13 Great books for horror movie fans
If you were captivated by the spine-chilling horror and suspense of “Longlegs” (2024), you’re in for a treat. This list includes 13 books like Longlegs that will keep you on the edge of your seat, just like Nicolas Cage’s portrayal of a sinister serial killer. Whether you’re a horror fanatic, a true crime aficionado, or a lover of psychological thrillers, these books are perfect for you.
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Best Books Like Longlegs for Thrill Seekers
If “Longlegs” left you craving more heart-pounding suspense and intricate plots, these thrillers will be right up your alley. Expect intense psychological drama, complex characters, and nail-biting tension that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
1. “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris
“Good evening, Clarice.” If those words send shivers down your spine, dive into the original novel that introduced us to Dr. Hannibal Lecter. FBI trainee Clarice Starling seeks Lecter’s help to catch another killer, but it’s the doctor who ends up stealing the show with his cannibalistic charm.
2. “Red Dragon” by Thomas Harris
Before “Silence of the Lambs,” there was “Red Dragon.” Meet Will Graham, the FBI profiler with a knack for catching killers and the psychological scars to prove it. He’s on the trail of the “Tooth Fairy,” a serial killer with a penchant for family annihilation.
3. “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn
Journalist Camille Preaker returns to her hometown to cover the murder of two preteen girls, only to unearth long-buried personal demons. With Flynn’s knack for twisted characters and dark secrets, this one is sure to keep you guessing—and shivering.
4. “The Shining” by Stephen King
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And a homicidal maniac, it seems. Follow the Torrance family to the haunted Overlook Hotel, where the ghosts are real and cabin fever is deadly. Warning: You might never look at hotels the same way again.
5. “Bird Box” by Josh Malerman
In a world where seeing means certain death, Malorie must navigate her children through a post-apocalyptic landscape blindfolded. The suspense is relentless, and the fear of the unseen is palpable. Just remember to keep your eyes closed.
6. “The Cabin at the End of the World” by Paul Tremblay
A family vacation turns into a nightmare when strangers invade their cabin, demanding they make an impossible choice to prevent the apocalypse. This novel is as claustrophobic and terrifying as it gets.
7. “The Snowman” by Jo Nesbø
Norwegian detective Harry Hole tracks a serial killer who builds snowmen outside the homes of his victims. As the snow melts, so does Harry’s patience in this chilling thriller that will have you looking suspiciously at every snowfall.
Exploring Dark Psychological Thrillers: Books Like Longlegs
For those fascinated by the psychological complexities and eerie tension in “Longlegs,” these psychological thrillers are perfect choices. They delve deep into the human psyche, exploring dark themes, serial killers on the loose and unsettling mysteries that will keep you engaged.
8. “American Psycho” by Bret Easton Ellis
Meet Patrick Bateman, the Wall Street banker with a dark side. A very dark side. This satirical novel explores the mind of a psychopathic killer with disturbing detail. It’s as horrifying as it is a critique of ’80s excess and consumerism.
9. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
On the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne’s wife, Amy, disappears. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Flynn’s exploration of a marriage gone wrong is as gripping as it is darkly humorous.
10. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
A disgraced journalist teams up with a punk hacker to solve a decades-old disappearance. What could go wrong? Plenty, as they uncover dark family secrets, corruption, and murder. Plus, Lisbeth Salander’s hacking skills make you wish you paid more attention in computer class.
True Crime Enthusiasts’ Picks: Books Like Longlegs
True crime fans who enjoyed “Longlegs” will appreciate these meticulously researched and vividly told accounts of real-life horrors. These books delve into infamous cases and the minds of some of history’s most notorious criminals, providing a chilling look at true crime.
11. “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson
True crime meets historical narrative in this gripping account of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the sinister activities of H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer. Who knew urban planning could be so deadly?
12. “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” by Michelle McNamara
A chilling true crime investigation into the Golden State Killer, written by the late Michelle McNamara. This book not only details the horrors of the killer’s actions but also the obsessive hunt to bring him to justice.
13. “The Whisper Man” by Alex North
After the death of his wife, Tom Kennedy and his son move to a new town, only to discover it has a dark past involving a child-killer known as “The Whisper Man.” As history threatens to repeat itself, Tom must confront his own fears to protect his son.
These books offer a mix of horror, true crime, and psychological thrills that should satisfy any “Longlegs” fan’s appetite for the macabre. Remember to keep the lights on and maybe lock your doors—just in case. Happy reading! And if you’re looking for a couple of standout recommendations, my personal favorites from the list are “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” and “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” They’re sure to keep you engrossed and a little on edge. Enjoy the chills and thrills!
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