Books matching: gothic ghost stories
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- #1
Save:'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a chilling ghost story set in a remote village in northern England. The story follows a young solicitor named Arthur Kipps who is sent to settle the affairs of a deceased client, Mrs. Drablow, at the eerie Eel Marsh House. As Kipps delves into the mysterious past of the house, he encounters supernatural events and a malevolent apparition dressed in black. The narrative style of the book is described as gothic, atmospheric, and suspenseful, with a timeless quality that adds to its effectiveness as a ghost story.
The book is praised for its evocative descriptions, haunting atmosphere, and well-crafted suspense. The author, Susan Hill, skillfully builds tension and creates a sense of foreboding throughout the story, keeping readers on edge with unexpected twists and eerie happenings. The setting of the isolated Eel Marsh House, along with the mysterious villagers and unsettling occurrences, adds to the overall sense of unease and fear that permeates the book.
IT WAS nine-thirty on Christmas Eve. As I crossed the long entrance hall of Monk’s Piece on my way from the dining room, where we had just enjoyed the first of the happy, festive meals, towards the dr... - #2
Save:'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.
My counselor couldn't read! I winced at my mistake, which I attenuated as I could, and opened my letter again to repeat it to her; then, faltering in the act and folding it up once more, I put it back... - #3
Save:This House Is Haunted by John Boyne is a gothic ghost story set in a Victorian era, revolving around Eliza Caine, a young governess who takes a job at Gaudlin Hall to care for two children. As Eliza delves into the mysterious occurrences in the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and faces supernatural threats. The novel combines traditional elements of the 19th-century ghost story genre with a modern twist, incorporating feminist perspectives and eerie atmospheres reminiscent of classics like The Turn of the Screw and Jane Eyre.
The plot unfolds with Eliza navigating through the haunted house, encountering chilling events and uncovering the tragic past of the family residing in Gaudlin Hall. John Boyne skillfully weaves a suspenseful narrative, utilizing familiar tropes like ghostly apparitions, mysterious children, and hidden secrets to create a compelling tale that keeps readers engaged till the end.
In tracing the moment where my life transformed from serenity to horror, twisting the natural into the unspeakable, I find myself seated in the parlour of our small terraced home near Hyde Park, obser... - #4
Save:Set in a creepy Victorian-era estate, "The Silent Companions" follows Elsie Bainbridge, a young widow who discovers eerie wooden figures that seem to have a life of their own. As Elsie delves into the secrets of the house, she uncovers a history of supernatural occurrences and dark mysteries spanning centuries. The narrative shifts between different time periods, weaving a tale of suspense, horror, and family secrets that keep the reader on edge. Laura Purcell's writing style is described as atmospheric, vivid, and slow-burning, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the book.
The new doctor took her by surprise. Not that there was anything unusual in his arrival – doctors came and went often enough. But this one was young. New to the profession, as well as the place. There... - #5
Save:In 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters, the story revolves around Doctor Faraday, who becomes entwined with the Ayres family residing in the deteriorating Hundreds Hall. As strange occurrences start happening at the mansion, a mix of psychological and supernatural elements come into play, leading to a gripping narrative that delves into the decline of the English landed gentry post-World War II. Waters masterfully crafts a tale that not only explores the haunted house but also delves deep into the characters' emotions and behaviors, creating a nuanced story set in a time of societal change and decay.
I first saw Hundreds Hall when I was ten years old. It was the summer after the war, and the Ayreses still had most of their money then, were still big people in the district. The event was an Empire ... - #6
Save:Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic mystery set in Mexico in the 1950s, following the story of a young socialite named Noemi Taboada. Noemi receives a troubling letter from her cousin who recently married into the Doyle family and is unwell. She travels to the family's eerie mansion, High Place, where she encounters strange inhabitants and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her cousin's illness. The book combines elements of classic gothic romance, a haunted house mystery, and explores themes of colonialism and horror in a unique setting.
The writing style of Mexican Gothic is described as atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into the cold and haunted environment of the mansion. The plot unfolds with suspenseful pacing, blending Victorian sensibilities with creepy and grotesque elements like mushrooms, mysterious dreams, and family secrets. The protagonist, Noemi, is highlighted as a strong and brave heroine who must navigate the dark secrets of High Place to save her cousin and herself, making for a gripping and eerie tale.
The parties at the Tuñóns’ house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folkloric skirts and ... - #7
Save:'The Uninvited' by Dorothy Macardle is a gothic ghost story set in an old house on the English coast. The novel follows a brother and sister who purchase the house only to discover that it is not as empty as they had believed. Part ghost story, part mystery, part romance, the book is described as very gothic in style, reminiscent of Daphne DuMaurier. The plot unfolds with chilling scenes that send shivers down the readers' spines, leading to a climax that is both predictable yet shocking. The writing is noted to be exquisite, with authentic characters and landscapes, creating a sense of the past that adds to the charm of the story. The emotional intensity of the relationships between the characters is a central aspect of the novel, making it a gripping read that keeps readers engaged until the end.
I was glad we had taken down the hood. There was a heady exuberance in the air. The sky was a high, light haze; the trees and hedges were sprayed with young colour; birds were busy and lambs ran lollo... - #8
Save:The Lost History of Dreams is a gothic ghost story set in England in the 1850s, revolving around the character Robert Highstead, a post mortem photographer tasked with bringing his deceased cousin Hugh de Bonne to rest in a chapel next to his deceased wife, Ada. The story unfolds as Robert delves into the mysteries of Hugh and Ada's marriage, intertwined with ghostly imagery, haunting structures, and a plot full of romance and intrigue. The narrative is described as a nesting doll of stories within stories, creating a captivating and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic gothic tales.
Through the camera’s viewing glass, Robert watched a young woman lying as if asleep, her hands cupped against her breast like she’d been called to cradle a dove. She appeared upside down on the viewin... - #9
Save:'The Small Hand' by Susan Hill is a modern ghost story that follows Adam Snow, an antiquarian book dealer who stumbles upon an abandoned house with a mysterious garden. After feeling a small ghostly hand gripping his own, Adam becomes haunted by the memory and is drawn into a dark mystery from his past. The story is atmospheric and suspenseful, blending elements of the supernatural with psychological depth. Susan Hill's writing style is described as beautifully crafted, sensitive, and full of sensitivity, creating a sense of unease and otherworldliness that keeps readers engaged.
The road had cut through the Downs, pale mounds on either side, and then run into a straight, tree-lined stretch to the crossroads. The fingerpost markings were faded and there were no recent signs. S... - #10
Save:The Ghost Writer by John Harwood is a modern gothic novel that follows the story of Gerard Freeman as he delves into the mystery of his mother's past and unearths dark secrets best left buried. The narrative is interspersed with Victorian ghost stories written by Gerard's grandmother, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the plot. The book is described as a wonderfully literary ghost story with a captivating atmosphere that keeps readers hooked until the end, despite some mixed opinions on the ending itself.
I FIRST SAW THE PHOTOGRAPH ON A HOT JANUARY AFTERnoon in my mothers bedroom. She was asleep-so I thought-in the sunroom at the other end of the house. I crept in through the half-open door, enjoying t...
