Suggestions to cater to my specific situation?

[Aamir]

Hey guys,

New user on Goodreads, so go easy! I'm looking for a horror but have some very specific requirements so just bear with me please!

I used to read a lot as a kid (Roald Dahl, Goosebumps series, Harry Potter series) but stopped reading into my mid-teens. I recently decided to delve into the literary world once again.
So I'm basically looking for a book suitable for someone who hasn't read in while. I recently read Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton, which I enjoyed moderately. But horror is my favourite genre, so I bought The Shining but have not had the chance to read yet. I'd like something preferably along them lines (i.e. paranormal). Stephen King novels are grossly recommended so, if I enjoy The Shining, I will consider reading Pet Sematary or IT.
Additionally, books with a sense of adventure (as in HP) would be a major plus.
Any other recommendations (Stephen King or other)?

P.S. I'm not at all into romance, nor am I opposed to classical monster books i.e. vampires, werewolves, that sort of thing).

Thanks in advance!

[Aamir]

Just remembered, 'Haunted house' is my favourite subgenre so anything in that category would be cool!

[Alissa]

Imo, Hell House by Richard Matheson is a really great haunted house story. For horror adventure, I'm really into coming of age horror and Summer of Night by Dan Simmons and Boys Life by Robert McCammon are wonderful reads.

[Aamir]

I shall take a look Alissa, thanks for the reply :)

[Holly]

Just remember, there are lots & lots of good writers out there, don't limit yourself to King. I would recommend Adam Neville for you,
Apartment 16
House of Small Shadows
The Ritual
Banquet For the Damned

[Aamir]

Some of them actually sound really good, I'm going to look into them a bit more. Thanks! And the reason for the King obsession is because every horror list i check is comprised mostly of his books in the top 10! But I agree, I don't want to limit myself to one author :)

[Famine]

Yes, Adam Neville is an author I strongly recommend. Great characterisation skills, like King.

[Aamir]

Yeah I'm probably gonna check out a few of his books, thanks :)

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*]

I also recommend Graham Masterton, he can have some chilling stuff. Try The Devil in Gray, Death Trance and The House That Jack Built

Stranger by Simon Clark, Summer of Night by Dan Simmons, Dead Sea by Brian Keene

[Aamir]

Thanks Erin, I'll take a look!

[Latasha]

Holly wrote: "Just remember, there are lots & lots of good writers out there, don't limit yourself to King. I would recommend Adam Neville for you,
Apartment 16
[..."

the ritual was very good. when I was reading it. I had to put the book down and say ok, I should not be reading this right now."

[Terri]

check out some of Richard Laymon 's books

[Aamir]

Thanks for all the recommendations guys! Added a lot of books to my intended read collection!

[Robert]

A recently published haunted house novella that I thought was excellent is Willie Meikle's Tormentor. Also, since you mention King, Bag of Bones is also a great haunted house story, IMO. Ghost stories (whether centered on a house or not) are my favorite sub-genre of horror. :-)

[Aamir]

Thanks Robert, appreciate the suggestions buddy.