Lost and Forgotten Horror Novels of the 70s: The Terrifying Books That Deserve a Comeback

Horror fiction had a golden age in the 1970s, with authors pushing the boundaries of fear in new and terrifying ways. While The Exorcist and Carrie became household names, many incredible horror novels from this decade have slipped into obscurity. If you’re a true horror fanatic, it’s time to rediscover these lost gems from the 70s. Here are some of the best forgotten horror novels from this eerie era that deserve a terrifying comeback.

1. Let’s Go Play at the Adams’ by Mendal W. Johnson (1974)

If you thought Jack Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door was disturbing, Let’s Go Play at the Adams’ will shake you to your core. This novel tells the story of a babysitter held captive by a group of children who have decided to test the limits of their power. The psychological horror and disturbing realism make this one of the most unsettling books you’ll ever read.

2. Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon (1973)

If you love The Wicker Man or Children of the Corn, Harvest Home is an essential read. This folk horror novel follows a family that moves to a seemingly idyllic rural town—only to discover its deeply disturbing, ancient rituals. Tryon’s slow-burning suspense and shocking twists make this a must-read for horror fans.

3. The Manitou by Graham Masterton (1976)

Before there was The Exorcist, there was The Manitou—a terrifying novel about a Native American shaman reincarnated in modern times to exact revenge. Masterton’s mix of supernatural horror and gruesome body horror makes this book as shocking today as it was in the 70s.

4. The Doll Who Ate His Mother by Ramsey Campbell (1976)

Ramsey Campbell is one of the most prolific horror writers, but The Doll Who Ate His Mother remains one of his lesser-known works. This eerie novel begins with a car accident and spirals into a nightmare of urban horror, cannibalism, and supernatural terror. The slow, creeping sense of dread is what makes Campbell’s work stand out.

5. The Other by Thomas Tryon (1971)

Another forgotten masterpiece by Thomas Tryon, The Other is a chilling psychological horror novel about twin brothers, one of whom may not be what he seems. The slow, creeping dread and shocking twists make this a standout in 70s horror.

6. Charnel House by Graham Masterton (1978)

Masterton’s Charnel House is an eerie haunted house story with a gruesome twist. A demolition expert is tasked with taking down a derelict building, only to discover that something unspeakable is lurking within its walls. The supernatural horror and gory details make this a must-read for fans of haunted house stories.

7. The Night Walker by Thomas Tessier (1979)

Blending psychological horror with supernatural elements, The Night Walker follows a man plagued by terrifying nightmares that seem to bleed into reality. The novel’s dreamlike, unsettling atmosphere makes it one of the most underrated horror books of the decade.

8. Blackwater by Michael McDowell (1979)

Michael McDowell is one of the great forgotten horror authors, and Blackwater is a prime example of his Southern Gothic storytelling. This multi-generational horror epic follows a cursed family in Alabama as they deal with supernatural horrors tied to a mysterious, monstrous woman.

9. The Fury by John Farris (1976)

A forgotten gem of psychic horror, The Fury follows a father searching for his kidnapped son, who has terrifying psychic abilities. The novel blends action, horror, and psychological suspense in a way that was ahead of its time.

10. Slayground by Richard Stark (1971)

Although technically a crime novel, Slayground is one of the most horrifyingly suspenseful books of the 70s. Following a criminal trapped in a deserted amusement park while being hunted, this novel has a relentless tension that horror fans will love.

Why These Forgotten Horror Novels of the 70s Deserve a Comeback

The 1970s were a golden age of horror fiction, with many novels pushing boundaries in storytelling and psychological terror. However, due to shifting trends and many of these books going out of print, they’ve become forgotten by modern readers. These books still hold up today and offer a different kind of horror—one that is slow-burning, eerie, and deeply unsettling.

Where to Find These Lost Horror Classics

• Used Bookstores & Thrift Shops: Many of these titles can be found in secondhand bookstores.

• Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, AbeBooks, and ThriftBooks often have copies.

• Ebooks & Reprints: Some publishers are reviving these classics digitally or through small press print runs.

• Libraries & Interlibrary Loan: Your local library might have hidden horror gems waiting to be rediscovered.

Final Thoughts

Horror fiction is filled with lost treasures waiting to terrify new audiences. If you’ve already devoured the genre’s biggest hits, dive into these forgotten horror novels of the 70s and experience fear in a whole new way. Which of these have you read? Are there any other lost horror gems from the 70s you’d recommend? Let’s bring these nightmares back to life!

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