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Genre Guide

Best Ghost Novels of All Time

By:

SaraLovesBooks

Douglas County Libraries

Staff-created list

For the spookiest time of the year, I tracked down multiple lists to figure out what people considered the best ghost novels of all time. These are the twenty-five most common titles that appear on those lists. Enjoy!

By:

SaraLovesBooks

Douglas County Libraries

25 items

25 items

The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House

by Jackson, Shirley

Book - 2006

This book has unnerved readers since its publication in 1959. It is a tale of subtle, psychological terror, and is considered one of the greatest haunted house stories ever written. This book has unnerved readers since its publication in 1959. It is a tale of subtle, psychological terror, and is considered one of the greatest haunted house stories ever written. Show less

This book has unnerved readers since its publication in 1959. It is a tale of subtle, psychological terror, and is considered one of the greatest haunted house stories ever written. This book has unnerved readers since its publication in 1959. It is a tale of subtle, psychological terror, and is considered one of the greatest haunted house stories ever written. Show less

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The Turn of the Screw

The Turn of the Screw

by James, Henry

Unknown - 1990

This ghost story, published in 1898, invites debate on the ambiguity of reality, where the reader must consider whether the governess is mad or whether the ghosts are real. This ghost story, published in 1898, invites debate on the ambiguity of reality, where the reader must consider whether the governess is mad or whether the ghosts are real. Show less

This ghost story, published in 1898, invites debate on the ambiguity of reality, where the reader must consider whether the governess is mad or whether the ghosts are real. This ghost story, published in 1898, invites debate on the ambiguity of reality, where the reader must consider whether the governess is mad or whether the ghosts are real. Show less

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Hell House

Hell House

by Matheson, Richard

Unknown - 2008

According to the master of horror himself, Stephen King, this book is "the scariest haunted house book ever written." According to the master of horror himself, Stephen King, this book is "the scariest haunted house book ever written." Show less

According to the master of horror himself, Stephen King, this book is "the scariest haunted house book ever written." According to the master of horror himself, Stephen King, this book is "the scariest haunted house book ever written." Show less

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Ghost Story

Ghost Story

by Straub, Peter

Book - 2016

In the town of Milburn, New York, four old men gather to tell frightening stories as a hobby to divert themselves from their lives. But one story returns ...Show more In the town of Milburn, New York, four old men gather to tell frightening stories as a hobby to divert themselves from their lives. But one story returns to haunt them. A wicked mistake. A horrifying accident. And they are about to learn that no one can bury the past forever. Show less

In the town of Milburn, New York, four old men gather to tell frightening stories as a hobby to divert themselves from their lives. But one story returns ...Show more In the town of Milburn, New York, four old men gather to tell frightening stories as a hobby to divert themselves from their lives. But one story returns to haunt them. A wicked mistake. A horrifying accident. And they are about to learn that no one can bury the past forever. Show less

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The Shining

The Shining

by King, Stephen

Book - 1977

Inspired by the real Stanley Hotel, this chilling tale starts with a troubled family trying to heal and pull itself back together, but as the harsh winter...Show more Inspired by the real Stanley Hotel, this chilling tale starts with a troubled family trying to heal and pull itself back together, but as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote and more sinister. The only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is the uniquely gifted five-year-old boy. Show less

Inspired by the real Stanley Hotel, this chilling tale starts with a troubled family trying to heal and pull itself back together, but as the harsh winter...Show more Inspired by the real Stanley Hotel, this chilling tale starts with a troubled family trying to heal and pull itself back together, but as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote and more sinister. The only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is the uniquely gifted five-year-old boy. Show less

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The Amityville Horror

The Amityville Horror

by Anson, Jay

Book - 1991

One year earlier, Ronald DeFeo had murdered his parents, brothers, and sisters in the house. In December 1975, the Lutz family moved in. Twenty-eight days...Show more One year earlier, Ronald DeFeo had murdered his parents, brothers, and sisters in the house. In December 1975, the Lutz family moved in. Twenty-eight days later, the entire Lutz family fled in terror. This is their spellbinding, shocking tale of what happened during those twenty-eight days. Show less

