5 Books Like The Shining: Suspenseful Horror Stories You Can't Put Down

Stephen King’s iconic horror novel, The Shining, has captivated readers for decades with its chilling tale of Jack Torrance and his family in the Overlook Hotel. There’s no denying the suspense and terror within its pages, and you’re left wanting more. If you’re looking for similar books that will keep you on the edge of your seat, fearing for the characters within, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of five novels that evoke the same nail-biting suspense and spine-chilling horror as The Shining. Dare to read on?

1. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

House of Leaves is a unique and mind-bending horror novel that defies conventional storytelling. It begins with a young family moving into a new home, only to discover that the house is much bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside. As they explore the labyrinth within, they uncover a series of terrifying secrets that begin to blur the lines between reality and insanity.

Danielewski’s novel is not just a story, it’s an experience. Its unconventional narrative and structure will make you question your reality, and the claustrophobic atmosphere will leave you breathless. For fans of The Shining who appreciate psychological terror and a truly immersive reading experience, House of Leaves is a must-read.

Read or listen to House of Leaves here

2. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Considered one of the best literary ghost stories of the 20th century, The Haunting of Hill House tells the story of four strangers who come together in a purportedly haunted house to confront their fears and the supernatural. As they spend more and more time in the house, their own demons start to materialize, leaving them unsure of where reality ends and the supernatural begins.

Shirley Jackson masterfully creates an atmosphere of dread and paranoia, leaving readers uncertain of the true nature of the house and its effect on its inhabitants. Fans of The Shining will appreciate the similar themes of isolation, family trauma, and an all-consuming haunted environment.

Read or listen to The Haunting of Hill House here

3. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

In The Silent Patient, we’re introduced to Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who is accused of murdering her husband and subsequently refuses to speak. Criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber is determined to treat Alicia and uncover the truth about the murder, but as he grows increasingly obsessed with her case, he unearths dark secrets and his own unraveling sanity.

Blending together a gripping psychological thriller and horror elements, The Silent Patient is sure to satiate your thirst for suspense. Fans of The Shining will enjoy exploring the depths of the human mind and the tangled webs we weave to protect ourselves from our darkest secrets.

Read or listen to The Silent Patient here

4. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

Originally published in 1898, The Turn of the Screw is a classic horror novella that follows a young governess who takes a position at a remote country estate. As she grows increasingly attached to her charges, she becomes convinced that the house is haunted by malevolent spirits.

Its ambiguous story leaves readers questioning the reality of the supernatural events and the reliability of the narrator, as well as keeps them guessing up until the very end. The chilling atmosphere and psychological terror of The Turn of the Screw will appeal to fans of The Shining who enjoy a haunting tale that lingers long after reading.

Read or listen to The Turn of the Screw here

5. Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin

In Rosemary’s Baby, a young couple moves into a new apartment and become entangled in a web of sinister events. As Rosemary becomes pregnant, she becomes increasingly paranoid and convinced that her neighbors have evil intentions for her unborn child.

Ira Levin’s classic horror novel includes themes of paranoia, manipulation, and the unshakable feeling that something is terribly wrong – just like in The Shining. The creeping sense of dread throughout the book will keep you on the edge of your seat, waiting for the horrifying truth to reveal itself.

Read or listen to Rosemary’s Baby here