Horror has always been a part of our lives through urban legend stories about ghosts. Horror movies are also considered as a very popular mode of entertainment. However, in recent years, there has been a growing craze for horror literature.

It is a human desire to know the unknown especially that is creepy and raises their curiosity. Horror books are full of such stuff and keep readers glued in their plot and mystic characters. This is one of the major factors behind the popularity of this genre in literature. Horror books have the power to help the readers escape to a bizarre world where they forget about the troubles of life, although temporarily.

No doubt, horror stories have been around since the times of yore, but terrifying horror became popular as literature in the 1960s. Their readership has increased immensely in 2000s. This has lead to the emergence of horror book stores in many major cities in the world and ultimately motivated many to become horror book authors.

The aim of horror books is not to scare people but to engage them in a way that they enjoy every moment of reading. Horror books increase the power of visualization in readers. It is a natural tendency with humans to visualize what they hear, feel or read. The heart beat of the reader increases with every incident in the plot and he yearns to know what is about to happen.

The level and intensity of horror element in horror books differs depending upon their target audience. For instance, there are books meant for children that are aimed at developing their imaginative power. These are written in simple English and also depict horror scenes in pictures to help children visualize better. However, it is the tonal aspect of horror books that sets them apart from other forms of literature that the books typically revolve around character and plot development. Readers of horror books are able to hear every little sound while reading, be it the movement of a shadow or footsteps.

Writing a horror book is an extremely challenging task as the success of a horror book depends upon whether it is able to keep the reader's attention from start till end or not. During the nineteenth century Mary Shelly and Ann Radcliffe have won the hearts of their audiences with Frankenstein and The Mysteries of Udolpho, respectively. Some popular horror books that have successfully managed to create a frightening input in reader's senses include 'The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon', 'The Alibi Man', 'Different Seasons', 'Horror: The 100 Best Books', 'Deadlands' and 'Skeleton Crew'. You can find then in almost every horror book store.

The flourishing horror books market and intense competition has lead to a considerable reduction in their prices enabling the audiences to enjoy them without burning a hole in their pockets. Horror books are also available on the Internet. However, before making a purchase online ensure to check the authenticity of the online retailer and payment modes. This will ensure that your money is reaching the right hands.