Tired of brooding, cute vampires pretending to be a part of a scary story? Need a bit more gore or action in your horror tales? Then, try these horror novels, if you dare.

Daemon Hall by Andrew Nance
Nothing exciting ever happens in the town of Maplewood—that is, until famous thriller writer Ian Tremblin holds a short-story writing contest with a prize that seems to be the opportunity of a lifetime: five finalists will get to spend the evening with Tremblin himself in the haunted mansion Daemon Hall and the best short story will be published. Wade Reilly and the other finalists could never have imagined what they find lurking in the shadows of this demonic mansion. During a suspenseful night of tale-telling, strange incidents, the realms of the real and the supernatural intermix. Just what is Tremblin really up to, and can he be trusted? What about Daemon Hall—is it alive? And, more to the point, will any of the contestants make it out of this hall of horrors to tell their story?

Lurker by Stefan Petrucha and Thomas Pendleton
As the first book in the Wicked Dead series, Lurker introduces readers to our four ghostly storytellers - Anne, Daphne, Mary and Shirley. Trapped in the filthy ruins of Lockwood Orphanage these mysterious young women play an otherworldly game and share horrific stories, but their world isn’t all fun and games. Far from it! As they "roll the bones" to determine who'll tell the evening's tale of violent death, they must also watch out for the evil "Headmistress," who terrifies them. In Lurker, they share the tale of seventeen-year-old Mandy who had everything: popular friends, a hot boyfriend, plans for college, and a bright future. But after classmate Nicki was gruesomely murdered, Mandy is shaken to her core. Soon she’s jumping at shadows and having nightmares of Nicki’s killer-the Witchman. Mandy tells herself she’s just imagining things-but nothing in her imagination prepares her for the terror that’s lurking just around the corner. Visit the authors’ website to find out more.

Hell Phone by William Sleator
With only 50 hard-earned dollars in his pocket, Nick Gordon can't afford to be choosy when it comes to purchasing a cell phone, so he takes what the dealer at the discount store offers him: a suspiciously newer-looking model with an odd ring and no caller ID. Almost instantly, the phone Nick purchased to keep in touch with his girlfriend is taking over his life, with mysterious callers asking for (or demanding) help and a selection of fiendish-looking games. Is it all a hoax, or does the phone's coverage extend into Hell itself? Nick wants to get rid of the phone, but something prevents him, and, soon he finds himself committing crimes — stealing, conning and killing!

Lord Loss by Darren Shan
When sneaky teenaged Grubbs Grady finds himself mysteriously dumped on his aunt's doorstep, he can't help but steal back home to figure out what's going on. Unfortunately, when he arrives, his parents and sister have been horrifically killed in true Shan form: their bodies ripped to shreds by an evil demon named Lord Loss and his vile henchmen. Grubbs somehow manages to escape the fiends and goes to live with his Uncle Dervish, a peculiar dandy who lives in a creepy country mansion whose secrets may hold the key to the murders. Chock-full of family curses, werewolf lore, and stomach-turning gore, this first installment of a new series is sure to gross you out.

The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray by Chris Wooding
Thaniel, just seventeen, is a wych-hunter. Together, he and Cathaline--his friend and mentor--track down the fearful creatures that lurk in the Old Quarter of London. It is on one of these hunts that he first encounters Alaizabel Cray. Alaizabel is half-crazed, lovely, and possessed. Whatever dreadful entity has entered her soul has turned her into a strange and unearthly magnet--attracting evil and drawing horrors from every dark corner. Cathaline and Thaniel must discover its cause--and defend humanity at all costs.

Are You in the House Alone? By Richard Peck
As the recipient of threatening notes and phone calls, teenager, Gail Osburne, becomes aware that she is under constant observation. Gail's life turns into a nightmare when the unwanted attention escalates into a face to face confrontation with her stalker. Unlike the others on this list, this one is terrifying because it could be a true story. The world can be an ugly, frightening place sometimes.

Happy Halloween!