic and supernatural horror and is a must for lovers of classic horror. Amidst a lot of old, mysterious buildings and ghostly sightings, there is a hapless governess who is determined to protect her two young charges from the perils of malevolent spirits. This tale is full of dark twists and a true sense of impending terror - the half-seen figures glimpsed in distant towers aren't the only worries for the governess, the children don't seem quite right either! Show less

A truly spooky ghost story - 'The Turn of the Screw' blends gothic and supernatural horror and is a must for lovers of classic horror. Amidst a lot of old...Show more A truly spooky ghost story - 'The Turn of the Screw' blends gothic and supernatural horror and is a must for lovers of classic horror. Amidst a lot of old, mysterious buildings and ghostly sightings, there is a hapless governess who is determined to protect her two young charges from the perils of malevolent spirits. This tale is full of dark twists and a true sense of impending terror - the half-seen figures glimpsed in distant towers aren't the only worries for the governess, the children don't seem quite right either! Show less

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Rosemary's Baby

Rosemary's Baby

by Levin, Ira, 1929-2007

Book - 2011

A horror of the psychologically disturbing variety and a nightmare waiting to happen! We begin with a newly-wed couple moving in to a Gothic-revival style...Show more A horror of the psychologically disturbing variety and a nightmare waiting to happen! We begin with a newly-wed couple moving in to a Gothic-revival style apartment in New York with a suitably creepy past, and it ends with all sorts of horrors involving a satanic cult. You may think twice about starting a family after this one. Show less

A horror of the psychologically disturbing variety and a nightmare waiting to happen! We begin with a newly-wed couple moving in to a Gothic-revival style...Show more A horror of the psychologically disturbing variety and a nightmare waiting to happen! We begin with a newly-wed couple moving in to a Gothic-revival style apartment in New York with a suitably creepy past, and it ends with all sorts of horrors involving a satanic cult. You may think twice about starting a family after this one. Show less

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The Shining

The Shining

by King, Stephen, 1947-

Book - 1977

One of Stephen King’s defining works and a classic of the modern horror genre. Taking place in a haunted hotel with a dark history, there are plenty of su...Show more One of Stephen King’s defining works and a classic of the modern horror genre. Taking place in a haunted hotel with a dark history, there are plenty of supernatural chills in 'The Shining', which is definitely a slow-burning horror. Themes of domestic violence and alcoholism are also addressed, as it documents the protagonist’s slow descent into madness. If you enjoyed the classic film then you'll love the book! Show less

One of Stephen King’s defining works and a classic of the modern horror genre. Taking place in a haunted hotel with a dark history, there are plenty of su...Show more One of Stephen King’s defining works and a classic of the modern horror genre. Taking place in a haunted hotel with a dark history, there are plenty of supernatural chills in 'The Shining', which is definitely a slow-burning horror. Themes of domestic violence and alcoholism are also addressed, as it documents the protagonist’s slow descent into madness. If you enjoyed the classic film then you'll love the book! Show less

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House of Leaves

House of Leaves

by Danielewski, Mark Z., 1966-

Book - 2000

This book will get your imagination humming and your skin crawling! Something's amiss when a young family discovers that their new house is bigger on the ...Show more This book will get your imagination humming and your skin crawling! Something's amiss when a young family discovers that their new house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside... all is definitely not as it seems . A modern horror with a cult following but readers beware that this requires some investment on your part as the atypical layout and format of this book means you'll be turning this book around to look at sideways text and trying to make sense of a wealth of codes and symbols. However, this chilling read is well worth the effort. Show less

This book will get your imagination humming and your skin crawling! Something's amiss when a young family discovers that their new house is bigger on the ...Show more This book will get your imagination humming and your skin crawling! Something's amiss when a young family discovers that their new house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside... all is definitely not as it seems . A modern horror with a cult following but readers beware that this requires some investment on your part as the atypical layout and format of this book means you'll be turning this book around to look at sideways text and trying to make sense of a wealth of codes and symbols. However, this chilling read is well worth the effort. Show less

