“Perfect for horror buffs and dabblers alike, Nightmare Fuel teases apart horror tropes and dives into how and why they work so well. Nesseth covers everything from social history to sound design to cognitive neuroscience, and does it with a confident hand and an ever-present love for the macabre.”

—Caitlin Starling, bestselling author of The Death of Jane Lawrence

“As compelling as it is instructive, Nightmare Fuel is a unique and vital addition to the bookcase of any genre film lover. Nesseth expertly guides readers through the dim and tangled corridors of the human brain in an accessible and engaging journey that deftly explores the science, psychology, and sociology behind fear, from debilitating terror to the low-key heebie-jeebies. I couldn’t put it down.”

—Valeska Griffiths, founder of anatomyofascream.com & co-editor of Scared Sacred: Idolatry, Religion and Worship in the Horror Film

“A must-read for any serious horror fan, Nightmare Fuel is a smart look at not only what scares us, but why it scares us. Nesseth masterfully dissects the horror genre, expertly tying in decades of film history with scientific research, explaining the principles behind our fears in an immensely readable fashion. It’s an invaluable resource, a history of the horror genre, a love letter to the scary movie—and it belongs on any horror reader’s bookshelf.”

—Lisa Kröger, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Monster, She Wrote

“Like a lab coat-clad wizard with the most factually potent of powers, Nesseth pulls back the dark velvet curtain separating the science from the scares. Expertly researched and beautifully written, Nightmare Fuel is a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of the horror genre, the true craft involved in creating it, and our body's natural reaction to it. An absolute must-read.”

—Rachel Reeves, Horror Journalist

“If you've ever wondered why horror movies are scary and how, precisely, they affect our brains and bodies, then Nightmare Fuel is for you. Nesseth breaks down scientific research related to horror and fear in accessible prose. This book is a fascinating read for both casual and committed fans of horror media.”

—Melanie R. Anderson, co-author of Monster, She Wrote

“Nina Nesseth examines what scares us, why and how – and what keeps us returning for more fight or flight. Whether you’re here for the science, the psychology, or just a touch of blood magic that makes for Nightmare Fuel, Nesseth delivers. An intriguing consideration of terror and its mechanics. Highly recommended.”

—Angela Slatter, award-winning author of All the Murmuring Bones