Truth can be stranger and scarier than fiction. To change your mind, here’s a list of must-read nonfiction Horror books for fans of the genre. We live in fearful times, where horror reflects real-world fears. The authors of horror books draw inspiration from headlines. Read nonfiction to understand the origins of horror. Explore the genre and real-life horrors with these essential books.

1. Behind The Horror: True Stories That Inspired Horror Movies by Dr. Lee Mellor

Unveil the twisted tales behind the greatest screams on the big screen. Discover the real-life inspirations for The Exorcist, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and films based on notorious murderer Ed Gein. Explore bone-chilling stories of abduction, disappearance, murder, and exorcism that shaped horror movies, including the Enfield poltergeist case and the killers who influenced Hannibal Lecter. Welcome to Behind the Horror.

2. Ghostland: In Search Of A Haunted Country by Edward Parnell

Edward Parnell, in his late thirties, found solace in his childhood obsession with ghost stories and the writings that tackle the afterlife. In his book Ghostland, he explores the secluded landscapes of the British Isles that have inspired a spectrum of literature and cinema, from eerie tales by M.R. James to children’s fantasies by Alan Garner. Ghostland is Parnell’s poignant exploration of haunting themes and his own personal journey, a meditation on grief, memory, and the redemptive power of stories and nature.

3. Ghosts In Our Backyard – The Ramsays’ real-life encounters with the supernatural by Alisha ‘Priti’ Kirpalani

The Ramsays, India’s horror pioneers, unleashed supernatural terror through their films. But behind the scenes, their own lives were haunted too. Alisha Kirpalani, FU Ramsay’s granddaughter, followed their footsteps, exploring the thin veil between our world and the Other. This book unveils eerie encounters—Shyam Ramsay’s highway woman, Tanuja Ramsay’s ghostly house knocks, and Amit Ramsay’s chilling visit at Lamington House. Brace yourself for improbable, spine-chilling tales within.

4. Haunted Places of India by Riksundar Banerjee

Haunted Places of India by Riksundar Banerjee delves into the fascination of haunted locations, exploring unique Indian stories of horror, ghosts, and hauntings. From the abandoned village of Kuldhara to the infamous Khooni Nala, the book uncovers eerie sites associated with tragic events. Banerjee investigates these places to reveal the truth behind the chilling tales, presenting an otherworldly side of India in a concise and captivating manner.

Check out the book review here.

5. Horror: A Literary History, Edited by Xavier Aldana Reyes

Horror literature is a unique genre that elicits strong reactions like fear, shock, dread, and disgust. Despite its association with film, horror short stories and novels have been beloved by readers for centuries. This book provides an up-to-date history of horror fiction, exploring its development over the past 250 years. It challenges the notion that horror is frivolous, introducing both classic and lesser-known texts. Topics covered include horror’s roots in Gothic romance, Victorian penny dreadfuls, ghost stories, decadent fiction, Cold War horrors, the 1980s publishing boom, contemporary auteurs, and the post-millennial zombie trend.

Check Out – 9 Horror Books to Read in June 2023 to Give You Goosebumps

6. It Came From The Closet: Queer Reflections On Horror by Joe Vallese

Queer and trans writers explore how horror movies deepen their own experiences, from classics like “Halloween” to modern gems like “Hereditary.” While horror films have a complex history with the queer community, they can be both empowering and oppressive. The anthology “It Came from the Closet” features original essays by writers like Carmen Maria Machado and Jude Ellison S. Doyle, revealing the rich connection between queerness and horror.

7. Unquiet Spirits: Essays By Asian Women In Horror, Edited by Lee Murray and Angela Yuriko Smith

Unquiet Spirits is a captivating collection of personal essays by Asian horror writers, exploring the impact of superstition, spirits, and the supernatural on Asian women’s roles. These 21 essays delve into themes of otherness, identity, expectation, duty, and loss, ultimately leading to understanding and empowerment.

8. Women Make Horror: Filmmaking, Feminism, Genre, Edited by Alison Peirse

Women Make Horror challenges misconceptions and highlight the enduring presence of women in the horror industry. This book explores diverse aspects of horror filmmaking worldwide, offering case studies and transforming our understanding of women filmmakers in the genre.

9. Tell My Horse: Voodoo And Life In Haiti And Jamaica by Zora Neale Hurston

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of voodoo as you embark on a mesmerizing journey through Haiti and Jamaica with Zora Neale Hurston’s Tell My Horse. Drawing from her immersive participation as an initiate rather than a mere observer, Hurston’s personal encounters in the 1930s reveal a vividly authentic and engrossing account of voodoo ceremonies, customs, and superstitions. This invaluable resource not only offers a unique glimpse into a dark and intriguing realm but also presents a fascinating exploration of cultural significance that is sure to captivate and enthrall readers.

Which of the above Nonfiction Horror Books do you plan to read? Comment below!

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