Consider this your friendly reminder that horror doesn’t have to be scary—because scary is subjective. What frightens one person may not move another’s horror needle. So when we talk about “light horror novels,” we’re talking about books that wouldn’t frighten most people. Horror novels for weenies, if you will.
And look, I get it. As a certified recovering weenie and lover of all things horror, I know exactly how it feels to be too spooked to check out the latest scary book or movie to cross your radar. Just know that not every horror novel is a Stephen King classic; there are plenty of frightening reads out there that will give you chills without scaring the bejesus out of you.
Below, find three light horror novels—and one novella!—I’m sure you’re going to love.
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Light Horror Novels
 The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. JacksonAllegedly author Tiffany D. Jackson’s retelling of Stephen King’s Carrie centers on Maddy, a biracial girl growing up in a sundown town in Georgia, where proms are segregated and nobody knows her mother was Black. Bullied mercilessly once her secret comes out, Maddy discovers her potent magical abilities—abilities that frighten her father and make Maddy question everything she knows about herself and her history. |
 Cherish Farrah by Bethany C. MorrowSeventeen-year-old Farrah has grown accustomed to the country-club lifestyle her parents provide. But when something happens that may pull Farrah away from the posh life she loves so much, she plots to stay. Farrah worms her way into the lives of her best friend Cherish’s family. She’s a master manipulator, but she may have met her match against Cherish’s parents. |
 Bury Your Gays by Chuck TingleAn Oscar-nominated screenwriter discovers what happens when you stand up to the algorithm in this tongue-in-cheek horror novel from Chuck Tingle. Misha is gay, and he refuses to kill off one of his gay characters for the sake of company profits. That decision sparks a haunting, as Misha’s movie monsters begin hunting him. He’ll have to use all his wits and resources to survive and conquer in Bury Your Gays. |
 Comfort Me with Apples by Catherynne M. Valente“Bluebeard” meets The Stepford Wives in Catherynne M. Valente’s Comfort Me with Apples. Sophia is the perfect wife for her beloved husband. Every day, she wakes up in a beautiful home in a cookie-cutter neighborhood she never has to leave. Her husband works, and she stays home. Life is good. Or is it? Sophia doesn’t know why she can’t go into the basement. She doesn’t know what to do with the evidence of other women scattered around her house. And she doesn’t know why any woman would break the neighborhood HOA’s rules. She’s a good wife. Just curious. Perhaps too curious. |
Want more horror books for wimps? Check out this list of light horror books.
All Access Bonus: Behind the Scenes of The Best Horror Books of the Century So Far
Earlier this week, we released our list of the Best Horror Books of the Century So Far, the latest installment in an ongoing series on the Best Books of the Century So Far (stay tuned for more!). Today, we’re giving All Access members a peek at the nominated titles that didn’t make the list.
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