books I’m terrified to read

2025/4/18 Edited to

... Read moreReading can often confront us with daunting themes and cliffhanger twists that leave us terrified. For instance, books like 'Kiss of the Basilisk' have been mentioned for their complex relationships and unpredictable storylines that engage readers but can also leave them apprehensive. Many readers fear books that incorporate surprise tropes like unexpected pregnancy or complicated family dynamics, as seen in the eerie worlds created by authors like Penelope Douglas and Catherine Cowles, known for their gripping tales. It’s essential to speak up about these fears, as engaging with literature that evokes strong emotions can lead to rich discussions within book communities. If you find certain books appealing yet terrifying, it’s quite common! Readers often connect over shared anxieties regarding books that may challenge their comfort zones. In the vast universe of literature, there is no shame in admitting that some titles are too intimidating to explore. Instead, these discussions can foster deeper connections among readers and help you find solace in knowing others share the same fears. Dive into hashtags like #spiciestbooks or #booktok to connect with fellow book lovers and share your thoughts on the scary reads that keep you up at night. Remember, reading should be enjoyable, so speak out about your fears while discovering the thrill of tackling challenging books!

92 comments

lumbjackthc's images
lumbjackthc

Never read any of these, but I know a lot of very disturbing and in some cases straight up disgusting books. I can usually stomach some pretty gruesome stuff but “Cows by Mathew stokoe” was just too much. Would not recommend going down the splatter punk rabbit hole. Not unless you wanna see just how bad something can truly get.

Rachael Daniels's images
Rachael Daniels

Five brothers was pretty good. Just know your triggers. I was currently reading credence but someone in you comments ruined the ending for me

See more comments

Related posts

A misty, dark image with a house and tree, featuring the title 'Books that terrified the authors who wrote them' and the Lemon8 logo.
The book cover for 'The Cabin at the End of the World' by Paul Tremblay is shown, with text explaining the author's anxiety from writing about irrational belief and violence.
Stephen King's 'Pet Sematary' cover is displayed, with text detailing how the book's emotional darkness and themes of death and grief disturbed him.
Books that scared the authors who wrote them
😱 These scary books didn’t just scare readers—they haunted the people who wrote them. From Stephen King to Thomas Harris, these authors were actually scared by their own thriller and horror novels. 📌 Save this list for your next jittery midnight read. #booktok #booksoflemon8 #darkbooks #
Thriller Book Recs 2025

Thriller Book Recs 2025

6655 likes

A stack of six books with a rainbow border, titled 'books with LGBTQ+ representation (that aren't romances!)'. A hand holds the books on a fluffy brown surface. The image includes the Lemon8 logo and username.
The book cover for 'The Great Believers' by Rebecca Makkai, a 421-page literary and historical fiction novel with a split timeline, summarized in pink text boxes. The book is on a fluffy brown surface.
The book cover for 'The Spear Cuts Through Water' by Simon Jimenez, a 544-page quest fantasy novel with a unique structure and multi-POV, rated 4.5 stars. Summarized in text boxes on a fluffy brown surface.
books with LGBTQ+ main characters 🏳️‍🌈
Happy Pride Month!!! Here are six book recommendations featuring LGBTQ+ characters, none of which are romance novels. I see everyone recommend LGBTQ+ romance books and i wanted to suggest some I don’t see super often (except one iconic book, The Song of Achilles). I have personally read all
molly

molly

1270 likes

Books that even scared Stephen King
These scary books even terrified Stephen King and other famous authors. With that kind of endorsement, why wouldn’t you add them to your TBR? Some great horror books and dark thriller reads in this must-read list of book recs! #horrorbookrecommendations #scarybooks #booksoflemon8 #booktok
Scary Book Recs

Scary Book Recs

1847 likes

A woman with red curly hair and closed eyes has hands placing a crown on her head, against a dark background. The text "Books on Feminine Rage" is prominently displayed at the top, with "lemon8" and "@callme.rebekah" at the bottom left.
Three book covers are displayed: "Lilith" by Nikki Marmery, featuring a woman holding a pomegranate; "A Certain Hunger" by Chelsea G. Summers, showing a classical painting; and "Bunny" by Mona Awad, with a pink rabbit silhouette on a black background.
Three book covers are shown: "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh, featuring a woman in a white dress; "Nightbitch" by Rachel Yoder, with raw meat on a red background; and "Circe" by Madeline Miller, with an ancient Greek-inspired design.
Books on Feminine Rage 🐆
For all my girls who are angry and hurt who want a book about a woman who feels how they feel 🖤 #womenthatread #lemon8bookclub #womenauthors #femaleempowerment #femininerage
Bekah ☆

