"We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones"-Stephen King

As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, there's no better time to delve into the chilling world of horror literature. In 2023, the genre continues to captivate readers with tales that send shivers down their spines and keep them up long into the night. From haunted houses to supernatural mysteries, this year's top horror books offer a diverse range of terrifying experiences.

1. "A Haunting on the Hill" by Elizabeth Hand

Elizabeth Hand, known for her haunting and atmospheric storytelling, returns with "A Haunting on the Hill." Set in the remote and eerie town of Dunst, this novel follows the story of Fiona, a paranormal investigator, who is called to unravel the mysteries surrounding a centuries-old mansion on a desolate hill. As she delves deeper into the history of the house, Fiona begins to unearth dark secrets that not only haunt the building but also her own past. "A Haunting on the Hill" promises to be a bone-chilling journey into the unknown, filled with eerie discoveries and spine-tingling encounters.

2. "Out There Screaming: An Anthology" edited by Jordan Peele

Renowned filmmaker Jordan Peele takes his storytelling prowess from the screen to the page with "Out There Screaming: An…" This anthology of horror stories features a collection of tales that push the boundaries of fear and explore the darkest corners of the human psyche. With a lineup of both established and emerging authors, Peele's anthology promises to deliver a diverse range of terror-inducing narratives, ensuring readers will be out there screaming for more.

3. "The Dead Take the A Train" by Cassandra Khaw and Richard Kadrey

"The Dead Take the A Train" is a collaboration between two brilliant minds in horror fiction, Cassandra Khaw and Richard Kadrey. In this novella, they craft a surreal and disturbing tale set in a post-apocalyptic world where the dead have risen. The story follows a group of survivors who must navigate the decaying subway system of a haunted city to find safety. As they encounter grotesque horrors and confront their own demons, readers will be taken on a chilling journey where the line between the living and the dead blurs.

4. "Nineteen Claws and a Black…" by Agustina Bazterrica and Sara Gomes

Agustina Bazterrica and Sara Gomes team up to bring readers a tale of dread and the supernatural in "Nineteen Claws and a Black…". This novel explores the enigmatic relationship between a recluse writer and an otherworldly black cat. As the cat's eerie influence seeps into the writer's life, a series of inexplicable events ensue, blurring the boundaries between reality and the supernatural. With its mysterious feline protagonist and a narrative that delves into the uncanny, this book promises a unique and chilling reading experience.

5. "How to Sell a Haunted House" by Grady Hendrix

Grady Hendrix, a master of horror-comedy, offers readers a blend of the spooky and the humorous in "How to Sell a Haunted House." This novel revolves around a real estate agent, Angela, who specializes in selling properties with a paranormal twist. When she takes on a particularly challenging haunted house, Angela finds herself in a whirlwind of spectral encounters, quirky clients, and unexpected friendships. Hendrix's signature wit and clever storytelling promise to make this a darkly comedic and entertaining read.

6. "Come Closer" by Sara Gran

Sara Gran's "Come Closer" takes psychological horror to a whole new level. The story follows Amanda, a woman whose life takes a terrifying turn when she begins to experience a series of inexplicable and disturbing events. As Amanda's grip on reality unravels, readers are drawn into a world of psychological torment and malevolent forces that come closer with each page turned. Gran's ability to create an atmosphere of relentless dread makes this book a must-read for fans of psychological horror.

7. "Holly" by Stephen King

Stephen King, the master of horror, returns with "Holly," a chilling and suspenseful tale that delves into the enigmatic world of academia, dark secrets, and the relentless pursuit of truth. In this gripping novel, King weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of human nature and the horrifying lengths some will go to protect their secrets.

With these top horror books of 2023, readers can expect a year filled with spine-tingling tales, supernatural mysteries, and psychological nightmares. Whether you prefer the eerie atmosphere of haunted houses, the surreal landscapes of post-apocalyptic worlds, or the psychological torment of the mind, these novels promise to deliver fear in its many forms. Brace yourself for a year of unforgettable horror fiction that will keep you awake long after the lights go out.