Are you a fan of scary stories? Don’t want to read a full-length book? I’ve got the best creepy short stories for you!
Sometimes, creepy short stories are some of the creepiest stories out there.
I don’t know if you’re anything like me but I have always been a little bit judgy of short stories. I figured they wouldn’t be all that great, but you can’t get that slow burn from them. To me, that was the case anyway. I have always assumed that short stories can’t really get into the nity and grity like full-length novels.
But that’s not the case. There have been quite a few creepy short stories that have actually kind of creeped me out quite a bit. I’m pretty sure this has a lot to do with beta reading some short stories where the ending didn’t make sense to me!
Creepy short stories full of scares
I hope that you’re able to find something that you like on this list. There are quite a few books on this list that I know for a fact have been highly rated. Some of them I haven’t heard about until now but I thought they would be great additions to this list.
Small Horrors by Darcy Coates
If you’re a fan of creepy books or just horror overall, then I know you have probably heard of Darcy Coates. If you haven’t, then where have you been? She has been a rising horror author for a while now.
In addition, I have heard a lot of people praising her books, and they keep popping up in the horror groups that I’m a part of. If you have read any of her books, then let me know in the comments what you think of them!
Here is what Small Horrors is about.
Small Horrors is a horror book of fifty suspenseful short stories. It takes you to the realm of monsters and moving shadows. If you take a wrong step, you’re plunged into a terrifying fight. There’s something that can mimic a human’s voice and lure you into the woods. A dead boy has gone missing from the morgue, and a friend’s eyes are unnatural.
Creepy Tales by Bones Monroe
Part of me feels like this one may be one of the more extreme short story collections that I have on here. But I know if you’re here then some of you actually might like them.
Some of the stories do sound like something that would come from nightmares!
Here is what Creepy Tales is about.
There are over 200 pages of dark fantasy and horror that are going to make you think twice about everything. Eight stories are included, unlocking your deepest nightmares.
It goes from a man inviting people to his home, but they never leave. The neighbors haven’t noticed until now. Working in a hair salon isn’t always glamorous, but it covers the bills. When a new client comes, he shows up with a weird fetish.
The terrors just keep on coming story after story, and they will keep you on edge.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
It has been a while since I read Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. I was probably a teenager when I last read it. Because of that, I don’t remember what the short stories were completely about in the book.
But that doesn’t mean that I don’t remember how the stories made me feel. I do remember that when I was reading it, there were a lot of stories that I actually found pretty creepy. Some of them even managed to give me chills.
Just know that if you’re looking for adult books, then this one might not be the one for you. These creepy short stories are mostly aimed towards middle grade and YA books. Maybe you’ll still like it if you give it a chance.
Here is what Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is about.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark has a story for just about everyone. There are skeletons with torn flesh who are roaming are world. There’s a ghost who can take revenge on the person who killed her. On top of that, there’s a haunted house where a bloody head falls down the chimney.
Scary short stories for teens
This is a collection of short stories that I haven’t heard of before, and part of me wants to get my hands on it. I feel like creepypasta stories, for the most part, are pretty creepy.
Considering this is being compared to creepypasta stories, I think I may have to get my hands on it and see how creepy it is.
Here is what Scary Short Stories For Teens is about.
Scary Short Stories for Teens is a book full of stories that are similar to creepypasta horror stories and allows you to see the terrifying world that may lie behind this book.
It starts with a little boy who is found walking alone down a dark road. Then there’s a grandpa and sister who “came back” to visit family on Halloween night. Now, there’s a room in the attic where a shadowy figure lives. Then there’s a wife who is always home alone and witnesses otherworldly things outside her front door. There are two brothers who explore a haunted house and find way more than they bargained for.
The Creepypasta short stories collections
I already know that I’m going to have to try and check this book out. If it’s anything like actual creepypasta stories, then I know it’ll be worth it.
I know the younger me would have been excited about this one because I have always loved urban legends. This one seems like it would give me chills!
Here is what The Creepypasta short stories collection is about.
Here’s to a world of nightmares. The Creepypasta short stories collection has 45 disturbing stories that you have never heard or read on the internet. At least, not yet.
Inside are some of the most spine-tingling and heart-stopping horror stories that will keep you up all night.
There are tales of paranoia to cursed objects and demonic possessions.
One Bite at a Time by Brandon Faircloth
This is another one of the creepy short stories that actually really catches my attention. Mostly because of the cover as well.
I also get the impression that the stories are going to be pretty creepy as well. Usually, I’m a good judge of character when it comes to books and what I may or may not like. Don’t get me wrong, though; there are times that I’m wrong, but I do have a feeling that I will like this one.
Here is what One Bite at a Time is about.
There’s a dead body that doesn’t decay. Someone does a magic trick that ultimately ends with horrible consequences. There’s an apartment with a weird roach problem. Someone finds a serial killer’s cell phone. Another visits a childhood friend who is determined to show them what’s in a nearby tunnel. This book includes 25 creepy short stories that will be worth your time.
A Trick of the Light by William Stuart
A Trick of the Light caught my attention just because of the cover alone. Whoever did it did a great job because it looks creepy and is very eye-catching.
Short horror stories have either been a hit or miss for me, but I feel like this one would be a hit for me. What do you guys think? Would this be one that you think you would enjoy, too?
Here is what A Trick of the Light is about.
In this book, there are sixteen tales of pure terror that will leave you speechless and wondering what might be lurking nearby.
One story follows a mad professor who has a bad habit of delivering deathly punishments to his students. A girl who is great at drawing wins a set of pencils that brings her creations to life. There’s an older man who was once an investigator who comes out of retirement to face a ghost from his past.
These creepy short stories are going to leave you wondering if that shadow in your corner is something else. Is there a ghost outside of your window? Make sure not to look under the bed.
Stories for Halloween Night by T. C. Harrelson
I have actually been wanting to find books that take place around Halloween. We have tons of horror books out there, but we don’t seem to have a whole lot of them that take place around Halloween.
To me this is a little bit sad because I love horror books that take place on Halloween. It’s such the perfect setting for it is all that I’m saying.
I feel like this one might have the perfect setting in all of the short stories!
Here is what Stories For Halloween Night is about.
Are you wanting a good scare? In this book there are three short tales just for young adult readers.
It includes a girl’s tale of terror on Halloween because of a faceless legend. There’s also a story of envy and magic. Then, there’s a despicable creature that enjoys terrorizing a young, bedridden soldier.
Just make sure to get comfortable and prepare for the chills you’re bound to get. I mean, it is Halloween night.
Let me know in the comments what short stories I may have missed. I would love to hear some of your favorites. Also, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get more bookish lists like this in the future!