Bekah ☆

1723 likes

6 books that legit scared me
These six scary books actually terrified me—and I loved it! A nice mix of book recommendations that include horror lit, serial killer thriller books, and dark reads. Perfect for a TBR list #that’s a little too short on scary book recs. Enjoy! #disturbingbooks #serialkillerbooks #bookrecomme
Great Thriller Books

Great Thriller Books

848 likes

Don’t be afraid, be terrified 🖤
Feel free to save these! ❣️ Enjoy! ❣️ Should I post more of these? 🤔 #Lemon8Diary #books #bookaesthetic #bookshopping #readingrecommendations #readersoflemon8 #reading #suspensebook #booksbooksbooks #thrillerbooks
DAËON

DAËON

1536 likes

A book cover for 'Boy Parts' by Eliza Clark, featuring a blurred figure, is displayed on a floral background with text overlay 'Books About Women's Wrongs'.
Four book covers are shown: 'The Weight of Blood' by Tiffany D. Jackson, 'The Grownup' by Gillian Flynn, 'Eileen' by Ottessa Moshfegh, and 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson.
Four book covers are displayed: 'Drive Your Plow Over Bones of the Dead' by Olga Tokarczuk, 'Nightbitch' by Rachel Yoder, 'Tampa' by Alissa Nutting, and 'Maeve Fly' by CJ Leede.
I Believe In Women’s Wrongs Books 🖤
I believe in women’s wrongs 🙂‍↕️ Some books with unhinged girlies and girlies who are just girls and do a little bit of wrongness 🥰 #womenauthors #lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #womenthatread #girlsthatread
Bekah ☆

Bekah ☆

177 likes

A flat lay of several books on a blue quilted surface, with the text overlay "weird books *for weird readers." Books include 'The Writing Retreat,' 'The Extinction of Irena Rey,' 'Venomous Lumpsucker,' 'Monstrilio,' 'Our Wives Under The Sea,' and 'Rouge.'
The book 'The Extinction of Irena Rey' by Jennifer Croft, featuring a blue forest cover. A Goodreads summary describes translators investigating a disappearance. Keywords include '320 pages,' 'literary fiction,' 'mystery,' and 'meta take on translating.'
The book 'Monstrilio' by Gerardo Sámano Córdova, with a cover showing a dark creature and geometric shapes. A Goodreads summary details a boy transforming into a monster. Keywords include '336 pages,' 'horror,' 'magical realism,' and 'LGBTQ+.'
books that will never leave your brain
Love love love me some weird ass books!! These are perfect to end the summer with! OR!! Save them for October to give them a more ~spooky vibe~. Who says we can’t have spooky/weirdo vibes in July, though?? If you want a meta plot about writing or translating, check out The Writing Retreat o
molly

molly

836 likes

GLORIOUSLY wild books
These books are so wild and so good! Highly recommend! What else would you add to this list? #mustread #bookrecs #bookrecommendation #booktok #mustreadbooks
Thriller Book Recs 2025

Thriller Book Recs 2025

22 likes

BOOKS I’M SCARED OF.
Ok I’m terrified of these books lowkey!! Kind of embarrassed to admit it 😄🫣✌️ Tender is the flesh was the scariest book I read last year. But I loved the writing and the characters were really interesting. I just saw another book by this author, should I read it or will I be terrified lol
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

142 likes

Books scared Stephen King…
These aren’t just scary stories—they’re nightmare fuel that left even Stephen King, Gillian Flynn, and George R.R. Martin seriously shaken. If you're hunting for horror books that are actually terrifying, add these spine-chilling reads to your TBR. Perfect for fans of psychological horror, book
Great Thriller Reads

Great Thriller Reads

223 likes

Great books or guilty pleasures?
These books make some people feel guilty about loving them. Whether it’s a twisty psychological thriller, a scary horror book, or a dark thriller book, these must-reads have controversial elements that make them even harder to put down. What books did I forget to mention? #thrillerbooks #d
Great Thriller Books

