Books Like...
If you liked Mean Spirited, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Maverick Hall has spent years trying to forget the chilling events of his thirteenth birthday in the summer of 1999. That fateful night, he and his best friends ventured through a seemingly innocuous tunnel on their bikes - a journey from which not a
...May 2024•192 pages - #2
A fast, creepy, atmospheric read - perfect for classic horror fans looking for chills, haunted farmhouse vibes, and some fresh twists on possession stories, even if it doesn’t reinvent the wheel.
'The Exorcist's House' by Nick Roberts is a gripping supernatural thriller that follows the Hill family as they move into a farmhouse in rural West Virginia, previously owned by an exorcist. As they uncover a hidden room in the cellar with eerie artifacts, they are thrust into a nightmare of demonic possession and chilling experiences. The book expertly blends elements of demonic possession tales and found footage horror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful writing style and vivid character development. The plot escalates with terrifying visuals, spine-chilling experiences, and a climax reminiscent of classic horror stories, all leading to a startling conclusion that will leave readers both satisfied and unnerved.
May 2022•276 pages - #3
Long before the events of Stolen Tongues...
On the Cold Valley Indian Reservation, in the shadow of Pale Peak, Onwé Lopez struggles with the past as much as the present. By day, he watches his people abandon the Old Way as they flock to the local ch
...March 2024•344 pages - #4
A fresh, creepy spin on the classic haunted family horror - with plenty of disturbing imagery and tense moments - though the style and ending may not be for everyone. Worth a read if you like your scares weird and your narratives experimental.
Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman is a horror novel following a young girl named Bela, who is haunted by a malevolent supernatural entity she calls Other Mommy. The story unfolds as Bela's family navigates the terror created by this strange presence, leading them to seek help from friends and family while attempting to escape the horrors within their own home. The plot starts off intriguingly, building tension and suspense, yet some readers found the pacing slow and the resolution unsatisfying, feeling the end fell flat in comparison to the earlier gripping narrative.
Malerman's writing style has been described as beautifully creepy, with an engaging flow that immerses readers despite some criticisms of the narrative voice not quite fitting the perspective of a child. His unique choice to write this novel in silence adds a layer of depth to the haunting imagery. However, some felt the experimental format distracted from the experience and the character development lacked coherence. Overall, while the book delivers chilling moments, opinions vary on its effectiveness as a horror story.
June 2024•384 pages - #5
Brutal, haunting, and emotionally rich - a must for horror fans who like their monsters complicated and their stories fearless.
When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy is a gripping horror novel that intertwines psychological complexity with supernatural terror. The story follows Jess, a young woman who finds a terrified five-year-old boy hiding near her apartment. As Jess takes the boy in, they are thrust into a terrifying chase when the boy's father comes for him, leading to a horrifying creature that begins to slaughter the residents of the apartment complex. This monster is tied to the boy, who is not just a lost child but a walking consequence of deeper horrors. The narrative explores themes of fear, grief, and the traumatic impact of family dynamics.
Cassidy’s writing is both evocative and engaging, balancing relatable character struggles with the grotesque elements of horror. Jess, a flawed protagonist, grapples with her past and her relationship with her chaotic mother, Cookie. The book delves into heavy themes and emotional weight while maintaining a sense of dread that permeates the plot. Some readers noted pacing issues and a controversial ending, but overall, the novel is lauded for its deep character work and chilling atmosphere, making it a standout in contemporary horror.
April 2025•304 pages - #6
A vivid, high-stakes blend of dread and action, with psychological twists and memorable monsters - if you love horror that goes for the jugular, don't miss it!
Bunker Dogs by Gage Greenwood tells the intense story of Cassie, a college student babysitting James, when chaos erupts outside due to bombs and gunfire. Seeking refuge, they find a hidden bunker, but soon realize it harbors terrifying secrets and creatures. The plot is fraught with psychological and physical challenges as Cassie battles to protect both her and James from the horrors lurking in the bunker. The narrative oscillates between Cassie's traumatic past and her current struggles, creating a deeply engaging and chaotic experience.
