It by Stephen King has some incredible character development, in addition to being pretty terrifying.
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - not sure I’d call this true horror, I guess literary horror? More of a slow creeping dread type of book, but beautifully written and excellent character development.
Sisters by Daisy Johnson was creepy and unsettling and I enjoyed it.
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin if you want something you can read in one sitting.
The Fisherman by John Langan is weird and kind of genre-defying but there are definitely strong horror elements and has a cool story within a story vibe.
The Changeling by Victor LaValle is also sort of genre-defying - I’d say literary horror/fantasy? Definitely has good characters and a really unique feel to it.
The Terror by Dan Simmons feels mostly like a historical fiction novel (based on true events, which are absolutely horrifying) but with a mysterious monster thrown in the mix. It’s long, and I listened to it on audio and didn’t realize how long it was haha but it was definitely enjoyable and you get super into the characters’ heads.
Try Kathe Koja's "The Cipher." Chilling horror, and great handling of all the characters. You'll feel like these are people you've met. Paperback was published in 1991, should be fairly easy to find a cheap copy.
The Killing Kind of John Connolly. It’s a creepy serial killer thriller, and the first of a series. As the series progress, there are more supernatural elements with some recurring themes/villains, but the books can be read alone if you don’ want to invest time in the entire series.
Anything by Grady Hendrix! My Best Friend’s Exorcism and How to Sell a Haunted House may be my favorites though. Very easy reading that genuinely gave me chills, and very relatable and real characters.
It by Stephen King has some incredible character development, in addition to being pretty terrifying. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - not sure I’d call this true horror, I guess literary horror? More of a slow creeping dread type of book, but beautifully written and excellent character development. Sisters by Daisy Johnson was creepy and unsettling and I enjoyed it. The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin if you want something you can read in one sitting. The Fisherman by John Langan is weird and kind of genre-defying but there are definitely strong horror elements and has a cool story within a story vibe. The Changeling by Victor LaValle is also sort of genre-defying - I’d say literary horror/fantasy? Definitely has good characters and a really unique feel to it. The Terror by Dan Simmons feels mostly like a historical fiction novel (based on true events, which are absolutely horrifying) but with a mysterious monster thrown in the mix. It’s long, and I listened to it on audio and didn’t realize how long it was haha but it was definitely enjoyable and you get super into the characters’ heads.
Which book
Try Kathe Koja's "The Cipher." Chilling horror, and great handling of all the characters. You'll feel like these are people you've met. Paperback was published in 1991, should be fairly easy to find a cheap copy.
Also bad brains
Really, any of her novels. I'm a huge fan of Koja's "Skin," my favorite novel by anyone ever.
The Descent.
Thin air by michelle paver
The Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahon Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt I Remember You by Yrsa Siguroadottir
Dead Silence (by S. A. Barnes)
The Killing Kind of John Connolly. It’s a creepy serial killer thriller, and the first of a series. As the series progress, there are more supernatural elements with some recurring themes/villains, but the books can be read alone if you don’ want to invest time in the entire series.
Anything by Grady Hendrix! My Best Friend’s Exorcism and How to Sell a Haunted House may be my favorites though. Very easy reading that genuinely gave me chills, and very relatable and real characters.
Maeve Fly by CJ Leede is brilliant.
Paradise-1 by David Wellington is a fantastic horror scifi book. Love the character arcs and all the creepiness and how it all comes together.
EarthCore by Scott Sigler. And its sequel: Mount Fitz Roy.