Best horror books to read

Reading lists

The best horror books to read this spooky season

Burn The Negative

'The best slashers are the ones where, for all your Randy Meeks-ing, you can’t quite figure out who the killer is. This is one of those' Stephen Graham Jones 
A chilling slasher from a razor-sharp new horror voice, perfect for fans of Grady Hendrix and the Scream franchise 
 ‘A creepy, twisty, compulsively readable haunted house of a book built from horror movies and our obsessive response to them. Be sure to make the popcorn and dim the lights’ Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts 
 ---- 
 
 Journalist Laura Warren arrives in L.A. to report on a remake of a '90s horror flick. 
 
 A cursed one, which she happened to star in as a child. 
 
 When eight of the cast and crew died in ways that eerily mirrored the movie's on-screen deaths, a traumatised Laura left and changed her entire identity. 
 
 But just as she reaches the set, a man falls from a building right in front of her. It's happening again. 
 
 This time, Laura is determined to end the curse once and for all. 
 
 If it doesn't come for her first . . .

Burn the Negative is a creepy, twisty, compulsively readable haunted house of a book built from horror movies and our obsessive response to them. You'll root for Laura and fear the Needle Man. Be sure to make the popcorn and dim the lights

Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts

Wow! No one can make us feel so much childhood nostalgia and then so much terror as Josh Winning! Absolutely loved it. This one's a killer.

CJ Leede, Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of Maeve Fly

The best slashers are the ones where, for all your Randy Meeks-ing, you can’t quite figure out who the killer is. This is one of those.

Josh Winning is the critically acclaimed author of Burn the Negative, which was long-listed for a Bram Stoker Award, Heads Will Roll and The Shadow Glass. He is a senior film writer at Radio Times and has written for Total Film, Gay Times and Den of Geek. During his years as a film journalist, he has been on set with Kermit the Frog (and Miss Piggy), devoured breakfast with zombies on The Walking Dead, and sat on the Iron Throne on the set of Game of Thrones. Josh lives in Suffolk with his cat Penny and dreams of one day convincing Sigourney Weaver to yell “Goddammit!” at him.

Fresh off the plane in L.A., here to visit the set of a new streaming horror series, journalist Laura Warren sees a man jumping from a bridge, landing right behind her car. It’s started, she thinks. Because the series she’s reporting on is a remake of a ’90s horror flick. A cursed ’90s horror flick, which she starred in as a child—and has been running from her whole life. 
 
When Laura was eight years old, eight members of the cast and crew died in ways that eerily mirrored the movie’s on-screen deaths, making the film a cult classic—and ruining her life. She changed her name and her accent, dyed her hair, and moved across the Atlantic. But some scripts don’t want to stay buried. 
 
Now, as the body count rises again, Laura finds herself on the run with her aspiring actress sister and a jaded psychic, hoping to end the curse once and for all.

Be Still My Unbeating Heart

PRE-ORDER THE NEW ADORABLE AND SPICY PARANORMAL ROMANCE FROM JOSH WINNING 
 
"Deliciously sexy, atmospheric and so much fun. Vampire fans will devour this one" —Amy McCaw, author of They Own the Night 
 
"Sexy vampires are back – and they’re gay, darling!" — Courtney Smyth, author of The Undetectables 
 
 
*** 
 
Bastian may be a vampire, but he doesn’t bite. 
 
. . . Not anymore, at least. 
 
These days, Bastian just wants to live his best undead life: visit charming Italian villages, maybe dance in the square with a cute boy, all with Whitby, his best friend (and magical talking cat) by his side. What he doesn’t want? To stumble across a dead body on the beach, a girl who appears to have been killed by a vampire. 
 
It wasn’t Bastian. He swears—on his own grave. But the local police chief doesn’t trust Bastian, or any vampire, for that matter, so he assigns detective Nico De Luca to keep an eye on him until his trial. And while Bastian normally wouldn’t complain about having a gorgeous, mysterious man by his side, he has more important things to worry about, because the police chief has called the Vampire Council, and if the real killer is still at large when they arrive, the whole town could be in danger. 
 
As more bodies begin to pile up, Bastian, Whitby, and De Luca must get to the bottom of who in Vernazza is framing vampires, before it’s too late. 
 
