How Can I Get Cozy With This Monster Chasing Me?
Published on January 13, 2026
Horror Novels and Their Cozy Counterparts
By Ben W.
When the weather outside is frightful and the fire is so delightful, the desire to pick up a cozy read is hard to fight. And while “cozy” is not the word I would use to describe the books I read (“frightful” better fits my style), I will admit that I do get a little jealous of all this “coziness” I keep hearing people talk about.
In an attempt to kill the FOMO and branch out from the blood-soaked, horrific, tension-filled novels I usually read, I’m going to play mad scientist and experiment with horror books and cozy books that offer similar-ish stories with immensely different vibes.
The goal: flip horror on its head to help you find a cozy read you may be interested in at least trying.
A Good Marriage by Stephen King and The Heart of Winter by Jonathan Evison
A Good Marriage, a novella, tells the tale of a 27-year marriage that faces the ultimate test when Darcy begins to suspect her husband is a serial killer. Conversely, The Heart of Winter presents a married couple in their eighties looking back on the story of their lives together—the good and the bad— showing how the truest of love lives in small, everyday moments.
Both stories see marriages being stretched to their breaking point, but for different reasons and with very different outcomes. Pair these two together to witness two contrasting tales of love—one heart-wrenching and one heartwarming.
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson and The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
The Year of the Witching doesn’t hold back when it comes to spooky atmosphere and unsettling vibes, telling the story of a young woman who learns about the dark history of her town’s—and her family’s—past.
The Spellshop, on the other hand, is described as “a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic.” It tells the tale of a former librarian who opens a secret spell shop to help people. If that doesn’t sound cozy, I don’t know what does.
Whimsical, gentle, and peaceful, The Spellshop will wrap you up in its coziness while The Year of the Witching will launch you into its darkness.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix and The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Grady Hendrix’s newest novel, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, follows Fern and her quirky friends as they discover the horrifyingly dangerous powers witchcraft can give them. Taking place in a home for pregnant teenagers left to be forgotten, the novel doesn’t hold back in providing unsettling content— similar to what Hendrix has provided in the past.
The House in the Cerulean Sea follows Linus Baker, a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, who travels to an orphanage (which houses potentially dangerous children), a charming caretaker, and…unexpected love? It’s a sweet and heartwarming story about finding love and family in the most unexpected of places, with a cast of delightful characters and a setting that you will wish is real.
Magic, fantasy, and quirky characters wind their way through both stories, though one will make your skin crawl much more than the other.
You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth and The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
Murder and horror oftentimes go hand in hand, though Christmas and horror aren’t usually two words you’d find together. You Better Watch Out follows Jessica Kane after she wakes up in a deserted town and quickly learns she is being hunted by a serial killer. Not exactly the best Christmas gift.
On the other side of things, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year traps two very different mystery writers in a house together and forces them to unite to solve a real mystery. Are there thrills? Yes. But the focus is more on being cute with the person you thought you hated.
So, this winter, you will either run for your life or fall in love. No in between. I don’t make the rules, I just make book recommendations.
I hope these books help these cold months feel scarier, cozier, or both—whether you decide to try one of these pairings or just stick to one genre. You won’t get judgment from me.
Have a spooky/cozy winter!