Discover 12 Outstanding Comedy Horror Books
Book RaiderFor every bookworm with a penchant for the peculiar, there's nothing as captivating as a well-written comedy horror book. These intriguing literary gems serve up a potent cocktail that seamlessly blends heebie-jeebies with chuckles. It's like brunch, but instead of downing mimosas alongside your eggs benedict, you're wrestling with fits of laughter while simultaneously trying not to scream in terror. Yes yeah, the mix of comedy and the macabre isn’t for everyone, but for those slightly off-kilter folks (here's looking at you), it's pure gold in prose.
Now, if you’ve ever found yourself cackling at the grim humor in an Edgar Allan Poe tale, or laughing at a zombie joke in the middle of a spine-chilling scene, then welcome! We've rounded up some comedy horror books that are certain to titillate your scary-yet-funny bone. These outlandish tales spun by some of the best minds in the biz will ensure you'll be thoroughly spooked, unexpectedly tickled, and eager to turn the page for more. It’s like Halloween and April Fool’s had a lovechild – who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires
by Grady Hendrix
Why The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires is on this list: If you're wondering how a book club and vampire slaying fit together, that's exactly why this book is an outrageous blend of horror and humor.
This is the story of a women's book club in a quiet Southern town that gets passively mentioned in every horror flick. Hence, you can expect the gore, but here's the twist - it's mixed in with the gritty reality of life in a book club. Their world takes a thrilling turn when a mysterious stranger moves into town. And well, dig this, the stranger loves both - books and a peculiar diet that might just include some of the townsfolk.
What readers like: Readers have been charmed by the seemingly ordinary yet refreshingly witty characters, and the uncanny ability of Grady Hendrix to combine horror and humor. If classic horror isn't cutting it dully for you, the unexpected comedy in this book might just be the page-turner you need.
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John Dies at the End
by David Wong
Why John Dies at the End is on this list: Mixing comedy with horror is an art and David Wong has become something of a grandmaster. 'John Dies at the End' is a perfect representation of comedy horror. It's spine-chilling but makes you chuckle, and not many books can do both equally well.
The book follows two friends, John and David, as they get introduced to a drug called 'soy sauce'. This sauce opens doors to different dimensions, and witty jokes and scary creatures pop out of them. John and David find themselves in situations that can best be described as insane, intermingled with twists of wild humor.
What readers like: Readers love the book's unique brand of laugh-out-loud humor mixed with genuinely terrifying moments. They appreciate the odd yet lovable characters, the inter-dimensional escapades, and the unpredictable plot. It's a rollercoaster you didn't know you needed to ride, which is why it has earned a permanent spot in reader's hearts (and possibly their nightmares).
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Practical Demonkeeping
by Christopher Moore
Why Practical Demonkeeping is on this list: With Moore’s unique twist on comedy and horror, ‘Practical Demonkeeping’ is one of those rare books that manages to make you laugh out loud just as it sends chills down your spine.
This New York Times bestseller introduces us to Catch, a demon with a wicked sense of humour and an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Oh, and let's not forget his reluctant master, Travis, who just can't seem to shake him off. The story unfolds in Pines Cove, a small coastal town in California, where the bizarre is normal and the normal is bizarre. Add a quirky cast of characters, and this book really feels like a comedy horror movie you can't put down!
What readers like: Fans of Moore’s work appreciate his witty repartee, delightfully odd characters, and his knack for twisting ordinary situations into hysterical supernatural episodes. A word of caution though, this book may leave you scared of the dark but with an odd craving for more of Moore’s comedy horror.
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First Grave on the Right
by Darynda Jones
Why First Grave on the Right is on this list: If you’re in search of a laugh-out-loud comedy that isn't afraid to go bump in the night, then you’re going to love this book. First Grave on the Right perfectly combines ghoulish gore with mind-blowing hilarity, placing it firmly in the comedy horror genre.
This is the first installment in the Charley Davidson series, introducing us to a quirky and wildly charismatic private investigator who also happens to be the Grim Reaper. There's never a dull moment as she helps spirits cross over and solves murders, all while grappling with some charming yet sinister figures from the supernatural world.
