Books matching: haunting presence
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- #1
Save:A whimsical, spooky, and heartfelt story for kids and nostalgic grown-ups who enjoy cozy magic, quirky characters, and Edward Gorey art - just don’t expect nonstop thrills.
'The House with a Clock in Its Walls' by John Bellairs follows the story of Lewis Barnavelt, a recent orphan who goes to live with his eccentric wizard uncle, Jonathan, and their witch neighbor, Mrs. Zimmerman. Together, they uncover a mystery within Jonathan's old mansion, as they try to find the source of the ticking in the walls which leads them to confront the evil forces of the past. combines elements of mystery, magic, and adventure set in the 1940s, creating a spooky yet engaging atmosphere that captivates readers of all ages. The writing style is described as sophisticated, with a good balance of creepiness and humor, making it a delightful and nostalgic read for those who enjoy supernatural tales.
Lewis woke up the next day with confused memories of the previous night running around in his head. In general, his impression was a happy one, despite the dark things that lurked in the corners of th...1973•187 pages - #2
Save:A beautifully written, deliciously dark Cinderella retelling that will satisfy anyone in the mood for magic, sisterhood, and a fresh spin on a classic tale - just don’t expect happily-ever-after fluff.
Gilded Ashes by Rosamund Hodge is a gothic retelling of the classic Cinderella story set in the world of the author's previous works. The novella follows Maia, a strong and audacious character who navigates a world of demons, magic, and dark bargains. As she becomes entangled in a dangerous game of love and deception with Lord Anax, heir to the Duke of Sardis, Maia must confront her past, face her fears, and make choices that will determine her future.
The story is rich in mystery, romance, and spine-tingling chills, offering a fully realized and satisfying tale that leaves readers yearning for more. Through vivid storytelling and complex character relationships, Gilded Ashes weaves a haunting narrative of darkness, grief, love, and hope, exploring themes of oppression, sacrifice, and the power of inner strength.
I sit up, knuckling the sleep out of my eyes. The kitchen looks the same as usual: garlic and rosemary hang in neat bunches from the ceiling. The pots I scoured last night sit gleaming on the stove. F... - #3
Save:A gorgeously written, haunting blend of body horror and suburban decay - perfect for lovers of atmospheric and character-driven horror, though those craving fast action or cut-and-dried answers might lose patience.
In 'The Rust Maidens' by Gwendolyn Kiste, the story revolves around Phoebe and her best friend Jacqueline, who undergo a tragic body transformation in their neighborhood. The narrative, told by Phoebe, effortlessly jumps between the past and present, blending cliffhangers and suspense. The book delves into themes of life, stubbornness, growth, and acceptance, portraying a dark tale of eerie body horror and the haunting effects of a mysterious illness on young women in a desolate town.
The author, Gwendolyn Kiste, intricately describes the decaying town of Cleveland, creating an atmospheric setting that enhances the anguish of the story. The writing style is described as beautiful and seductive, drawing readers into a world of eerie transformations and dark secrets. The plot unfolds through Phoebe's eyes as she revisits her childhood home, revealing the impact of the girls' transformation on both survivors and victims, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they finish the book.
I shiver in the street near the old steel mill, reading and rereading those graffiti letters on the crumbling asphalt. The red spray paint is faded now, but time hasn’t erased it the way it should hav...November 2018•252 pages - #4
Save:Long Lankin is a haunting and beautifully crafted slow-burn horror that rewards patient readers with plenty of atmospheric chills. Not your average YA fare, but perfect for those who love their ghost stories steeped in folklore and dread.
In the book 'Long Lankin' by Lindsey Barraclough, the story unfolds in 1958, where two sisters, Cora and Mimi, are sent to live with their great Aunt Ida in an eerie moated manor house in the village of Bryers Guerdon. As the girls settle in the isolated village, strange occurrences and the awakening of an evil presence in the marshes lead to a chilling tale of horror and mystery. The narrative alternates between different characters' points of view, adding layers of suspense and building an atmosphere of creepy folklore intertwined with supernatural elements.
The writing style in 'Long Lankin' is described as hauntingly beautiful, evoking a sense of rural England with its dark woods, abandoned churches, and mysterious folklore. The characters, particularly the children Cora and Roger, are portrayed as vivid and real, adding depth to the story as they navigate through the unsettling events surrounding Long Lankin, a malevolent supernatural villain from village superstition and witchcraft. The slow build of horror, the intricate plot development, and the atmospheric setting create a compelling gothic horror narrative that keeps readers engaged till the chilling climax.
I twist round in my seat and rub the back window with a wet finger until the skin goes brown. I lick it again, and it tastes bitter. Through the smear on the glass, I see the edge of the city moving a...2011•464 pages - #5
Save:Beautifully written, haunting, and full of local color - this is a memoir that artfully weaves a lost era with unsettling true crime. Not your typical murder tale, but that’s exactly what makes it memorable.
'The Shark Net' by Robert Drewe is a memoir that intricately weaves the author's coming of age with the loss of innocence experienced by the small coastal city of Perth, Western Australia. The book captures the essence of Perth in the 1950s and 60s, delving into the author's childhood memories, family life, and the backdrop of a series of chilling murders that occurred in the community. Drewe's writing style is described as evocative, meandering through vignettes of his life in Perth, painting a vivid picture of the city and its happenings during that time.
