Are you a fan of all things spooky and supernatural? If so, you’ll love our list of the 20 best books about haunted houses. Whether you’re looking for a bone-chilling ghost story or a psychological thriller set in a creepy old mansion, these books are sure to send shivers down your spine. From classic tales of haunted houses to modern twists on the genre, there’s something for every avid reader of haunted houses books. Get ready to immerse yourself in the eerie world of the supernatural with our curated selection of the best book on haunted houses.
Contents
- 1 20 Best Books About Haunted Houses
- 2 The Invited
- 3 The Silent Companions
- 4 The Broken Girls
- 5 The Grip of It
- 6 The Little Stranger
- 7 The Haunting of Hill House
- 8 The Woman in Black
- 9 The Shining
- 10 Hell House
- 11 The Amityville Horror
- 12 The Turn of the Screw
- 13 House of Leaves
- 14 The Elementals
- 15 The Ghost Writer
- 16 The House Next Door
- 17 The Haunting of Maddy Clare
- 18 The Ghosts of Sleath
- 19 Burnt Offerings
- 20 The House on Cold Hill
- 21 The Ghosts of Eden Park
- 22 Conclusion
- 23
20 Best Books About Haunted Houses
The Invited
by Jennifer McMahon
The Invited by Jennifer McMahon is a gripping book about haunted houses and the secrets they hold. The story follows a couple, Helen and Nate, who decide to leave their city life behind and build their dream home on a rural piece of land. However, as they begin construction, they uncover disturbing secrets about the property’s past. As they delve deeper into the history of the land, they realize that their new home may be haunted by the spirits of the past. McMahon weaves a tale of suspense and mystery, blending the past and present as the characters confront the haunting presence on their property. The Invited is a chilling and atmospheric haunted houses book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The Silent Companions
by Laura Purcell
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell is a captivating gothic novel that delves into the eerie world of supernatural occurrences. Set in a secluded mansion, the story follows Elsie, a newly widowed woman who becomes entangled in the mysterious history of the house and its unsettling past. As Elsie uncovers secrets and confronts unsettling events, she is confronted by the presence of the eerie ‘silent companions’ – lifelike painted figures that seem to have a life of their own. This haunting tale of suspense and terror is perfect for fans of ghost stories and Gothic fiction. With its chilling atmosphere and spine-tingling plot, The Silent Companions is a must-read for anyone who loves a good book about haunted houses and the sinister forces that lurk within them.
The Broken Girls
by Simone St. James
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James is a captivating mystery novel that intertwines the stories of four girls at a boarding school in Vermont in the 1950s and a journalist in 2014 who is investigating the school’s dark history. The novel is filled with suspense, ghostly hauntings, and a chilling atmosphere that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. This haunting tale delves into the secrets and tragedies of the past, as well as the enduring power of friendship and love. With its atmospheric setting and compelling characters, this book on haunted houses is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and supernatural thrillers.
The Grip of It
by Jac Jemc
The Grip of It by Jac Jemc is a chilling and atmospheric book about haunted houses. The story follows a couple, Julie and James, as they move into a new home and quickly become entangled in its dark and mysterious history. As they explore the house, they uncover strange occurrences and unsettling secrets that force them to question their sanity and the safety of their relationship. Jemc’s writing creates a palpable sense of unease and dread, drawing readers into the haunting atmosphere of the house and the psychological toll it takes on the characters. The novel is a gripping exploration of haunted spaces and the ways in which they can consume and transform those who inhabit them. The Grip of It is a must-read for fans of psychological horror and anyone looking for a truly spine-tingling haunted houses book.
The Little Stranger
by Sarah Waters
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters is a chilling and atmospheric book about haunted houses. Set in post-World War II England, the story follows Dr. Faraday as he becomes entangled with the Ayres family and their decaying mansion, Hundreds Hall. Strange and terrifying occurrences plague the family, leading Dr. Faraday to question the source of the haunting. As the tension builds, the novel delves into themes of class, trauma, and the supernatural, creating a gripping and suspenseful read. Waters masterfully weaves psychological unease with the eerie atmosphere of the crumbling estate, keeping readers on edge until the very end. With its intricate characters and richly detailed setting, The Little Stranger is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and those seeking a truly haunting tale.
The Haunting of Hill House
by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a chilling and atmospheric book about a group of people who come to investigate the eerie occurrences at the infamous Hill House. The story follows Eleanor, a young woman who joins the group and becomes increasingly drawn into the house’s dark and malevolent forces. Jackson’s masterful writing creates a sense of unease and tension as the characters are confronted with inexplicable phenomena and psychological terror. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the house, they begin to question their own sanity and reality. This classic book about haunted houses is a must-read for fans of supernatural horror and psychological thrillers, offering a haunting and unforgettable exploration of fear and the unknown.
