Experience Chills: 9 Gothic Horror Books with Haunted Houses
Book RaiderThere's something deliciously shudder-inducing about a good haunted house story, isn't there? You curl up in your notaunted (thank goodness) home, a cup of something warm within reach, and find yourself plunged into a dark, eerie dwelling full of things that go bump in the night. It's like taking a thrill ride whilst wrapped in the security of your favorite, fluffiest blanket.
Gothic horror, with its blend of the terrifying and romantic, is a genre tailor-made for the haunted house story. This particular brand of horror wraps you up in a feverish embrace of chilling atmospheres, complex characters, and architecture that might as well be a character of its own. So very courteous of these buildings to be stunningly beautiful while hosting an array of ghosts and curses. So, let's throw open those looming, creaky doors together, and explore the spine-tingling world of Gothic horror books with haunted houses.
Within These Walls
by Ania Ahlborn
Why Within These Walls is on this list: Well, you've got the trifecta of Gothic horror here: a spooky, haunted house, a dollop of dreadful history, and secrets that are desperate to resurface.
A washed-up true crime writer gets a chance to jumpstart his stagnant career when he's contacted by a murderer cult leader, offering exclusive access to his terrifying tale of madness and murder. The catch? He has to live in the killer's old house, a house filled with horrors of an unspeakable past. Settling into this dreadful dwelling, the writer finds the lines between reality and the horror story he's documenting blur, and he's not sure if he's writing the story anymore, or if the story is writing him.
What readers like: Fans of Within These Walls praise its tight narrative, bone-chilling ambiance, and convincingly eerie haunted house. Ahlborn's expert storytelling haunts them long after the last page is turned, kind of like that ghost that won't leave your attic. If slow burn horror that creeps up under your skin is your kind of thrill, get ready to have a ghastly good time.
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The Melting Dead
by Doug Lamoreux
Why The Melting Dead is on this list: If you're fond of haunted houses with creepy histories, you’ll find plenty to love in The Melting Dead. Who wouldn't like a story based on a large, haunted house? Except that, in this case, things are stirred up a tad. Let's just say that our main characters aren't merely visiting.
The book revolves around a large, sinister and deserted house. But such is the charm of this place that even the dead cannot resist its allure. As the essence of terror unfolds, the inhabitants of the haunted house sees more action than usual - when the corpses start coming back to life. Meanwhile, the living try to make it through the night, hiding from the terror who used to be their beloved ones now transformed into horrifying creatures.
What readers like: Readers have fallen for the unique twist to the classic haunted house tales that 'The Melting Dead' presents. Lamoreux's vivid description of the terrifying house transports you straight into the heart of horror. Readers praise the clever mix of zombies with gothic horror, offering a tale that is as enigmatic as it's spine-chilling. Lastly, the book's well-paced plot keeps the suspense while balancing it with the spine-tingling horror we all love.
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The Haunted
by Danielle Vega
Why The Haunted is on this list: Scaredy-cats, this one fits right in like a ghost in the attic. It comes with all the hallmarks of a classic gothic horror story, complete with the requisite spooky haunted house. Perfect for the good old nighttime chills.
In this chilling tale, Hendricks Becker-O'Malley moves into a new town with her family, eager to dump her dark past and start afresh. But little does she know that her new house has different plans for her. It's a haunted old manor, with a history darker and more terrifying than her past. This house is alive... and it's not very friendly.
What readers like: Readers love Danielle Vega’s knack for creating intense, nightmare-inducing atmospheres. If you're all about suspense, tasteful scares, and have a soft spot for unexpected plot twists, this one's your cup of haunted tea. Just don't spill it when the frights come!
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The Only Good Indians
by Stephen Graham Jones
Why The Only Good Indians is on this list: Well, it might not be the typical haunted mansion everyone expects, but this novel spins it in a fresh direction. There's a ghostly entity pursuing our central characters, sure, but the 'house' it haunts is, in fact, their own shared past, exposing the spooky reality that sometimes our past can be a haunted place that follows us around creepily.
A chilling tale that follows the lives of four American Indian men and their families, all haunted by a disturbing and destructive event from their youth. The story takes us through their lives where they're being hunted by something terrifying, a supernatural entity seeking revenge. Not the kind of guest you'd like to have over for tea.
What readers like: Readers are a fan of the sheer originality and chilling spook-factor this book possesses. Its blending of deep-seated culture, supernatural elements, and palpable fear pulls you right in. Plus, the unique portrayal of 'haunted houses' is praised for being an interesting change of pace. If you've ever thought your past comes back to haunt you, imagine that being literally true. Spooky, isn’t it?
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The Damned
by Andrew Pyper
Why The Damned is on this list: The Damned is a fine example of the classic haunted house theme, set within a gothic horror genre. It takes the reader on a journey discovering mysteries of a haunted house which plays a crucial part of the story.
