This year's horror novels have something for everyone, from the spine-chilling tales of haunted houses to horrifying body horror and thought-provoking political allegories. This curated list will highlight the best horror releases of 2024 that have displayed the genre's ability to both scare and enlighten readers.

Whether you are a long-time admirer of horror or just getting started exploring the far ends of humanity, these novels will keep you awake all night. 

This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer

Dylan embarks on a groundbreaking climb in Kentucky's wilderness with friends, aiming to document her ascent on social media. Seven months later, three bodies are found in horrifying conditions, but Dylan remains missing.

Questions abound: Were they murdered? Did they resort to cannibalism, or is a darker force at play? The last discovery in this spine-tingling debut leaves readers startled as the suspense builds to a frightening finish.

The House of Last Resort by Christopher Golden

In Italy, the town of Becchina offers abandoned homes for a Euro, with the condition of residing there for five years. For the American couple Tommy and Kate, it seems like a dream opportunity, especially since it is Tommy's ancestral town.

However, eerie events unfold upon their arrival. Secrets lurk in the house, including hidden rooms and a disturbing history involving the Church. As they uncover the truth, sinister forces awaken beneath Becchina, leading to a chilling tale of horror and suspense.

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Among the Living by Tim Lebbon

Estranged friends Dean and Bethan reunite after five years when they venture to remote Arctic caves. Bethan's environmental group clashes with Dean's team, exploiting rare minerals and unwittingly unleashing a horrifying contagion. Forced to flee, the ex-friends embark on a perilous journey across the volatile landscape, facing the emerging horrors.

They must reconcile and cooperate to survive and prevent the terror from spreading further. This gripping and fast-paced horror thriller promises to keep readers on edge until the chilling conclusion.

In the Valley of the Headless Men by LP Hernandez

Nahanni National Park, a remote and wild expanse, becomes the backdrop for estranged brothers Joseph and Oscar's adventure after their mother's death. Joseph's former flame, Gillian, joins them.

The park's beauty is matched by its mystery, with tales of giants and ancient creatures. Dubbed the 'Valley of the Headless Men' for its history of violent deaths, the group faces both the allure of the unknown and the weight of their own past, far from civilization and help.

Mouth by Joshua Hull

In his first novel, screenwriter Joshua Hull introduces Rusty, a drifter entrusted with an enigmatic property - a giant, hungry mouth in the ground. When filmmaker Abigail learns of the secret, she and Rusty embark on a quest to uncover its origins and its previous owner's history.

As they delve deeper, they unravel a bizarre scheme with potentially dire consequences for all involved.

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