Best Horror Anthology Books- Tales of Terror You Need to Read

best horror anthology books

These 13 Best Horror Anthology Books collections offer a buffet of terror, where each story delivers its own distinct flavor of fear, from the subtle and creeping dread to the all-out horrifying.

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Hello, demons and succubi! Welcome to my little cozy corner of the web, Booked and Bewitched, where we chat about all things cozy, horror, halloween, books and mystery related!

This week we are talking about all the Best Horror Anthology Books to read this spooky fall!

When it comes to horror, there’s something uniquely captivating about anthologies. Whether you’re a fan of supernatural scares, psychological horror, or chilling tales rooted in folklore, anthologies provide a diverse array of stories that can be devoured in one sitting or savored slowly.

So without further ado, let’s get into these Best Horror Anthology Books!  And if you need more horror-themed entertainment choices. Go check out-

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Best Horror Anthology Books

1. Frightening Fiction

best horror anthology books

Book 1 of the ‘N’ Things Anthologies is the perfect companion for a chilling Halloween night. This inaugural collection, set to be released every Halloween, delves into the darkest corners of horror and the supernatural, with stories that explore themes of corpses, ghosts, madness, murder, and more.

 

Why You Should Read It

If you’re a lover of horror and the supernatural, Book 1 of the ‘N’ Things Anthologies is a must-read. This anthology not only offers a variety of terrifying tales but also introduces you to voices from different parts of the world, providing a unique blend of cultural perspectives on fear.

by Various Authors (Author), Mark John Green (Author), Jason Lee Green (Author), 4 more

 

amazon must haves

We present the first which covers such delightful topics as corpses, ghosts, madness, murder, and many other things. Stories submitted come from a mix of American, Scottish, and English authors, amateur and professional alike, ideal for fans of horror and the supernatural, don’t hesitate, buy today, and curl up on a scary night with a good book. 

 

2. Terrifying Tales

horror anthology books

First Off- I greatly appreciate the opportunity to dive into these terrifying worlds before the official release. If you’re a fan of horror, you’re in for a treat with this one. Thank you again, ladies for sharing your extraordinary work with me.

This collection is truly a masterpiece, filled with chilling tales that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The way each story delves into the depths of fear and explores the darker side of human nature is both haunting and captivating.

Why You Should Read It

This anthology is a must-read for anyone who appreciates horror with depth and meaning. It stands out because it’s not just about scares—it’s about the strength of women and the unique ways women navigate and overcome adversity.

by Carol Gyzander (Editor), Anna Taborska (Editor), Lee Murray (Contributor), 2 more 

amazon must haves

Horror stories about women, written by women. This anthology focuses on the strength of women faced with adversity. It explores many ways in which societal structures and personal action – including mistreatment of the environment and other people, particularly women – can reach a tipping point, creating unexpected changes, empowering women around the world.

 

 

3. Scary Stories Galore

classic horror anthology books

Through the lens of horror, these stories reveal the intersection of fear, identity, and systemic oppression, offering a powerful commentary on the societal horrors faced by Black individuals. Peele’s curation ensures that each story resonates with his signature style of blending horror with profound social commentary.

 

Why You Should Read It

This anthology is essential reading for anyone who appreciates horror that challenges the status quo and pushes the boundaries of the genre. Curated by Jordan Peele, a master of socially conscious horror, the collection offers a unique perspective on the intersection of race, horror, and social justice.

by Jordan Peele (Editor, Introduction), John Joseph Adams (Editor), 4 more 

 

 

amazon must haves

Jordan Peele’s anthology of all-new horror stories by Black writers. Featuring an introduction by Peele and an all-star roster of beloved writers and new voices, Out There Screaming is a master class in horror, and—like his spine-chilling films—its stories prey on everything we think we know about our world . . . and redefine what it means to be afraid.

 

 

4. Nightmare Fuel

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Other Terrors is a groundbreaking horror anthology  delves into the terrifying concept of “the other”—those who are perceived as different, whether due to culture, race, sexual orientation, belief systems, or any other distinguishing factor that sets them apart from the dominant community.