One year earlier, Ronald DeFeo had murdered his parents, brothers, and sisters in the house. In December 1975, the Lutz family moved in. Twenty-eight days...Show more One year earlier, Ronald DeFeo had murdered his parents, brothers, and sisters in the house. In December 1975, the Lutz family moved in. Twenty-eight days later, the entire Lutz family fled in terror. This is their spellbinding, shocking tale of what happened during those twenty-eight days. Show less

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Heart-shaped Box

Heart-shaped Box

by Hill, Joe

Book - 2010

A surprisingly moving spine-tingler wherein the hero has to face himself and his past to discover his true self in order to confront the evil terrorizing him. A surprisingly moving spine-tingler wherein the hero has to face himself and his past to discover his true self in order to confront the evil terrorizing him. Show less

A surprisingly moving spine-tingler wherein the hero has to face himself and his past to discover his true self in order to confront the evil terrorizing him. A surprisingly moving spine-tingler wherein the hero has to face himself and his past to discover his true self in order to confront the evil terrorizing him. Show less

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Wait Till Helen Comes

Wait Till Helen Comes

A Ghost Story

by Hahn, Mary Downing

Book - 2008

What happens when an insufferable brat befriends a malevolent ghost who died in a mysterious fire more than a hundred years ago? So begins this spine-chillling tale, with the unsettling threat, “Wait till Helen comes,” becoming a grim reality. What happens when an insufferable brat befriends a malevolent ghost who died in a mysterious fire more than a hundred years ago? So begins this spine-chillling tale, with the unsettling threat, “Wait till Helen comes,” becoming a grim reality. Show less

What happens when an insufferable brat befriends a malevolent ghost who died in a mysterious fire more than a hundred years ago? So begins this spine-chillling tale, with the unsettling threat, “Wait till Helen comes,” becoming a grim reality. What happens when an insufferable brat befriends a malevolent ghost who died in a mysterious fire more than a hundred years ago? So begins this spine-chillling tale, with the unsettling threat, “Wait till Helen comes,” becoming a grim reality. Show less

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The Woman in Black

The Woman in Black

by Hill, Susan

eBook - 2011

A chilling tale of the gothic tradition about a terrifying spectre in a small English town. A chilling tale of the gothic tradition about a terrifying spectre in a small English town. Show less

A chilling tale of the gothic tradition about a terrifying spectre in a small English town. A chilling tale of the gothic tradition about a terrifying spectre in a small English town. Show less

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Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

by Schwartz, Alvin

Book - 2017

Welcome to the macabre world of Scary Stories, where folklorist Alvin Schwartz offers up the most alarming collection of horror, dark revenge, and supernatural events of all time. Welcome to the macabre world of Scary Stories, where folklorist Alvin Schwartz offers up the most alarming collection of horror, dark revenge, and supernatural events of all time. Show less

Welcome to the macabre world of Scary Stories, where folklorist Alvin Schwartz offers up the most alarming collection of horror, dark revenge, and supernatural events of all time. Welcome to the macabre world of Scary Stories, where folklorist Alvin Schwartz offers up the most alarming collection of horror, dark revenge, and supernatural events of all time. Show less

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The Complete Stories

The Complete Stories

by Poe, Edgar Allan

Book - 1992

This classic American author is known best for his Gothic tales of mystery and macabre. Many of his works appear on "best horror stories" lists. This classic American author is known best for his Gothic tales of mystery and macabre. Many of his works appear on "best horror stories" lists. Show less

This classic American author is known best for his Gothic tales of mystery and macabre. Many of his works appear on "best horror stories" lists. This classic American author is known best for his Gothic tales of mystery and macabre. Many of his works appear on "best horror stories" lists. Show less

