Classic Horror That Shaped the Genre and Katie Berry’s Writing

by Katie Berry
|
12 books
This list features a mix of classic horror novels that have deeply inspired my writing, alongside some of my own works. From the gothic masterpieces of Shelley and Le Fanu to the creature-driven horrors of Watchers and CLAW, these books explore the boundaries of fear, survival, and the human mind.
Read more... Read less...
Influential Works

Frankenstein

Mary W. Shelley, 2005
Shelley’s masterpiece is foundational to the horror genre, and her ability to push boundaries as a female writer in the 19th century was incredibly inspiring to me. Her exploration of guilt and creation mirrors the complexity I strive for in my own characters.

The Haunting of Hill House

Shirley Jackson, 2006
Jackson’s subtle, psychological horror has profoundly influenced my Abandoned series. As a female writer in horror, her ability to unsettle readers while exploring the fragile human mind is something I aim to capture in my own work.

Dracula

Bram Stoker, 1982
Dracula set the stage for all modern vampire stories, and the gothic atmosphere and tension Stoker creates is something I strive to evoke, especially in the eerie settings of my Abandoned series.

Watchers

Dean Koontz, 2008
This novel has one of the most memorable animal characters in horror. Koontz’s balance of action, horror, and deep emotional connections inspired the creation of characters like Spider in my CLAW series and Rufus in Emergence.

The Shining

Stephen King, 2012
King’s exploration of isolation and madness in The Shining is a huge inspiration for how I develop psychological horror in my novels. The way he builds tension through character development and setting has been a key influence on my Abandoned series.

Carmilla

J. Sheridan Le Fanu, 2023
Carmilla introduced a powerful female vampire character and explored themes of control and seduction, making it a trailblazer in gothic horror. This strong female character is part of what inspired me to create bold, complex women in my own work, like Christine in CLAW and Minerva in Abandoned.

Swan Song

Robert McCammon, 2016
McCammon’s ability to blend post-apocalyptic horror with a deeply emotional story of survival has greatly influenced how I write large-scale, creature-driven narratives, especially in my Emergence series.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

And Other Tales of Terror
Robert Louis Stevenson, 2003
Stevenson’s novella tackles the duality of human nature and has inspired how I explore moral ambiguity in my characters, especially in the CLAW series, where characters grapple with their darker impulses.
Works by Katie Berry

CLAW

Katie Berry, 2019
The CLAW series combines my love for creature features and supernatural horror. If you enjoy monster-filled stories with strong female leads, like Christine, who face down terrifying threats, you’ll love this series. It’s perfect for fans of classic monster movies and thrillers.

CLAW: Emergence

Caleb Cantrill: Tales from Lawless
Katie Berry, 2020
Set in 1895, CLAW Emergence brings supernatural creatures into an Old West setting, blending classic Western themes with creature horror. This historical prequel explores the origins of the terrifying threats in the CLAW series, linking past and present events in a thrilling, creature-driven narrative.

CLAW Resurgence

Katie Berry, 2021
The upcoming CLAW Resurrection is set in the present day and continues the action-packed saga, this time with a holiday twist. The novel combines horror and supernatural elements, showcasing a mix of monstrous chaos, suspense, and the strong characters readers have come to love from the series. It serves as a thrilling follow-up to CLAW Emergence, connecting the series across timelines.

Abandoned

A Lively Deadmarsh Novel - A Canadian Paranormal Mystery Thriller Book 2: Beginnings and Betrayals
Katie Berry, 2021
Inspired by classics like The Haunting of Hill House and The Shining, Abandoned follows Lively Deadmarsh as he unravels the mystery behind a mass disappearance in an eerie, supernatural setting. This major focal point drives the story, creating an intense, atmospheric experience. Minerva Deadmarsh, a strong, complex female lead, complements Lively’s journey, and together, they confront mysteries that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural.