The best 31 Gothic books

We Have Always Lived in the Castle (1962) tells the mysterious tale of the eccentric Blackwood sisters, Mary Katherine and Constance, who live isolated in their family estate after a tragic incident. As the sisters navigate their peculiar world, dark secrets unravel, making this a gothic and suspenseful exploration of family, mystery, and the haunting power of the past.

Villette (1853) tells the tale of Lucy Snowe who, after a series of family deaths, immigrates from England to the fictional French town of Villette to teach at a girls' school, where she encounters love, loss, and linguistic barriers.

The Woman in White is a gripping Victorian mystery novel that tells the story of a young art teacher who becomes entangled in a web of deception and madness. Filled with suspense and unexpected twists, the novel explores themes of identity, love, and the power of the human spirit. It is a timeless classic that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"Flowers in the Attic" is a gripping novel that tells the story of four siblings who are hidden away in their wealthy grandparents' attic after the sudden death of their father. As they endure years of confinement and abuse, they form a bond that helps them survive their harrowing circumstances. This haunting tale explores themes of family secrets, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The House of the Seven Gables is a novel that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the supernatural. Set in a gloomy old mansion in New England, the story follows the Pyncheon family as they grapple with a dark past and a curse that haunts their home. Hawthorne weaves a tale of secrets and hidden desires, ultimately revealing the power of forgiveness and the possibility of a new beginning.

Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of two different generations connected by a mysterious and hauntingly beautiful house. Filled with family secrets, forbidden love, and tragic loss, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton is a captivating mystery set in England during the early 20th century. The story is told through the eyes of Grace Bradley, a former housemaid at Riverton Manor. As Grace reflects on her time there, she uncovers long-buried secrets surrounding the death of a young poet and the Hartford family. Filled with intrigue, romance, and tragedy, this novel will keep you guessing until the very end.

My Cousin Rachel is a gripping novel by Daphne du Maurier that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and suspicion. Set in 19th century England, the story follows a young man named Philip who becomes obsessed with his mysterious cousin, Rachel. As he uncovers more about her past and her intentions, the line between truth and deception becomes increasingly blurred.

Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver is a chilling gothic novel set in the early 20th century. It tells the story of a young girl named Maud who uncovers dark secrets within her family’s manor house, Wakenhyrst. As she delves into the history of the house and its previous inhabitants, Maud unravels a tale of madness, obsession, and supernatural forces.

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James is a gripping mystery novel that intertwines the stories of four girls at a boarding school in Vermont in 1950 and a journalist in 2014. As journalist Fiona Sheridan investigates the abandoned school, she uncovers dark secrets and a connection to her own past. The book delves into themes of friendship, loss, and the haunting power of the past.

The Magic Toyshop is a captivating novel by Angela Carter that delves into the surreal and enchanting world of a young girl named Melanie. After her parents' tragic death, Melanie is sent to live with her oppressive uncle and eccentric aunt in their eerie toyshop. As she uncovers dark family secrets and explores her own burgeoning desires, the novel weaves together themes of identity, sexuality, and the power of imagination.

The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe is a haunting tale set during a deadly plague. Prince Prospero and his wealthy friends lock themselves away in a secluded abbey, throwing lavish parties to escape the horrors outside. But when a mysterious figure dressed in red appears at one of their masquerades, the true nature of their isolation is revealed. This chilling story delves into themes of mortality, arrogance, and the inevitability of death.

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths is a gripping and atmospheric mystery novel that weaves together the stories of three women who are connected by a haunting Gothic tale. When a teacher is found murdered, all evidence points to a suspect who claims to be innocent. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed and the line between reality and fiction becomes blurred. With its clever plot twists and rich character development, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Forgotten Garden is a captivating novel by Kate Morton that weaves together a tale of family secrets, love, and the power of storytelling. Set in England and Australia, it follows the journey of a young woman who inherits a mysterious book and sets out to uncover the truth about her family's past. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, this book will keep you enthralled until the very end.

The Shining is a gripping novel by Stephen King that tells the story of the Torrance family, who move into the isolated Overlook Hotel for the winter. As the hotel becomes snowbound, terrifying supernatural forces start to take hold, driving the father, Jack, to madness and putting his wife and son in grave danger. This chilling tale explores themes of isolation, addiction, and the power of the supernatural.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a classic tale of horror and mystery written by Washington Irving. Set in the early 19th century, the story follows the superstitious schoolteacher Ichabod Crane as he becomes entangled in the legend of the Headless Horseman. Filled with eerie atmosphere and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for fans of spooky stories.

Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt is a gripping gothic romance novel set in a mysterious mansion on the windswept coast of Cornwall. When Martha Leigh takes a job as governess at the forbidding Mount Mellyn, she becomes entangled in a web of family secrets, forbidden love, and dark intrigue. As she delves deeper into the history of the estate, Martha uncovers shocking truths that threaten to change her life forever.

The Little Stranger is a chilling novel set in post-war England. When Dr. Faraday is called to a crumbling estate to treat a young maid, he becomes entangled in the lives of the Ayres family. Strange and unsettling events begin to occur, and Faraday is forced to confront his own beliefs about the supernatural. With its eerie atmosphere and psychological suspense, this book will keep you on edge until the very end.

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of three sisters and a long-hidden secret. Set in a mysterious castle in the English countryside, the book delves into family history, wartime experiences, and the power of storytelling. With beautifully crafted characters and a richly detailed plot, it will keep you enthralled until the very end.

Jamaica Inn is a gripping novel by Daphne du Maurier that takes place in the early 19th century. It tells the story of Mary Yellan, who goes to live with her aunt and uncle at Jamaica Inn after the death of her mother. She soon discovers that her uncle is involved in criminal activities, and she becomes entangled in a dangerous world of smuggling and deceit. Filled with suspense and mystery, this book explores themes of betrayal, courage, and the fight for justice.

Daughters of the Lake by Wendy Webb is a captivating blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements. Set in a picturesque lakeside town, the novel follows a woman named Kate who discovers a century-old body in the lake. As she delves into the history of the deceased, she uncovers dark family secrets and a connection that transcends time. With beautifully crafted prose and an eerie atmosphere, this book will keep you enthralled until the very end.

Black Rabbit Hall by Eve Chase is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of two families and a mysterious, crumbling mansion in the English countryside. Filled with secrets, tragedy, and unexpected connections, this book will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Jamaica Inn is a gripping novel by Daphne Du Maurier that takes place in the wild and desolate moors of Cornwall. It tells the story of Mary Yellan, who goes to live with her aunt and uncle at their eerie and isolated inn. As she unravels the dark secrets and criminal activities taking place there, she becomes entangled in a dangerous world of smuggling and deceit.

Mistress of Mellyn is a gripping gothic romance novel by Victoria Holt. Set in a mysterious mansion on the windswept coast of Cornwall, it follows the story of Martha Leigh, a governess who becomes entangled in the secrets and dark history of the Mellyn family. As Martha uncovers the truth about her employer and his troubled past, she also finds herself torn between loyalty and love.

The Black Cat is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe that delves into the dark and twisted mind of its narrator. It tells the tale of a man who, in a fit of rage, commits a heinous act against his beloved pet cat, only to be haunted by the consequences of his actions. This eerie and suspenseful story explores themes of guilt, madness, and the supernatural.

The Distant Hours by Kate Morton is a captivating novel that delves into family secrets and the power of storytelling. Set in a crumbling castle in England, the book unravels the mysterious past of the Blythe sisters and the connection they have with a young writer. With beautifully intricate prose, Morton weaves a tale that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Magic Toyshop is a captivating novel by Angela Carter that delves into the world of a young girl named Melanie, who is thrust into a mysterious and unsettling new life after her parents' tragic death. Set in a sprawling toyshop filled with larger-than-life puppets and eccentric characters, the story explores themes of family, identity, and awakening sexuality. With its rich prose and enchanting storytelling, this book is a must-read for fans of dark fairy tales and coming-of-age narratives.

The Masque of the Red Death is a short story by Edgar Allan Poe that follows Prince Prospero as he attempts to avoid a deadly plague by hiding in his abbey. Despite his efforts, the Red Death infiltrates the abbey and wreaks havoc on the inhabitants. The story delves into themes of mortality, inevitability, and the consequences of trying to escape fate.

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths is a gripping mystery novel that intertwines the stories of three women who are connected by a disturbing murder. Set in a remote English town, the book delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, and the power of storytelling. With its eerie atmosphere and unexpected twists, it keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Stories is a collection of chilling and macabre tales by Edgar Allan Poe. From the haunting account of a man driven to murder by the “vulture eye” in The Tell-Tale Heart to the eerie atmosphere of a decaying mansion in The Fall of the House of Usher, these stories delve into the darkest corners of the human psyche. With Poe's signature blend of psychological suspense and gothic horror, this book will leave you captivated and unsettled.

Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver is a chilling gothic novel set in early 20th century England. It follows the story of a young girl named Maud who uncovers dark secrets within her family home, Wakenhyrst. As she delves into the history of the house and its former occupants, the novel explores themes of madness, superstition, and the supernatural.