 

Why You Should Read It

Other Fears is a must-read for horror fans who are looking for stories that not only scare but also provoke thought and challenge perceptions. This anthology stands out because it amplifies the voices of authors from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, providing fresh perspectives on the horror genre. The stories within confront the fear of the “other” head-on, revealing the irrationality and danger of such fears while also exploring the rich and complex lives of those who are considered different.

by Vince A. Liaguno (Author, Editor), Rena Mason (Author, Editor) 

amazon must haves

Offering original new stories from some of the biggest names in horror as well as some of the hottest up-and-coming talents, Other Fears will provide the ultimate reading experience for horror fans who want to celebrate fear of “the other.” Be they of a different culture, a different background, a different sexual preference, a different belief system, or a different skin color, some people simply aren’t part of the dominant community—and are perceived as scary. Humans are almost instinctively inclined to fear what’s different, as foolish as that may be, and there are a multitude of individuals who have spent far too long on the outside looking in. And the thing about the outside is . . . it’s much larger than you think.

5. Ultimate Horror Anthologies

used horror anthology books

World’s Scariest Legends: Volume 1 is the next must-read for your horror collection. This omnibus edition brings together the first two books in the bestselling World’s Scariest Legends series, offering a double dose of heart-pounding horror.

 

Why You Should Read It

 If you enjoy stories that keep you up at night and make you question what lurks in the shadows, then this omnibus edition is a must-read. Join the millions of readers who have already been captivated by this series and immerse yourself in the chilling world of World’s Scariest Legends.

by Jeremy Bates (Author) 

 

 

 

amazon must haves

Are you a fan of Stephen King and Dean Koontz? If you’re looking for something fresh and new, join the millions of readers who have already delved into the heart-pounding World’s Scariest Legends.

This omnibus edition includes books one and two in the bestselling World’s Scariest Legends series

 

6. Haunting Reads

mystery horror anthology books

Damnable Tales is a chilling anthology that brings together a collection of dark and twisted stories inspired by traditional folklore, eerie legends, and the macabre imagination of some of the most talented writers in the horror genre.

 

Why You Should Read It

Whether you’re a fan of gothic horror, folklore, or psychological terror, this collection offers something for everyone. The stories in Damnable Tales will leave you questioning the nature of fear and the darkness that resides within us all, making it an essential addition to your horror bookshelf.

by Richard Wells (Editor), Sheridan Le Fanu (Contributor), Edith Nesbit (Contributor), 20 more

 

 

amazon must haves

These twenty-two stories take the reader into the isolated and untamed wilderness of unholy rights, witches’ curses, sinister village traditions and ancient horrors―with beautiful illustrations They stalk the moors at night, the deep forests, cornered fields and dusky churchyards, the narrow lanes and old ways of these ancient places, drawing upon the haunted landscapes of folk-horror… 

 

 

7. Dark and Disturbing

girl horror anthology books

Horror Tales of Japan is a spine-chilling anthology that immerses readers in the unique and terrifying world of Japanese horror. This collection brings together traditional ghost stories, modern supernatural tales, and eerie legends that have been passed down through generations.

 

Why You Should Read It

 Japanese horror is renowned for its subtlety, psychological depth, and ability to evoke fear through atmosphere and suggestion rather than outright gore. This anthology offers a deep dive into the rich tradition of Japanese horror, showcasing the stories that have both terrified and fascinated audiences for centuries.

by Kyota Ko (Author)

 

 

 

amazon must haves

The chilling consequences of greed, supernatural, wrath, and innocent mistakes… horror tales and yokai stories have been passed down orally to warn the Japanese people against overstepping their bounds in the realms of morality and the divine. Journey through the most powerful narratives that have captivated the Japanese people and shaped their worldview, each story enriched with cultural and historical insights by storyteller Kyota Ko.

 

8. Top Horror Anthologies

adult horror anthology books

Collective Darkness delves into the many facets of darkness, whether it be the literal absence of light, the figurative shadows in the human soul, or the unseen forces that lurk just beyond our understanding.

Why You Should Read It

 The anthology offers a wide spectrum of horror, ensuring that there’s something for every type of horror fan—whether you’re into subtle psychological scares or more visceral, blood-curdling tales.

by Elizabeth Suggs (Author), Jonathan Reddoch (Author)

 

 

 

 

 

amazon must haves

After reading some of the scariest stories from new up-and-coming authors, we won’t blame you if you start hiding again. Take a journey with us into the twisted mind of horror and Editing Mee’s first horror story collection.

 

 

9. Unforgettable Horror Anthologies

fiction horror anthology books

October Screams is a spine-tingling horror anthology that celebrates the most frightening month of the year with a collection of terrifying tales designed to keep you awake at night.

 

 

Why You Should Read It

 If you’re looking to get into the Halloween mood or simply enjoy a good scare, October Screams is a must-read that promises to haunt your thoughts long after the last page is turned.

by Kevin Kangas (Author), Brian Keene (Author), Richard Chizmar (Author), 7 more 

 

 

amazon must haves

A Halloween anthology of ALL-NEW stories from some of the best horror writers today!