*** 
 
"A heartwarming delight in which every page is infused with queer joy. If there is one cosy mystery you pick up this year, make it this one." —Johanna van Veen, author of Blood on Her Tongue 
 
"Josh Winning gives the grumpy/sunshine romance an upgrade . . . pack your Wayfarers, favorite 80s playlist, and maybe grab some garlic, just to be safe!" —Tanya Pell, author of Her Wicked Roots

Be Still My Unbeating Heart sank its fangs into me from page one… and honestly? I’d let it bite again. Josh Winning delivers a wickedly charming mystery that’s as delightful and swoony as it is deadly. Romance readers won’t be able to help falling under the spell of Bastian and Nico. Trust me, you’ll want to book a seaside getaway just to watch them flirt!

Sexy vampires are back – and they’re gay, darling! A chemistry-filled, sun-soaked paranormal romance with plenty of truly laugh-out-loud scenes, and a delightfully compelling cosy mystery at its core. As comforting as Kiki’s Delivery Service – just with heaps more bite, and a gorgeous homage to the grittier side of the 80s. An utter delight from start to finish.

Courtney Smyth, author of The Undetectables

Big-hearted, campy, and unapologetically queer, this is a vampire story that understands how sincerity and humor can coexist—complete with fangs, blood, and an enormous amount of joy. The most fun I’ve had with a vampire in ages.

Lindy Ryan, author of Bless Your Heart and Dollface

With its romantic seaside setting, swoony brooding inspectors, and witty undead banter, Josh Winning has created an unputdownable supernatural murder mystery. Get ready to sink your teeth into this book!

Jason June, New York Times bestselling author

A heartwarming delight in which every page is infused with queer joy. If there is one cosy mystery you pick up this year, make it this one.

Johanna van Veen, author of Blood on Her Tongue

Josh Winning gives the grumpy/sunshine romance an upgrade . . . pack your Wayfarers, favorite 80s playlist, and maybe grab some garlic, just to be safe!

Deliciously sexy, atmospheric and so much fun. Vampire fans will devour this one.

A heartwarming delight in which every page is infused with queer joy. If there is one cosy 
mystery you pick up this year, make it this one.

Josh Winning gives the grumpy/sunshine romance an upgrade . . . pack your Wayfarers, 
favorite 80s playlist, and maybe grab some garlic, just to be safe!

Deliciously sexy, atmospheric and so much fun. Vampire fans will devour this one.

Bastian may be a vampire, but he doesn’t bite. 
 
 
(Anymore.) 
 
 
These days, he’s focused on living his best undead life: strolling through the sun-drenched Italian village of Vernazza, flirting with cute boys in the piazza, and trying not to think about his past. At his side is Whitby—best friend, professional chaos agent, and magical talking cat. 
 
 
What he’s not trying to do? Find a dead body on the beach. 
 
 
Especially not one that looks suspiciously like a vampire kill. 
 
 
Bastian swears he’s innocent - on his own grave. 
 
 
 But the local police chief isn’t convinced. Enter Nico De Luca: brooding, infuriatingly attractive, and assigned to keep Bastian under watch until his trial. Not ideal. 
 
 
 Distractingly not ideal. 
 
 
But when more bodies turn up, it becomes clear someone is framing vampires—and fast. With the Vampire Council on its way and panic rising in Vernazza, Bastian, Whitby, and Nico will have to work together to catch the real killer… 
 
 
Before the town turns on him first.

Josh Winning is the critically acclaimed author of Burn the Negative, which was long-listed for a Bram Stoker Award, Heads Will Roll and The Shadow Glass. He is a senior film writer at Radio Times and has written for Total Film, Gay Times and Den of Geek. During his years as a film journalist, he has been on set with Kermit the Frog (and Miss Piggy), devoured breakfast with zombies on The Walking Dead, and sat on the Iron Throne on the set of Game of Thrones. Josh lives in Suffolk with his cat Penny and dreams of one day convincing Sigourney Weaver to yell “Goddammit!” at him.

Bastian may be a vampire, but he doesn’t bite—anymore. He’s just trying to live his best undead life: sightseeing through Italy with his magical talking cat, Whitby, and maybe flirting with a cute boy or two. 
 