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The Birds

The Birds

by Du Maurier, Daphne, 1907-1989

Downloadable Audiobook - 2007

Listen to this and you'll become familiar with the nightmare of suddenly and desperately needing to protect your eyeballs from being violently snuffed out...Show more Listen to this and you'll become familiar with the nightmare of suddenly and desperately needing to protect your eyeballs from being violently snuffed out by swarms of missile seagulls. This is the terror of Daphne Du Maurier's classic tale, set in a seaside town in Cornwall, the plight of whose residents is documented as they are inexplicably terrorized by a plague of birds which drift in and out of kamikaze mode according to the tide. You may be familiar with Alfred Hitchcock's rendition of 'The Birds' on the big screen, the book is just as gripping. Show less

Listen to this and you'll become familiar with the nightmare of suddenly and desperately needing to protect your eyeballs from being violently snuffed out...Show more Listen to this and you'll become familiar with the nightmare of suddenly and desperately needing to protect your eyeballs from being violently snuffed out by swarms of missile seagulls. This is the terror of Daphne Du Maurier's classic tale, set in a seaside town in Cornwall, the plight of whose residents is documented as they are inexplicably terrorized by a plague of birds which drift in and out of kamikaze mode according to the tide. You may be familiar with Alfred Hitchcock's rendition of 'The Birds' on the big screen, the book is just as gripping. Show less

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Interview With the Vampire

Interview With the Vampire

A Novel

by Rice, Anne, 1941-

Book - 1976

A tragic and disturbing gothic horror with a hint of romance too. This is Louis's story about his journey through an immortal life. It is a tale of loneli...Show more A tragic and disturbing gothic horror with a hint of romance too. This is Louis's story about his journey through an immortal life. It is a tale of loneliness and isolation, along with the other trials and tribulations one could imagine are associated with vampirism, with a good dose of bloodsucking too of course! A painful look at trying to find a place in the world but... through the eyes of a vampire. Show less

A tragic and disturbing gothic horror with a hint of romance too. This is Louis's story about his journey through an immortal life. It is a tale of loneli...Show more A tragic and disturbing gothic horror with a hint of romance too. This is Louis's story about his journey through an immortal life. It is a tale of loneliness and isolation, along with the other trials and tribulations one could imagine are associated with vampirism, with a good dose of bloodsucking too of course! A painful look at trying to find a place in the world but... through the eyes of a vampire. Show less

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The Exorcist

The Exorcist

by Blatty, William Peter, 1928-2017

Book - 2011

A perfect classic with all the tropes needed for a spine tingling read - it all starts with a young girl and a Ouija board and the rest is pretty much his...Show more A perfect classic with all the tropes needed for a spine tingling read - it all starts with a young girl and a Ouija board and the rest is pretty much history! A gripping read about demonic possession with crafted writing, fleshed out characters and an incredibly eerie atmosphere. This supernatural tale questions faith and superstition in the modern age and is a look at one mother's desperate determination to help her daughter. The film was scary - the book will make you shiver! Show less

A perfect classic with all the tropes needed for a spine tingling read - it all starts with a young girl and a Ouija board and the rest is pretty much his...Show more A perfect classic with all the tropes needed for a spine tingling read - it all starts with a young girl and a Ouija board and the rest is pretty much history! A gripping read about demonic possession with crafted writing, fleshed out characters and an incredibly eerie atmosphere. This supernatural tale questions faith and superstition in the modern age and is a look at one mother's desperate determination to help her daughter. The film was scary - the book will make you shiver! Show less

