Books Like...
If you liked The Rats, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
A brutal, swift ride through madness and chaos - unforgettable for fans of classic horror, but definitely not for the faint of heart.
The Fog by James Herbert is a classic horror novel set in foggy England where a deadly fog, dense and yellowish in color, arises from the earth, infiltrating the minds of individuals and turning them into violent monsters. The story follows the terrifying progression of the fog as it causes murder, rape, mass suicide, and chaos, affecting both humans and animals. Only a few characters manage to retain their sanity amidst the devastation, leading to a race against time to uncover the secret behind the fog's destruction and save mankind.
The novel is described as a fast-paced, absorbing thriller with horrific scenes that make readers cringe, yet it also offers a gripping and engaging storyline beyond mindless violence. The writing style is noted for its cool, matter-of-fact prose that effectively conveys the horrors unfolding in the narrative, creating a chilling atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact on readers.
The village slowly began to shake off its slumber and come to life. Slowly because nothing ever happened with speed in that part of Wiltshire; a mood of timelessness carefully cultivated by the villag...1975•267 pages - #2
Killer cockroaches, wild gore, and pure pulpy fun - The Nest is perfect for fans of campy creature horror, but won’t win prizes for literary style or modern sensibilities.
'The Nest' by Gregory A. Douglas is a horror novel that revolves around terrifying mutant roach attacks. The book offers vivid descriptions of these attacks, keeping readers engaged with new ways to describe the gore. The story follows a group of characters facing gruesome insect horror as they deal with the infestation of giant cockroaches in a small town. The writing style is a mix of vivid violence and a comfortable sense of place, providing a page-turning experience for readers.
The plot of 'The Nest' is centered around a nature revolt horror theme, reminiscent of early 80s horror novels. The narrative unfolds as the characters navigate through brutal and graphic attack scenes caused by the giant roaches, providing an intriguing mix of horror and suspense. Despite some slow pacing and weak dialogues, the book presents an entertaining horror novel that keeps readers engaged with its unique concept and vivid descriptions.
Under a luminous moon, the garbage dump on Yarkie Island off Cape Cod began to shudder and vibrate grotesquely. It might have seemed an illusion of the moonlight on the quiet Atlantic that serene summ...1980•448 pages - #3
A gleefully trashy, fast-paced romp packed with giant monster mayhem - perfect if you want mindless fun and don’t mind a heap of cheese with your carnage.
'Night Of The Crabs' by Guy N. Smith is a creature feature novel that follows Professor Cliff Davenport as he investigates the mysterious disappearances of bathers on the Welsh coast, only to discover an army of giant crabs led by a monstrous King Crab. The plot is fast-paced, filled with gory showdowns between the crabs and humanity, interspersed with passionate yet over-the-top sex scenes. The writing style is described as basic and functional, reminiscent of a 1950s B movie, with exaggerated characters and action set pieces.
THE sunlight sparkled and shimmered on the deep blue of the incoming tide, the waves lapping gently at the harbour wall. Fishing smacks bobbed lazily on the slight swell, and flocks of seagulls screec...1976•154 pages - #4
A fast, chilling beach-read classic that's heavier on human drama than you might expect. Worth a read for its legacy and tension - just don't expect the movie's style or charm.
"Jaws" by Peter Benchley is a famous story that revolves around a shark terrorizing people in a seaside resort. The plot follows a group of individuals, including local police and a legendary fisherman, as they come together to combat the dangerous shark. is noted for its suspenseful and thrilling narrative, capturing the fear and tension surrounding the shark attacks. While some readers found the book to be different from the movie adaptation, they appreciated the depth of the story and character development present in the novel. The writing style is described as engaging, gripping, and capable of evoking a sense of terror and suspense, keeping readers on edge throughout the story.
Friday was cloudy, with scattered light showers, and the only people who swam were a young couple who took a quick dip early in the morning just as Brody's man arrived at the beach. Hooper patrolled f...1973•316 pages A hilarious, affectionate, and gorgeously illustrated love letter to the pulpy horror of yesteryear. Essential for horror buffs and paperback hunters, but best enjoyed in physical format with a grin on your face.
'Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of '70s and '80s Horror Fiction' by Grady Hendrix is a detailed exploration of the horror paperback publishing industry from the mid-70s to mid-80s. The book delves into the colorful covers and beautiful artwork created by renowned illustrators during this era, showcasing the evolution of horror trends and social issues reflected in the genre. Hendrix provides insights into the behind-the-scenes of the cover artists, publishers, and the impact of these horror novels on the genre, making it an essential read for horror enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural history of the 1970s and 1980s.
The book offers a mix of humor, affection, and informative content, presenting a nostalgic look at the horror fiction boom of the '70s and '80s through vivid descriptions of novels and their iconic cover art. Hendrix's writing style combines snarky humor with a genuine appreciation for the subject matter, providing readers with an engaging and educational journey through the history of horror literature, covering various sub-genres like haunted houses, vampires, and more.
It’s not that people weren’t buying books. After crashing in the 1950s, the paperback market surged back less than a decade later when college students turned Ballantine’s paperback editions of The Lo...September 2017•256 pages- #6
A wild, gross-out romp - perfect for fans of creature horror and retro pulp, but maybe not for the faint of heart (or stomach).
'Slugs' by Shaun Hutson is a horror novel that follows the story of a health inspector named Mike Brady who uncovers a terrifying outbreak of carnivorous slugs in the small town of Merton. As the slugs wreak havoc and cause gruesome deaths, Mike, along with his wife Kim, a sewage officer, and a museum curator, team up to investigate and stop the deadly creatures before they spread beyond the sewers. is described as a graphic page-turner that combines elements of terror and intrigue, with vivid descriptions that evoke a sense of fear and disgust towards the slimy creatures.
'Slugs' is praised for its ability to create a gripping and fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. is noted for its vivid and gory scenes that are described in a way that allows readers to visualize the horror unfolding, making it a thrilling and entertaining read. Additionally, the story is commended for its well-developed characters and the sense of tension and fear it builds as the slugs become an ever-present threat in the town.
Ron Bell got through one verse of ‘Mull of Kintyre’ then threw up. He slumped heavily against the wooden gatepost, wondering why the world was spinning round so fast. He bent double over the fence, cl...1982•262 pages - #7
A creepy, fun, and fast-paced global disaster story that's all about killer spiders and survival. Not for the faint of heart (or arachnophobes), but great if you like your horror with a blockbuster, popcorn-movie vibe. Just be warned: you'll want the next book on hand!
In 'The Hatching' by Ezekiel Boone, an ancient species of spider that has been dormant for 10,000 years suddenly reemerges in Peru, India, and China. These spiders breed quickly and are extremely aggressive, devouring everything in their path and threatening to devastate entire populations worldwide. The plot skips across countries and multiple characters, including survivalists in the California desert, a group of Marines, and FBI Agent Mike Rich investigating the situation on the ground. The action-packed storyline is character-driven, showcasing the terror of the spider infestation unfolding globally.
The writing style of 'The Hatching' is described as fast-paced and engaging, with a focus on various points of view and locations around the world. Readers praise the book for its realistic and chilling depiction of the spider threat, creating a sense of fear and destruction that feels all too real. Despite the familiar horror theme of spiders, the novel stands out for its well-written characters, intense pacing, and the way it keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a compelling and suspenseful read.
Agent Mike Rich hated having to call his ex-wife. He fucking hated it, particularly when he knew that her husband—and he fucking hated that he was her husband now—might pick up the phone, but there wa...July 2016•353 pages - #8
A wild, bloody, and thrilling ride for apocalyptic horror fans - just don’t expect deep science or character realism. Perfect popcorn fun when you want Mother Nature to fight back!
'Animal Kingdom' by Iain Rob Wright is a fast-paced and gripping horror novel that explores a terrifying scenario where all the animals on the planet suddenly turn on humanity, gaining intelligence and organizing themselves to attack. The story follows Joe and his son Danny as they visit the zoo, only to find themselves in the midst of chaos and carnage as the animals start attacking visitors. As the situation escalates, Joe must fight for survival and protect his son in a world where the animal kingdom reigns supreme. The writing style is described as engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its vivid descriptions of fear, panic, and the brutal reality of the animal apocalypse.
Joe pulled tight his jacket around him, the biting chill of the autumn air creeping into every crevice of his body and making him shiver. The cold grey of the sky seemed to drizzle down to Earth and c...November 2011•302 pages - #9
A rain-soaked, monster-packed apocalyptic blast with Lovecraft flair - equal parts creepy, wild, and imaginative. Not everyone will dig its B-movie energy, but for horror and creature feature junkies, it’s a must-read!
The Conqueror Worms by Brian Keene is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where rain has been falling continuously for over forty days, leading to a global flood and the appearance of ancient mythical creatures. The story follows multiple groups of survivors, including an eighty-something WWII veteran named Teddy, who must navigate the new dangers brought on by the deadly Behemoth and Leviathan. The novel combines elements of horror, survival, and fantasy, keeping readers engaged with well-drawn characters and a suspenseful plot that culminates in a climactic battle for survival against monstrous creatures and sinister forces.
The book is praised for its engaging narrative that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The pacing is well-maintained, and the ending leaves room for interpretation, offering a blend of hope and horror depending on the reader's perspective. Brian Keene's writing style is commended for its ability to create a vivid and immersive world filled with memorable characters, intense action sequences, and a sense of impending doom that drives the story forward, making it a must-read for fans of apocalyptic fiction.
It was raining on the morning that the earthworms invaded my carport. The rain was something that I’d expected. The worms were a surprise, and what came after them was pure hell, plain and simple. But...2005•326 pages - #10
Crota is a fast, fun, blood-soaked creature feature that’s perfect for horror traditionalists and monster fans - just don’t expect modern sensibilities or groundbreaking twists.
"Crota" by Owl Goingback is a horror novel that revolves around an ancient evil creature called the Crota, which is unleashed from underground by an earthquake. The story follows a trail of dead men and animals left by the Crota as it goes on a murderous rampage, seemingly untouched by conventional weapons. The plot incorporates Native American mysticism and legends, introducing Indian characters who play a crucial role in combating the malevolent being. Despite some readers finding the characters lacking depth, the book is described as suspenseful, fast-paced, and engaging, with a focus on atmospheric settings and a well-developed monster concept.
1996•320 pages











