5 Books You Never Knew Were Based On True Stories

Some books come from imagination alone. However, others need a little bit of inspiration. This can come from famous literature, nature - anywhere, really. But some books are based on true stories and, in the spirit of Halloween, here are 5 scary books that you never knew were based on true stories.

1) Pyscho, by Robert Bloch

We all enjoy taking hot showers. But after this story came out, no one wanted to bathe. And I bet you didn't know that the book, Pyscho, was based on true events! As it turns out, the infamous Norman Bates is actually based on real murderer Ed Gein. For those who are unaware of who that is, Gein was a murderer and a 'body snatcher' from Wisconsin and the murders that he committed are reflected by Norman Bates! As if the book - and the movie - weren't terrifying enough.

2) The Shining, by Stephen King

The main part of this infamous book takes place in a hotel; in a way, the hotel itself is a character. We can all agree that the book is terrifying - and the movie doesn't exactly make us warm all over! But did you know that The Shining is not just a work of fiction? In 1974, King and his wife stayed at The Stanley Hotel in the Colorado Rockies...a hotel rumoured to be haunted! Though the details aren't entirely clear, we do know that King had a terrible nightmare whilst staying at the hotel, which served as inspiration for the book that scared a generation.

3) Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie

Murder on the Orient Express is one of Agatha Christie's most popular murder mysteries. However, this household book isn't just the work of brilliant imagination and genius storytelling. It's actually based on the very real kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's son in 1932, just two years before the publication of this book.

4) Jaws, by Peter Benchley

As soon as you see that title, the theme music starts running through your head, doesn't it? But it wasn't just a movie. The film was adapted from a book by Peter Benchley which, in turn, took inspiration from the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916. And yes, it was one shark, five victims and one very panicked beach town that inspired this legendary title. 

5) The Exorcist, by William Peter Blatty

That's right, The Exorcist is based on a true account. The movie that terrified viewers was adapted from William Peter Blatty's book, which was inspired by the story of Roland Doe from 1948. Roland was born to a German Protestant family, but after Roland's aunt died, the boy began to hear odd noises from the basement. From there, the real events nearly mirror the events in the book. Roland's bed moved violently across the room, there was constant bashing from the basement and ordinary objects would be suspended in the air. The boy also began to speak in Latin to a local priest. Scared yet?