In 1977, Stephen King released The Shining, a seminal work that remains a benchmark in horror literature. Fans of this terrifying tale, especially those who have been captivated by its iconic 1980 film adaptation directed by Stanley Kubrick and featuring Jack Nicholson, may find delight in exploring these ten horror novels that echo similar themes. The narrative follows Jack Torrance, his wife Wendy, and their son Danny as they confront the secrets and sinister forces of the Overlook Hotel during a harrowing winter.
Central to many of these thematic companions is the theme of male madness, demonstrated through Jack’s chilling transformation into a killer. Additionally, these books often feature eerie homes haunted by malevolent spirits, mirroring the haunting atmosphere of The Overlook Hotel.
10. Episode Thirteen: Craig Dilouie
A Paranormal Investigator Couple Explores a Legendary Mansion
To kick off the list, Episode Thirteen, published in 2023 by Craig Dilouie, introduces readers to Matt and Claire Kirklin, a married couple working as paranormal investigators. Through various tapes, journals, and letters, their investigation spirals into a terrifying nightmare that echoes the tension of The Shining.
9. American Psycho: Bret Easton Ellis
A 1980s Yuppie Turns to Violence
Another classic to consider is American Psycho, released in 1991. The story shadows Patrick Bateman, a seemingly perfect Wall Street executive who harbors a dark, psychopathic side. Bateman’s obsession with power leads him to commit gruesome acts that reflect the darker aspects of capitalism coursing through America.
8. A Head Full of Ghosts: Paul Tremblay
A Woman Reflects on the Horrors of Her Sister’s Exorcism
A Head Full of Ghosts intricately explores madness within a family, focusing on the Barretts, who unravel as their 14-year-old daughter exhibits signs of severe schizophrenia. Much like The Shining, this novel offers multiple perspectives, showcasing the psychological turmoil relative to the family’s ordeal.
7. Charnel House: Graham Masterton
A Man Suspects His House Is Alive
Published in 1978, Charnel House tells the story of Seymour Willis, who believes that his house is alive with a malevolent presence. As he gathers others to investigate, they uncover a terrifying truth that parallels that of The Overlook Hotel’s dark past.
6. Pet Sematary: Stephen King
A Man Messes with Life & Death
Another of King’s masterpieces, Pet Sematary (1983), dives into the morbid exploration of death and what lies beyond. Following Louis Creed, who discovers a supernatural burial ground behind his new home, the story highlights the destructive desire to alter fate — reminiscent of Jack Torrance’s personal battles.
5. The Haunting of Hill House: Shirley Jackson
Four Individuals Seek the Supernatural in a Haunted House
A quintessential gothic novel, The Haunting of Hill House explores the sinister power of a house that consumes its inhabitants. While it presents a different narrative style, the psychological tension and themes of fear greatly align it with the ambiance of The Shining.
4. Maynard’s House: Herman Raucher
A War Veteran Inherits a Haunted Home
In Maynard’s House (1980), a young Vietnam veteran inherits a secluded cabin in Maine that soon becomes a site of supernatural encounters. The narrative parallels The Shining through its exploration of trauma and the unknown that lurks within.
3. House of Leaves: Mark Z. Danielewski
A Family Moves into a Dangerous Home
House of Leaves stands as a uniquely structured horror tale that follows a family whose new home reveals unimaginable horrors. The unconventional formatting enhances the reading experience, immersing readers in a chilling tale of madness and familial strife much like that found in The Shining.
2. Burnt Offerings: Robert Marasco
A Young Couple Rent a Mansion for the Summer
Burnt Offerings (1973) had a profound influence on King’s writing of The Shining. It chronicles the story of the Rolfes, a couple who experience eerie occurrences in a secluded estate while catering to its enigmatic occupant. The escalating tension offers a distinct flavor of horror that fans of The Shining will appreciate.
1. Doctor Sleep: Stephen King
King’s Sequel to The Shining
Lastly, no list would be complete without mentioning Doctor Sleep, Stephen King’s exhilarating sequel to The Shining published in 2013. It follows Dan Torrance as an adult, who harnesses his psychic abilities in a nursing home while safeguarding a gifted girl from a vicious cult. The connections between the two books not only expand the Shining universe but also delve into deeper themes of redemption and resilience against evil.
For any fan of horror literature, these titles provide thrilling explorations of psychological horror, eerily beautiful settings, and the descent into madness reminiscent of King’s masterful storytelling in The Shining.