 

 

10. Scare Yourself Silly

online horror anthology books

Christmas and Other Horrors is a dark and twisted anthology that takes the cheer of the holiday season and turns it on its head, offering readers a collection of horror stories that explore the sinister side of Christmas and other traditionally joyous occasions.

 

Why You Should Read It

Whether you’re looking to add some darkness to your holiday reading or simply enjoy horror with a seasonal twist, Christmas and Other Horrors delivers an unsettling blend of festive fear that will leave you thinking twice about the cheer and warmth of the holidays.

by Nadia Bulkin (Author), Terry Dowling (Author), Tananarive Due (Author), 12 more 

 

 

amazon must haves

The winter solstice is celebrated as a time of joy around the world—yet the long nights also conjure a darker tradition of ghouls, hauntings, and visitations. This anthology of all-new stories invites you to huddle around the fire and revel in the unholy, the dangerous, the horrific aspects of a time when families and friends come
together—for better and for worse.

 

11. Spine-Tingling Stories

hardcover horror anthology books

Found is a chilling anthology that delves into the eerie and unsettling world of found footage horror. This collection brings together a series of short stories that explore the terrifying implications of discovering something that was never meant to be seen.

 

Why You Should Read It

Whether you’re a longtime fan of found footage horror or new to the genre, Found will pull you into a world where the line between observer and participant blurs, delivering scares that feel all too real.

by Andrew Cull (Author), Alan Baxter (Author), Georgia Cook (Author), 7 more 

 

 

 

amazon must haves

Featuring stories by: Bev Vincent, Ali Seay, Holly Rae Garcia, Clay McLeod Chapman, Nick Kolakowski, Ally Wilkes, Alan Baxter, Tim McGregor, Jeremy Hepler, Angela Sylvaine, Josh Rountree, Donna Lynch, Kurt Fawver, Robert Levy, Joe Butler, Fred Fischer, Georgia Cook, and Aristo Couvaras. An anthology edited by Andrew Cull and Gabino Iglesias.

 

 

12. Chilling Read

paperback horror anthology books

All These Sunken Souls anthology delves into the fears, traumas, and challenges faced by Black individuals, using the horror genre to address themes of systemic oppression, racial injustice, and the haunting legacy of history.

Why You Should Read It

 All These Sunken Souls provides readers with fresh and diverse narratives that challenge the traditional boundaries of horror. If you’re looking for a horror anthology that is both terrifying and socially relevant, this collection is an essential addition to your bookshelf.

by Circe Moskowitz (Editor), Kalynn Bayron (Author), Ashia Monet (Author), 7 more

 

 

 

amazon must haves

We are all familiar with tropes of the horror genre: slasher and victims, demon and the possessed. Bloody screams, haunted visions, and the peddler of wares we aren’t sure we can trust. 

 

 

13. Tales of Terror

horror anthology series

Bloody Hell: An Anthology of UK Indie Horror is a gritty and terrifying collection that showcases the best of independent horror from the United Kingdom. Each story captures the essence of UK horror, blending the chilling atmosphere of the British landscape with the raw, unfiltered creativity of the indie horror community.

 

Why You Should Read It

Whether you’re a fan of traditional gothic horror or more contemporary, experimental tales, Bloody Hell has something to satisfy your darkest cravings. The anthology’s diverse range of stories ensures that there’s a scare for everyone, making it an essential addition to the library of any horror enthusiast who values originality and raw, intense storytelling.

by Sarah Jules (Author), Rachael Rose (Illustrator) 

 

amazon must haves

The United Kingdom is known for its breath-taking beauty, but even the most idyllic of places can harbour dark secrets. Experience twenty-seven brand new horror stories from British indie authors, each set in a unique location throughout the British Isles. Grab a cup of tea, a scone, and remember… they’re only stories.

 

This post was all about the 13 Best Horror Anthology Books you must read this fall season!

 Now, go on, go read something!

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90s Kid Turned Goblin, Wife, Writer, Blogger & Mom

If you’re new here, Hi! My name is NG Terrors and you’ve wandered into my strange little goblin mode space. Here I chat about horror, gothic, generally strange, and mystery stuff I love, like, or loathe. So if that sounds like you, look around and stay for a bit. Pop an anxiety pill, yell at the kids and or animals to settle down, and relax with the rest of us neurodivergent people for a while. Oh and if you’re here just to be a negative Nancy please go away, we don’t have time for that round here.

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