Oh, definitely. Scary movies, no. Both in the creeping dread sense, and in the gruesome visuals sense. They just stick in my head too much. And, like you, I don't enjoy feeling tense and worried.
Scary books or stories, I'm willing, but there has to be something besides scary to them. Christopher Fowler's Peculiar Crimes Unit mysteries have horrific murders, described in loving detail, but those are surrounded by one of my all-time favorite crime-solving teams and the lore and history of the city of London. Tanya Huff and Mike Carey both write urban fantasy with horrific elements, but with interesting characters and a sense of humor.
And I like the resolution to leave me feeling relaxed, not apprehensive.
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Scary books or stories, I'm willing, but there has to be something besides scary to them. Christopher Fowler's Peculiar Crimes Unit mysteries have horrific murders, described in loving detail, but those are surrounded by one of my all-time favorite crime-solving teams and the lore and history of the city of London. Tanya Huff and Mike Carey both write urban fantasy with horrific elements, but with interesting characters and a sense of humor.
And I like the resolution to leave me feeling relaxed, not apprehensive.