Are you ready to dive into the world of the supernatural and the unexplained? If you have a fascination with the otherworldly and the eerie, then these 20 best books about hauntings are perfect for you. From ghostly encounters to haunted houses, these books on hauntings will send shivers down your spine and keep you turning the pages late into the night. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, these haunting books are sure to captivate and intrigue you.
Contents
- 1 20 Best Books About Hauntings
- 2 The Haunting of Hill House
- 3 The Woman in Black
- 4 The Shining
- 5 The Little Stranger
- 6 The Turn of the Screw
- 7 Hell House
- 8 The Ghost Bride
- 9 The Silent Companions
- 10 The Winter People
- 11 The Ghost Writer
- 12 The Haunting of Maddy Clare
- 13 The House Next Door
- 14 The Ghosts of Sleath
- 15 The Ghosts of Belfast
- 16 The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
- 17 The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing
- 18 Ghost Story
- 19 Rebecca
- 20 The Amityville Horror
- 21 Heart-Shaped Box
- 22 Conclusion
- 23
20 Best Books About Hauntings
The Haunting of Hill House
by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic hauntings book that will send shivers down your spine. This chilling tale follows four individuals who come together to investigate the supernatural occurrences at the eerie Hill House. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the house, they encounter inexplicable phenomena that defy all rational explanation. Jackson’s masterful storytelling and atmospheric writing create an unsettling and suspenseful read that will leave you questioning what is real and what is imagined. With its haunting atmosphere and psychological terror, The Haunting of Hill House is a must-read for anyone who loves a good book about hauntings. Get ready to be enthralled and spooked by this timeless classic.
The Woman in Black
by Susan Hill
The Woman in Black by Susan Hill is a chilling book about hauntings that will send shivers down your spine. Set in a foggy, isolated English town, the story follows a young solicitor who is sent to settle the estate of a deceased client. As he delves into the task, he encounters a series of eerie and unexplainable events, all connected to a mysterious woman dressed in black. The atmosphere of dread and suspense permeates every page as the protagonist unravels the dark secrets of the town and the ghostly figure that haunts it. The book on hauntings is a masterful blend of gothic horror and psychological tension, making it a must-read for fans of ghost stories and supernatural mysteries.
The Shining
by Stephen King
The Shining by Stephen King is a chilling tale of a family’s descent into madness at the haunted Overlook Hotel. This gripping book about hauntings follows Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, as he takes on the role of winter caretaker at the hotel with his wife and son. As the hotel’s dark history begins to manifest itself, Jack’s sanity unravels, and his son Danny’s psychic abilities become the key to uncovering the hotel’s sinister secrets. King’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagery make this hauntings book a bone-chilling and unforgettable read. The Shining will leave you on the edge of your seat, questioning the limits of reality and the depths of human terror.
The Little Stranger
by Sarah Waters
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters is a chilling and atmospheric novel that delves into the eerie world of supernatural occurrences and psychological unease. Set in post-World War II England, this book on hauntings follows Dr. Faraday, who becomes entangled with the Ayres family and their decaying estate, Hundreds Hall. As unexplainable events begin to unfold within the walls of the mansion, tensions rise and the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. Waters expertly weaves a tale of mystery and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the haunting occurrences that plague the Ayres family. With its rich historical setting and haunting atmosphere, this book about hauntings is sure to captivate and unsettle readers with its lingering sense of dread.
The Turn of the Screw
by Henry James
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a chilling book about hauntings that follows a governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children at a remote country estate. She soon becomes convinced that the children are being haunted by the malevolent spirits of the former governess and her lover, who died under mysterious circumstances. As the governess grapples with the increasingly eerie occurrences, she must confront the question of whether the hauntings are real or simply figments of her own imagination. This classic ghost story is a masterful exploration of psychological terror and the blurred lines between the supernatural and the human mind. With its atmospheric setting and spine-tingling suspense, The Turn of the Screw is a must-read for fans of books on hauntings and ghostly tales.
Hell House
by Richard Matheson
Looking for a bone-chilling, heart-stopping book about hauntings? Look no further than Richard Matheson’s ‘Hell House’. This classic horror novel follows a group of researchers as they investigate the infamous Belasco House, known for its dark history and paranormal activity. As they delve into the house’s twisted past, they encounter terrifying manifestations and are forced to confront their own inner demons. Matheson’s masterful storytelling and spine-tingling suspense make ‘Hell House’ a haunting book that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers and enjoy a good scare, this is a must-read for any fan of the horror genre.
