Clive Barker-- the short stories. Really good . . . his massive novels are a bit too much of a time investment, but the old short stories, collected as "Buckets of Blood"-- they're terrific. Same with Stephen King, the too long novels might make you think he was getting paid by the word, the short stories in "Night Shift" pack a punch and don't require committing a week to read. A particularly excellent story, "The Mist" is a very economical novella . . . all kinds of great.

Pick up one of the massive "Best Annual Horror Fiction" anthologies-- they're great value for the money, and the editors do a good job with variety, gives you a chance to see just what might amuse you.