22 Gothic Horror Novels That Are Delightfully Moody

#1 The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

This novel details a stay in a haunted house – for research purposes, of course.

This is a delightfully chilling horror read with plenty of Jackson’s humor dosed throughout. One of the characters reminded me of an old friend, which is in no small part why I enjoyed it.

The Haunting of Hill House was one of the first gothic horror novels I ever read, but it was definitely not the last.

If you’ve seen the Netflix series, be aware that the book is a lot different. (and better, in my opinion.)

#2 Dracula by Bram Stoker

A solicitor takes a trip to a castle in Transylvania in the late 1900s. Trouble ensues, naturally.

If you would like a dose of vampires with your gothic horror, this classic is a must-read.

#3 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

A blend of science fiction and horror with themes of isolation and, of course, resurrection, this is one of the most well-known of all gothic horror novels.

Shelley leaves you with this question: is the monster Frankenstein’s creation, or Frankenstein himself?

#4 The Violin by Odella Howe

A woman builds a violin to resurrect her dead fiance.

Reviewers describe this debut novel as being “like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in all the best ways”, but with a focus on the power of music.

In my very unbiased opinion, it’s an engaging and interesting gothic horror read – but you don’t have to take my word for it.

Check out the reviews, then buy a copy wherever you prefer:

#5 The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Reminiscent of Narcissus, a beautiful young man wishes to remain so – with ghastly consequences.

This was another of my early reads within the gothic horror genre, and I absolutely loved the moody suspense.

Bonus: there are tons of special editions of this classic novel which look gorgeous on your bookshelf.

#6 Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

A young woman investigates her cousin’s claims that her husband is trying to murder her.

This book takes the gothic horror genre and sets it in 1950s Mexico, which is such a fun spin on the more typical gray English settings.

#7 Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

A tragic love story, in short. This beautifully written book is a credit to the gothic horror genre.

Who hasn’t reached a point in their life where they would like to mourn life’s difficulties on stormy moors?

#8 The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The story of Jekyll and Hyde is so ubiquitous as to have become a commonly used phrase. As such, it’s a must read.

This novel has also been turned into one of my all-time favorite ballets. If you ever get the chance to see it, I cannot recommend it enough!

I actually preferred the ballet to the book, which I didn’t expect. Still, a great read – and another one with plenty of gorgeous special editions for your bookshelf.

#9 The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

A governess cares for two orphaned children at a creepy, remote estate. What more could you want?

While some gothic horror stories are rather long and drawn out, this one is a novella, so it’s great for a bite-sized dose of melancholic horror.

#10 The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

A woman moves into her husband’s ancestral home and is stalked by strange figures.

#11 Unbury Carol by Josh Malerman

Carol has a rare condition which makes her appear dead, but only leaves her in a comatose state – awake, but unable to move. Only two people know about this condition… Can they be trusted?

When she’s buried alive, well, the answer kind of makes itself clear.

#12 The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe

Really, just about anything by Edgar Allan Poe would fit this genre, but this one is a delight.

Not only that, once you finish the book, you can watch the Netflix series and compare. I love doing that very thing – even if the movie isn’t as good as the book, it’s like it helps me live in the world of the book just a bit longer.

#13 The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

Like your favorite campfire story, a mysterious spectre haunts a small English town.

#14 The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells

The Invisible Man reminds me a bit of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde because its main character devotes himself to finding a way to make bodies invisible.

What happens when he succeeds?

As usual, chaos ensues.

#15 The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap

Historical fiction, crime, and dark academia meet in this dark gothic horror story.

The Resurrectionist details the terror of real-life serial killers terrorizing the streets of Edinburgh. At the same time,a young medical student is lured into the illicit underground of body snatching.

This book is a gorgeously macabre read.

#16 The Watchers by A.M. Shine

This gothic horror novel weaves Irish folklore into the story, which is a really fun twist on the usual tropes.

Spine-chilling – and, if you really love it, it has a sequel!

#17 Gallows Hill by Darcy Coates

When Margot Hill returns to her childhood home after her parents’ unexpected deaths, she faces the horrors of the past and of a “house that never rests.”

#18 The Haunting of Whitehall Manor by L.V. Pires

The terrifying tale of one woman’s descent into madness featuring found journals, a marigold garden, and decade’s-old family secrets.

#19 We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson’s name is nearly synonymous with gothic horror. That’s why she’s on this list twice. I could definitely have added her more, but restrained myself 🙂

Jackson serves a delightful mix of cozy and unsettling in We Have Always Lived In The Castle, a story about two sisters who live in a grand, isolated mansion.

#20 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

A young woman marries a wealthy widower and finds herself haunted by her new husband’s late wife: Rebecca.

Don’t miss this gorgeous gothic horror novel and classic psychological thriller.

#21 The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

You’re probably far more familiar with the musical than the book, but yes, this story began as a wonderful gothic horror novel.

Also, how gorgeous is this special edition cover? How am I supposed to resist displaying it? It also makes me want a similarly designed special edition for The Violin… but that may be getting a bit ahead of myself.

#22 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

This is a classic American ghost story about a headless horseman terrorizing a village called Sleepy Hollow, a story you’ve surely heard before.

Nonetheless, reading the original in full is always a treat, especially around Halloween time.