Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

Can anyone reccomend a good spooky read.....

68 replies

Eaney · 21/04/2005 17:51

Something along the lines of Woman in Black or something like the film The others.

Thanks

OP posts:
suzywong · 27/04/2005 15:08

Lost Hearts, is that an MR James?

(you shoudl have seen the pair of garden spiders I unearthed today after a bit of digging - bloody hell)

suzywong · 27/04/2005 15:07

yes yes to Dracula, fantastic parrallel narrative styles,

(sorry am reading thread backwards)

Marina · 27/04/2005 15:07

Urgh, Lost Hearts too, Suzy. Terrifying.
I don't think it was him but there is also a vintage horror called The Monkey's Paw.

suzywong · 27/04/2005 15:05

yes Marina! MR James really shows the rest how it's done, I didn't dare read the Whistle and I'll Come Running story.

I think it's out of print now but well worth scouting round for

I hear Woman in Black is a cracker too

CathB2 · 26/04/2005 09:45

I would highly recommend Phil Rickman, the Merrily Watkins novels which are sort of occult/crime and the others such as Crybe, man in the moss, the chalice etc which are just spooky.

CathB2 · 26/04/2005 09:45

I would highly recommend Phil Rickman, the Merrily Watkins novels which are sort of occult/crime and the others such as Crybe, man in the moss, the chalice etc which are just spooky.

tiffini · 22/04/2005 11:07

there are so many Dean Konntz books that are just brilliant, but a few of my favourites are,
The Taking
From the corner of his eye
False Memory

moondog · 21/04/2005 23:32

'A Fatal Inversion' and 'A Dark Adapted Eye' by Barbara Vine.

Sounds naff I know, but I think Stephen King's older stuff is cracking 'The Stand' springs to minds as absolutely unputdownable.

Original poster
Eaney · 21/04/2005 23:29

Thanks for the suggestions. I love a book or film that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. I agree there are not many modern spooky writers out there.

Which Dean Koontz book would you recommend?

I think I will give Wilkie Collins a try.

Thanks again.

OP posts:
bundle · 21/04/2005 18:57

btw, don't bother with Shadow of the Wind, it was acclaimed all over the place, but imo was pants and not at all scary

Marina · 21/04/2005 18:54

Michael Crichton: Coma. Made into a SCARY film with Genevieve Bujold!

tiffini · 21/04/2005 18:50

Dean Koontz, is a great author, i enjoy all of his books.

Dophus · 21/04/2005 18:49

Lonelymum

to comment would give away the plots!

Marina · 21/04/2005 18:45

MR James, Ghost Stories of an Antiquary
Robertson Davies, High Spirits

Lonelymum · 21/04/2005 18:44

My mind must be going to mush: is there anything spooky in Women in White or Rebecca? I have read both within the last 5 years and can't remember anything spooky in them.

Haven't read Susuan Hill in years. Has she written anything recently worth reading?

Miaou · 21/04/2005 18:40

I think a lot of Susan Hill books are spooky (not just in the ghosty sense either). I would recommend "I'm the King of the Castle" and "Gentlemen and Ladies" - my two Susan Hill favourites.

Wilkie Collins "The Moonstone" and "Woman in White" are really good too.

Not seen The Others - is that a supernatural type film/book too? Think dh has read it. If so, what about Stephen King? The Shining, Carrie, etc, all rocking good reads.

Dophus · 21/04/2005 18:32

Rebecca - Daphne du Marier

Have you tied Wilkie Collins?

Dracula

It seems to me that modern authors aren't writing spooky books. I shall watch this thread with interest.

FairyMum · 21/04/2005 17:56

ooooo....for me too. I have been looking for really spooky book for ages. Love "woman in black" too!! Doesn'r Susan Hill write spooky books?