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The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man

by Wells, H. G. 1866-1946

Book - 1953

This classic is a perfect marriage of sci-fi and horror - when a scientist creates a serum of invisibility, it's not just his body that disappears but his...Show more This classic is a perfect marriage of sci-fi and horror - when a scientist creates a serum of invisibility, it's not just his body that disappears but his grasp on what makes him human. Griffin, our protagonist, is struggling to reverse the effects of the serum and descends into madness and a rampage of crime and terror ensues. This masterfully written tale takes a chilling look at identity, revenge and isolation. Show less

This classic is a perfect marriage of sci-fi and horror - when a scientist creates a serum of invisibility, it's not just his body that disappears but his...Show more This classic is a perfect marriage of sci-fi and horror - when a scientist creates a serum of invisibility, it's not just his body that disappears but his grasp on what makes him human. Griffin, our protagonist, is struggling to reverse the effects of the serum and descends into madness and a rampage of crime and terror ensues. This masterfully written tale takes a chilling look at identity, revenge and isolation. Show less

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Wilde, Oscar, 1854-1900

Book - 1981

Complex and with a sinister undertone, this is the story of the young man who would be young forever. Written in Wilde's trademark witty and biting style,...Show more Complex and with a sinister undertone, this is the story of the young man who would be young forever. Written in Wilde's trademark witty and biting style, he perfectly outlines the vanity of youth, the hypocrisy of society, and of self-perception. A gothic and horrific classic that asks questions of humanity and its morals. Show less

Complex and with a sinister undertone, this is the story of the young man who would be young forever. Written in Wilde's trademark witty and biting style,...Show more Complex and with a sinister undertone, this is the story of the young man who would be young forever. Written in Wilde's trademark witty and biting style, he perfectly outlines the vanity of youth, the hypocrisy of society, and of self-perception. A gothic and horrific classic that asks questions of humanity and its morals. Show less

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Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

by Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894

Book - 1974

We all know the basic premise of this one - a classic tale of duality and of good versus evil. This thrilling Victorian novella traces the lives of Dr Jek...Show more We all know the basic premise of this one - a classic tale of duality and of good versus evil. This thrilling Victorian novella traces the lives of Dr Jekyll, a respectable doctor, and Mr. Hyde, the embodiment of evil, and the secret that connects these two characters. This mysterious tale still has the shock factor and is a fine example of psychological horror and the struggling conflicts each of us finds within ourselves. Wonderfully crafted, chilling and really short - you'll devour this in a day! Show less

We all know the basic premise of this one - a classic tale of duality and of good versus evil. This thrilling Victorian novella traces the lives of Dr Jek...Show more We all know the basic premise of this one - a classic tale of duality and of good versus evil. This thrilling Victorian novella traces the lives of Dr Jekyll, a respectable doctor, and Mr. Hyde, the embodiment of evil, and the secret that connects these two characters. This mysterious tale still has the shock factor and is a fine example of psychological horror and the struggling conflicts each of us finds within ourselves. Wonderfully crafted, chilling and really short - you'll devour this in a day! Show less

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The Fall of the House of Usher

The Fall of the House of Usher

And Other Stories

by Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849

Book - 2010

A truly terror-inducing tale from the king of all things gothic - Edgar Allan Poe. There's a decaying old house, a pervasive sense of sorrow, a seemingly ...Show more A truly terror-inducing tale from the king of all things gothic - Edgar Allan Poe. There's a decaying old house, a pervasive sense of sorrow, a seemingly cursed family and unrelenting stormy weather which combine perfectly to tell the story of the last members of the Usher family. Poe's poetic writing will give you goose bumps and this short tale can too easily be consumed in one sitting. Show less

A truly terror-inducing tale from the king of all things gothic - Edgar Allan Poe. There's a decaying old house, a pervasive sense of sorrow, a seemingly ...Show more A truly terror-inducing tale from the king of all things gothic - Edgar Allan Poe. There's a decaying old house, a pervasive sense of sorrow, a seemingly cursed family and unrelenting stormy weather which combine perfectly to tell the story of the last members of the Usher family. Poe's poetic writing will give you goose bumps and this short tale can too easily be consumed in one sitting. Show less

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