What is the most chilling book you've ever read?

[Beatgrrl]

At this time of year, I really love to snuggle up under a blanket, get all comfy and absolutely terrify myself with a great book and I could really use some recommendations. Which books have been absolutely bone-chillingly terrifying for you? Which have been the books that have left you too afraid to turn the lights out; too afraid to move? Which books have made you feel too scared to turn the page?

On the beach by Nevil Shute. That's strikingly sad at the moment given what is happening in Australia, though the cause is different.

Dark Matter - it’s the setting the isolation the narrator feels it’s very atmospheric and the audio is great too. Had to sleep with the lamp on

Non fiction - Killing for Company it’s about Dennis Nilsen at times you feel desperately sad for him it’s an excellent book and The Stranger Beside Me about Ted Bundy his crimes and that he appeared like such a nice, smart likeable man is absolutely chilling.

American psycho. I was so disgusted after reading it I threw it in the bin.

Another vote for Mo Hayder. I recently read one of hers called Tokyo. It had had poor reviews but I really enjoyed it and found it dark and unsettling. It’s definitely stayed with me.

We to talk about Kevin is superb.

Tried to read American Psycho while I was pregnant but couldn’t finish it as it was majorly freaking me out. Hormones probably didn’t help but I found it truly upsetting and disturbing.

I can’t read very chilling stuff or I get very bad nightmares… I remember reading something by Wilbur Smith when I was about 20, and a guy was murdered in the sauna or something… And I had nightmares about it for a long time after. Sorry, I can’t remember the name.

American Psycho. It's cruelty and delraviry gave my nightmares. I had to physically remove it from my bedroom and then threw it out.

I read A child called it when I was about 20 long before I had my own children and it really got to me. I've never forgotten that book.

The Little Stranger really unnerved me, particularly the ending, and made me go straight back to the beginning of the book.
I love Slade House too, though didn't find it too unsettling, just very gripping and well written.

Just read naomi's room. Started off really well but just nasty at the end.

Katharinblum I agree . Was initially enjoying Naomi’s room, but by the end I thought it was horrible.

I haven't read he thread yet so thus may have been mentioned by what comes to mind is The Mother's Tale by Camilla Noli. I sometimes reread books but will never read this one again.

The Shining. So scary I still haven't been able to finish it.

Place marking to go through these properly later!

My contribution - think it might be called 'No Way Down' by Graham Bowley. About the climb and descent of K2. Quite haunting as it's realistic!

Forgot to add - 'The Fall of the House of Usher' by Poe. Vivid descriptions!

I was trying to remember this one. Absolutely chilling.

Nobody beats M. R. James. I recently re-watched the TV adaptations of his stuff from the 1970s. They're almost as good as the books.

The Age of Miracles by Katherine Thompson Walker.
chosen from the library at random.
it’s about the gradual slowing down of the revolution of the earth, subsequent lengthening of days and the profound effect on life on earth and attempts to cope with it.
I still think about it. Partly because it felt like something that could actually happen and be quietly catastrophic, ending life on earth.

Yes, definitely. Images from those stories never leave you! And yes, the tv adaptations were so true to the stories. Especially "Lost Hearts "!

Meant M R James, of course!

Ghost Story by Peter Straub. Nothing like the stupid film they made of it, it was long, complex and terrifying.

The whistling, by Rebecca Netley. Superb, gothic and creepy but not gory.I could really feel the place . Going to read it again this autumn with hot chocolate and log fire.

Secret Hunters - Fiennes - set in WWII

• not chilling in gothic or evil way, but the book haunts me because it shows how ordernary Germans were powerless to do anything to help people in trouble. They literally had to watch those going to the camps and coukdn’t do anything to intervene. ‘Boy in striped pyjamas’ also gave me a similar feeling.

Heart shaped box by Joe Hill is hands down the scariest ghost story i have ever read.
Dark Matter & Thin Air by Michelle Paver are great but quite similar to each other. Dark Matter is the better of the two

It's been made into a film,looking forward to watching