What readers like: Readers rave about the witty one-liners, engaging mystery plot, and colorful cast of characters. The blend of suspense and humor is addictive, leaving you constantly flipping to the next page. Not to mention the unique blend of real-world detective work with paranormal elements, which creates a memorable and engaging story universe. This is also the first book in a series, so if you love it, there's plenty more to devour.
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Beauty Queens
by Libba Bray
Why Beauty Queens is on this list: Beauty Queens is a perfect combo of horror, comedy, and teen drama (we all know that's the scariest part). It bakes in a dollop of humour into its terrifying plot, like marshmallows in a ghost story by the campfire.
In Beauty Queens, a plane crash leaves a beauty pageant team stranded on a deserted island with limited survival skills but a limitless stash of cosmetics. As the quirky beauty queens face the challenges of the wilderness, what unfolds is an unexpected mix of glittery chaos and spooky shenanigans.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the way Libba Bray mashes comedy and horror together in a blender of brilliance, never taking herself too seriously. The laugh-out-loud moments, amidst an island of danger and mystery, create a unique reading experience. They're also a fan of the underlying social commentary that bubbles up from time to time. The characters? They're fabulous. The plot? It's funny in a 'OMG-this-is-horror' type of way. You wouldn't think it works, but it does!
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World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War
by Max Brooks
Why World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War is on this list: If you enjoy laughing until your stomach aches and then screaming in absolute terror, Max Brooks's World War Z is a thrilling mix of gut-busting humor and hair-raising horror. It’s a good addition to our selection of comedy horror books because it expertly blends the comical and downright terrifying zombie-filled scenario in a way only Brooks can pull off.
Set in a post-apocalypse world, 'World War Z' presents a collection of individual accounts and narratives featuring the grueling decade-long war against zombies. Brooks gives a riveting, realistic portrayal of how governmental infrastructures respond, and people's survival and resistance during a global catastrophe - adding a generous dash of humor to relieve the tension. It’s a refreshing take on the classic zombie horror trope with an unexpected twist of comedy.
What readers like: Readers love the diverse and intriguing personal accounts, each depicting the horrors and hilarity of a zombie outbreak from different perspectives. The undertone of satire coupled with the suspenseful story of survival keeps readers turning pages. The blend of humour and horror is done so seamlessly, it’s like eating pickles with ice cream - sounds strange, but tastes surprisingly good!
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Dead Until Dark
by Charlaine Harris
Why Dead Until Dark is on this list: Just imagine, what happens when a small-town waitress discovers an unexpected ability, falls in love with a vampire, and then finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation? It's the beautiful mishmash of comedy and horror that makes 'Dead Until Dark' a great fit for this list!
This book is the first in the Sookie Stackhouse series, which inspired the True Blood television series. It tells the story of a waitress with telepathic abilities who falls for a handsome 173-year-old vampire. When the women in her small town begin mysteriously dying, Sookie gets caught in a dangerous murder investigation.
What readers like: Fans love the extraction of comedy from horrifying situations and Harris's ability to create quirky, lovable characters. The romantic subplot between the human protagonist and vampire also makes for a captivating and amusing reading experience.
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Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
by Seth Grahame-Smith
Why Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is on this list: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a delightful mashup of 19th century British etiquette and brain-eating monsters. If you've ever wondered how the Bennet sisters would handle the zombie apocalypse, this is the comedy horror book for you.
A parody of Jane Austen's classic novel, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies takes place in an alternate universe populated by the infected undead. The Bennet sisters are master warriors battling the zombie hordes, while embarking on romantic encounters and navigating complex social conventions. In true Jane Austen style, the dialogue is filled with dry wit, though now sprinkled with blood and gore.
What readers like: Readers love the unexpected blend of humor and horror, and the juxtaposition of the classic English literature with the pop culture zombie genre. Many find it charming how the characters maintain their Austen-esque staid manners, yet adapt effortlessly to the macabre situations they're plunged into. The novel's unique comical twist on a beloved classic has endeared it to a broad audience.
