Dreamworld Book Reviews

Horror novels from earlier decades are the best, and they had the best book covers, too. Feel like getting away from modern times and diving into some vintage horror? Here are some of my favorite backlist titles from bestselling horror novelists.

Prey by Graham Masterton (1992)

Prey was the first book I ever read by Graham Masterton, and the first time I had ever seen this author’s name.

Prey is about a restoration artist named David Williams who takes on a project for an old deserted Victorian orphanage on the Isle of Wight. The house is perversely creepy and haunted. For instance, there are mysterious scratching noises coming from the attic, a strange sundial on the lawn, a photograph that constantly changes, and a disturbing graveyard filled with bodies of dead children. A number of horrifying events transpire while David restores the orphanage.

The writing style in this one is so incredibly vivid. It’s easy to visualize everything the author describes in macabre detail. I was scared to be alone while reading Prey, and kept envisioning the creepy Abraham Lincoln lookalike man in my head whenever I walked into a dark room.

If you enjoy horror novels but never heard of Graham Masterton, please consider adding some his titles to your wish list. You won’t regret it.

The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum (1989)

I don’t particularly enjoy every book by Jack Ketchum, but The Girl Next Door is one of the most disturbing horror novels I’ve ever read.

Set in 1950s suburban America, David befriends two orphan girls sent to live with their aunt Ruth after their parents die. As time goes by, Ruth becomes gradually more violent with the girls, and locks one of them in the bomb shelter basement where she’s exposed to the worst abuse imaginable.

There are no ghosts or supernatural entities in The Girl Next Door. The humans are the monsters. I need to warn you, there’s a lot of torture and sexual abuse in this book that could make you sick, so if you’re not sure you can do it, you better skip this one. Rest assured, Ruth gets what she deserves in the end.

Ladies’ Night is the only other book I’ve reviewed by Jack Ketchum.

Blackstone Chronicles by John Saul (1996-1997)

The Blackstone Chronicles is a set of six super-short novellas, written in the style of classic horror noir. Each novella features a story about the old haunted asylum that sits atop Blackstone Hill.

In every book, a series of seemingly random, harmless objects mysteriously end up in people’s homes and cause ultimate destruction. Examples include a doll, a locket, a handkerchief, and more. These are all small clues to that lead up to the conclusion in the 6th book, Asylum.

In addition to being creepy, there’s just something fun and delightful about these little books. They make for a nice enjoyable reading experience. Plus, asylums are always scary, how can you go wrong?

Carrie by Stephen King (1974)

I don’t like Stephen King any more, and haven’t liked him for many years. But I’ll always love Carrie. I think it’s his best.

Are you already familiar with the plot of this one? They made two movies about it: one featuring Sissy Spacek that came out in 1976 and a newer one featuring Chloë Grace Moretz that came out in 2013.

Carrie is about an awkward, sheltered teenage girl who’s constantly being bullied by her entire high school. Of course, nobody knows what Carrie has to endure when she gets home at the end of the day, living strictly by the ridiculous rules of her fanatical, over-the-top, god-fearing crazy mom who abuses Carrie both verbally and physically on a regular basis.

When Carrie goes to prom under the false impression she’s finally been accepted by her peers, hell almost literally breaks loose and Carrie starts getting revenge using her special telekinesis powers.

This book opens with a pretty epic menstruation scene in the locker room. Carrie has no idea what a period is, and nearly drowns in a cascade of tampons being thrown at her by the other girls. Carrie is a true classic and shouldn’t be missed.

Feast by Graham Masterton (1988)

Feast by Graham Masterton is the mother lode of all horror novels. It’s by far the most frightening book I’ve ever read in my entire life.

Outside of the U.S., Feast is called Ritual. It’s about a man who visits a small town in Connecticut with his son and learns that all the townspeople are part of an evil cult.

Once you find out what this cult does, that’s it. That’s the horror. And you won’t be able to tear yourself away from this book after that.

Feast will make you sick to your stomach, but in the most satisfying way, in a horror context. There’s a part where the author colorfully and accurately describes what an eyeball feels like if you chew into one.

The climax of Feast is also surprising and unbelievable. This is one of the coolest books EVER, and I still have my copy.

I’ve reviewed these other titles by Graham Masterton, including Feast:

• Feast (1988)
• Ghost Music (2008)
• Master of Lies (1991)
• Death Mask (2007)

What are your favorite horror novels? Are there any that made you sick to your stomach? I’d love to know more, please tell me.

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Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Sarah Ann

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