The Ghost Bride
by Yangsze Choo
The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is a captivating book about hauntings that takes readers on a magical journey through 19th century Malaya. The story follows Li Lan, a young Chinese woman who is asked to become the ghost bride of a wealthy family’s deceased son. As she navigates the spirit world and the complexities of the afterlife, Li Lan discovers dark family secrets and uncovers the truth about her own desires and destiny. Choo’s beautiful prose and vivid descriptions bring to life a world filled with ancient traditions, folklore, and supernatural occurrences. The Ghost Bride is a haunting book that seamlessly blends history and fantasy, offering readers a mesmerizing tale of love, betrayal, and the power of the spirit realm.
The Silent Companions
by Laura Purcell
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell is a chilling and atmospheric book about hauntings that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in an isolated manor in the English countryside, the story follows Elsie, a newlywed widow who arrives at her late husband’s estate to discover a dark and unsettling family history. As she navigates the eerie halls and uncovers a collection of lifelike wooden figures known as the “silent companions,” Elsie becomes increasingly haunted by the sinister presence within the house. Purcell expertly weaves together elements of psychological suspense, Gothic horror, and supernatural occurrences to create a truly haunting reading experience. With its richly detailed setting and spine-tingling plot, The Silent Companions is a must-read for fans of ghost stories and historical fiction.
The Winter People
by Jennifer McMahon
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon is a chilling and atmospheric book on hauntings that weaves together the stories of two women, separated by a century, both grappling with loss and the supernatural. Set in a small Vermont town, the novel follows the mysterious disappearance of a woman and the unsettling events that follow, leading to dark secrets being unearthed. McMahon masterfully blends elements of mystery, horror, and the paranormal to create a hauntingly captivating narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. With its eerie atmosphere and spine-tingling suspense, this haunting book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good ghost story.
The Ghost Writer
by John Harwood
The Ghost Writer by John Harwood is a captivating book about hauntings that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in Victorian England, this chilling tale follows the mysterious correspondence between a young girl and her governess, who may or may not be the girl’s long-lost mother. As the letters reveal a dark family secret and a haunted ancestral home, the reader is drawn into a web of deceit, madness, and spectral encounters. Harwood’s expert storytelling and gothic atmosphere create an eerie and hauntingly beautiful narrative that will leave you spellbound. If you’re a fan of atmospheric mysteries and hauntings books, The Ghost Writer is a must-read. Get ready to be transported to a world where the past is alive and the spirits are restless.
The Haunting of Maddy Clare
by Simone St. James
The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James is a captivating book about hauntings that will send shivers down your spine. Set in 1920s England, the story follows Sarah Piper, a young woman hired to investigate the ghostly occurrences surrounding Maddy Clare, a troubled young servant who died under mysterious circumstances. As Sarah delves deeper into Maddy’s haunting, she uncovers dark secrets and a chilling connection to her own past. With its atmospheric setting and eerie suspense, this hauntings book masterfully blends historical fiction with supernatural mystery, making it a must-read for fans of ghost stories and psychological thrillers. Simone St. James’ hauntingly beautiful prose and expertly crafted plot will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
The House Next Door
by Anne Rivers Siddons
The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons is a gripping book about hauntings that will send shivers down your spine. Set in a quiet suburban neighborhood, the novel follows the lives of two couples who are drawn to a beautiful new home that is being built next door. However, as they settle into their new surroundings, they soon realize that the house has a dark and sinister presence that begins to affect everyone around it. Siddons masterfully weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, and terror as the characters become entangled in the malevolent forces at play in the hauntings book. With its chilling atmosphere and expertly crafted plot, The House Next Door is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare and a compelling story.
The Ghosts of Sleath
by James Herbert
The Ghosts of Sleath, a haunting book by James Herbert, is a spine-chilling tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set in the peaceful village of Sleath, a series of unexplained and terrifying events begin to occur, throwing the tranquil community into chaos. As the haunting occurrences escalate, the village becomes a hotbed of paranormal activity, leaving its residents terrified and desperate for answers. With a gripping plot and vivid descriptions, Herbert masterfully weaves a tale of supernatural terror that will leave readers enthralled and spooked. The Ghosts of Sleath is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good scare and is fascinated by the supernatural.
The Ghosts of Belfast
by Stuart Neville
The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville is a gripping thriller that delves into the haunting past of a former IRA hitman, haunted by the specters of his victims. The story follows Gerry Fegan as he grapples with his guilt and the apparitions of those he has killed. As he seeks redemption, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest for vengeance, navigating through a world of deceit, betrayal, and violence.
This haunting book explores the psychological toll of violence and the lingering effects of war, painting a chilling portrait of a man haunted by his past. Neville’s masterful storytelling and intense character development make The Ghosts of Belfast a compelling and thought-provoking read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Haunting of Sunshine Girl
by Paige McKenzie
The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie is a captivating book about hauntings that follows the story of Sunshine, a teenage girl who moves to a new house and discovers that it’s haunted. As Sunshine tries to unravel the mystery behind the strange occurrences in her home, she realizes that she has a special connection to the supernatural world. With the help of her new friend Nolan, Sunshine delves deeper into the hauntings and uncovers dark secrets about her own past. This eerie and suspenseful novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Sunshine’s journey into the unknown. With its compelling plot and well-developed characters, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl is a must-read for fans of books on hauntings and the supernatural.