The writing style is both gripping and vivid, immersing readers in a world filled with gore and suspense. Greenwood's prose evokes strong emotions, capturing the psychological depth of the characters, particularly Cassie’s complex psyche. The story balances horror with moments of introspection, leaving readers breathless with both terror and empathy. With intricate character development and relentless pacing, Bunker Dogs stands out as a memorable read, blending action with emotional depth.
June 2023•278 pages - #7
A brutal, inventive horror/sci-fi mashup that seriously delivers on chills and squirm-inducing scenes - perfect for fans seeking fresh, disturbing nightmares. Not for the faint of heart!
'Intercepts' by T.J. Payne is a horror novel that follows Joe, a supervisor at a top secret government facility where human test subjects are subjected to extreme sensory deprivation to induce out of body experiences. These experiments are utilized by the government to locate and stop criminals. The book is described as fast-paced, unnerving, and intense, with a blend of horror and sci-fi elements. The plot unfolds with twists and turns, keeping the readers hooked until the very end. The writing style is noted for enhancing suspense and keeping the readers engaged, with a focus on creating a disturbing and creepy atmosphere.
He maneuvered his cart, which was too wide, through the stainless steel door, which was too narrow. There was barely a half-inch of clearance on either side of the cart, and, of course, he had to lift...April 2019•327 pages - #8Thorby:
A unique, emotionally engaging werewolf tale told through a dog's eyes - perfect for animal lovers craving a fresh angle on horror, though the storytelling quirks won’t appeal to everyone.
'Thor' by Wayne Smith is a heartwarming tale told from the perspective of Thor, a loyal German Shepherd who sees his family as a pack and feels a strong sense of duty to protect them from all threats, even if it means acting like a 'Bad Dog'. The story revolves around Thor's inner turmoil, his loyalty, love, and strength in the face of evil, particularly when his family's safety is jeopardized by the arrival of Uncle Ted, a werewolf, leading to a gripping narrative filled with emotions and suspense.
Despite being out of print in hardcopy form, 'Thor' is available as a Kindle book on Amazon and continues to captivate readers with its unique storytelling style that delves into the deep bond between pets and their owners. explores themes of love, loyalty, and the protective instincts of pets, making it a must-read for animal lovers and anyone seeking a compelling story with elements of horror and heartfelt moments.
Thor got a bad feeling about the Stranger from the moment he saw him, while the man was still almost a block away — just a tiny figure striding up the sidewalk past the neighbors’ neatly groomed lawn...1992•239 pages - #9
Atmospheric, chilling, and deeply unsettling - this is apocalyptic horror done right, though the slower pacing and heavy focus on mood might not be for everyone.
'All the Fiends of Hell' by Adam Nevill is an apocalyptic horror novel that explores themes of alien invasion, cosmic horror, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. The story follows characters navigating through a hellscape filled with unknown cosmic horrors, facing challenges of grief, family, toxic behavior, and the aftermath of an alien invasion. The writing style is described as descriptive and tense, with terrifying horror sequences and a medium-fast pace that keeps readers engaged.
April 2024•369 pages - #10
A chilling, unique spin on the haunted apartment tale with heart, representation, and real emotional depth. If you like your horror smart, meaningful, and unsettling - don’t miss it.
Ana and Reid, new parents facing challenges, win an affordable housing lottery for a prestigious building in New York City, The Deptford, which turns out to have a secretive and dark history. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey exploring themes of grief, motherhood, postpartum depression, disability, and infertility. The plot is a unique horror tale incorporating elements of traditional vampire lore with a creative twist, all while delving into generational and cultural shared trauma. The writing style is described as atmospheric, tense, and eerie, creating a sense of unease and suspense that keeps readers engaged throughout the novel.
October 2023•304 pages











