“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 "An entertaining examination of the underlying reasons behind our attraction to the macabre." — The New York Times Book Review 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. "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, Director of the Center for Human Potential and author of Wired to Create and Transcend "A remarkable journey that delves into why humans can't seem to look away from the things that some would refer to as unhealthy, shocking, or fearsome. . . . This book is a must-read for those who can't help looking at the scene of an accident, gazing cautiously at a menacing-looking animal hiding behind a bush, watching horror movies or combat sports with unfiltered fixation, or cautiously walking through a dark house to find the source of a random sound. . . . Scrivner's book is a refreshing read." — Library Journal (STARRED review) "An exhilarating and wise exploration. Through lively storytelling and fresh research, Scrivner illustrates how safely engaging with frightening experiences better prepares us for actual dangers. From predator detection in animals to the human fascination with horror films, morbid curiosity is revealed as a vital, evolved tool for survival." —Rob Henderson, bestselling author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class "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, Johnstone Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and the author of When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows... "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 "Why are humans so captivated by blood and gore? In this razor-sharp book, Coltan Scrivner explains why our morbid curiosity is nothing to be ashamed of: it's a survival strategy honed by millions of years of natural selection. Combining cutting-edge science with mastery of pop culture, Morbidly Curious is a paean to the horror genre--and a window into human nature." —David Pinsof, Co-Creator of Cards Against Humanity "What sort of sickness drives our fascination with true crime, slasher films, and all things macabre? In this wonderfully unsettling exploration, Coltan Scrivner shows that morbid curiosity isn't a pathology at all—it's a form of preparation, one that deepens our empathy and builds our resilience. Morbidly Curious is sharp, humane, and a delight to read." —Paul Bloom, Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto, Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Yale University, and author of Psych: The Story of the Human Mind "Morbidly Curious is like a guided tour through a haunted mansion - a carefully crafted expedition with an expert guide to unveil the psychology behind the sinister and the spooky. Coltan Scrivner has a gift for extracting deep insights from our darker compulsions." —Tania Lombrozo, Arthur W. Marks Professor of Psychology at Princeton University. "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 peo