The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing
by Sheila Turnage
The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing is a captivating book about hauntings, written by Sheila Turnage. This middle-grade mystery follows the adventures of Mo LoBeau and her friends as they try to solve the mystery of a missing ghost and a haunted inn. Set in the small town of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, the story is full of humor, suspense, and a touch of the supernatural. The author weaves together a heartwarming tale of friendship and bravery, while also keeping readers on the edge of their seats with eerie encounters and spooky twists. With its charming characters and Southern charm, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing is a must-read for anyone who loves a good hauntings book.
Ghost Story
by Peter Straub
Ghost Story by Peter Straub is a chilling and suspenseful novel that delves into the world of the supernatural and the unexplained. This haunting book explores the lives of a group of men who are haunted by a dark secret from their past. As they struggle to come to terms with their shared history, they find themselves confronted by terrifying apparitions and unexplained phenomena that threaten to unravel their sanity.
With its eerie atmosphere and spine-tingling plot, Ghost Story is a captivating and unsettling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Straub’s masterful storytelling and skillful character development make this book about hauntings a must-read for fans of the supernatural and psychological horror.
Rebecca
by Daphne du Maurier
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a captivating gothic novel that entwines love, jealousy, and mystery. The story follows a young, naive woman who becomes the second wife of a wealthy widower, only to find herself haunted by the lingering presence of his first wife, Rebecca. The eerie atmosphere of Manderley, the grand estate where the story unfolds, sets the stage for a tale of secrets, betrayal, and the lingering specter of the past. As the protagonist uncovers the truth about Rebecca’s death, she becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets and haunting revelations. This haunting book delves into the complexities of human emotions and the lingering impact of the past on the present, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.
The Amityville Horror
by Jay Anson
The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson is a bone-chilling book about hauntings that will send shivers down your spine. This non-fiction classic tells the horrifying tale of the Lutz family, who moved into a beautiful Long Island home only to be terrorized by malevolent spirits. As the family’s nightmares escalate, they become convinced that the house is haunted by a dark and sinister force. Anson’s gripping storytelling and detailed accounts of the family’s experiences make this a haunting book that will keep you up at night. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, The Amityville Horror will leave you questioning the existence of the supernatural and the horrors that may lurk within our own homes.
Heart-Shaped Box
by Joe Hill
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill is a chilling and intense novel that delves into the supernatural. This book on hauntings follows an aging rock star who purchases a haunted suit online, unaware of the terrifying consequences that will follow. As he is haunted by the ghostly presence of the suit’s previous owner, he is forced to confront his own dark past and the demons that have followed him throughout his life. Hill’s masterful storytelling and vivid imagery create a haunting atmosphere that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. This haunting book is a gripping and suspenseful exploration of guilt, redemption, and the lingering specters of our past. With its spine-tingling narrative and compelling characters, Heart-Shaped Box is a must-read for fans of horror and supernatural fiction.
Conclusion
When it comes to books about Hauntings, there is no shortage of spine-tingling tales to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of classic ghost stories or prefer more modern paranormal thrillers, the 20 best books about hauntings listed in this article are sure to satisfy your craving for the supernatural. From haunted houses to vengeful spirits, these books offer a diverse range of haunting experiences that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. So, dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket, and prepare to be haunted by the captivating stories found within these chilling reads.
Which Hauntings book is best?
The best book on Hauntings can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson,
- The Woman in Black by Susan Hill,
- The Shining by Stephen King.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Hauntings?
For those looking to learn about Hauntings, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson,
- The Woman in Black by Susan Hill,
- The Shining by Stephen King,
- The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters,
- The Turn of the Screw by Henry James,
- Hell House by Richard Matheson,
- The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo,
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell,
- The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon,
- The Ghost Writer by John Harwood
These books offer a range of perspectives on Hauntings, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books on Hauntings?
The best books on Hauntings include:
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson,
- The Woman in Black by Susan Hill,
- The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James,
- The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons,
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell,
- Hell House by Richard Matheson.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Hauntings 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 Hauntings books of all time?
Choosing the best Hauntings books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson,
- The Woman in Black by Susan Hill,
- The Turn of the Screw by Henry James,
- The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell,
- The Ghost Writer by John Harwood,
- The House Next Door by Anne Rivers Siddons,
- and The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Hauntings and continues to be influential today.