Then a body turns up on the beach, seemingly drained by a vampire. It wasn’t Bastian. He swears—on his own grave. But the local police chief isn’t convinced and assigns the infuriatingly handsome detective Nico De Luca to watch him until his trial. 
 
With the Vampire Council on their way and more victims appearing, Bastian, Whitby, and Nico must unmask the real killer before the whole town is gone—fangs, flirting, and all.

Josh Winning

The perfect summer slasher... I am quickly becoming a devout follower [of Josh Winning]. His slashers are bangers from start to finish, embodying the fun of classic horror films with smart, modern twists. And honestly, you can’t help but smile at the sheer enjoyment the story brings

Winning utilises the best jump-scare slasher tropes to create a thrilling and fun classic horror story with a modern touch

I really enjoyed the way Heads Will Roll plays with all the horror/slasher tropes, while also taking aim at the pitfalls of social media and cancel culture. A whole lot of bloody fun with a serious message at its heart

Beautifully written and impossible to put down

Fiona Cummins, bestselling author of All of Us Are Broken

I enjoyed Heads Will Roll, with its compelling, complex characters and inventiveness in how it engaged politically with its horrors

This book is incredible! A gripping slice of 80s-inspired horror with a rattling good plot, terrific characters and zingy dialogue, and with something important to say about the world today. I can’t recommend Heads Will Roll enough.

William Hussey, award-winning author of Killing Jericho

Between the frequent jump scares and blood spillage, Winning’s story is packed with an awful lot of heart. Readers will be on the edges of their seats

Winning continues to write great horror novels, and this is a must-buy… a warm love letter to slasher flicks… [he] masterfully builds a story that will leave readers breathless... The pacing is frenetic and captivating

A brilliantly fun horror concept, expertly executed by a blossoming talent in the genre - if you like your thrillers dark, funny, clever and bang up to date, then this is the book for you

I really enjoyed this chilling book. A thrilling read, and it would make a great movie

Michael Wood, author of the DCI Matilda Darke series

When Willow posts something on the internet she really shouldn’t have, she flees to Camp Castaway, an adults-only digital detox based at an old campground in the woods. 
 
On the first night, the campers gather round the fire to tell ghost stories. In particular, the tale of Knock Knock Nancy – a witch, supposedly beheaded in this very woodland. 
 
They say her restless spirit knocks on doors late at night. If you answer, she’ll take your head. 
 
Willow doesn’t believe in ghosts. But next morning, a camper has vanished. And then that evening, alone in her cabin, Willow hears it... 
 
Knock, Knock, Knock.

Josh Winning

Praise for Heads Will Roll

The perfect summer slasher... I am quickly becoming a devout follower [of Josh Winning]. His slashers are bangers from start to finish, embodying the fun of classic horror films with smart, modern twis ...

Winning utilises the best jump-scare slasher tropes to create a thrilling and fun classic horror story with a modern touch

I really enjoyed the way Heads Will Roll plays with all the horror/slasher tropes, while also taking aim at the pitfalls of social media and cancel culture. A whole lot of bloody fun with a serious message ...

The perfect summer slasher... I am quickly becoming a devout follower [of Josh Winning]. His slashers are bangers from start to finish, embodying the fun of classic horror films with smart, modern twis ...

Winning utilises the best jump-scare slasher tropes to create a thrilling and fun classic horror story with a modern touch

I really enjoyed the way Heads Will Roll plays with all the horror/slasher tropes, while also taking aim at the pitfalls of social media and cancel culture. A whole lot of bloody fun with a serious message ...

The perfect summer slasher... I am quickly becoming a devout follower [of Josh Winning]. His slashers are bangers from start to finish, embodying the fun of classic horror films with smart, modern twis ...

Winning utilises the best jump-scare slasher tropes to create a thrilling and fun classic horror story with a modern touch

I really enjoyed the way Heads Will Roll plays with all the horror/slasher tropes, while also taking aim at the pitfalls of social media and cancel culture. A whole lot of bloody fun with a serious message ...

Books by Josh Winning

Articles featuring Josh Winning

The best horror books to read this spooky season

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter