Women in Horror Month: Why Women in Horror Matter
Horror has long been a genre of fear and power—one that reflects our deepest anxieties and dares to explore the unknown. Yet, for too long, the voices of women in horror have been overlooked, despite their undeniable influence in shaping the genre. Women in Horror Month is a time to celebrate these groundbreaking authors, editors, and creators who bring fresh, haunting perspectives to the page.
From the gothic brilliance of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House to modern anthologies that center female terror and resilience, women have always been at the forefront of pushing horror’s boundaries. Here are five must-read books that showcase the depth, complexity, and terrifying brilliance of women in horror:
Chromophobia: A Strangehouse Anthology by Women in Horror edited by Sara Tantlinger – A visually stunning and psychologically chilling collection where color itself becomes a source of dread.
Women of Darkness edited by Kathryn Ptacek – A classic anthology that gathers an incredible range of female horror writers, proving that fear has no gender—but perspective matters.
Mother Knows Best: Tales of Homemade Horror edited by Lindy Ryan – This unsettling collection explores the darker side of motherhood, family, and domestic life, turning the familiar into something truly terrifying.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson – No list of women in horror is complete without Jackson’s masterpiece, which redefined the haunted house novel and remains one of the most psychologically chilling books ever written.
Dastardly Damsels edited by Suzie Lockhart – A fierce, subversive anthology where women in horror take center stage—not as victims, but as powerful, monstrous, and unforgettable figures.
Women’s voices in horror aren’t just vital—they are the beating, haunted heart of the genre itself. This Women in Horror Month, let’s honor the stories that make us shiver, think, and feel. Because horror isn’t just about fear—it’s about the power to tell the stories that need to be told.
Which women in horror books are on your list this month?
