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 - eBooks and eAudiobooks
A distillation of the best of our horror novels in eBook and eAudiobook. Get your chills, digitally!
Science fiction sub-genre lists
LGBTQIA+ Horror
With themes of survival, resilience, and self-discovery, these novels offer fresh, compelling takes on both horror and queer storytelling.
Social horror
Social horror intertwines traditional horror elements with social commentary, using fear to highlight societal issues and human behaviours.
Psychological horror
Psychological horror reveals how terrifying the mind can become when pushed to its limits - read these for a lingering sense of unease...
Horror - Gothic Horror
From mildly creepy to full-blown terror, great reads for mystery and historical fiction readers who are up for something a bit darker.
Horror - Cosmic Horror
Take a journey into the Void and experience the delightful terrors of Cosmic Horror - forbidden books, sinister cults, and existential dread
Super Weird Graphic Novels
Super Weird - a sub-genre of Weird Fiction - is characterised by unique and alternative storytelling. Expect the unexpected!
New Zealand Horror
The best and scariest New Zealand fiction, with its own undeniable Kiwi flavour.
Graphic novels - Horror
If you're looking for something horrifying this list of graphic novels will send a shiver down your spine.
Folk Horror - Christchurch City Libraries
Folk horror explores pre-Christian beliefs, rural settings, rituals and rites. Think witches, trolls, spooks, old gods... and violence.
Loathly ladies: Women writing horror
Psychological thrillers, supernatural suspense, brutality, gore, & ghost stories - these monstrous madams will unsettle, disturb and horrify
Short Stories - Sci Fi, Horror, and Fantasy
A selection of short fiction anthologies by influential authors of science fiction, fantasy and horror.
Supernatural Horror
Looking to get spooked? If demons, witchcraft, curses, spirits and ouija boards are your thing then you're in the right place.
Monster Horror
The creatures in these books are unpredictable and violent; they evoke terror in us as powerful representations of senseless evil.
Classic Horror
Horror novel classics that have stood the test of time and will no doubt be enjoyed by generations of horror fans to come.
Sci-fi Horror
What could be more terrifying than the unknown threat of a dominant species from the depths of space? It all looks bad for us puny humans.
Body Horror
Mutation, disfigurement, damage and distortion – body horror examines human existential anxieties, played out upon the flesh.
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.
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.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
LGBTQIA+ Horror
With themes of survival, resilience, and self-discovery, these novels offer fresh, compelling takes on both horror and queer storytelling.
Short watches: Movies before bedtime
For people who want to start watching a movie at 8pm and be in bed by 10pm - because not every film needs to be a two hour-plus epic.
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.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
LGBTQIA+ Horror
With themes of survival, resilience, and self-discovery, these novels offer fresh, compelling takes on both horror and queer storytelling.
Short watches: Movies before bedtime
For people who want to start watching a movie at 8pm and be in bed by 10pm - because not every film needs to be a two hour-plus epic.
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.