14 beginner horror reads from least to most scary

Are you seeking the chill of a suspenseful story in the lead-up to Halloween? If you’re curious about the horror genre but nervous to dip your toes in, you might be wondering where to start. 

The idea of horror can be intimidating—full of nightmarish creatures and gory details. But not all horror stories are designed to keep you up at night. There are plenty of not-too-scary stories that create just the right balance of suspense, atmosphere and even humour without veering into outright terror. 

In this list, we’ve carefully selected titles that range from whimsical mysteries to unsettling supernatural tales, all ordered from least to most scary based on overall intensity, themes and tone. 

We begin with gently eerie books that feel like stepping into a shadowy corner, moving gradually into more intense reads that flirt with fear but never cross into full-blown horror. By the end, you’ll have a taste of the genre’s darker side, should you choose to venture further. 

Nervous? Start small

Starting small is a safe way to test the waters. The first 7 books feature light suspense, whimsy, and intriguing mysteries without the intense graphic elements often found in adult horror. 

If you’re ready for something more sinister, jump ahead to book 8!

1. "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin

Summary: Sixteen heirs are summoned to solve the mystery of millionaire Samuel W. Westing’s death and win his fortune. The eccentric characters and puzzling clues create an engaging mystery that’s more quirky than scary.

Themes: puzzle-solving, family dynamics, friendship

Trigger warnings: mild suspense, themes of loss

2. "The House with a Clock in Its Walls" by John Bellairs

Summary: Orphaned Lewis moves in with his mysterious uncle and discovers a world of magic and secrets. When he accidentally awakens an evil force, Lewis must find the courage to stop it before time runs out—literally.

Themes: magic, courage, friendship

Trigger warnings: mild supernatural elements, themes of family loss

3. "The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making" by Catherynne M. Valente

Summary: September’s journey to Fairyland is filled with whimsical creatures and dark challenges. Along the way, she learns about bravery, sacrifice, and the cost of her decisions in a world that’s not as innocent as it seems.

Themes: adventure, coming-of-age, fairytale elements

Trigger warnings: some dark and surreal imagery

4. "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman

Summary: A young boy named Bod is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. Each chapter features a new supernatural encounter, balancing creepiness with heartwarming themes of family and growth.

Themes: family, coming-of-age, courage

Trigger warnings: violence (brief scenes), death

5. "Small Spaces" by Katherine Arden

Summary: After reading a strange book, Ollie and her friends find themselves on a haunted farm, trapped in a ghostly world where scarecrows seem to move on their own. They must uncover the truth to escape before they’re lost forever.

Themes: friendship, bravery, overcoming fear

Trigger warnings: mild peril, supernatural themes

6. "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" by Alvin Schwartz

Summary: This collection of folklore-inspired tales is full of spooky stories ranging from mildly creepy to unsettling, with accompanying illustrations that add to the eerie atmosphere. Perfect for sampling horror in bite-sized pieces.

Themes: folklore, fear, suspense

Trigger warnings: mild scares, disturbing imagery (in illustrations)

7. "The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls" by Claire Legrand

Summary: Victoria realizes that children are disappearing from her town, and Mrs Cavendish’s orphanage is at the centre of it all. She sets out to uncover the dark secrets lurking there, where nothing is as it seems.

Themes: courage, friendship, secrets

Trigger warnings: psychological suspense, disturbing themes (missing children)

Mature teens/adult books

For those ready to dive deeper into the genre, the following selections contain more mature themes and a higher level of suspense. These stories explore darker aspects of human nature, relationships, and the supernatural, offering a thrilling experience that’s perfect for older teens and adult readers.

8. "A House at the Bottom of a Lake" by Josh Malerman

Summary: James and Amelia discover a submerged house at the bottom of a lake. What starts as a curious exploration becomes increasingly unsettling as the house’s eerie presence begins to affect them.

Themes: obsession, surrealism, relationships

Trigger warnings: mild psychological horror, claustrophobia

9. "Our Wives Under the Sea" by Julia Armfield

Summary: Miri’s wife returns changed after a deep-sea mission. The story delicately blends science fiction, horror, and grief as Miri tries to understand what happened beneath the ocean.

Themes: grief, transformation, relationships

Trigger warnings: themes of loss, body horror (mild)

10. "Comfort Me with Apples" by Catherynne M. Valente

Summary: Sophia’s idyllic life begins to unravel as she discovers dark secrets about herself and her husband. This unsettling tale is a masterful mix of suspense and dread with a surprising twist.

Themes: identity, marriage, control

Trigger warnings: emotional manipulation, unsettling themes

11. "Ring Shout" by P. Djèlí Clark

Summary: In 1920s Georgia, Maryse Boudreaux hunts Ku Klux Klan members who have transformed into demonic creatures called Ku Kluxes. With the help of her diverse allies, she battles these monsters and the hate they represent in a chilling supernatural take on American history.

Themes: historical horror, racism, good vs. evil

Trigger warnings: racism, violence, hate speech, body horror, supernatural elements

12. "The House Across the Lake" by Riley Sager

Summary: A thriller with a supernatural twist, the story follows a woman spying on her neighbours across the lake. What starts as a curious observation turns into a tense unravelling of dark secrets.

Themes: suspense, voyeurism, deception

Trigger warnings: violence, alcohol abuse, mild supernatural elements

13. "My Best Friend’s Exorcism" by Grady Hendrix

Summary: Abby and Gretchen’s friendship is tested when Gretchen becomes possessed by a demon. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, this story is both horrifying and nostalgic, with moments of humour balancing the dark themes. 

This book is ‘on order’ at Auckland Libraries, which means you can request it before it arrives on the shelf. 

Themes: friendship, good vs. evil, mental health

Trigger warnings: possession, mild violence, substance use

14. "The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires" by Grady Hendrix

Summary: A group of housewives in the 1990s discovers that a charming new neighbour is not who he seems. As people begin disappearing, they confront the truth: he’s a vampire feeding off their community.

Themes: family, community, evil hiding in plain sight

Trigger warnings: violence, themes of abuse, graphic scenes (some disturbing content)

Ready to explore more spooky stories? Our libraries offer a wide selection of horror and mystery books for every reader, whether you're looking for a gentle fright or a spine-tingling thrill. Don’t have a library card? It’s super easy, and it’s free! Just sign up online for instant access to e-resources. Find your nearest library to pick up your card or to sign up in person.

Happy reading, and welcome to the world of horror—one spine-tingling book at a time!