There’s something deliciously eerie about flipping the pages of a horror novel when the nights stretch long and the wind howls outside your window. In 2025, horror fiction continues to evolve, blending psychological chills, gothic suspense, and supernatural dread into stories that stay with you long after the last page. Whether you're a seasoned horror enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the shadows, there’s no better way to explore the genre than with a surprise horror box that delivers fresh fear right to your doorstep.
We’ve handpicked five of the best horror fiction books you should be reading this year, each perfect for your subscription book box collection. And just to make the experience even creepier (in a good way), our horror box includes exclusive horror accessories like themed totes, fridge magnets, and calming teas to soothe your nerves. Let’s dive into the stories that will haunt your 2025 reading list.
Table of Contents
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The Only One Left by Riley Sager
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The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro
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Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie
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A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
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Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez
- Unbox the Unknown
- Want to dive deeper into the darkness?
1. The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Why it’s haunting: A crumbling mansion, a mute woman accused of murder, and a twist that will leave you breathless.
Set in a decaying Gothic estate on a cliff, this modern classic is a slow-burning, atmospheric thriller where every room hides a secret. With its fog-drenched setting and creeping suspense, it deserves a top spot among the best horror fiction books of the year. A perfect addition to your subscription book box if you love unraveling sinister mysteries.
2. The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro
Why it lingers: Generational trauma meets folklore in this emotionally raw and terrifying tale.
This novel weaves La Llorona mythology with psychological horror to tell the story of Alejandra, a mother haunted by more than just memories. Castro’s storytelling strikes deep, delivering horror not just through apparitions, but through inherited fear and womanhood. Expect this one in more than one horror box this year, and for good reason.
3. Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie
Why it’s disturbing: Found footage meets a haunted house in this terrifyingly real supernatural thriller.
Told in the style of transcripts, journal entries, and emails, this book traps you inside a paranormal reality show gone very wrong. It’s the kind of novel you read in one sitting and then regret reading alone. If your surprise horror box includes this title, consider it a haunted gift. Also, don’t be surprised if the horror accessories inside offer comfort after this one.
4. A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
Why it unnerves: Whimsy and dread go hand-in-hand in this Southern Gothic tale.
When a woman visits her mother’s perfectly tidy house, she notices things are…off. Dead vultures, whispers in the walls, and a garden you shouldn't dig in. With creepy charm and a sharp wit, Kingfisher creates one of the most memorable horror reads of 2025. It’s a book that definitely earns its place in any curated subscription book box or horror box.
5. Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez
Why it stays with you: Dark magic, father-son bonds, and an occult society in Argentina.
Epic in scope and heavy with dread, this novel explores grief, legacy, and the price of power. It’s the kind of story that doesn't just terrify, it consumes. A standout in this year’s list of best horror fiction books, it’s a dark gem that will elevate your surprise horror box experience to something unforgettable.
Unbox the Unknown
When it comes to discovering the best horror fiction books, nothing beats the thrill of a surprise horror box. Each delivery is an invitation to step into the unknown, with 3 handpicked books and spooky extras that elevate your reading rituals. Our subscription book box doesn’t just bring stories, it brings an atmosphere, a mood, and sometimes…a mild sense of doom (in the best way).
What’s inside? Think eerie reads, curated horror accessories like a collector tote bag, fridge magnet, and calming tea to help you recover post-scare. Each box is thoughtfully assembled to give horror fans a fresh and frightful experience, whether you’re a longtime fan or just beginning to explore the genre.
So go ahead, embrace the thrill. Add a little terror to your TBR. Explore new voices in horror, rediscover forgotten frights, and fill your shelf with the dark, the twisted, and the unforgettable.
Want to dive deeper into the darkness?
Check out our full Horror Collection to explore books that push the boundaries of fear. Just remember, don’t open the box alone.