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Books Like Horrorstör: Clever, Creepy, and Completely Unforgettable Reads
If you’ve just finished Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix, chances are you’re still reeling from its eerie IKEA-inspired setting, biting satire, and slow-burning dread. It’s not just a horror novel—it’s a genre-bender, a critique of consumerism, and a wild ride through surreal terror. So naturally, when the final page turns, the craving begins: you want more books like Horrorstör. More of that weird, witty, and wicked blend of horror and humor. Luckily, the shelves are stocked. Let’s explore the titles that deliver that same deliciously disturbing experience.
What Is Horrorstör About? (No Spoilers!)
Horrorstör is a horror novel set in a Scandinavian furniture superstore called Orsk, an uncanny parallel to IKEA. The story follows a group of employees who agree to stay overnight to investigate strange happenings. What begins as a corporate ghost hunt turns into something far more sinister.
Grady Hendrix crafts a tale that’s both terrifying and funny, structured like a catalog, complete with product illustrations and ads that grow increasingly absurd as the story descends into madness.
- Tone: Satirical, surreal, darkly humorous
- Themes: Consumerism, identity, the haunting of corporate culture, supernatural horror
- Readers who enjoy: Quirky formats, slow-burning suspense, socially conscious horror, ensemble casts, and immersive worldbuilding
What Do Readers Look For After Horrorstör?
Fans of Horrorstör often search for:
- Innovative storytelling formats (catalogs, epistolary, multimedia)
- Satirical takes on society
- Creeping dread vs. jump scares
- Enclosed settings (malls, stores, isolated institutions)
- Horror with heart or humor
- Books that make you laugh… and then scream
7 Unmissable Books Like Horrorstör
1. My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
Synopsis: In 1988 Charleston, two high school girls navigate friendship, teen angst, and a possible demonic possession. Abby suspects something is seriously wrong with her best friend Gretchen, and she’ll stop at nothing to save her.
Why it’s similar: Another Grady Hendrix gem, this novel combines horror and nostalgia with biting wit. Like Horrorstör, it delivers scares wrapped in a heartfelt story and pop culture flair.
- Tone: Funny, horrifying, emotional
- Awards: Adapted into a film by Amazon Studios
- Estimated sales: Over 100,000 copies
2. The Mall by Megan McCafferty
Synopsis: Set in a New Jersey mall during the summer of 1991, this book blends coming-of-age drama with an uncanny, almost claustrophobic nostalgia.
Why it’s similar: The setting is a familiar consumerist space turned unsettling. Though lighter in horror, it echoes Horrorstör’s thematic focus on identity and capitalism, set against a surreal backdrop.
- Tone: Wry, nostalgic, odd
- Unique format: Chapter intros mimic mall directories and ads
3. The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Synopsis: Patricia, a housewife in 1990s Charleston, joins a book club that becomes a vampire-fighting squad when a stranger moves into the neighborhood. Things get bloody—and personal.
Why it’s similar: Once again, Hendrix weaves social commentary with genre horror. This one explores gender roles, class, and community, but retains his signature blend of humor and horror.
- Tone: Suburban gothic, satirical
- Awards: Goodreads Choice Nominee
- Estimated sales: Over 150,000 copies
4. The Troop by Nick Cutter
Synopsis: A scoutmaster and five boys head to a remote island for a weekend campout—but something parasitic and horrifying awaits them.
Why it’s similar: Claustrophobic setting, slow psychological horror, and shocking twists. While less humorous, it shares Horrorstör’s descent from mundane to monstrous.
- Tone: Gory, bleak, intense
- Awards: Winner of the James Herbert Award
5. Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor
Synopsis: Based on the cult podcast, this novel immerses readers in the bizarre town of Night Vale, where time is meaningless and librarians are deadly.
Why it’s similar: The surrealism and deadpan humor mirror Horrorstör’s approach. Night Vale’s blend of horror, absurdity, and dark satire will satisfy readers who loved Orsk’s uncanny atmosphere.
- Tone: Absurd, eerie, comedic
- Sales: New York Times Bestseller
6. Final Girls Support Group by Grady Hendrix
Synopsis: A group of women who survived slasher-style massacres form a therapy group—until someone starts picking them off again.
Why it’s similar: Another Hendrix masterpiece. This one leans more into thriller territory but retains that punchy commentary and inventive structure fans of Horrorstör will love.
- Tone: Fast-paced, self-aware, darkly comedic
- Adaptation: HBO in development
7. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Synopsis: A documentary about a house that’s bigger on the inside than the outside slowly unravels reality itself. Told through footnotes, transcripts, and fragmented text.
Why it’s similar: Innovative format, mind-bending structure, and psychological horror at its finest. Like Horrorstör, this book plays with the physical format to create unease.
- Tone: Academic, disturbing, experimental
- Cult Status: One of the most influential horror novels of the 21st century
Conclusion
There’s a reason books like Horrorstör stay with you long after the last page: they dare to innovate, blending terror with satire, and format with function. Whether you’re into dark comedy, creepy corporations, or clever storytelling, there’s something here for every fan. Craving more literary chills? Check out the rest of our horror reviews on My Plot Review and join the conversation below!
Goodreads Reviews Out of Context
“I will never look at a sofa the same way again.”
“This is what happens when capitalism goes full Blair Witch.”
“Terrified and laughing. And terrified again.”
“Made me want to quit my retail job. Immediately.”
“Corporate hell is real, and it has a product code.”
FAQs
Is Horrorstör a true story?
Nope! While its IKEA parody is convincing, it’s a work of fiction—though some employees might say otherwise.
What genre is Horrorstör?
It’s horror, with strong elements of satire, dark comedy, and surrealism.
What should I read after Horrorstör?
Try My Best Friend’s Exorcism, Welcome to Night Vale, or House of Leaves for more boundary-pushing horror.
Why is Horrorstör formatted like a catalog?
The format enhances the story’s themes of consumerism and creates a uniquely immersive reading experience.
