BellaOnline Forums Books and Music Horror Literature Favorite Horror Writers

Lately I find Dean Koontz new works very good and a fast read, his newer books are not as boggy as his older work. I also find Phil Rickman's older work very good.

Oh, Dean Koontz is my very favorite!

I stumbled upon him one day when I realized I had all of Steven King's currently published books (this was back when I was in college and could only afford paperbacks). So who's the nearest horror writer in line to King? Yep. I bought "Strangers" and was hooked from there on out!

Michelle, have you tried Peter Straub? He's written two (or maybe 3 now?) books with Stephen King, and he's also very good. His style is rougher than King's. I highly recommend Koko and Mystery - although these are not really horror stories; they fall more into the category of psychological thrillers.

Floating Dragon is a satire on the horror genre and is very funny in a creepy kinda way. You name the horror cliche and it is in here poking fun at itself.

I loved Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz. Until then I'd never managed to get into his books. I see there's a new Odd Thomas book out now, so I'll definitely get that.

I've got both of Straub's and his collaborations with King, LOL! (Just 2, at least that's all I've got.)

I'm waiting to get the new Odd Thomas book for reading after my surgery. I figure I'll need something to occupy my attention (for all of the 5 hours it will take me to read it!) Once I start on of Koontz's I don't stop until I'm through!

I will have to check on that "Floating Dragon" - sounds interesting, kind of like "The Hitchhiker's Guide" type thing.

Jason, it was my pleasure.

I read both Odd Thomas and Forever Odd and they are both super. My daughter thought Odd Thomas was kind of sad, but you have to love his outlook on life.

Anne Rice...she is absolutely a genius!!!!!!!!!!

Tim Piccirilli. His "A Choir of Ill Children" was wonderfully lyrical and visceral, but for plot, voice and style, I liked "Headstone City" best.

Just finished Christopher Golden's "The Boys are Back in Town". Solid, tight writing, good build up of tension, and strong characterization. I'm looking forward to reading more of his work.

There are three books which still reign in my mind as the three scariest books I have ever read, and here they are(in the order I like them):

1. A Winter Haunting, by Dan Simmons
2. Blood Games, by Richard Laymon
3. The Church of Dead Girls, by Stephen Dobyns

For those who are wondering, all three of these authors are admired by Stephen King, which will tell you the quality of their work. Anyway, the books I mentioned above have disturbed me the most!

Also, the books, "Darkness Tell Us," and "In The Dark," both by Richard Laymon, will keep you awake at night, as well as the three I mentioned above. Lock the doors, turn on all the lights, and make sure you don't have to work the next day, because they will keep you awake!

~ Lonelypoet

Christopher Pike...classic.I have read just about every single thing he has ever written.
Read THE BLIND MIRROR,it will totally creep you out.