Horror as a genre has always been a fertile ground for exploring identity, fear, and desire. When infused with queer themes, these narratives become even more potent, offering nuanced examinations of love, power, and the unknown. Lesbian horror, in particular, weaves the eerie and the intimate into unforgettable tales that linger long after the final page. Below is a curated list of standout lesbian horror books that deserve a spot on your bookshelf.  

1. White Is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi  

Oyeyemi crafts a haunting gothic tale centered on Miranda, a young woman plagued by an inherited condition and a house that harbors dark secrets. The story blurs the lines between psychological horror and the supernatural, all while exploring Miranda’s queer identity with subtlety and depth. The prose is hypnotic, pulling readers into a labyrinth of grief, love, and obsession.

2. Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle  

Known for satirical romance, Tingle surprises with this visceral horror about a conversion therapy camp with sinister secrets. While the story grapples with trauma and oppression, it also celebrates queer resilience. This is a poignant, terrifying, and ultimately empowering read.

3. Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield  

This melancholic and atmospheric novel follows the strained relationship between Miri and her wife Leah, who has returned changed after a mysterious deep-sea expedition. Blending horror with tender emotional depth, Armfield explores themes of transformation, loss, and the unknowable aspects of love.

4. Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu  

Considered one of the first vampire novels, Carmilla is a gothic classic with rich queer subtext. The titular vampire’s relationship with the protagonist, Laura, is both alluring and unsettling, making it a foundational text in lesbian horror literature.

5. Through the Woods by Emily Carroll  

Carroll’s graphic novel anthology includes The Guest House, a chilling tale of isolation and desire. Her lush, eerie illustrations and storytelling evoke a fairy tale-like dread, capturing the queer undertones of longing and fear.

6. When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carroll  

Another graphic masterpiece from Carroll, this one is a queer, sensual, and grotesque exploration of power dynamics and repressed desire. The castle setting and its monstrous mistress create a striking allegory for queer experiences.

7. An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson  

Set in an elite boarding school steeped in the occult, Gibson’s dark academia novel centers on queer love, ambition, and the price of power. This is a modern gothic story brimming with tension and haunting beauty.

8. Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca  

This novella, told through emails and chat logs, delves into a twisted relationship between two women. LaRocca crafts an unsettling tale of obsession and psychological horror with an undercurrent of queer longing and power imbalance.

9. Chlorine by Jade Song  

A surreal and darkly beautiful debut, this novel follows Ren Yu, a queer swimmer obsessed with transformation. As her fixation grows, the story descends into body horror, exploring themes of identity, self-destruction, and desire.

10. Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado  

This short story collection mixes horror, speculative fiction, and queer themes to stunning effect. In tales like The Husband Stitch, Machado explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, and power with both sensuality and terror.

11. A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson  

A queer reimagining of Dracula’s brides, this epistolary novel dives into toxic relationships and liberation. The lush prose and gothic atmosphere make it a must-read for fans of romantic horror.

12. Wilder Girls by Rory Power  

Set on an isolated island, this dystopian horror follows a group of girls dealing with a mysterious illness that warps their bodies. Queer relationships and themes of survival and transformation are central to this gripping tale.

13. House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson  

This gothic horror novel centers on a young woman who becomes a bloodmaid in a twisted aristocratic household. The sapphic undertones, opulent decay, and sinister atmosphere make this a deliciously dark read.

Why Read Lesbian Horror Books?  

Lesbian horror offers a rich tapestry of narratives that explore the monstrous and the beautiful, often challenging societal norms while embracing the complexities of identity and desire. Whether you’re drawn to gothic classics, modern reimaginings, or visceral terror, these books provide thrilling and thought-provoking experiences.

Dive in, if you dare.