Over the last year or two, I have ventured into many corners of dark literature—some more disturbing than others. I think it’s fascinating how a book has the power to unsettle, push limits, and sometimes make me feel like I might literally be sick. And obviously, I want to share those lovely books with you.

The books I’m going to be talking about contain themes of sexual assault, graphic violence, body horror, child abuse, plus many more. So if you’re sensitive to any of these topics, these books probably aren’t for you.

Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter

TW: sexual assault, suicide, torture

“Pretty Girls” by Karin Slaughter is probably one of my favourite books. The story is about two sisters, Claire and Lydia, who, due to family conflict, haven’t been in contact for years. But when Claire’s husband is killed, they begrudgingly reconnect. As they begin digging, they uncover some dark family secrets and realize that a tragedy from their past might be linked to present horrors. It’s dark, disturbing, and had some brilliant twists that made me audibly gasp.

The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks

TW: animal abuse, torture, graphic violence

“The Wasp Factory” is a dark novel about a teen named Frank who lives on a remote island in Scotland. Frank is unique to say the least. He likes to carry out his own strange ritual involving wasps and a contraption he calls the “Wasp Factory.” The story dives into his strange behaviour, his troubled family history, and why he behaves the way that he does. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book after I finished it, but I do have an overwhelming urge to reread it. This contains some pretty graphic details on animal abuse—it’s not for sensitive readers.

The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum

TW: child abuse, torture, sexual assault, graphic violence

Brace yourselves, because “The Girl Next Door” by Jack Ketchum is a tough one—mainly because it’s based on a sad and very real case.

The book is based on the true story of Sylvia Lykens. The story follows two orphaned sisters, Meg and Susan, who move in with their aunt, Ruth, and her three sons after the death of their parents. Ruth, with the help of her sons and their friends, subject Meg to serious graphic abuse for reasons that aren’t truly understood.

The story is told from the perspective of a boy named David, who lives nearby and witnesses the abuse. It’s a deep dive into the darkest corners of human depravity and group dynamics. If you decide to read it, be prepared: it’s extremely upsetting, especially if you are familiar with the Sylvia Lykens case.

The Troop by Nick Cutter

TW: extreme body horror, animal abuse, graphic violence

“The Troop” by Nick Cutter is essentially “Lord of the Flies” meets extreme body horror.

Set in the wilderness of a remote Canadian island, a group of Scouts embarks on what should have been a simple camping adventure. However, their idyllic getaway quickly transforms into a grotesque nightmare when a giant parasitic worm crashes their campsite, and this worm has a voracious appetite for all living things.

Nick Cutter’s incredibly descriptive writing isn’t for everyone, but I am personally mesmerised by his ability create such graphic images in the mind of the reader. Which makes this book especially disturbing, particularly the depictions or animal abuse and gory injury detail.

Tampa by Alissa Nutting

TW: child abuse and sexual assault

“Tampa” by Alissa Nutting is not your typical read. It’s provocative and really pushes boundaries.

26-year-old middle school teacher, Celeste, is young, attractive, and married to a police officer. However, she has an insatiable sexual appetite for her 14-year-old male student, Jack.

The story delves deep into her obsession and how far she’s willing to go to satisfy her sick desires, all while maintaining a façade of being the idela teacher and wife. The narrative doesn’t shy away from explicit details, and it challenges the reader to confront societal double standards regarding gender, power dynamics, and sexual predators.

Dead Inside by Chandler Morrison

TW: everything (including necrophilia, cannibalism, and peodophilia)

“Dead Inside ” is a horrific book that I took a six month break from reading. I wasn’t sure it was something I could finish.

“Dead Inside” follows a young hospital security guard who has a disturbingly unique taste in women. He prefers them dead. Routinely breaking into the hospital’s morgue to sexually violate bodies of the deceased. He develops and unlikely relationship with a beautiful maternity doctor who shares equally disturbing “tastes”. Cannibalism.

Is it a well-written book? Not really. Was it written for pure shock and to brutally disturb its readers? Yes. Don’t expect much in terms of plot, this is just a nasty, stomach-churning story. I don’t personally recommend it unless to be made to feel sick is your goal.

Gone to See the River Man by Kristopher Triana

TW: sexual assault, graphic violence, gore

“Gone to See the River Man” by Kristopher Triana is one-sitting kind of read. I read it on a flight then spent my entire holiday feeling empty and traumatised.

The story follows Lori who becomes infatuated with imprisoned serial killer, Edmund Cox, a man of sadistic cruelty who butchered more than twenty women. Lori forges a disturbing relationship with him, writing him letters and visiting him in prison. He then sends her on a quest into the woods to retrieve an item from a remote cabin.

It’s graphic, disturbing, and upsetting. And you won’t be able to put it down.