If you're a fan of horror novels, then you know that there is nothing creepier than a child who is up to no good. In this list, we will explore some of the best horror novels out there that feature creepy children. These books are sure to send shivers down your spine!
The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
In a society that has been overrun by a fungal disease that turns people into zombies, there is a group of children who are immune to the disease and are being studied by scientists in the hope of finding a cure. Among these children is Melanie, a girl who is different from the others. She is intelligent and compassionate, and she soon begins to realize that the world she knows is not as it seems.
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
A woman named Vic has the ability to travel to a place called Christmasland. Christmasland is a place where children go if they are taken by Santa. However, this is not the jolly Santa that we all know and love. This Santa is a creature who feeds on the souls of children. Vic decides to use her power to take children to Christmasland in order to save them from this fate.
Suffer the Children by Craig DiLouie
A mysterious illness sweeps the planet killing all of the children. The world is rocked by pain and sorrow, but one day as if by magic all of the children come back to life again. Now that they have a second chance in life they are very different than they were before.
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
Baby Teeth is about a mother who begins to suspect that her daughter is possessed by a demon. The story follows the mother as she tries to save her daughter from this fate. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the mother is not dealing with a demon, but with something much worse.
Slade House by David Mitchell
Slade House is about a mysterious house that appears every nine years. The story follows a group of people who are drawn to the house and must face the terrifying creatures that live inside.
The Shining by Stephen King
Most people have at least seen the movie, but if you haven't I'll give you a rundown of the plot. A man takes a job as a caretaker at an isolated hotel. The man, his wife, and their son soon realize that the hotel is haunted by evil spirits. The family is terrorized by these spirits and must find a way to escape.
The Bad Seed by William March
A mother begins to suspect that her son is a killer. The story follows the mother as she tries to save her son from this fate. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the mother is not dealing with a killer, but with something much worse.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
We Have Always Lived in the Castle is about a family who is cursed. The story follows the family as they try to break the curse. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the curse is not what it seems.
Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Trembley
14-year-old Marjorie is possessed, or maybe she isn't. Her parents don't really know, but they do know that this is an amazing opportunity because they've fallen on hard times. So they do what any family would do. They invite a film crew into their home and their daughter's possession becomes the latest must-watch reality TV sensation.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
The Exorcist is a classic horror about a girl who is possessed by a demon and the struggles of the priest who is trying to save her. The movie gave me nightmares as a child and the book is even scarier.
The Omen by David Seltzer
The Thorns were so happy to welcome their new son into the world. He was their pride and joy, but there's something strange about Damien. He is not an ordinary boy. Violence follows him everywhere and they have no idea why.
That's my wrap-up. What are some of your favorite horror novels with creepy children?
If you like scary stories you'll like the haunted house story I wrote.
