Horror fiction reading guide
Leave a light on and lock the door... frightening fiction to keep you awake at night.
What could be more terrifying than the unknown threat? And what shape might that threat take? A haunting of spirits, a demonic presence, a killer on the loose - it is all meat to the sinister, creative mind of the horror author.
Horror fiction reading lists
Horror - New & Trending
A list of the freshest frights for every horror fan, from titles that have just reached our shelves to those that are flying off them.
Horror reading lists
Horror - Essential Reading
From ghost and ghouls to monsters of a more psychological nature, these horrors tales are legends - frightening readers for generations.
Horror - Hidden Gems
Treat yourself to sleepless nights with these lesser-known horror gems, featuring new authors, overlooked titles, and forgotten classics.
New Zealand Sci-fi, Fantasy & Horror
Homegrown genre fiction by Aotearoa authors featuring speculative scenarios, fantastical worlds and spine-chilling terrors.
LGBTQIA+ Horror
LGBTQIA+ horror explores the intersection of identity, fear, and the supernatural, blending chilling stories with deep emotional resonance.
Psychological & Social Horror
Horror that brings the uncomfortable truth of humanity to the forefront, from the terrors in our own minds to the fears of societal issues.
Folk Horror
Built on ancient folklore and rituals, folk horror explores isolated rural settings and pits its characters against the dark side of nature.
Body Horror
Grotesque tales of the human body turning against us and others, facing transformation and experimentation...or meeting a calamitous ending.
Gothic & Supernatural Horror
Dripping in atmosphere, this mix of Gothic and supernatural horror is full of creepy mansions, vengeful ghosts and demonic presences.
Creature Horror
Tails, teeth, claws and tentacles! These titles feature both supernatural and all too familiar creatures to send chills down your spine.
Return to reading lists
Kickstart your reading with librarian-created lists of the most readable and enjoyable fiction.
Return to Reading: Horror
Dive into a chilling collection of horror fiction crafted for rediscovering the thrill of reading.
Return to Reading: New Adult Horror
Dive into a chilling collection of horror fiction crafted for rediscovering the thrill of reading.
Why horror? Why not?: A horror fan explains
Resident horror-fan, Mike, digs into the appeal of monstrous literature, scary stories, and terrifying tales.
Tuesday Terrors Horror Book Club at Tūranga, part of a series
Meet and discuss a different sub-genre of horror fiction every month with Mike and fellow horror fans.
Horror movies on Kanopy
Watch classic and modern horrors on Kanopy.
Horroromance (because love is terrifying) 🫀
When you want a love story but to also to be frightened. Love is a battlefield, but also sometimes a slaughterhouse.
Why horror? Why not?: A horror fan explains
Resident horror-fan, Mike, digs into the appeal of monstrous literature, scary stories, and terrifying tales.
Tuesday Terrors Horror Book Club at Tūranga, part of a series
Meet and discuss a different sub-genre of horror fiction every month with Mike and fellow horror fans.
Horror movies on Kanopy
Watch classic and modern horrors on Kanopy.
Horroromance (because love is terrifying) 🫀
When you want a love story but to also to be frightened. Love is a battlefield, but also sometimes a slaughterhouse.
Find great reads:
Authors of horror fiction:
Award-winning horror fiction
Award winning horror
Find horror titles in the catalogue
Find fiction in the genre you love
Whatever kind of fiction you're into, find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.