From psychological thrillers to eerie gothic tales and supernatural suspense, these seven books published between 2010 and 2025 deliver haunting, unforgettable experiences.
Here’s the list of the best creepy books of the last 15 years you shouldn’t miss:
1. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (2020)
A brilliant modern gothic horror set in 1950s Mexico. Noemí travels to a mysterious mansion where secrets seep through the walls and strange fungi grow. It blends supernatural terror with themes of colonialism and power.
Perfect for: Gothic horror lovers seeking atmospheric chills with cultural depth.
2. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019)
A psychological thriller about a woman who shoots her husband and then stops speaking. A psychotherapist’s attempt to unravel her silence uncovers dark secrets. The novel’s twisty plot and eerie mood make it a gripping read.
Perfect for: Fans of mind-bending thrillers and psychological suspense.
3. The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay (2018)
A tense horror about a family vacationing in a remote cabin who face a terrifying home invasion with apocalyptic stakes. Tremblay’s writing masterfully ratchets up paranoia and dread.
Perfect for: Readers who love psychological and survival horror.
4. Bird Box by Josh Malerman (2014)
Set in a world where seeing mysterious creatures causes madness and death, this novel explores survival in terrifying conditions. The unseen threat and the characters’ fear create an intense atmosphere.
Perfect for: Post-apocalyptic thriller fans craving suspenseful horror.
5. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones (2020)
A blend of horror and cultural folklore, this story follows four Native American men haunted by a past hunting trip. It’s a chilling exploration of guilt, tradition, and supernatural revenge.
Perfect for: Readers wanting culturally rich horror with social commentary.
6. House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland (2021)
A dark, twisted modern fairy tale about three sisters changed forever after a mysterious disappearance. The eerie atmosphere and unsettling twists blur reality and fantasy.
Perfect for: Young adult and adult readers who like psychological horror with magical elements.
7. My Heart is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones (2021)
A slasher homage with a unique voice, focusing on a Native American teen who uses horror movie logic to face real-life terror. It’s smart, raw, and unsettling.
Perfect for: Fans of slasher horror with a fresh, feminist twist.
The last decade and a half have brought a new wave of chilling stories that blend traditional horror with cultural insights, psychological depth, and fresh twists. These books prove creepy fiction is alive and evolving — ready to haunt a new generation of readers.