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The Little Stranger

The Little Stranger

by Waters, Sarah

Book - 2009

A gothic tale in the tradition of Henry James and Edgar Allan Poe, wherein a doctor is confronted with the secrets of an ancient noble family, not knowing how close their secrets align to his own life. A gothic tale in the tradition of Henry James and Edgar Allan Poe, wherein a doctor is confronted with the secrets of an ancient noble family, not knowing how close their secrets align to his own life. Show less

A gothic tale in the tradition of Henry James and Edgar Allan Poe, wherein a doctor is confronted with the secrets of an ancient noble family, not knowing how close their secrets align to his own life. A gothic tale in the tradition of Henry James and Edgar Allan Poe, wherein a doctor is confronted with the secrets of an ancient noble family, not knowing how close their secrets align to his own life. Show less

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Anna Dressed in Blood

Anna Dressed in Blood

by Blake, Kendare

Book - 2011

It's the old boy-meets-girl story, if the boy is a wry, self-destructive ghost-hunter bent on avenging his father and the girl is a homicidal ghost trapped in a house full of everyone she's ever murdered in a smooth combination of gore and romance. It's the old boy-meets-girl story, if the boy is a wry, self-destructive ghost-hunter bent on avenging his father and the girl is a homicidal ghost trapped in a house full of everyone she's ever murdered in a smooth combination of gore and romance. Show less

It's the old boy-meets-girl story, if the boy is a wry, self-destructive ghost-hunter bent on avenging his father and the girl is a homicidal ghost trapped in a house full of everyone she's ever murdered in a smooth combination of gore and romance. It's the old boy-meets-girl story, if the boy is a wry, self-destructive ghost-hunter bent on avenging his father and the girl is a homicidal ghost trapped in a house full of everyone she's ever murdered in a smooth combination of gore and romance. Show less

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The Monkey's Paw

The Monkey's Paw

by Jacobs, W. W.

Unknown - 2013

This supernatural short story has been frightening readers for generations. Three wishes are granted to the owner of the monkey's paw, but the wishes come with a monstrous price for interfering with fate. This supernatural short story has been frightening readers for generations. Three wishes are granted to the owner of the monkey's paw, but the wishes come with a monstrous price for interfering with fate. Show less

This supernatural short story has been frightening readers for generations. Three wishes are granted to the owner of the monkey's paw, but the wishes come with a monstrous price for interfering with fate. This supernatural short story has been frightening readers for generations. Three wishes are granted to the owner of the monkey's paw, but the wishes come with a monstrous price for interfering with fate. Show less

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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Other Stories

[The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent.]

by Irving, Washington

Book - 2014

This classic tale is set in a mysterious town deep in an eerie forest. The new schoolteacher falls in love with a wealthy farmer's daughter and has a chilling encounter with the town's most frightening legend. This classic tale is set in a mysterious town deep in an eerie forest. The new schoolteacher falls in love with a wealthy farmer's daughter and has a chilling encounter with the town's most frightening legend. Show less

This classic tale is set in a mysterious town deep in an eerie forest. The new schoolteacher falls in love with a wealthy farmer's daughter and has a chilling encounter with the town's most frightening legend. This classic tale is set in a mysterious town deep in an eerie forest. The new schoolteacher falls in love with a wealthy farmer's daughter and has a chilling encounter with the town's most frightening legend. Show less

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This House Is Haunted

This House Is Haunted

by Boyne, John

Book - 2013

Filled with horrifying circumstances, peculiar characters, and an enigmatic history, this novel, set in 1867, slowly unravels a tragic tale of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural. Filled with horrifying circumstances, peculiar characters, and an enigmatic history, this novel, set in 1867, slowly unravels a tragic tale of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural. Show less

Filled with horrifying circumstances, peculiar characters, and an enigmatic history, this novel, set in 1867, slowly unravels a tragic tale of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural. Filled with horrifying circumstances, peculiar characters, and an enigmatic history, this novel, set in 1867, slowly unravels a tragic tale of love, sacrifice, and the supernatural. Show less