Great Thriller Books

675 likes

An open book on a white bedspread displays an illustration of a man and a woman in a bedroom, with the text "books i will always defend" on the left page.
A hand holds the book "Wildfire" by Hannah Grace, featuring a cabin illustration. Annotations highlight "one night stand," "golden retriever mmc," and "healing," along with a quote from the book.
A hand holds the book "Shutout" by Avery Keelan, depicting a couple kissing. Annotations indicate "brothers best friend," "soft only for her," and "roommates," accompanied by a quote.
underrated romance books
like/save for later <3 🔥wildfire: everyone says this book is boring compared to icebreaker but i loved it so much, i thought it was such a sweet love story. i loved both the fmc and mmc & side characters. he’s so soft n sweet but has a dirty mouth ugh i love russ sm. idk what it was but
mads

mads

1291 likes

5 BOOKS TO AVOID UNNECESSARY TAX 👀
Let's get real for a sec – taxes are the WORST, right?! 😩 Like, who actually *enjoys* filling out those endless forms and trying to decipher confusing tax jargon? 🙋‍♀️ Not me, that's for sure. I used to dread tax season so much. But then I had a lightbulb moment 💡 – what if I actually *l
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

21 likes

Authors who write the spiciest books
I’m still getting through all of these authors books but these are my favorites from them so far! Have you read any? #spicybookrecommendations🔥 #spiciestbooks #lemon8bookclub #spicybooks #spicybooks📚
Alayna 📚

Alayna 📚

73 likes

Booktok books 📚 part 1 of 2
I’ve seen these all over my fyp on TikTok and here on Lemmon8 so I caved and bought them 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 there’s 6 books in this series by Selena Winters starting with 1. Carnival nightmare 2. Carnival monster 3. Carnival obsession 4. Carnival stalker 5. Carnival mayhem 6. Carnival shadows I haven’t started
Natasha!🌸

Natasha!🌸

58 likes

books i’m intimidated by😗
lately i have been wanting to branch out a bit more with my reading genres because i do get tired of reading all the same stuff! these are a few books on my tbr that are definitely out of my comfort zone but have heard great things about! let me know a book you want to read out of your comfort zone
Alli Beachy 🤍

Alli Beachy 🤍

82 likes

books i’m scared to read
more books i can’t bring myself to read.. lmk your thoughts or if you’ve read any of these 👀 ——— #bookrecommendations #booksoflemon8 #bookwormsoflemon8 #lemon8bookclub #lemon8bookchallenge
mads

mads

278 likes

Books I’ve Found This Week 📚
My goal for the summer is to read 10 books. I went book shopping and picked up a few gems. 1. Alchemised / SenLinYu (TikTok reviews have me TERRIFIED) 2. The 12 Week Year / Brian P. Morgan 3. A Little Life / Hanya Yanagihara Reading is my favorite hobby that i’ve gotten back into. Are you
AccordingToMora

AccordingToMora

14 likes

3 books that actually scared me
These three dark thriller books are all by the same author. They’re also all intensely gripping serial killer thrillers with absolutely terrifying killers. They scared me good, and I loved it! Add to your TBR if you like chilling good reads! #thrillerbookrecs #serialkillerbooks #darkbooks
Great Thriller Reads

Great Thriller Reads

124 likes

📚 books that INTIMIDATE me!
what books are you a bit terrified to read? 🫣💭 the fact that i have all of these books & just side eye them because they're so chunky lol #reading📖 #fyp #books 🫶🏼 #bookloversoflemon8 #readersoflemon8
ciara janaé ꨄ︎

ciara janaé ꨄ︎

21 likes

The books I wish I could forget…
Some books stick with you in a way you can’t explain. These are the ones I wish I could read for the first time again. Which book would be at the top of your list? #HelloLemon8 #bookrecommendation #booksreview #readeroflemon8 #readersofbooktok
Thisisjilloliver

Thisisjilloliver

9 likes

A vintage photo of a man with glasses and a mustache is taped onto a background of handwritten notes. Overlay text reads: '5 books so dark I had to sit and rock back and forth after'.
The book cover for 'Gray After Dark' by Noelle W. Ihli, featuring a dark house in a forest, is displayed over handwritten notes. A text overlay provides a review of the book.
The book cover for 'No Exit' by Taylor Adams, showing a road with a yellow line, is displayed over handwritten notes. A text overlay provides a review of the book.
Dark books I freaking loved!
Here are some dark thriller books that gave me cold, beautiful chills!!!! 😳🤌❤️ #thrillerbooks #thrillertok #thrillerbook #thrillerbooktok #booktok
Cat Mystery Author