The Woman in Black
by Susan Hill
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill is a chilling ghost story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This atmospheric novel is a classic example of a book about haunted houses, filled with eerie and unsettling scenes that will haunt you long after you’ve finished reading. Set in an isolated and desolate marshland, the story follows a young solicitor who encounters a vengeful specter, the titular Woman in Black, while settling the estate of a deceased client. As he delves deeper into the dark secrets of the house, he becomes ensnared in a web of supernatural terror. Hill’s masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this haunted houses book a truly gripping and unforgettable read, perfect for fans of spine-tingling ghost stories.
The Shining
by Stephen King
The Shining by Stephen King is a bone-chilling book about haunted houses that follows the story of the Torrance family as they move into the eerie Overlook Hotel for the winter. Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, takes on the role of caretaker, hoping to find peace and inspiration. However, the hotel’s malevolent spirits soon begin to unravel the family’s sanity, and their young son, Danny, who possesses psychic abilities, becomes a target for the hotel’s dark forces. As the hotel’s sinister past comes to light, the family must fight to survive the horrors that lurk within the walls. With its suspenseful plot, vivid characters, and terrifying atmosphere, The Shining is a gripping book on haunted houses that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Hell House
by Richard Matheson
Looking for a spine-chilling read? Dive into Richard Matheson‘s Hell House, a gripping novel that delves into the world of the supernatural. This bone-chilling book about haunted houses will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow a team of investigators exploring the infamous Belasco House, known for its dark and disturbing history. As they uncover the house’s secrets, they encounter terrifying apparitions and malevolent forces that test their courage and sanity. With its eerie atmosphere and hair-raising plot, Hell House is a must-read for fans of horror and the supernatural. Experience the thrill of this haunted houses book as you unravel the mysteries of Belasco House and confront the horrors that lie within.
The Amityville Horror
by Jay Anson
The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson is a bone-chilling book about a family who moves into a supposedly haunted house in Amityville, New York. This non-fiction book details the terrifying experiences of the Lutz family as they encounter unexplained phenomena, including strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and sinister manifestations. As they struggle to make sense of the malevolent forces at play, the family’s fear and anxiety reach fever pitch, leading to a heart-stopping climax that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Anson’s masterful storytelling and the spine-tingling events make this book a must-read for anyone fascinated by the supernatural or seeking a hair-raising glimpse into the world of haunted houses.
The Turn of the Screw
by Henry James
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a classic book about haunted houses that follows the story of a governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children at a secluded estate. Strange occurrences begin to take place, and the governess becomes convinced that the house is haunted by the spirits of the former governess and her lover. As she tries to protect the children from the malevolent forces, the line between reality and the supernatural becomes increasingly blurred. James skillfully builds a sense of unease and suspense, leaving the reader questioning the sanity of the governess and the true nature of the haunting. The Turn of the Screw is a chilling and psychological exploration of the impact of ghosts on the living, making it a must-read for fans of books on haunted houses.
House of Leaves
by Mark Z. Danielewski
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a mind-bending, genre-defying exploration of fear, madness, and the unknown. This labyrinthine novel is a haunting journey into the depths of a house that defies the laws of physics, expanding and shifting in impossible ways. The story unfolds through a series of interwoven narratives, including a documentary film, academic analysis, and personal accounts, creating an immersive and disorienting reading experience. As the characters delve deeper into the house’s mysteries, they confront their own inner demons, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. With its unconventional structure and eerie atmosphere, House of Leaves is a gripping and unsettling read that will leave you questioning the nature of reality and the limits of human comprehension.
The Elementals
by Michael McDowell
The Elementals by Michael McDowell is a chilling Southern gothic tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This book about haunted houses takes you on a spine-tingling journey to the Alabama coast, where two neighboring families are plagued by sinister forces. As the families struggle to come to terms with the eerie presence of the elemental spirits, they are forced to confront their own dark secrets and the horrors of the past. McDowell’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions will draw you into a world where the line between the living and the dead is blurred, and the atmosphere is thick with dread. If you’re a fan of haunted houses books and enjoy a good scare, The Elementals is a must-read that will haunt you long after you’ve turned the final page.
The Ghost Writer
by John Harwood
The Ghost Writer by John Harwood is a captivating book about haunted houses, family secrets, and the power of storytelling. The story follows a young woman named Gerard Freeman, who receives a mysterious manuscript from a reclusive novelist, Viola Hatherley. As Gerard delves into the manuscript, she uncovers a dark family history filled with secrets, lies, and a haunted house that holds a sinister presence. The novel weaves together elements of gothic mystery, psychological suspense, and chilling ghostly encounters, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the haunting mysteries surrounding the Hatherley family. Harwood’s masterful storytelling and eerie atmosphere make The Ghost Writer a must-read for fans of haunted houses books and anyone who enjoys a spine-tingling tale of family secrets and the supernatural.
