The sub-genre of religious horror just so happens to be one of my favourites, and I have read lots of it. In doing so, I have found there’s a rather saturated sub-sub-genre (if you will) of reverends, vicars and nuns (so on and so forth) written in an adversarial role, and the sub-sub-genre in question… is terrifying. I suppose, if I was all clever and technical, I could refer to this as ecclesiastical horror, but I have chosen instead to affectionately dub it “Creepy-pastor.”
Before we properly get this party started, I believe there’s a lot to be said about why these villainous vicars and satanic sisters are so effective. Perhaps for some of us more than others, there’s a deeply ingrained trust and reverence we associate with religious figures, something that is not only exploited, but defaced by writing them as harbingers of malevolence and dread. By subverting what we commonly associate with religion, and highlighting instead the unsettling notion of corruption and un-sanctity within the clergy, we’re scared. At its core, horror novels aim to do exactly that, and really I can’t think of a more effective way to do so.
When researching books that might fit this description (of course I read all of them leading up to this post) I consulted many sources, from Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks From Hell all the way to the Books of Horror facebook group- in the hope that there will be something for everyone. I plan to focus on highlighting books that fit the brief rather than delving into my thoughts and feelings like I normally do… although I will link any relevant reviews for your perusal. In this list you will find everything from demonic to plain nasty, humorous to heavy and uneasy to extreme- I hope that there will be something for everyone.
Devil’s Creek by Todd Keisling:
Todd Keisling’s “Jacob Masters,” (head of the Lord’s Church of Holy Voices) is a nasty piece of work, and happens to be the very epitome of a creepy pastor. He wasn’t exactly an upstanding citizen in life, in which he tried to ritualistically sacrifice his six children… but in DEATH?! When the “Stauford Six,” (still scarred from their troubled childhoods) reunite decades later, unfortunately for them an ominous and all too familiar presence resurfaces. “Devil’s Creek,” is an absolute doorstop, and packed full of gnarly, coming-of-age, religious trauma goodness, as well as a priest who refuses to take rest in peace for an answer. You can read my full review for more information.
Little Heaven by Nick Cutter:
If Devil’s Creek gave you an appetite for religious horror, Little Heaven is the next course. Our creepy pastor is Reverend Amos Flesher, who builds a commune deep in the woods of New Mexico, in order to escape the sinful outside world. Flesher, whose idea of piety is manipulation and sadism, is far from pleased when three mercenaries infiltrate the cult in the hope of rescuing a young boy, and 15 years later, when the protagonist’s daughter is abducted and whisked away to the commune, they bump into one another again. Complete with the goriest creature features, the most three-dimensional of characters, and a very creepy pastor, Little Heaven is a must read.
Faces of Beth by Carver Pike:
Carver Pike’s “Father Dennis,” was another character that sprung to mind, and was the source of many a demon-priest- fuelled-nightmare. Spoilers are, of course, a sin, so without giving too much away, Father Dennis is one of the more unique creepy pastors on today’s roster. Our protagonist, Andrew, a husband simply trying to do right by his mentally ill wife, is forced to step things up, when he begins being visited at night by a strange presence. This bad boy is toward the more extreme side of the spectrum, with one passage involving a spoon and an eyeball still haunting me. We’ve got religious commentary, some nuanced mental health exploration, and eyeball horror… What more could you want? If it’s more information you’re after, you can read my full review here.
Boys In The Valley by Philip Fracassi:
An obvious but necessary addition to the list, Boys In The Valley by Philip Fracassi was justifiably one of the huge horror hits of last year. Father Poole of St Vincent’s rules over his school with an iron-fist from the very start, dishing out torturous punishments as he sees fit, including starvation and simulating being buried alive. His cold indifference toward the death of a student, blatant child abuse and casual cruelty already seal the deal for me, more than qualifiying him as a creepy pastor, but when an exorcism goes terribly wrong… things take a turn for the bloodier, cranking the horror up to 11. I read Boys In The Valley prior to reviewing here, but you can read Anna’s and Jennifer’s reviews for more information.
Father of Lies by Brian Evenson:
I wrestled with the principle of including Brian Evenson’s disgusting “Provost Fochs,” in this list. Well here he is, with a necessary caveat.. Eldon Fochs is a human monster, devoid of morality, a murderer and a child rapist. He is used to acknowledge and critique corruption within the Church, recounting real life events as “dark thoughts,” to psychiatrist Doctor Feshtig- who quickly becomes suspicious. Fochs transcends the title of creepy pastor, he is the stuff of nightmares, but tragically a character who reflects the corruption within the real world. You can read my full review for further warnings and more information.