It’s a different sunlight – harsher, dustier, more ancient-looking – that enters courtrooms. Streaked by this ominous light, guarded by two big uniformed cops and hunched in his old-fashioned blue pin...2000•349 pages - #6
Save:A genre-blending, deeply emotional read that’s equal parts haunting family drama and gothic chills. Bring patience for the slow build - and get ready for a powerful, unique finale!
The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li weaves a complex and intriguing story about two families brought together by the death of a Hollywood matriarch, Vivian Yin. Her will reveals shocking surprises, leading to tension and rivalry between Vivian's daughters and the family of her late housekeeper. As they stay in the decaying mansion for the reading of the will, eerie incidents unfold, hinting at a dark presence tied to the house itself. The narrative shifts between past and present, revealing Vivian's troubled life and the haunting experiences of the characters living in her shadow.
Li's writing style evokes rich imagery, crafting a gothic ambiance within the crumbling estate. Although the pace is slow and the modern horror elements take a while to surface, the emotional depth and character development keep the story engaging. The book features themes of family, trauma, and the struggle for the American Dream, making it a layered read that blends horror and literary fiction. Fans of generational sagas with a hint of the supernatural will find this ambitious novel both compelling and beautifully written.
May 2025•352 pages - #7
Save:Lyrical, strange, and powerfully imaginative - a perfect pick for readers ready to dive into something brave and wholly unexpected.
'From the Wreck' by Jane Rawson is a unique literary tale that combines Australian history, folktale, and nautical lore with elements of historical fiction and ghost story. The narrative follows the protagonist, George Hills, who survives a shipwreck only to be haunted by a mysterious woman from another world, leading to a captivating exploration of family ties, spirituality, and the Victorian ways of doing things. The writing style is described as lyrical, captivating, and thought-provoking, blending historical fiction with an element of science fiction in a hauntingly beautiful manner.
He felt it first when the horses shifted and cried. They had been muttering among themselves all day, but this was different, a note of panic in it. The horses aren’t yours to care about, George, he r...2017•272 pages - #8
Save:A brilliantly original fantasy that turns Las Vegas into a battleground for souls, fate, and archetypes. It's weird, wild, and unforgettable - especially if you're into myth, gambling, or just love fantasy that thinks outside the box.
"Last Call" by Tim Powers is a complex and masterfully crafted urban fantasy novel set in Las Vegas, blending elements of magic, poker, and mythology. The story revolves around a battle for godlike power where characters race across the country trying to embody legendary personas while playing a high-stakes game of cards. Powers weaves a tale of myth meeting the mundane, combining the mystic with the banal in a gritty, American-style version of the Fisher King legend.
The writing style in "Last Call" is described as compelling and addictive, with intricate mythology, engaging characters, and a fast-paced plot. Powers skillfully incorporates elements like Tarot, poker, chaos theory, and Egyptian mythology, creating a world where the supernatural intersects with the everyday. The novel is praised for its depth, believability, and the way it explores themes of family, love, and the haunting nature of the past within a fantastical setting.
He knew that out over the desert, visible to any motorists along the lonelier stretches of Boulder Highway, the rain would be twisting in tall, ragged funnels under the clouds; already some flooding h...1992•538 pages - #9
Save:Gothic, ghostly, and laced with both suspense and steamy intrigue, The Shape of Night is a fun, chilling binge for fans of paranormal mysteries - just be ready for a genre-bending twist from Gerritsen's usual fare!
In "The Shape of Night" by Tess Gerritsen, Ava, a food writer, escapes to a secluded mansion in a small Maine town to finish her book. However, the house she rents, Brodie's Watch, holds dark secrets and a haunting presence. As Ava becomes entangled with the ghostly figure of Captain Brodie, she discovers a history of mysterious deaths and dangerous secrets within the house. The book combines elements of ghost stories, suspense, and romance, creating a chilling and atmospheric read that delves into themes of guilt, desire, and the supernatural.
The narrative unfolds with Ava's exploration of the haunted mansion, her encounters with the ghostly presence of Captain Brodie, and her unraveling of the dark mysteries surrounding the house. Gerritsen's writing style weaves together elements of suspense, Gothic atmosphere, and psychological depth, keeping readers engaged with unexpected twists and layers of complexity. The story explores themes of isolation, regret, and the consequences of past actions, culminating in a tale that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural.
I had felt no such apprehension on that day in early August when I turned onto North Point Way and drove toward Brodie’s Watch for the first time. I knew only that the road needed maintenance and the...October 2019•362 pages - #10
Save:A chilling, atmospheric ghost story - short, classic, and perfect for a winter night, especially if you love Victorian horror with a psychological twist!
'The Signalman' by Charles Dickens is a collection of delightfully spooky and classic ghost stories that offer a chilling and eerie atmosphere. The main story follows a signalman who encounters a grim spectre warning him of imminent danger near a railway tunnel. The writing style is described as atmospheric, mysterious, and captivating, drawing readers into the eerie world created by Dickens.
1866•66 pages
