What are the characteristics of the horror novels in the list of 1976 horror novels?

Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.

Some, like 'The Girl with All the Gifts', combine horror with a sense of humanity. The main character, a child zombie, makes you feel empathy while still being in a horror - filled world.

Many of them had a focus on psychological horror. For example, in some novels, the real horror came from the minds of the characters rather than just external monsters. It made the readers feel more involved as they could relate to the psychological states.

The horror fiction novels from 1986 frequently had complex characters. In 'The Dark Half', the main character's struggle with his own dark side was a central part of the horror. And a lot of them used elements of the supernatural. 'It' has the shape - shifting Pennywise, which is a supernatural entity that uses people's fears against them. Another characteristic was the exploration of the unknown. 'The Tommyknockers' delved into the mystery of an ancient object and the strange things that start to happen as a result.

The horror fiction novels from 1985 probably also delved into psychological horror. This means they played with the characters' and readers' minds, creating fear through the exploration of madness, paranoia, or the unknown within the human psyche. For instance, a novel might have a character slowly losing their grip on reality, which can be very unsettling for the reader. Another aspect could be the use of gore and shock value. Some novels may have had graphic descriptions of violence or grotesque scenes to horrify the audience.

Japanese horror novels often have a strong sense of the uncanny. They tend to use elements from Japanese folklore and superstition. For example, vengeful spirits like in 'Ju - on' are a common trope. They also focus on creating a very oppressive atmosphere. In 'Dark Water', the damp, gloomy setting of the apartment adds to the horror. Another characteristic is the exploration of psychological horror, as seen in 'Goth' where the abnormal minds of the characters play a big role.

Some of them had a strong focus on the supernatural. This could include ghosts, demons, or otherworldly forces. In 'The Tommyknockers', the presence of an alien - like force that changes the townspeople is a great example. These elements added an element of the unknown and the unknowable, which is a key aspect of horror.

Many of the 1971 horror fiction novels might have had a strong focus on the psychological aspect of horror. They could make the reader feel a sense of unease and dread through exploring the inner workings of the human mind.

The horror fiction novels in 1989 might have also incorporated elements of the supernatural. This could include ghosts, demons, or otherworldly forces. These elements added an extra layer of fear, as they often defied the laws of nature and reason. They made the readers question what was possible and what was not. Moreover, the settings of these novels were often dark and foreboding, like old mansions or desolate cemeteries, which enhanced the overall spooky atmosphere.

Some might have had a focus on gore. With vivid descriptions of blood and violence to shock the readers. For example, detailed accounts of monster attacks or brutal murders.