Are you a horror fan searching for books that will give you a chill down your spine? Well, look no further! We’ve combed through numerous scary stories to find the terrifying tales of fictional serial killers.

From psychological suspense to truly nightmarish monsters, these seven genre-defining books will ensure that you won’t be sleeping with the lights off any time soon. So curl up in a blanket (if you dare) and get ready to enter some of literature’s darkest worlds. Let the nightmare begin…

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

The Alienist is an exciting, thought-provoking read. Set in 1896 in New York City. It follows the story of psychologist Laszlo Kreizler as he teams up with a crime reporter and a police commissioner to hunt down a dangerous serial killer. The suspenseful plot is fantastic, but when combined with insightful characterization, it makes for a truly captivating read.

Carr’s masterfully constructed world development adds to its allure as readers experience the city through the eyes of various protagonists. Themes like depictions of gender roles, social class distinctions, poverty, and immigration are skilfully woven into the narrative without overshadowing the main storyline. The Alienist is an absolute belter of a book, and you’ll be thinking about it long into the future!

Darkwater Cove by Dan Padavona

Are you craving a thrilling read? Look no further than Dan Padavona’s Darkwater Cove! This mind-blowing psychological thriller follows FBI agent-turned-family protector Darcy Gellar as she tangles with a sinister and deadly serial killer. Get ready for wild twists, hair-raising suspense, and a captivating story that will leave you sprinting through pages until the chilling conclusion. If you need an adrenaline rush, Darkwater Cove will put you on the edge of your seat!

Padavona’s writing is masterful and immersive, weaving a plot that’s as thrilling as it is terrifying. With suspense and excitement at every turn, Darkwater Cove is the perfect read for any fan of the genre. The expert storytelling will take you on an emotional rollercoaster as you follow each character’s battles. Don’t miss out on this riveting adventure packed with mystery and suspense!

The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson

This gripping and intense thriller will leave you with shivers down your spine. Thompson mesmerizes readers with his captivating narrative style, guiding you through this twisted story with an ever-increasing sense of dread. The gritty noir novel introduces us to disturbed protagonist Lou Ford who lives a double life as sheriff of a small town and ruthless killer who seamlessly weaves lies and hides his cold-blooded behavior from those around him.

The Killer Inside Me also has an unforgettable cast of small-town residents that make the sinister atmosphere even more palpable. This classic 1950s murder mystery keeps you guessing till the very last page while also leaving an uneasy feeling in its wake. Undoubtedly, The Killer Inside Me is one of the most acclaimed works by Jim Thompson, and it’s easy to see why.

Kiss the Girls by James Patterson

Looking for a thrilling, fast-paced mystery novel? This ticks every box and does it with a malevolence that’s hard to beat. The story follows detective Alex Cross as he attempts to stop a serial killer who kidnaps women and leaves them in abandoned buildings with a strange clue. Along his hunt, Cross meets an array of interesting characters while uncovering the true identity of the murderer.

This is truly captivating stuff, although not every review agrees on this. However, Patterson’s writing style captures your attention, takes you on an exciting ride, and keeps you guessing. The suspense is intense, the plot captivating, and it’s very hard to put it down once you start! If you like psychological thrillers or are looking for a great read with plenty of twists and turns, this is definitely worth picking up!

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

Stephen King can always be relied on to produce terrifyingly evil characters, and Mr. Mercedes is an undeniably brilliant novel that keeps you turning the pages from start to finish. It’s a real blue-collar psychological thriller that explores two sides of a mind-bogglingly tragic and murderous case. The story follows retired police detective Bill Hodges as he battles his inner demons and the sinister antagonist, Brady Hartsfield.

Every twist and turn reveals a more complex side of this intriguing tale, and it’s impossible to anticipate the outcome. With heightened suspense, flawlessly developed characters, a unique setting, and more than a hint of social commentary, Mr. Mercedes is guaranteed to keep readers hooked until the incredible final scene.

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

Want an edge-of-your-seat thriller that keeps you turning pages until the end? The Surgeon certainly fits the bill. The book follows Dr. Catherine Cordell, a brilliant surgeon whose life is changed forever when a terrifying serial killer sets his sights on her. This thrilling story jumps right into the action from the start and is full of mystery, suspense, and shocking twists.

Gerritsen expertly weaves facts and characters to create an engaging and unpredictable plot that builds to an exciting climax without losing its pace or momentum. It’s utterly captivating as you try to figure out who the killer is, why he has targeted Dr. Cordell, and his ultimate goal. With its gripping narrative, The Surgeon will delight fans of dark fiction everywhere.

The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker

In The Fourth Monkey, Barker spins an electrifying psychological thriller about a serial killer plaguing Chicago and rookie detective Sam Porter’s mission to unravel the strings of mysterious murders before the killer strikes again. Filled with suspense, terror, and well-crafted twists and turns, this book will keep you up late into the night.

The Fourth Monkey will get your heart racing and your pulse thumping. J.D. Barker has crafted an ambitious serial killer thriller full of brilliant twists and turns. This psychologically captivating masterpiece will keep readers gripped until the gory conclusion. You’ll never see what’s coming as you follow a relentless detective on an epic quest to uncover the identity of a serial killer who an ancient legend may have inspired. If you’re after thrills and chills, this book won’t disappoint!

Page Turning Terror

Serial killers have always been a source of fascination and fear. They inhabit our stories, providing tense situations, scary motives, and even ethical dilemmas that challenge readers to explore why these creatures exist in our world. And, of course, for horror authors, serial killers are often metaphors for our most pressing social problems.

As a result, serial killer narratives in literature can be quite thought-provoking. Serial killers cast a long shadow over fiction and offer insight into its darker pathologies. From traces of pre-modern lore to present-day dark comedy, serial killers remain a controversial but enduring source of our literary imaginings. Who’s your favorite fictional serial killer?