Cat Mystery Author

7 likes

A graphic with the title "BOOKS FOR WEIRD GIRLS" in purple text over a golden-framed painting on a green patterned background. It features small stacks of pink books and a book cover for "Yesteryear," with the Lemon8 logo and @angellenereads handle.
A page titled "Books FOR WEIRD GIRLS" presenting two book recommendations. It includes the covers and synopses for "Patricia Wants to Cuddle" by Samantha Allen and "A Touch of Jen" by Beth Morgan, with the Lemon8 logo and @angellenereads handle.
A page titled "Books FOR WEIRD GIRLS" showcasing two book recommendations. It features the covers and synopses for "Yesteryear" by Caro Claire Burke and "Spoiled Milk" by Avery Curran, with the Lemon8 logo and @angellenereads handle.
Books for Weird Girls
Here are some books for the weird girls. Books that unconventional and unhinged in both plot and character that also questions society. My new favorite genre!!! If you know any, please comment them down below!! #weirdgirlfiction #weirdgirlbooks #bookrecs #bookrecommemdations #girlsthat
AngelleneReads

AngelleneReads

264 likes

A book titled "The Predator" by Runyx, part of the Darkverse series, lies on a white crumpled fabric. Overlay text reads "Convincing you to read DARK ROMANCE this book with quotes."
The book "The Predator" by Runyx on a white fabric, with an overlay quote: "DON'T YOU KNOW NOT TO RUN AWAY FROM PREDATORS, SWEETHEART? WE LIKE THE HUNT."
The book "The Predator" by Runyx on a white fabric, featuring two overlay quotes about Tristan Caine and Ms. Vitalio, expressing desire and disdain.
Convincing You to Read The Predator by Runyx
This is one of my favorite dark romance books that I have read!!! The plot line is amazing and it is a true enemies to lovers book!! This is apart of the Darkverse series! Morana is the daughter of a mob boss who is a coder. There is a rival family where she meets Tristan Caine, a tall, broodin
Hannah Pilgrim

Hannah Pilgrim

209 likes

Books that led to me becoming a therapist
While also scaring the crap out of me about the world. Even scarier now being a mom.
workingmomway

workingmomway

1 like

A person holds a red book titled "Interesting Facts About Space" by Emily Austin, resting on a cozy blanket. The image is overlaid with text "what I'm Currently Reading" and "lemon8bookclub", indicating a book review or reading update.
The back of the red book "Interesting Facts About Space" is shown, with text describing the plot: a woman connecting with half-sisters, her dad abandoning them, her obsession with true crime, working at a space agency, and fear of bald men.
An open book, "Interesting Facts About Space," is shown with text overlays describing its genre and tone as "funny," "emotional," "queer," "contemporary fiction," and "fast paced," with planet and rocket graphics.
my current read!
I’m currently reading interesting facts about space and really enjoying it! I had heard such good things about Emily Austin and have to say I get the hype 🪐 have you read this before?? #lemon8bookchallenge #currentlyreading #fiction #fictionbooks
bookrvws

bookrvws

49 likes

Read on KU🫶
“Written by a Woman” is a spicy romantic comedy on KU that includes: 🧡a workplace romance 🪴coworkers to friends to lovers 🧡a tall, curvy, and confident FMC 🪴a bilingual, simpin’ boss 🧡open doors 🪴he falls first and harder 🧡”Say my name” 💥 🪴 sunshine/sunshine 🧡 golden retriever/golden retr
Andrea Andersen | Author

Andrea Andersen | Author

270 likes

An open book with highlighted text and a blue page tab, resting on a textured blanket. Overlay text reads "Swipe why i annotate my books," indicating a discussion about book annotation.
Do you annotate your books?
It’s not like I do this with every single book I read. That too much. Instead, if a book feels like it’s going to be special or if I just have to read it asap, then I’ll usually annotate. 📚 It’s fun to do in the moment. 📚 It makes me become an active reader which in turn helps my memory of th
Loren📚

Loren📚

14 likes

The image displays the cover of Jon Athan's book, "The Groomer," resting on a textured brown surface. The cover features intense eyes, a fishing hook, and a small brown teddy bear hanging from the hook. The title is prominently displayed in black letters.
Finally Read The Groomer….
The Groomer By Jon Athan TBH I was terrified because of other reviews I’ve read. Here are my thoughts…. I appreciate the reality of this whole story. Was it gruesome? Yes! But I truly believe it needed to be. From how predators set everything up from start to finish, preying on naive minds
Kae Frisby