The Sentinel by Jeffrey Konvitz:
So far we’ve stuck with contemporary horror, so let’s throw a Paperback From Hell (1974) in the mix! Father Matthew Halliran is one of the creepiest concepts and most unsettling figures on this list. Alison Parker’s gorgeous brownstone apartment overlooking Brooklyn seems perfect, and so happens to be an absolute bargain too. The downside? The old, blind, likely senile priest, in the apartment above, who sits and stares out of his window. When her stay is further marred by a series of seemingly paranormal events, all eyes are on Halliran. It may be slightly problematic, but it’s camp, corny and wickedly good fun. Bloody, bonkers, and boldly blasphemous, “The Sentinel,” ends just as terrifying-ly as it begins- you’ll have to read for yourself. Here’s my full review for more information.
Pig Island by Mo Hayder:
Despite being classed as a horror-adjacent thriller, Hayder’s “Pastor Malachi Dove,” is certainly a source of terror, and thus more than deserving of a place on this list of creepy pastors. Head of the “Psychogenic Healing Ministries,” Dove rules over his cult from a near-impenetrable fortress surrounded by severed pig heads. Joe Oakes is a journalist, and visits bent on getting to the bottom of Pig Island’s biggest conspiracy, the monster that roams its shores- but cryptid aside, Oakes has a score to settle with Dove. With an atmosphere that transcends eerie, it’s actually just terrifying, and a pastor whose history is decidedly un-Christian, Pig Island is a chilling edition to this unholy line-up.
Midas by Tyler Jones:
In this Earthling novel, that is as beautiful on the outside as it is terrifying on the inside, we follow Jeremiah Pevensie, whose faith has been shattered by the loss of his son. After obtaining a “gift,” inspired by the legend of King Midas, he finds himself pursued by a fanatical religious cult (lead by the enigmatic Solomon) hell bent on setting the world ablaze and starting anew. A story of greed, grief, and of course, religious zealotry, Midas is as golden as its name suggests, as well as a must-read for fans of Philip Fracassi.
Cuckoo by Gretchen Felker-Martin:
In this list so far you can find demons, gate-keepers, and partial zombies. Well, Gretchen Felker Martin’s “Pastor Eddie,” the tyrannical head of “Camp Resolution,” is a quintessential bully. In “Cuckoo,” a group of queer kids find themselves stuck in a conversion camp, due to their families’ futile attempts to “fix,” them. As the kids try to endure the camp’s grotesque treatment, their subconscious minds are slowly infiltrated and infected, and it quickly becomes very apparent that Eddie and his cronies (whilst sadistic in their vile abuse of the children) are not the only thing they have to worry about. Cuckoo is (amongst one of the best bits of body horror around) a chilling reminder of the horrors that lie beyond the obvious. You can check out my full review here.
Shotgun Nun by Harrison Phillips:
In a revenge ARC like no other, Sister Eloise, who is left scarred for life by a group of gang members, transforms herself from a victim into an avenger. Convinced that her mission is a righteous one, and that she is doing the right thing by punishing them, Eloise arms herself with a shotgun and a set of kitchen knives, and builds homemade explosives, determined to bring about justice. This is an EXTREME horror novella, so proceed with caution. This bloody saga is good fun, straightforward splatter blended with gritty retribution.
The Lost Village by Camilla Sten:
Following the closure of Silvertjärn’s mines, and the subsequent downward economic spiral that the townsfolk are subjected to, they need a miracle, and on the surface, Pastor Mattias seems to fit the bill perfectly- it seems to all of them that he is their last chance for salvation. Known for its Midsommar and Blair Witch Project comparisons, which by the way, are incredibly accurate, I don’t need to tell you that things end up far from perfect. Culty, creepy and as completely bonkers as they come, “The Lost Village,” is one I let slip between my fingers for too long- do not make the same mistake if you’re looking for something to send shivers down your spine.
Cruel Angles Past Sundown by Hailey Piper:
In this blood-soaked splatter- western, Preacher Balthazar Cox wields the title of creepy pastor archetype, as well as a rather pointy dagger. As the Queen of cosmic horror, you can only imagine Hailey utilises Cox’s fire and brimstone beliefs as the source of all sorts of madness, including but not limited to the “Cruel Angels,” in question. This one is HEAVY on the God talk, but explored with an undeniable and justifiable rage. I never typed up my review (perhaps one day) but luckily for me and you, Josh covers all bases here.
