From Louisiana to Haiti, Voodoo has been used to connect with African ancestors and nature since the 16th century. Over decades, these religious practices were transformed into a popular horror trope—mainly in cinema, but many horror novelists adopted the subgenre as well. So, in spooky season spirit, we’ve collected a list of popular Voodoo novels to terrify you and hopefully inspire an interest in the history!
The Laughing Corpse by Laurell K. Hamilton
Some secrets are meant to stay buried. Anita discovers that in this haunting tale about the undead. Harold Gayner offers a million dollars; all she has to do is raise a 300-year-old zombie from the dead. Anita refuses, knowing human sacrifice would be the price, but when bodies start turning up, she realizes someone else has taken the bait. Anita must face the killer zombie and the voodoo priestess who controls it.
The Good House by Tananarive Due
A tragedy rips Angela’s family apart when she hopes her grandmother’s “healing magic” might save her marriage. Two years later, she is ready to return to the house where it all began. Upon her arrival, however, she discovers that she hasn’t been the only one to suffer tragedy. She and Myles Fisher, her high school sweetheart, fight to uncover the truth of her family and her abilities.
Voodoo Child by Thomas Gloom
Finn’s best friend moves away in his senior year of high school, but the bullying that ensues is not what he expected. One day, while running away from a beating, he stumbles upon a Voodoo witch. Soon, he is introduced to a world of supernatural curses and nightmares meant to stay buried.
Darkfall by Dean Koontz
Baba Lavelle is new to New York, but his goal to break the Mafia’s hold on the city’s drug traffic is powered by dark magic. He has no weapons and no connections, but he does have an ancient power. Can he overpower the city’s strongest? To what extent can this power be reached?
Play Dead by Anne Frasier
Elise Sandburg, homicide detective, is haunted by her past as the illegitimate daughter of an infamous Savannah root doctor. Not many understand the Gullah culture of voodoo magic, and definitely not Elise’s new partner. When someone starts creating zombies, Elise is on the case. Even if that means her past comes back to haunt her.
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
Cas Lowood kills the dead. So did his father until he was murdered by a ghost. Now, Cas travels with his mother and cat, following legends and keeping up with the dead. Things like friends and future plans must wait while Cas hopes he won’t follow in his father’s fate.
Moon by Jewell Parker Rhodes
The second book in Jewell Parker Rhodes’ The Marie Laveau Mysteries trilogy, Moon follows a doctor and the granddaughter of a legendary voodoo queen. Finding a growing number of violence victims in the New Orleans hospital, she must come to terms with her reality — further complicated by her nightmares.
All Heads Turn When the Hunt Goes By by John Farris
The Bradwins are cursed. It has followed them through generations. When a military wedding for the family turns into a bloodbath, they must face the dark sorcery connected to the event. Follow the madness, voodoo, and trauma throughout this chilling Southern tale.
Voodoo Heart by John Everson
Detective Lawrence Ribaud knows his wife’s murder is more than a whodunnit. Every month, on one night, someone is going missing — leaving nothing but sheets covered in blood behind. Lawrence finds himself uncovering what goes on below as he searches for the Black Queen. The curse of her Voodoo Heart may be the only explanation he needs.
Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg
This is more than a murder mystery. Private detective Harry Angel finds himself in over his head when he takes on a missing persons case in New York City. Soon, it spirals into a world of inescapable voodoo and black magic. Can he solve the case without falling to a violent death himself?
Voodoo has been a religious practice for centuries. Over time, pop culture has transformed it into what we understand as voodoo horror. This selection of novels in the sub-genre is curated for anyone interested in voodoo horror itself, or even the practice’s past. Perhaps one of these novels will scare you into taking a look at Voodoo throughout history!
Want some new releases on your TBR this month? Check out these new releases!
Looking for more scares? Find our complete horror recommendation list here!