The House Next Door
by Anne Rivers Siddons
The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons is a haunting tale that delves into the eerie mysteries of the house next door. This gripping novel explores the dark secrets hidden within its walls and the chilling events that unfold within its confines. As a book about haunted houses, it will captivate readers with its atmospheric storytelling and spine-tingling suspense. Siddons masterfully weaves a tale of unease and dread, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the sinister history of the house next door. With its vivid descriptions and compelling characters, this haunted houses book will leave readers with a sense of unease long after they’ve turned the final page.
The Haunting of Maddy Clare
by Simone St. James
The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James is a chilling and atmospheric book about haunted houses. Set in 1920s England, it follows Sarah Piper, a young woman hired to investigate the ghostly occurrences at Maddy Clare’s old home. As Sarah delves into the mystery, she uncovers the dark and tragic secrets surrounding Maddy’s death, and the vengeful spirit that haunts the living. Filled with suspense, romance, and eerie supernatural elements, this haunted houses book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. St. James weaves a compelling tale of love and loss, and the lingering power of the past in a book on haunted houses that is perfect for fans of gothic fiction and ghost stories.
The Ghosts of Sleath
by James Herbert
The Ghosts of Sleath is a captivating book about haunted houses that will send shivers down your spine. James Herbert weaves a spine-tingling tale of supernatural occurrences in the small English village of Sleath. When a series of inexplicable events plague the town, psychic investigator David Ash is called in to unravel the mysteries lurking within the town’s haunted houses. As Ash delves deeper into the sinister secrets of Sleath, he uncovers a malevolent force that threatens the very fabric of reality. With its eerie atmosphere and chilling plot, this haunted houses book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. The Ghosts of Sleath is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare and a thrilling mystery.
Burnt Offerings
by Robert Marasco
Burnt Offerings, written by Robert Marasco, is a spine-chilling book about a family who rents a mysterious old mansion for the summer. As they settle into their new home, they begin to experience strange and terrifying occurrences that seem to be connected to the house itself. The story delves into the psychological and supernatural as the family becomes increasingly entangled in the dark secrets of the mansion. This haunted houses book is a gripping and atmospheric tale that will leave readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the true nature of the evil lurking within the walls. With its haunting and eerie atmosphere, Burnt Offerings is a must-read for fans of horror and suspense.
The House on Cold Hill
by Peter James
The House on Cold Hill by Peter James is a gripping book about haunted houses that will send shivers down your spine. When the Harcourt family moves into their dream home, they quickly realize that something sinister lurks within the walls of Cold Hill House. Strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena plague the family, leading them to uncover the dark secrets of the house’s past. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the house, they realize that they may not be the only ones inhabiting Cold Hill. Peter James expertly weaves a tale of terror and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. If you’re a fan of haunted houses books, this chilling and atmospheric read is sure to keep you up at night.
The Ghosts of Eden Park
by Karen Abbott
The Ghosts of Eden Park by Karen Abbott is a captivating non-fiction book about the scandalous life of bootlegger George Remus in the 1920s. This riveting tale takes readers through the lavish parties, illegal liquor trade, and eventual downfall of Remus, all set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era America. Abbott’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling bring to life the opulence and corruption of this fascinating period in history. With its gripping narrative and vivid depiction of the Roaring Twenties, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, American history, or the allure of forbidden pleasures. The Ghosts of Eden Park is a spellbinding journey through a world of speakeasies, corruption, and the ghosts of a bygone era.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 books about Haunted Houses are perfect for anyone who loves a good scare. Whether you’re a fan of classic ghost stories or modern psychological thrillers, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a spine-tingling read to keep you up at night, be sure to pick up one of these books and prepare to be haunted!
Which Haunted Houses book is best?
The best book on Haunted Houses can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- The Invited by Jennifer McMahon,
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell,
- The Broken Girls by Simone St. James.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Haunted Houses?
For those looking to learn about Haunted Houses, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- The Invited by Jennifer McMahon,
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell,
- The Broken Girls by Simone St. James,
- The Grip of It by Jac Jemc,
- The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters,
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson,
- The Woman in Black by Susan Hill,
- The Shining by Stephen King,
- Hell House by Richard Matheson,
- The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
These books offer a range of perspectives on Haunted Houses, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books on Haunted Houses?
The best books on Haunted Houses include:
- The Invited by Jennifer McMahon,
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell,
- The Turn of the Screw by Henry James,
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski,
- The Shining by Stephen King,
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Haunted Houses are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Haunted Houses books of all time?
Choosing the best Haunted Houses books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
- The Invited by Jennifer McMahon,
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell,
- The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters,
- The Shining by Stephen King,
- The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson,
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski,
- and The Turn of the Screw by Henry James.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Haunted Houses and continues to be influential today.