Over 60% of horror and true crime readers believe they can solve real-life mysteries

More than three in five readers of the horror genre say they can solve a real-life mystery, according to a recent survey.

The survey of 2,000 horror, mystery, thriller and true crime readers found that 61% believe they have what it takes to uncover a real-world mystery plot.

But only four in 10 (41%) are sure they would survive the plot of a horror novel and live to tell the tale. Interestingly, men were significantly more confident in their survival skills compared to women (51% vs. 37%).

Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by ThriftBooks, the research investigated all things horror: Scenarios that come to life, favorite horror books, and even safety best practices gleaned from reading the genre.

When asked which character stereotype they identify with, one in four (26%) identified as the supporting character and 12% said they would be most likely to be the victim in a scary book.

Indeed, more than one in 10 (13%) reported they would be the villain and only 45% believe they have what it takes to be the hero or detective in a thriller.

Interestingly, men were significantly more confident in their survival skills compared to women, according to the survey.
SWNS

Taking a closer look at the bad guys, this time in the real world, 68% said they could tell if someone was a “bad” person just by the sounds they let out. Women were more likely to report this compared to men (70% vs. 61%).

And more than half of readers (51%) said someone in their daily routine fits the mold of a villian from a horror novel.

Looking at who actually fits the stereotype, the most common answer was a neighbor (44%). Shockingly (or maybe not) the second most common answer was a family member (31%).

Revealing how reading scary books has had a lasting impact on respondents, 68% reported that they have adopted safer habits after reading the genre.

Only four in 10 of those surveyed are sure they would survive the plot of a horror novel and live to tell the tale.
SWNS

These include not sharing personal information with strangers (63%), not answering calls or texts from unknown numbers (62%), not posting their location on social media (52%) and never posting any personal information on internet (51%) .

Readers said they feel a combination of feelings after reading a scary book, such as feeling energized (29%), scared (28%) and even wary of strangers (22%).

More than half (54%) also admitted that they get scared more easily after reading a scary novel. And it takes an average of two days for these feelings to subside after reading a haunted book.

Thirty-three percent have slept with the lights on after a chill read, 21% have checked under the bed, and 20% have even refused to answer the doorbell after finishing a spooky read.

Thirty-three percent have slept with the lights on after a scary read, and 20% have even refused to answer the doorbell after finishing a scary read. SWNS

“It’s interesting and so relatable to see all the things we’ve done after reading a scary book,” said Barbara Hagen, vice president of sales and marketing at ThriftBooks. “Who doesn’t have slept with the lights on after reading a scary book? It’s also interesting, even informative, to see what security habits horror readers pick up. The horror book genre is very much at the same time: scary, energetic and fascinating. No wonder it’s such a popular genre.”

On average, readers reported getting their first hair book at age 12. After that, 60% said they were instantly addicted to the genre.

And it turns out, younger generations are more easily addicted to the genre: More Gen Z (73%), Millennials (76%) and even Gen X (72%) said they were immediately hooked on scary books after reading their first. compared to increasing respondents (45%).

More than half (54%) also admitted that they get scared more easily after reading a scary novel. SWNS
Popular gateway horror books, according to the survey, include “Carrie,” “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” “Goosebumps,” “Nancy Drew” and “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.” SWNS

Popular gateway horror books, according to the survey, include “Carrie,” “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” “Goosebumps,” “Nancy Drew” and “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.”

When asked about their all-time favorite scary reads, readers cited books including: Goosebumps, It, Pet Sematary, Silence of the Lambs, The Exorcist, The Shining ” and “The Stand”. “

It’s no surprise then that Stephen King (68%) was the most popular answer by a landslide, across all generations, when respondents were asked about their favorite horror authors.

“If you haven’t already done so this year, we encourage readers to pick up a scary book,” Hagen said. “Whether it’s a repeat read or a new one, there’s no better time of year to get into the genre.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who regularly read mystery, horror, thriller/suspense or true crime books; survey was commissioned by ThriftBooks and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between September. 17 and September. 23, 2024.

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Image Source : nypost.com

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