Top 5 Saturday

Top 5 Saturday : Creepy Books

This Top 5 Saturday prompt is from Devouring Books, original post here.

10/19/19 — Gothic Books Creepy Books

Even though this prompt was changed to just creepy books, a lot of books on this list will also be gothic as well. Going by the dictionary.com definition ” causing an unpleasant feeling of fear or unease. ” that’s definitely what each of these books will embody in some way. I’m very much a fan of books like these and am reading quite a few this month, so there’s definitely some good material to include here!

5.) House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

This book is a re-telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses fable, re-imagined as a horror tale complete with a big haunted house, death around every corner, and sinister magic. This was an enjoyable fairytale retelling and consider it one of the most unique YA I’ve encountered this year.

4.) The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Looking on Google, this book has SO MANY unique and interesting covers. I read it earlier this year and had mixed feelings but have come away from it over time with positive feelings. This is more of a slow-moving, psychological creepiness. Not
bone-chilling terror, but a more classical approach to horror. I’m currently reading We Have Always Lived In The Castle, also by Shirley Jackson, and it’s perhaps an even more fitting choice.

3.) Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Feels a bit weird to include such a beautiful and elegant classic novel, but it fits the theme for having such a questionable lot of characters, a beautiful house full of foreboding atmosphere, and a slowly creeping dread leading up to a startling end.

2.) Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

I was not expecting to include this title here but upon finishing it, I was surprised by how prominent the horror factor can be. The main character can see dead people (typically called Greys, because a few other gifted people can also see them but only in grey) in full color as if they were alive and injured. In one scene, she’s in a room with a dead body and the ghost of that same person also visits her, making for their dual presence in that room. My mind’s eye vision of that scene is still creeping me out so this book definitely deserves a spot on this list.

1.) My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews

It’s been more than a decade since I read this book so am definitely due to a re-read, but this book’s ending shook me like no other. If you decide to read it someday I recommend never looking up anything about it. This title is most deserving of first place because not only is it one of the creepiest books ever, it even has one of the creepiest fan-made songs ever to listen to after reading. (Warning- song has kind-of spoilers, probably best to save for after finishing the book if you do read it.)

Hope you enjoyed this week’s Top 5 Saturdays picks! This topic is definitely my forte and perfect for gathering up some fitting October reading choices. I look forward to reading your list if you’re also covering this topic. Moreover, have you read any of the books on this list or have them on your TBR? What is the creepiest book you’ve ever read? Thanks as always for your thoughts and hope you’re having a great weekend. ~ Kitty

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Kitty Marie's Book Reviews Blog

Eclectic Book Reviewer/Series Fangirl

17 thoughts on “Top 5 Saturday : Creepy Books”

    1. OMG if you read My Sweet Audrina I would love to read your thoughts on it. That book was 11 year old me’s -everything- and I read it again 8 years later and still have that nostalgic love for it lol. A weird, twisted, very messy but indeed dark/gothic/creepy read. Adore you too. ❤

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  3. I like that you made the distinction between gothic and creepy for this topic. I think I should have made that distinction in my post. I’m a wimp haha. I’m keen to read Ninth House and HOSAS. I haven’t heard of Rebecca before but the cover is stunning ❤ I'll have to check it out! Jen

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  6. Pingback: Reading Wrap-Up (10/13/19 – 10/19/19) – kitty marie's reading corner

  7. Gothic is definitely creepy, it totally counts! I LOVE My Sweet Audrina. I think it’s actually the best VC Andrews book I’ve read (and I’ve read A LOT of them). Even better than Flowers in the Attic because at least it’s stand alone lol. Great list! If you like weird and gothic feeling you should check out Under the Pendulum Sun if you haven’t yet!

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    1. omg I am so glad to find someone who knows of V.C. Andrews and enjoyed My Sweet Audrina!! Thank you for mentioning Under the Pendulum Sun, let me tell you when I looked it up on Goodreads I pressed that “Want To Read” button faster than I’ve ever pressed a button in my life LOL. Thanks for your comment. 😀

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