10 Scariest Summer-Based Horror Novels Ever

Rightly cited as being one of the best horror novels of the 21st century, The Ruins - author Dan Smith’s second novel - is a focused foray into just how wrong a backpacking holiday can go. The story’s Mexico setting serves as the book’s first little rug pull, lulling readers into thinking that nothing truly awful can happen in such a sun-smooched locale. What transpires is an absolute jungle nightmare, as some hapless teens find themselves stranded on a hilltop, surrounded by some killer foliage.

Along with creating a feeling of creeping dread - the antagonists are far-reaching vines that have the ability to mimic, maim and kill - Smith creates some unflinching moments of body horror (the book really puts the yuck into Yucatan) and, despite the group for the most part being pretty unlikable, you can’t help but feel sorry for the likes of poor Eric when he grimly self-mutilates himself in a paranoid frenzy.

With the vines also dealing damage by way of stirring s**t up in the camp, tensions remain frayed right up until a finale that leaves you feeling utterly helpless. You’ll never look at a rose bush in the same way again.