Who Doesn’t Love Ghost Ships and Sea Monsters?

The ocean is less known to us than the surface of the moon. Above water, below water, from the warmth of the tropical seas to the ice of the arctic; the ocean is CREEPY. No wonder it's so popular in horror literature. 

Looking for some deep sea ocean horror? Can’t get enough of haunted ships? Here are some horror books that feature Thalassophobia at its finest. 

From Below–Darcy Coates

I’m a big Darcy Coates fan. I think she turns out quality, enjoyable horror on par with Michael McDowell and Ramsey Campbell. From Below is no exception. It’s scary fun that reads almost like a schlocky 90s horror movie (Ghost Ship, anyone?) 

From Below follows a group of deep sea divers exploring a haunted shipwreck. The narration jumps between timelines: the modern day divers exploring the ship and the fateful events that caused it to wreck. Did I mention that the ghost ship in question is located in icy, anaerobic waters? You know, the kind that can preserve a dead body for nearly a century?

From Below this one is a must-read for anyone looking for a good story featuring deep sea ocean horror. 

The Terror–Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a legendary author, so it didn’t surprise me that I loved The Terror. A group of mid 18th century explorers stuck in a wooden boat in the arctic is terrifying enough on its own. The stress, the darkness, the damnable COLD. That's before they are stalked by a nightmarish creature from beyond. 

One of the things that impressed me most about The Terror was the descriptions of the boat. Everything about the sailors and their lives was obviously researched and historically accurate. I can’t imagine the amount of study that went into making this novel. 

I listened to this on audiobook, which I highly recommend, the voice actor is great.

The Night Boat– Robert R. McCammon 

I will admit that The Night Boat is pulpy. Like, nazi-zombie ship pulpy. Like, female characters breasting boobily down the stairs pulpy. Some might even say cheesy. But it's a helluva good time and to me that is definitely worth something. 

Besides, I can’t think of a better book to read on a beach. If you like your horror paperbacks tropical and full of nazi-zombies, consider picking up a copy of The Night Boat for yourself. 

Honorable Mentions on my To-Read List:

I haven’t read these ocean horror novels (yet), but they are so popular and well reviewed I would be remiss to leave them out:

The Fisherman–John Langan

The Deep– Nick Cutter 

Our Wives Under the Sea– Julia Armfield

I'm Scared of the Ocean Because It Is Terrifying & Everyone Should Fear It. 

Some of the oldest stories ever told feature Ghost Ships, Shipwrecks and Sea Monsters– so it is safe to say that the genre is here to stay.

What is your favorite Ocean Horror Novel? Did I miss any good ones? Comment below, and as always if you enjoy this blog please share with your friends. It helps me in mysterious and eldrich ways. Thanks!