Le Horla is a chilling story told through diary entries. Our narrator is a man who seems to have it all: wealth, a beautiful home, and good health. But his peaceful life shatters when he starts to feel a strange, persistent presence. He becomes obsessed with the idea that an invisible being—a 'Horla'—has moved into his house. It drinks his water, reads over his shoulder, and seems to feed on his very life force. His fear turns to desperation as he tries to prove its existence and fight back, leading to a terrifying and unforgettable conclusion.

Why You Should Read It

This story is a slow-burn nightmare. Maupassant doesn't use cheap scares; he builds a profound sense of wrongness that gets under your skin. The genius is in the uncertainty. Is the Horla a real supernatural threat, or is it a brilliant portrait of a mind unraveling from the inside? As the narrator's logic becomes more frantic, you feel trapped in his perspective, sharing his paranoia. It's a powerful look at fear, the fragility of the self, and the horror of doubting your own mind.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves psychological horror that sticks with you. If you enjoy stories where the real monster might be inside the protagonist's head, or if you're a fan of early, influential horror that focuses on atmosphere over gore, this is a must-read. It's short, but its impact is huge. Just be prepared to glance over your shoulder a few times after you finish.