Is 'Sundial' A Horror Novel Or Psychological Thriller?

I just finished 'Sundial' last night, and it’s definitely more psychological thriller than horror. The book messes with your head in the best way possible, playing with unreliable narration and twisted family dynamics. There are creepy elements—like the eerie desert setting and the disturbing experiments—but the real terror comes from the psychological unraveling of the characters. The protagonist’s paranoia and the unsettling bond between mother and daughter create this slow-burning dread that sticks with you. If you’re looking for jump scares or monsters, this isn’t it. But if you want a story that makes you question reality and leaves you unsettled long after reading, 'Sundial' nails it.

Having read a ton of thrillers and horror novels, I’d categorize 'Sundial' as a psychological thriller with horror undertones. The horror isn’t supernatural; it’s deeply human, rooted in trauma and manipulation. The desert compound where much of the story takes place feels like a character itself—isolated, suffocating, and full of secrets. The protagonist’s past experiments and her daughter’s eerie behavior add layers of unease.

The psychological aspect is where 'Sundial' truly shines. The way the author explores memory, guilt, and the lengths a mother will go to protect her child is chilling. The tension builds through subtle hints and revelations, not gore or ghosts. There’s a scene where the protagonist realizes she might be repeating her mother’s mistakes—that moment hit harder than any horror scene could. The book’s strength lies in its ability to make you question what’s real and what’s imagined, blurring the line between sanity and madness.

As someone who prefers psychological depth over cheap scares, 'Sundial' was a perfect read. It’s a psychological thriller first, with horror elements woven into the narrative. The horror comes from the psychological manipulation and the unsettling atmosphere, not from typical horror tropes. The protagonist’s struggle with her past and her fears for her daughter’s future create a constant sense of unease.

The desert setting amplifies the isolation and paranoia, making every interaction feel charged with tension. The experiments mentioned in the book are disturbing, but they serve the psychological plot rather than being the focus. The real terror is in the protagonist’s mind—her doubts, her memories, and the creeping realization that she might not be the hero of her own story. If you enjoy books that mess with your perception and leave you questioning everything, 'Sundial' is a must-read.