When you think “summer reads,” you probably picture rom-coms, thrillers, or breezy mysteries. But honestly? Horror makes the best beach companion. There’s just something fun about reading a creepy story while the sun is shining and the waves are crashing.
These picks all take the familiar warmth of summer—vacations, road trips, lazy afternoons—and flip them into something a little unsettling. Perfect for when you want a side of shivers with your sunscreen.
Tropical Terror
The Beach – Alex Garland
Backpacking paradise turns messy fast in this cult-classic novel. Think adventure story with a dark, sharp edge.
Jaws – Peter Benchley
Yes, the movie is iconic. But the book? Even more intense. Read this by the ocean if you dare.
The Ruins – Scott Smith
A trip to Mexico goes horribly wrong thanks to an ancient, very hungry force of nature.
Vacations Gone Wrong
The Island – Adrian McKinty
Family vacation in Australia + locals with secrets = not the relaxing getaway they signed up for.
Dead Sea – Brian Keene
Zombie horror… on a boat. The wide open water feels anything but safe.
Hex – Thomas Olde Heuvelt
Not exactly “beachy,” but has that trapped-in-town summer vibe. A centuries-old witch won’t leave the streets—and everyone pretends it’s normal.
Heatwave Horror
Summer of Night – Dan Simmons
Kids on bikes, small-town adventures, and something creepy lurking under the surface. Great pick if you liked It.
Harvest Home – Thomas Tryon
Moving to a charming village sounds wholesome, right? Until you find out what happens at their summer festival.
We Need to Do Something – Max Booth III
A storm knocks out power, a family gets stuck inside, and the tension boils over.
Quick Summer Reads
Shorter horror books you can finish in a day (or in between dips in the pool).
You Shouldn’t Have Come Here – Jeneva Rose
A romantic escape that goes south really quickly.
Last One Alive – Karin Nordin
Fast-paced survival horror with lots of tension.
Nightmare Carnival – Edited by Ellen Datlow
Creepy carnival-themed short stories—easy to pick up and put down.
Horror might not be the “usual” summer reading pick, but that’s what makes it fun. Sometimes the sunniest setting makes the perfect backdrop for a little terror. So, grab your towel, your iced coffee, and one of these creepy summer reads.
The Haunted Nook 