Kae Frisby

268 likes

A hand with tattoos holds four books stacked vertically, with the text overlay "books I've read this month part 2" in orange and white bubble letters. The books are against a gray and white patterned blanket.
The book cover for "Almond" by Won-Pyung Sohn, featuring a large pink abstract face on a purple background, is held by a hand against a blue and green painted background.
The book cover for "Rules" by Cynthia Lord, depicting a goldfish and a rubber duck on a teal background with award seals, rests on a gray patterned blanket.
books I’ve read this month part 2
Can you believe March is already over?? Let’s recap on some books I read this spring - you can check out my other March reads post for more recommendations :D Almond Goodreads rating: 4.17 My rating: 5/5⭐️ Okay this story was so sad, but so heartwarming and overall such a beautiful story
tay(❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)☾*.✧

tay(❁ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)☾*.✧

30 likes

A police officer's back faces an open door with bright light, overlaid with the text "Six books so DAMN sly they F*CKING owned me," introducing a list of thriller book recommendations.
A police officer's back and an open door are overlaid with the book cover for "The Woman in the Window" by A.J. Finn, accompanied by a review praising its unpredictable plot.
A police officer's back and an open door are overlaid with the book cover for "Lies and Bones" by T.J. Law, featuring a dark alley scene, along with a review about its gripping nature.
Sly AF books I loved
I love slick thriller books, and these were elite! #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooktok #bookrecommendations #bookish #booktok
Great Thriller Books

Great Thriller Books

7 likes

Terrified driver
I am terrified of driving on school campus because of how small the lots are. Can anyone give me advice.? #lemon8diarychallenge
Gabriela🤍

Gabriela🤍

4 likes

An open copy of the book 'Lock Every Door' by Riley Sager, held by a hand with red nail polish, with the text 'MY FIRST HORROR READ' overlaid.
The cover of the book 'Lock Every Door' by Riley Sager, lying on a light-colored wooden surface, with the title and author overlaid.
A hand holding the spine of the book 'Lock Every Door' by Riley Sager, with text indicating a 5-star rating and positive review.
My first horror read
My first ever read from the horror genre! Lock Every Door by Riley Sager I rated this book 5 stars! The book is about an apartment sitter at an exclusive building in Manhattan who discovers that her predecessor in the job disappeared under suspicious circumstances… #lemon8partner #
Khloemyers

Khloemyers

32 likes

A graphic titled "HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR OF FLYING" lists six tips against a sunset sky background with a white airplane flying. Tips include learning facts, deep breathing, distraction, visualization, staying hydrated, and talking to a professional to ease flight anxiety.
Terrified of Flying? These 6 Tips Will help you!
Overcome flight anxiety with calming strategies that really work! If flying makes your palms sweat or your heart race, you’re not alone! Millions struggle with fear of flying, but the good news is that there are real, effective techniques that can help. I used to be terrified of takeoff, but the
Travel with midz!

Travel with midz!

47 likes

My All Time Favorite Books🍋✨📖🌼
These are my favorite books that I’ve read, The very top of the 5⭐️ star list!! - Kingdom of Ash - A Court of Mist and Fury - Butcher and Blackbird - Heartless - Binding 13 - The Fabric of our Souls - The Mind F*ck Series ✨Let me know your favorite books!!✨ #books #book #bookre
linds

linds

32 likes

at this point in time I'm finished terrified trying to get to know anyone ever a
jesscunningham8

jesscunningham8

1 like

Books Every Parent Should Read 📚
Taylor

Taylor

4 likes

Terrified
Random Thoughts 💭What's on my mind: #inthecar😇 Current Mood: ⭐Rate:
Lemon8er

Lemon8er

2 likes

I’m TERRIFIED to post this😳…
But seriously I need some help!!!
Miriam Davis

Miriam Davis

5379 likes

Books Everyone Should Read 📚
▪️A New Earth: Expands on the author’s spiritual teachings focusing on how people should live in the present moment. ▪️The Five Love Languages: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, and Physical Touch. Each language corresponds to the types of actions or behaviors
T O N I ☀️

T O N I ☀️

15 likes

See more