Buzz
Stephen King, often referred to as the 'King of Horror' (a clever play on his name), is undeniably a legend in the literary world. Since his debut novel, Carrie, hit the shelves in 1974, this master of terror has penned over 60 novels, including iconic titles like Cujo, It, Misery, and Pet Semetary. His unparalleled storytelling has cemented his status as one of the greatest authors of all time. From sinister clowns to rabid dogs and undead children, King has given horror enthusiasts everything they crave. As a devoted fan, I hope he continues to write for decades, but at 75, we must face the reality that his time is finite. Or is it?
Who could possibly step into the shoes of this literary genius and keep us awake at night? I’ve curated a list of ten exceptional authors who are making waves in the horror genre. Which of these talented writers will rise to claim the throne of horror?
10. Stephen Graham Jones
If you enjoy being terrified and having your limits tested, this author is a must-read. Stephen Graham Jones has crafted gripping tales such as Mongrels, Night of the Mannequins, The Only Good Indians, Attack of the 50-Foot Indian, and My Heart Is a Chainsaw. His intriguing titles alone are enough to captivate any reader. His unique narrative style leaves both aspiring writers in awe and readers craving more chilling stories. A Blackfoot Native American from Texas, Jones is incredibly prolific, having published twenty-two novels before turning 50. His latest work, The Babysitter Lives, is now available. Don’t miss out on his brilliant storytelling!
Still skeptical? Consider the words of the master himself about Jones’s latest work: “I thoroughly enjoyed The Babysitter Lives. It’s an ideal audiobook, as truly terrifying tales should be, and this one delivers spine-chilling scares. Perfect for a lengthy drive… especially when you’re running low on fuel and begin to imagine someone lurking in the backseat, ready to appear in the rearview mirror.”
9. Joe Hill
The literary world is no stranger to second-generation authors: like father, like son, or the apple not falling far from the tree. Our next contender for the title of 'King of Horror' might already have a claim to the throne, given that his father is the legendary Stephen King. However, Hill (born Joe Hillstrom King) chose to forge his own path by writing under a pseudonym, successfully avoiding the shadow of his famous father for a decade.
Joe Hill, the second son of Stephen and Tabatha King, has undoubtedly inherited his father’s storytelling prowess. As a New York Times Bestselling author, Hill has captivated readers with works like Horns, 20th Century Ghosts, and The Fireman. His accolades include the Bram Stoker Award, and his novels NOS4A2 and Locke & Key have been adapted into series by AMC and Netflix, respectively.
8. Grady Hendrix
Grady Hendrix, a self-declared Stephen King enthusiast and New York Times bestselling author, boasts of having read every single one of King’s works at least once—an impressive accomplishment. His breakthrough novel, Horrorstör, earned him a dedicated following among horror fans worldwide.
It won’t be long before his books The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires and The Final Girl Support Group make their way to your TV screens. Love them or hate them, Hendrix certainly has a flair for lengthy titles. His upcoming release, How to Sell a Haunted House, is set to hit shelves on January 17, 2023. This new novel delves into how your past—and your family—can haunt you in ways nothing else can. Chilling, isn’t it?
7. Tananarive Due
Tananarive Due, an American Book Award winner for her novel The Living Blood, made her mark in the horror genre during the ’90s with her African Immortals series, beginning with My Soul to Keep and concluding with My Soul to Take. She was prominently featured in the 2019 Shudder documentary Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror. At UCLA, she teaches a course on Black horror, highlighting Jordan Peele’s Get Out. Alongside her husband, she co-wrote “A Small Town,” an episode for Peele’s The Twilight Zone. With two Bram Stoker Award nominations under her belt, Due continues to impress, and I’m eager to see what she creates next.
6. Neil Gaiman
This renowned British author introduced the eerie character Coraline into the nightmares of children worldwide. His celebrated work, The Graveyard Book—which made him the first author to win both the Newbery and Carnegie medals—was inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. His comic series The Sandman is currently a hit on Netflix. Known for his exceptional and versatile writing, fans eagerly anticipate his next masterpiece. Additionally, many of his works, including Coraline, Good Omens, American Gods, Stardust, and The Sandman, have been adapted by Hollywood. He even lent his voice to Snowball in The Simpsons episode “Treehouse of Horror XXVII.”
On a different note, I’d like to invite you to join this year’s ALL HALLOWS READ initiative. Watch this public service announcement by Neil Gaiman himself, as he encourages readers to gift a spooky book to someone this Halloween. For a fun and detailed explanation of All Hallows Read, visit www.allhallowsread.com.
5. Alma Katsu
What could be more terrifying than the Donner Party? Add a touch of malevolence, and Alma Katsu’s The Hunger will leave you haunted for weeks. This Alaskan-born Asian-American author has crafted a growing library of chilling stories, including the Faustian Taker Trilogy, The Deep, and Red Widow. She has been a finalist for both the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Novel and the Locus Award for Best Horror Novel. Her latest novel, The Fervor, promises to deliver spine-tingling terror. Yikes!
4. Joyce Carol Oates
A true literary legend, Joyce Carol Oates published her debut novel even before Stephen King and has carved out a unique niche in the literary world. As prolific as the Master of Horror himself, Oates has authored 58 novels, hundreds of short stories, and countless poems. A recipient of the Bram Stoker Award and numerous other accolades, she has also been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction five times. Her work continues to appear in prestigious publications like Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and The New Yorker. Among her many acclaimed works are Zombie and We Were the Mulvaneys. Her latest novel, Babysitter, released in October 2022, is already generating buzz and is definitely on my must-read list.
3. Josh Malerman
Last but certainly not least, Josh Malerman, a New York Times bestselling author, skyrocketed to fame after the adaptation of his novel became a cultural phenomenon. Netflix’s Bird Box broke records in 2018, amassing over 45 million viewers and spawning countless memes. His chilling novels, including Goblin, Bird Box, and Malorie, have left readers on edge. His latest release, Daphne, hit shelves in September 2022, offering a fresh take on the slasher genre with its tale of a mysterious woman haunting a high school basketball team. Be warned—this one will send shivers down your spine!
2. Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Silvia Moreno-Garcia burst onto the literary scene during the pandemic, giving readers even more reasons to stay up at night. Born in Mexico, she earned a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List with her Bram Stoker-nominated novel Mexican Gothic. Her other works, such as Velvet Was the Night and Gods of Jade and Shadow, have also garnered critical acclaim. Readers and critics alike have been captivated by her storytelling. Her latest novel, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, reimagines The Island of Doctor Moreau against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico, making it a must-add to your reading list. It sounds absolutely captivating.
1. Chuck Palahniuk
Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, this author has left an indelible mark on me with his gripping narratives. Honestly, his books have kept me awake through many sleepless nights. Chuck Palahniuk, a cult favorite, has consistently kept readers on the edge of their seats for years. His breakthrough novel, Fight Club (which was adapted into a film directed by David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter), catapulted him to literary fame. However, his diverse horror novels have left a lasting impression on readers’ minds. Known for his unpredictable twists, Palahniuk takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride like no other.
Innovative, daring, and deeply thought-provoking, his works are destined to be remembered as literary masterpieces. Titles like Adjustment Day, Lullaby, Haunted, Damned, and Invisible Monsters are just a few examples of his unsettling novels. Beyond his novels, he has penned some of the most terrifying short stories of our time, including “Guts,” “Cannibal,” “Zombie,” and “Phoenix.” Palahniuk claims that “Guts” has caused more readers to faint than any other short story in history. There’s no doubt this man has a strong case for the horror throne.
