Yikes?! 15 Creepy Books Based on Real Events That will Keep you Up At Night

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Get ready to sleep with the lights on! These spine-tingling books are not just fiction. They’re grounded in chilling truths. From haunted houses to unsolved mysteries, these reads will give you goosebumps and maybe even a few sleepless nights.

“The Amityville Horror” by Jay Anson

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Step inside the terrifying tale of the Lutz family, who experienced unimaginable horrors in their new home. This story will have you questioning what’s real and what’s beyond our understanding.

“The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty

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Based on a real-life exorcism case, this book will have you questioning the boundaries between the natural and supernatural. Brace yourself for a journey into the depths of demonic possession.

“The Girl Next Door” by Jack Ketchum

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This shocking novel draws inspiration from the horrifying true story of Sylvia Likens, a young girl subjected to unspeakable abuse. Ketchum’s portrayal will leave you with a lingering sense of dread.

“The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren” by Gerald Brittle

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Delve into the chilling investigations of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. This book recounts their real-life experiences with haunted houses, possessed objects, and malevolent spirits.

“Helter Skelter” by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry

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Join prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi as he unravels the horrifying tale of the Manson Family and their gruesome crimes. This true crime classic will leave you questioning the depths of human depravity.

“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote

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Capote’s masterful narrative tells the true story of the Clutter family murders in Kansas. The chilling account of the killers, their motives, and their impact on the small town will leave you haunted.

“The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson

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Inspired by various reported hauntings, this classic novel will send shivers down your spine. Jackson’s atmospheric writing will have you questioning the boundaries between the living and the dead.

“The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris

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Based on the real-life experiences of FBI profiler John E. Douglas, this psychological thriller introduces you to the mind of a serial killer. The chilling game of cat-and-mouse between Agent Clarice Starling and Dr. Hannibal Lecter will leave you on the edge of your seat.

“Rosemary’s Baby” by Ira Levin

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Drawing from the unsettling history of satanic cults, Levin weaves a tale of paranoia and horror. This story will make you question the darkness that may lurk beneath seemingly normal facades.

“The Mothman Prophecies” by John A. Keel

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Based on reported sightings and strange occurrences in West Virginia, this book explores the mysterious and unnerving phenomenon of the Mothman. Keel’s investigation will leave you questioning the nature of reality.

“The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel” by Felicitas D. Goodman

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This book delves into the chilling true story of Anneliese Michel, a young woman believed to be possessed. Goodman’s account of the exorcism attempts and the tragic outcome will send shivers down your spine.

“The Demon in the Freezer” by Richard Preston

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Preston’s non-fiction work examines the very real dangers posed by deadly pathogens, including smallpox. This book is a sobering reminder of the terrifying potential of bioterrorism.

“The Bridge: The Life and Rise of Barack Obama” by David Remnick

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I bet you didn’t see this one coming. While not a traditional horror story, this biography uncovers the challenges and complexities of Obama’s journey to the presidency. The real-world political drama and its implications can be just as chilling as any ghost story.

“The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson

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Larson’s narrative intertwines the true stories of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer, and the construction of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. The juxtaposition of architectural marvels and unspeakable crimes creates a chilling atmosphere.

“Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit” by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker

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Douglas, a real-life FBI profiler, provides a gripping account of his experiences hunting serial killers. This book offers a harrowing look into the minds of some of the most dangerous criminals in history.

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Motherhood Life Balance, Bookworm Era | + posts

Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. On her sites, Motherhood Life Balance, Neon Moon and Bookworm Era she writes about ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.