Serial Killer Horror
Explore books, themes, and recommendations in Serial Killer Horror.
What is the Serial Killer Horror Subgenre?
Serial killer horror is a subgenre of crime horror with elements of psychological horror thrown in. There is a degree of fascination with serial killers that is different than that of typical crime fiction. Part of the reason is the sheer brutality and violence that serial killer horror displays. In many respects, serial killer horror has the same appeal as extreme or graphic horror. Readers want to know why and how a seemingly normal person can become a soulless monster capable of committing such depraved acts, and the serial killer is just that, a monster hiding in plain sight, disguised like everyone else. In this way, serial killer horror is similar to creature horror.
Often, these stories are told with the killer as the protagonist. Seeing the darkness in the killer, and yet still rooting for them can cause the reader to react with horror at the darkness within themselves. Conversely, some serial killer horror is told from the point of view of an investigator or one of the killer's many intended victims. This type of terror will have readers on the edge of their seat in anticipation and morbid fascination. Either way, expect lots of violence and a high body count from this bloody subgenre.
Serial Killer Horror Characteristics
Level of Characterization: Characterization is high in serial killer horror as part of the appeal of the genre is the attempt to understand these monsters who appear to be human.
Level of Plot: The level of plot is moderate to high in this subgenre as serial killer horror will have some elements of mystery.
Level of Supernatural: Supernatural elements will be low in the serial killer subgenre as its focus is on more human monsters.
Level of Scary: The level of scary in serial killer horror is moderate to high. Some tales focus on the mystery, while others seek more to terrify.
Level of Violence: Violence runs high in serial killer horror as it's a staple of the genre.
Typical Setting: The typical setting of serial killer horror is urban and modern. This lends realism to the subgenre.
Related Horror Subgenres
Crime horror, dark suspense, dark mystery, and even psychological horror are all obvious choices to be related to serial killer horror due to the subject matter of these subgenres. Extreme and visceral horror can also be related to serial killer due to the level of violence and the high body counts of these subgenres. A not so closely related subgenre would be creature horror, which has supernatural monsters to serial killer horror's more human ones.
Don't Read Serial Killer Horror If You Dislike…
Violence. A staple of this subgenre is the high body count that serial killers rack up. So, if you dislike violence and crime, this is not the subgenre for you.