Morbidly Curious - by Coltan Scrivner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"A fascinating examination of a feature of human nature that all of us have, most of us deplore (at least in others), and few of us understand."
--Steven Pinker, New York Times bestselling author of Rationality and Enlightenment Now

The leading expert on the science behind morbid curiosity explains our spooky, gory, and macabre fascinations

What makes us peek at a car wreck or binge-watch true crime shows late into the night? Why are some of us drawn to horror movies while others shudder at the thought? In Morbidly Curious, scientist Coltan Scrivner takes readers on a thrilling journey into the psychology of morbid curiosity, uncovering why we can't resist the macabre. From grisly serial killers to spine-chilling paranormal stories, Scrivner reveals the psychological forces that compel us to explore our darkest fears--and explains how this proclivity is more than just a quirk. It's a powerful survival instinct, helping us mentally prepare for real-world threats, all from the safety of our imaginations.

Blending fascinating insights and cutting-edge research at haunted houses across the world, Scrivner makes a powerful argument for the value of playing with fear and embracing the gruesome. Whether you're a horror fan yourself or just want to better understand the true crime craze, Morbidly Curious will open your eyes to the hidden benefits of exploring the dark side of human nature.

Review Quotes

Advance Praise for Morbidly Curious

"A fascinating examination of a feature of human nature that all of us have, most of us deplore (at least in others), and few of us understand."
--Steven Pinker, New York Times bestselling author of Rationality and Enlightenment Now

"I can't look away from this book. Dr. Scrivner doesn't shy away from explaining some of the darkest recesses of our curious mind, and as a result we learn so much more about humans."
--Scott Barry Kaufman, author of Wired to Create and Transcend

"Morbidly Curious is a smart, surprising, and even uplifting look at why we're drawn to true crime and horror. Scrivner uses cutting-edge science to show that our fascination with fear isn't something to hide from--it's a powerful instinct that keeps us safe and makes us human."
--Kurt Gray, author of Outraged

"A riveting exploration of our deepest, darkest fascinations. Once you start reading, you won't be able to look away."
--Steve Stewart-Williams, author of The Ape That Understood the Universe

"The title piqued my curiosity. As I read, I became morbidly curious. By the end, I had a great time. In Morbidly Curious, Coltan Scrivner takes us on a fascinating journey through horror films, true crime, haunted houses, and psychological experiments, revealing how engaging with fear can be a form of play that eases anxiety and even makes us better people. A fun, stimulating, and enlightening read!"
--Daniel T. Blumstein, author of The Nature of Fear

About the Author

Coltan Scrivner, PhD, is a behavioral scientist and horror entertainment producer. He is the world's leading expert on the science behind morbid curiosity and the appeal of frightening entertainment. He is also the executive director of the Nightmare in the Ozarks Film Festival and the Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl, one of the largest gatherings of zombies in the world.