No Guilt of Bloodshed by John Baltisberger:
Yet another blood-soaked instalment in Dead Sky’s phenomenal “splatter western,” series, this time we have the distinct misfortune of crossing paths with “Dragan,” a decidedly unholy outlaw and certified harbinger of chaos, carrying with him a pandora’s box of mass destruction. This one is fucking freaky, phallus heavy, religious horror, that belongs wholly upon this list. For those who think they can handle the utter madness that ensues, as our Jewish protagonist seeks to stop all hell from being unleashed, this is a wild ride that doesn’t get nearly enough loving.
Cannibal Nuns From Outer Space! by Duncan P. Bradshaw:
Father Flynn, a high-ranking member in the Order of The Crimson Rosary, as well as an alcoholic. He finds himself in a race against the clock- desperately trying to achieve sobriety, before the impending invasion from the titular Cannibal Nuns from Outer Space. The one-liners are corny, the pop culture references are many, and the healthy dose of tongue and cheek prose aside, truly stomach-turning passages lie beneath its corny exterior.. Religious horror can be heavy, and whilst conducting my very official “research,” (during which I stayed in bed and read books about demon priests) this was a breath of fresh, albeit bizarre, air.
Midnight by Dean Koontz:
This is only the second list I’m curating for fear for all. The first time around, I couldn’t find space for Dean Koontz… and it felt truly wrong. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to stumble across a Koontz novel containing a fully-fledged creepy pastor… but fear not, I am determined to make it work this time. In this 600+ page novel, plucky protagonist, 11 year old Chrissie Foster very briefly imagines her local priest Father Castelli turning into an alien, it is genuinely a pretty scary thought, revolving around a NAMED creepy pastor…and you know what- that’s good enough for me. Whilst it only tenuously belongs on this list, Midnight is a wacky, werewolf-esque novel that is certainly worth picking up anyway. Should you want to, you can read my full review here.
Shrine by James Herbert:
Amongst his usual nastiness, and a rather creepy kid, indisputable horror titan James Hebert crucially showcases swathes of creepy nuns in this Paperback from Hell. This horde of satanic sisters can only descend following the miserable failings of Father Haigan and Bishop Caines- who do little but observe everything go to hell. Whilst I personally wasn’t so much of a fan of “Shrine,” the blasphemous bystander’s inaction, really makes it a double feature- securing its spot on this list.
Father of Lies by Steve Stred:
Steve is an indie, extreme horror author, one of the best at what he does, and an all around nice guy. Father of Lies is not so nice. In this collection of three novellas, a disturbed cult-leader, known only as “Father,” plans to achieve immortality by opening the gates to “The Black Heavens. He manipulates, rapes, and kills. Chocked full of satanic rituals, religious zealotry, and the most disturbing body horror you can buy. Whilst well-informed and well-written, this collection is as utterly putrid as they come, so read at your own discretion. Feel free to read my full review here for more information.
Revival by Stephen King:
Thank you to both Sadie Hartmann and Neil McRobert for steering me in the direction of King’s “Revival.” We follow Jamie Morton, and how his life is intertwined with that of his “fifth business,” by ex-methodist minister turned phoney- faith healer Charles Jacobs. A man who rejects God to worship his “secret electricity,” Jacobs is a clever man, but a dangerous one at that… and of course, a VERY creepy-pastor. It’s signature King, with the perfect Lovecraftian spin. It’s truly electric. You can read my full review here.
The Night Church by Whitley Strieber:
“His Eminence,” heads a satan-worshipping secret organisation, an organisation seeking to bring about the end of humanity via breeding “The Anti-Man.” Like a high-stakes Romeo and Juliet, with a history of war-fare between Catholics and Satanists, hypnotised cult-followers, and blow-torch torture scenes a-plenty, “The Night Church,” is a bizarre Paperback From Hell that simultaneously explores pseudo-science and religion. Streiber’s novel “Communion,” is one that he claims to be an autobiographical account of his abduction by aliens- this should tell you everything you need to know about the guy. You can read my full review here.
Goddess of Filth by V. Castro:
Let’s finish with a bang! A seance goes very wrong for Fernanda and her friends when she unwittingly releases something far darker, seemingly becoming possessed by a demon… or that’s the obsessive Father Moreno’s theory. What unfolds is a richly-layered story infused with Mexican folklore, biting religious commentary, and a deep, feminist exploration of sexuality, this Mexican spin on “The Craft,” reads like “Come Closer” by Sarah Gran and Carrie had a love child, this one is a must.
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