Guest Post: 5 Contemporary Horror Writers Everyone Should Be Reading

By Savannah Cordova

(CW: mention of sexual assault.)

Struggling to find your next horror read? I get it; readers these days are spoiled for choice! And horror is such a broad genre that it actually includes countless subgenres—everything from gothic horror to horror-comedy. The good news is, whether you prefer a lighthearted adrenaline rush or true psychological terror, horror has something in store for you.

Though horror classics like The Haunting of Hill House or The Call of Cthulhu are often what we first think of in the genre, the 21st-century horror scene has much to offer. After all, with more technological advancements, social awareness, and societal fears than ever, you’re sure to find inspired writers poised to invent some truly chilling tales. On that note, here are five of the best contemporary horror authors that you should be reading right now!

1. Stephen King

Stephen King may be an obvious choice, but his popularity shouldn’t preclude him from this list. King’s veteran career in horror and thriller writing began with a short story submission in 1968 (The Glass Floor) and continues to the present day (most recently with Billy Summers)—though these aren’t the only genres into which he’s dipped his quill.

You may already be familiar with King’s works, such as Carrie or The Shining, whether you’ve read them or seen their movie adaptations—but it’s definitely worth stopping and appreciating King as much more than a “scary story” writer. His ability to immerse readers in settings and make people care about characters almost as family really raises the stakes. After all, there’s nothing scarier than an author who creates worlds that you can’t help but love—only to threaten to destroy them before your very eyes.

Also, while many of King’s plots might follow a typical “Good vs. Evil” setup, most of his characters inhabit a morally gray area. That’s why even readers who aren’t usually fans of scary fiction should consider picking up King’s stories! He opens a window into how ordinary people with realistic motivations might act when normal life has been ripped from under their feet, and they’re forced to confront their fears.

2. Silvia Moreno-Garcia

If you love unusual horror, well-rounded female protagonists, and bittersweet villains, all topped off with some pining and angst, then look no further than Silvia Moreno-Garcia and her horror masterpieces.

Moreno-Garcia is a Mexican-Canadian author, editor, and publisher, best known for penning the award-winning novel Mexican Gothic. As you may be able to guess from the title, she weaves Mexican culture throughout her novels, from referencing traditional Mexican foods to setting one story in a near-future Mexico City. As a Mexican-Canadian woman, Moreno-Garcia acutely understands what it’s like to not see yourself represented in any of your favorite characters—and this is something she wants her novels to change.

Although many readers avoid the horror genre because of the “scary scenes and gory moments,” Moreno-Garcia’s writing isn’t terribly graphic. Moreover, the female protagonists in her novels are not defined solely by one characteristic, just like real women; no character is wholly good or bad, romantic or skeptical, etc. Sure, Atl, the vampire from Certain Dark Things might leave a trail of bodies in her wake—but she’s also smart, vulnerable, and often afraid.

By giving female protagonists room to be whole characters, Moreno-Garcia turns readers’ preconceived notions about horror—and characters themselves — upside down. Her subversive approach is just one of the reasons why Moreno-Garcia already has a loyal fanbase, so why not have a look for yourself?

3. Mylo Carbia

Mylo Carbia, accurately dubbed the “Queen of Horror” by fans, is the go-to author if you’re looking for horror stories filled to the brim with bloody revenge. A former Hollywood screenwriter, Carbia brings a cinematic edge to her novels that has been compared to Stephen King, M. Night Shyamalan, and Quentin Tarantino.

Her best-selling novel, The Raping of Ava DeSantis, won the hearts of readers because of its nuanced take on the “assault and revenge” trope. True, the novel’s premise—Ava being assaulted by a group of privileged men and seeking justice afterward—may put some readers on their guard. But Carbia’s refreshing writing has garnered much praise: the scene in question is incredibly brief, leaving the rest of the book for some fantastic revenge plotting.

If you’re looking for something different—namely, psychological horror about an Upper East Side housewife who catches her husband’s mistress and locks her in the basement—then you should pick up Carbia’s second novel, Violets are Red. Indeed, if you like well-written prose that tackles dark themes (which, as a horror reader, you almost certainly do!), then I’d recommend any of Carbia’s thrilling novels.

4. Stephen Graham Jones

Stephen Graham Jones is a NYT best-selling author whose writing skillfully combines his passion for mystic lore and slasher horror with his Native American background in a way that will entice you in no time.

Though his novels are definitely horror-leaning, Graham Jones has often been praised for his literary writing style. So if you fancy a meaty read to sink your teeth into and an adrenaline rush, pick up some of his works—luckily, there’s plenty to choose from! In fact, Graham Jones has been praised for publishing 22 books before he turned 50; in this case, a great example of quality and quantity.

Of his copious books, Graham Jones recommends that readers start with Mongrels — an intriguing mix of coming-of-age elements, werewolves, and horror with a touch of dark humor. (If you’re an avid listener, Mongrels has an excellent audiobook version narrated by Chris Patton and Jonathan Yen that I recommend you grace your ears with ASAP!). Switching between past and present narration, this novel is truly the most “human” example of werewolf fiction to date, and you’re sure to crave more of Graham-Jones’s works soon after.

5. Yōko Ogawa

Yōko Ogawa is one of those authors capable of turning her pen to any genre and giving it a twist that is uniquely hers. What makes her particularly gifted at writing horror, though, is her ability to depict even the quietest corners of human psychology in a manner that never fails to unsettle and grip readers’ hearts.

For a disturbingly satisfying read, try Ogawa’s Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales. This collection of short horror stories follows mourners, murderers, families, and lovers—but the real action comes when their fates converge in a desolate yet beautiful entanglement. Indeed, unfolding Ogawa’s “tapestry of death” and working your way through her intelligently crafted, complex tales should be a rite of passage for any horror reader in 2021… so what are you waiting for?

I hope that I’ve helped you whittle down which contemporary horror author you’d like to read next! No matter who you choose, with the days getting colder and darker, make sure you have a warm blanket to hide behind—and if you keep all the lights on, I certainly won’t judge.

Savannah Cordova

Savannah is a writer and content creator at Reedsy, a marketplace that connects authors with the best editors, designers, and marketers in the business. In her spare time, Savannah enjoys reading contemporary fiction and low fantasy, as well as writing the occasional short story. She’s here to pull back the curtain on publishing so that every author can have the greatest possible chance at success.