In this book, Pyper tries to reincarnate the gothic horror genre with a modern twist. The protagonist, Danny Orchard, who escaped death once, is constantly haunted by the ghost of his evil twin sister, who just wouldn't let him exist in peace. Danny's captivating and creepy journey through his ascensions to the afterlife, the horrific experiences that follow him back to the real world, and his eerie family mansion, vividly present the haunted house narrative.
What readers like: Readers will be hooked by Pyper's chilling narrative style, unexpected plot twists and the way he nails the haunted house scenario. Fans of gothic horror would appreciate the dark elements and terror within ordinary family life. Also, the way it allows you to toy with the concept of life and death kind of makes you an armchair philosopher. So, if compelling characters tangled up in supernatural horror is your cup of tea, don't forget to check out 'The Damned'.
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The End of Temperance Dare
by Wendy Webb
Why The End of Temperance Dare is on this list: If creepy old buildings stuffed with lingering spirits are your thing, 'The End of Temperance Dare' is the book for you. It expertly weaves a haunted house narrative, which is exactly what our list is about.
Our heroine, Eleanor Harper, takes on the job of a director at Cliffside Manor - an old, grim mansion that's been repurposed into a residency for writers. Let's just say, she gets more than she bargained for. With an eerie past involving mad patients and perhaps a resident ghost, the swath of mysterious incidents and deaths make it clear that the house isn’t too keen on its new occupants. Eleanor has to unravel the mystery, hopefully without ending up as another ghostly tenant. Really, who needs pleasant neighbours?
What readers like: Readers have appreciated the intense, spooky atmosphere that Webb creates, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Snuggle in with a cup of hot cocoa, because this chill-inducing book will provide plenty of goosebumps. The vivid descriptions of her settings make it almost too easy for you to imagine yourself right there in the middle of the haunted house. If you enjoy a rich tale with complex characters and some edge-of-your-seat suspense, you'll most likely fall for this one.
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Heart-Shaped Box
by Joe Hill
Why Heart-Shaped Box is on this list: This is a modern Gothic horror that checks off all the boxes: a haunted house, a gloomy atmosphere, and a terror-inducing ghost. Plus, it adds in a dash of supernatural spookiness that you'll definitely love.
The story centers around Judas Coyne, a semi-retired rockstar, who spends his retirement by purchasing creepy collectables. Things take an eerie turn when he buys a haunted suit, which happens to bring along the angry spirit of the man to whom it belonged. As the wrathful ghost wreaks havoc in Judas' farmhouse, the suspense winds tighter and tighter, threatening to suck Judas into an abyss of the semi-dead. Are you in for a fright night?
What readers like: Readers love the richly dark and unique plot that brings chills right to your bones. Hill's narrative unfolds like a song, with harmonious twists and crescendos of horror that leave you gasping with a delightfully eerie feeling. They also appreciate how the protagonist evolves throughout the story, adding a layer of empathy to the terror. The Heart-Shaped Box is an addictive read that keeps you guessing, proves that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree (that apple being Joe Hill, the sprout of Stephen King).
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Daughters Unto Devils
by Amy Lukavics
Why Daughters Unto Devils is on this list: If the idea of a haunted house and chilling gothic horror makes your heart race with delight, then 'Daughters Unto Devils' will be a tasty treat for your fear palate.
Imagine, moving into a new home on the prairie, only to find it drenched floor-to-ceiling in blood. The main character, Amanda Verner, believes the horrors of her past are behind her. But nope, they've followed her into a house that feels like it has a mind of its own, premeditated intentions, and a dark history better left undisturbed.
What readers like: Readers rave about the goosebump-inducing suspense expertly woven into each page. The vivid and eerie descriptions of the haunted house undoubtedly make your skin crawl. Our protagonist Amanda, just brings an additional layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative. The way she battles with her past and the supernatural makes the readers root for her till the end.
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The Haunting of Ashburn House
by Darcy Coates
Why The Haunting of Ashburn House is on this list: Gothic horror and haunted houses find a perfect match in 'The Haunting of Ashburn House'. It's like the two went out for coffee, decided they really liked each other and from that day forward, they were inseparable.
The story portrays Adrienne, a young woman with nowhere to go and a threadbare bank account. She inherits an isolated, creepy mansion from an old aunt she never knew existed, and decides to make it her new home. As she settles into Ashburn House, Adrienne starts to realize that the house has some dark secrets. With a feeling of being watched and a realization that the house isn’t exactly 'empty', she’ll have to uncover its ancient mysteries to survive.
What readers like: Readers love the way Coates blends gothic elements with horror, making it a page-turning marathon. They appreciate the eerie atmosphere that keeps you on your toes, but without the need to sleep with your lights on for a week. Also, they found Adrienne’s unraveling of the house’s chilling history a delightfully scary journey.
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