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Radio Life
by Derek B. Miller
Why Radio Life is on this list: When you think everything has been done in comedy horror, along comes 'Radio Life' to mix it up. This delightfully spooky laugh riot blends sharp comedy and chilling horror in a style that's unique and refreshing.
Imagine a world post-apocalypse, where relics of the old world are treasured and dangerous secrets hide within the airwaves. In 'Radio Life', our protagonists discover a long-lost technology: radio. As they unravel the mystery behind it, what happens is an amusingly horrific journey. The book balances terror with humor and keeps you on your toes. Satirical, gripping, and downright hilarious, it’s the kind of book you wouldn’t want to read when it's dark...but honestly, you won’t be able to put down.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the book's ingenious plot, compelling characters, and its ability to be genuinely funny while keeping the dark undertones. The unique blend of comedy and horror sets the book apart, making it a must-read. You'll find yourself laughing one minute, and shuddering the next - which is, let's face it, a pretty amazing feat.
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Project Hail Mary
by Andy Weir
Why Project Hail Mary is on this list: Project Hail Mary is a splendid mix of sci-fi, comedy and horror, presenting a unique cocktail of thrills, laughs, and chills. It delivers nerve-wracking dread with a side of belly laughs, making it perfect for the comedy-horror genre.
The story revolves around Ryland Grace, the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission – who wakes up to find himself millions of miles away from home, with no recollection of his objective or even his own name. On top of that, he's sharing the spaceship with an unbearable roommate: we're talking something far more nightmarish than a snoring bunkmate. He needs to put the pieces of his memory together before time runs out for him and for humanity.
What readers like: Readers cherish the book for its unexpected humour, suspenseful plot, and relatable lead character. Brace yourself for a journey filled with humorous exchanges, nail-biting moment, and fascinating science stuff. It has a great re-read value, as there's so much more to explore every time you dive in. Also, fans have praised Weir’s ability to break down complex scientific concepts into entertaining and understandable language.
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The Twisted Ones
by T. Kingfisher
Why The Twisted Ones is on this list: This book masterly combines horror with comedy, bringing to life ridiculous and absurd scenarios that make you scream in fear and laughter at the same time.
The Twisted Ones presents us with a familiar yet bizarre scenario. We've got our heroine, Melanie, who, while clearing out her late grandmother's house, stumbles across her old journal containing chilling tales of creatures that aren't supposed to exist. Now, she is slowly starting to realize that these 'made up' creatures might not be so made up after all. As she delves deeper into the mystery, Melanie not only faces terror but also her own sarcastic wit, making this read both spine-chilling and rib-tickling.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the suspense and spine-tingling aspects of this book, but it's the humor that really makes it a standout. The comedic relief is brilliantly interspersed throughout the scary bits, keeping the mood light even when things are going bump in the night. Plus, Melanie's character is a humorous delight, adding a sense of normalcy and relatability to the sinister supernatural goings-on.
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Sandman Slim
by Richard Kadrey
Why Sandman Slim is on this list: One of the defining attributes of a good comedy horror is its ability to seamlessly blend elements of fear and fun. 'Sandman Slim' does exactly that, taking readers on a thrilling rollercoaster ride packed with dark humor, and heart pounding situations.
Ever thought what it would be like if a hard-boiled noir character found themselves in a supernatural horror scenario? Well, 'Sandman Slim' is just that. It’s about a guy named James Stark who escapes from Hell (yes, the actual hell!) to avenge his girlfriend’s murder. Kadrey astoundingly bridges the gap between humor and horror throughout the book as Stark navigatively outfights both human and inhuman adversaries.
What readers like: Readers absolutely adore the sharp and witty dialogue, the epic supernatural action, and most importantly, the intriguing, flawed yet charming character of Stark. The dark and gripping plot, blended with bursts of laughter-inducing humor, leaves readers engaged and wanting more. It's a horror story full of twists, but with gory details narrated in such a bizarrely funny way, and that’s the beauty of 'Sandman Slim'
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