Horror novel recommendations

Emily Baumann | Editor-in-Chief Olivia Eldredge | Copy Editor It’s that time again when autumn rolls around and the air begins to turn bone-chillingly cold. Spirited with fear-inspiring festivities, Halloween is the perfect holiday to enjoy your heart out with all things horror. With this in mind, The VanCougar’s staff have decided to share their favorite horror novels to make the most out of this year’s spookiest season.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818) Mary Shelley is a master of gothic horror. In “Frankenstein”, she offers a cautionary tale about manipulating the extents of science and life itself. Contrary to popular belief, Victor Frankenstein isn’t a giant, looming green monster with bolts stuck in his head, nor is he an actual doctor. Rather, he is a young scientist who irresponsibly gives life to a creature of assembled human parts. The novel questions the principles of existence, what life means and how creation can be detrimental when held in the wrong hands.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939) Arguably one of the best murder mysteries of all time, “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie is a quick paced thriller that keeps you guessing every time you turn a page. The plot involves 10 strangers who are invited to an isolated island by an anonymous “U.N. Owen.” They are each accused of having a guilty secret, which results in one of them being dead by the end of the evening. With no help in sight, the guests are forced to find the murderer who is still on the island, a person hidden in plain sight among them.

The Institute by Stephen King (2019) Having a similar ambiance to King’s “It” novel, “The Institute” narrates the story of Luke Ellis, a 10-year-old boy who is kidnapped and brought to the Institute, a government establishment meant to subject children and use them for their telekinetic abilities. King’s novel brings a stellar atmosphere of enriching characters, a grim setting filled with eerie secrets and as quoted in the synopsis “a gut-wrenchingly dramatic story of good versus evil in a world where the good guys don’t always win.”

Curling up with a good book is the best way to enjoy October festivities. So, grab yourself a warm blanket, light a pumpkin scented candle and immerse yourself in the world of horror.