Who doesn't love a good vampire? Look at them, with their dashing black capes, alluring paleness and shiny fangs. Or a rotting zombie? Sniffing after human flesh and mumbling 'brains' under their stinky breath. Lately TV series have more than honoured these creatures, celebrating their dark appetites and putting them back in the spotlight. But what about other creatures? Creatures that steal your teeth, ooze poison, habituate murky waters.

There is no end to the folklore creatures. From ancient Greek sirens to suspicious gnomes, we have invented myriad ways to (joyfully) torment our minds. From urban legends to the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and many others, there's plenty to sink your reading teeth into. There's a whole world of books that features a variety of creatures that will keep you up at night and/or entertain you. Some you probably already know, others may hold new, delightful terrors for you. Enjoy, share your own picks and don't forget to leave a little something under your pillow for the tooth fairy. We hear she can get quite temperamental...