9 Psychological Horror Books To Read In 2025

Psychological horror has a unique way of burrowing into our minds, unsettling us long after we turn the last page. Unlike traditional horror that relies on gore and jump scares, psychological horror explores the depths of human fears. These books take readers on disturbing journeys through the fragile human psyche, often blurring the line between reality and delusion. If you love thrillers that mess with your mind, here are 9 psychological horror books that will leave you sleepless.

1. The Troop – Nick Cutter

A group of Boy Scouts on a remote island must confront a horrifying parasite that slowly consumes its host. What begins as an innocent camping trip quickly turns into a nightmare as the boys’ psychological states deteriorate under the stress of starvation, fear, and the spreading infection. As paranoia takes hold, friendships disintegrate, and survival instincts push them to the brink of insanity. The Troop blends gruesome body horror with intense psychological suspense, forcing readers to confront the terrifying nature of human survival. It’s a harrowing, deeply unsettling novel that lingers long after the final page.

2. House of Leaves – Mark Z. Danielewski

This terrifying book follows a young man who discovers a manuscript detailing the eerie events of the Navidson family. Their house is bigger on the inside than on the outside, and a mysterious dark corridor appears, leading to unknown horrors. The book’s unconventional structure—featuring multiple narrators, footnotes, and erratic typography—mirrors the disorienting psychological descent of its characters. As the family explores the endless labyrinth within their home, the novel delves into themes of madness, obsession, and the fear of the unknown. House of Leaves blends footnotes, fragmented narratives, and unusual typography to create a claustrophobic reading experience.

3. Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn

While Gone Girl is often classified as a thriller, its psychological horror elements are undeniable. The story follows a husband and wife, Nick and Amy, whose seemingly perfect relationship disintegrates when Amy disappears. As the narrative unfolds, the novel explores themes of media influence, sociopathy, and the dark side of relationships. The alternating narratives force readers to question everything they believe, making this a dark and unsettling read. The psychological tension is heightened by the manipulative games played by the characters, creating an atmosphere of paranoia and suspense.

4. The Shining – Stephen King

Stephen King’s classic horror novel follows Jack Torrance, a struggling writer who takes his family to the isolated Overlook Hotel. As Jack descends into madness, the supernatural forces within the hotel begin to exert their terrifying influence. The Shining is a masterclass in psychological terror, making it one of the best psychological horror books ever written.

5. The Road – Cormac McCarthy

This novel tells the story of a father and his young son navigating a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape. With food scarce and danger lurking everywhere, the duo struggles to survive. The psychological horror emerges from the overwhelming bleakness, the fear of human cruelty, and the constant tension of impending doom. McCarthy’s sparse prose and haunting atmosphere make The Road an emotionally devastating experience. Themes of love, despair, and survival against all odds create a harrowing psychological impact that lingers in the reader’s mind long after finishing the book.

6. I'm Thinking of Ending Things – Iain Reid

This novel follows a young woman traveling with her boyfriend to visit his parents. As strange occurrences pile up, the narrative takes a surreal turn, leaving the reader in a state of paranoia. The book examines themes of existential dread, loneliness, and the fragility of memory. With an eerie, dreamlike quality, the story blurs reality and illusion, making readers question what is real. The unreliable narrator and existential dread make this book a standout in psychological horror.

7. Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier

This classic novel follows a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, only to find herself tormented by the presence of his late wife, Rebecca. The psychological manipulation, eerie atmosphere, and themes of obsession make Rebecca an unforgettable read in psychological horror. The narrator’s growing paranoia and self-doubt create a suffocating sense of unease. With its haunting estate setting, mysterious housekeeper, and secrets lurking in the shadows, Rebecca remains a timeless exploration of fear and psychological control.

8. The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson

This classic novel follows a group of strangers investigating the infamous Hill House, a mansion with a dark past. As supernatural occurrences intensify, Eleanor, a shy and emotionally fragile woman, begins to unravel mentally. The novel explores themes of isolation, the power of suggestion, and the fragility of the human mind. Jackson masterfully blurs the line between the supernatural and psychological torment, making the reader question whether the horrors are real or figments of Eleanor’s mind. The novel’s claustrophobic tension and eerie atmosphere make it one of the most haunting psychological horror stories ever written.

9. The Other – Thomas Tryon

This eerie novel revolves around twin brothers, Niles and Holland, who live in a quiet countryside. As strange accidents and dark events unfold, the true nature of their relationship becomes clear. The novel's slow-building tension and haunting imagery create an atmosphere of dread. Tryon expertly weaves in themes of duality, childhood innocence corrupted, and the weight of family secrets. The Other is a slow-burning horror novel that builds an atmosphere of dread and suspense.

Conclusion

These psychological horror books masterfully manipulate the mind, creating unease through unreliable narrators, eerie atmospheres, and deep psychological trauma. If you enjoy books that challenge your perception of reality and linger in your thoughts long after you finish them, these titles are a must-read.