7 Must-Read Historical Horror Novels, Curated by Author Alma Katsu

Alma Katsu's influence on historical horror fiction is undeniable, as she blends supernatural elements with grim historical events. In her 2018 book The Hunger, the ill-fated Donner Party faces not only the brutal weather and scarcity of food but also a malevolent force. Her 2020 novel The Deep ties the infamous sinkings of the Titanic and Britannic together through a haunting tale.

Katsu’s latest novel, The Fervor, set for release on April 26, 2022, delves into the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, presenting a chilling supernatural twist. Amid rising anti-Asian sentiments, a woman and her daughter face an epidemic of mystical origins. While Katsu has reimagined history before, she tells Mytour that The Fervor marks a departure in her approach.

In Katsu's words: “The Hunger was very close to the history... Apart from the horror aspects, I stuck closely to everything I could learn about the characters, locations, and timelines.” She adds, “With The Deep, I realized that there were so many people dedicated to studying the Titanic, and I couldn’t please everyone. I felt uneasy taking liberties with real people’s lives.”

For The Fervor, Katsu allowed herself creative freedom by making the characters in the internment camp entirely fictional. However, other aspects, like the Idaho camp setting, are rooted in reality.

Katsu explains, “The events that unfold in the camps, and the emotions of the internees, are deeply inspired by stories I’ve heard from people who experienced the camps, documentaries I’ve watched, and things I’ve read.”

Katsu’s connection to the Japanese-American experience dates back long before she started her book research. Her mother immigrated to the U.S. from Japan after the war, and her husband’s family was interned. Additionally, as a former senior U.S. intelligence analyst, Katsu witnessed how governments exploit the demonization of 'the other' for political purposes. These themes have been central to her work from the outset and remain pertinent today.

Katsu explains, “When [The Fervor] was conceived, there was a surge of anti-Asian hatred—something that persists today—spreading across the nation. It was all tied to political manipulation. People don’t often consider the historical aspects of current events. We’ve seen this before, and I hope that by continuously bringing it to light, people will realize this isn’t new. It’s a recurring pattern, and we must break it.”

According to Katsu, this is the unique strength of historical fiction. Beyond simply shedding light on overlooked moments in American history, she aims to make a direct connection between past events and present-day issues.

Katsu shares, “They say that art is a reflection of life, right? It helps us grasp the truth. Like a great professor who ties everything together to show the bigger picture, I believe fiction can do that too, making it resonate with you.”

Fiction has the power to make you hesitant to turn off the lights at night—just as the historical horror novels Katsu recommends do. The Fervor openly merges these two genres, while other books subtly blend horror and history. “There are probably more books that combine historical settings with horror than most people realize,” she says.

In anticipation of her new supernatural take on historical events, here are Alma Katsu’s favorite books that craft a spooky story from the past.

These entries have been revised for clarity.

1. The Terror // Dan Simmons

Katsu recalls, “I first learned about it while working on The Hunger, and I intentionally set it aside, not reading it until after The Hunger was complete. I was utterly stunned and thought, ‘Oh my God, what a feeble attempt I’ve made!’ because that book was just magnificent. Then I watched the TV series on AMC, and they did an incredible job. To me, it’s the perfect book, setting a high standard with its brilliant writing and exceptional literary sensibilities.”

2. The Winter People // Jennifer McMahon

Katsu describes, “This novel has a dual timeline. The historical portion is set in 1908, but the narrative unfolds largely in the present day. It tells the story of a family whose lives are shaped by past events. The book has been widely praised and has earned considerable acclaim, so I definitely recommend it, especially for its unique dual timeline structure.”

3. Perfume // Patrick Süskind

Katsu explains, “Perfume isn’t horror in the traditional sense, with supernatural creatures or bloodthirsty psychopaths (though there is indeed a bloodthirsty psychopath). Set in 18th-century France, the novel follows a man with an extraordinary sense of smell, making him a celebrity of the time. However, he also possesses a pathological mindset, and the book explores the blending of genius and monstrosity. The central question is whether brilliance transforms a person into a monster, or if they were one to begin with. It’s a fantastic read for those interested in the subtle intersection of history and horror.”

4. As Meat Loves Salt // Maria McCann

Katsu notes, “I believe As Meat Loves Salt was released around the same time as Perfume, or perhaps a few years later, but it explores a similar theme. Set in 17th-century England amidst the civil war, the protagonist is teetering on the edge of madness for several reasons. It’s a similar question: Did the circumstances shape the monster, or was he always a psychopath, waiting for an opportunity to cause harm? It reveals the horror that can exist right beside you without you even realizing it.”

5. The Little Stranger // Sarah Waters

Katsu shares, “This next book is my favorite horror story, and for the same reason: it’s literary at its core, with a ghost story woven in. It’s an excellent ghost tale, and its mystery remains unsolved until the very end, when everything finally falls into place. The author really makes you rethink what you understand a ghost to be. The fascinating part is that, until years later, I didn’t know that the book was originally conceived solely as historical fiction. There was no ghost element at first. It was only during the rewriting process that the ghost aspect found its way into the story. This book serves as a brilliant example of how literary horror can truly work.”

6. Between Two Fires // Christopher Buehlman

Katsu comments, “The next book I haven’t read yet, but it’s by a friend of mine: Christopher Buehlman. I’ve heard so many great things about it, and I absolutely need to read it. It’s Between Two Fires, set during the Black Death. The protagonist, a knight, finds himself torn between good and evil, as well as between God and the devil. The praise I’ve heard makes me believe it’s a fantastic addition to historical horror. Anything by Christopher Buehlman is truly remarkable.”

7. Unbury Carol // Josh Malerman

Katsu expresses, “I have so much admiration for Josh and his work. He’s such a talented artist. This one is fascinating because, while it’s set in a Western town and could be seen as historical, it’s actually a completely stylized narrative. Josh himself described it as a twisted version of the Sleeping Beauty fairytale. The story follows a woman who can’t die, set in the West. So, although it feels like a historical tale, it’s actually one built on fictional history.”