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The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Writings

The Yellow Wallpaper and Other Writings

by Gilman, Charlotte Perkins

Book - 1989

Narrated in the first person, this story is a collection of journal entries written by an unnamed woman, who has been diagnosed with a "temporary ner...Show more Narrated in the first person, this story is a collection of journal entries written by an unnamed woman, who has been diagnosed with a "temporary nervous depression and a slight hysterical tendency" . The couple moves into the upstairs nursery of an old mansion, and the narrator slowly becomes obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in the nursery. Show less

Narrated in the first person, this story is a collection of journal entries written by an unnamed woman, who has been diagnosed with a "temporary ner...Show more Narrated in the first person, this story is a collection of journal entries written by an unnamed woman, who has been diagnosed with a "temporary nervous depression and a slight hysterical tendency" . The couple moves into the upstairs nursery of an old mansion, and the narrator slowly becomes obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in the nursery. Show less

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The Séance

The Séance

A Victorian Mystery

by Harwood, John

Streaming Audiobook - 2014

A haunting tale of apparitions, a cursed manor house, and two generations of women determined to discover the truth. A haunting tale of apparitions, a cursed manor house, and two generations of women determined to discover the truth. Show less

A haunting tale of apparitions, a cursed manor house, and two generations of women determined to discover the truth. A haunting tale of apparitions, a cursed manor house, and two generations of women determined to discover the truth. Show less

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The Canterville Ghost

The Canterville Ghost

by Wilde, Oscar

Unknown - 2012

The story is about a family who moves to a castle haunted by the ghost of a dead nobleman, who killed his wife and was starved to death by his wife's brot...Show more The story is about a family who moves to a castle haunted by the ghost of a dead nobleman, who killed his wife and was starved to death by his wife's brothers. Unfortunately, when the new family moves in, they have no respect for the permanent bloodstains, nightmarish chains, or ancient legends. What is the Canterville Ghost to do? Show less

The story is about a family who moves to a castle haunted by the ghost of a dead nobleman, who killed his wife and was starved to death by his wife's brot...Show more The story is about a family who moves to a castle haunted by the ghost of a dead nobleman, who killed his wife and was starved to death by his wife's brothers. Unfortunately, when the new family moves in, they have no respect for the permanent bloodstains, nightmarish chains, or ancient legends. What is the Canterville Ghost to do? Show less

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Ghost Stories of An Antiquary

Ghost Stories of An Antiquary

by James, M. R.

Streaming Audiobook - 2010

Keeping listeners' stomachs twisted in suspense and horror, this collection spooks with the tales of a haunted book; a murder-revealing picture; and a very real meeting with a dead author. Keeping listeners' stomachs twisted in suspense and horror, this collection spooks with the tales of a haunted book; a murder-revealing picture; and a very real meeting with a dead author. Show less

Keeping listeners' stomachs twisted in suspense and horror, this collection spooks with the tales of a haunted book; a murder-revealing picture; and a very real meeting with a dead author. Keeping listeners' stomachs twisted in suspense and horror, this collection spooks with the tales of a haunted book; a murder-revealing picture; and a very real meeting with a dead author. Show less

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Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves

Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves

by Danielewski, Mark Z.

Book - 2000

Tattoo artist Johnny Truant begins to investigate "The Navidson Record," the story of a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree La...Show more Tattoo artist Johnny Truant begins to investigate "The Navidson Record," the story of a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree Lane where they discover something is terribly wrong: their house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. Surreal and terrifying forces surround both the family and Truant himself. Show less

Tattoo artist Johnny Truant begins to investigate "The Navidson Record," the story of a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree La...Show more Tattoo artist Johnny Truant begins to investigate "The Navidson Record," the story of a young family that moves into a small home on Ash Tree Lane where they discover something is terribly wrong: their house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. Surreal and terrifying forces surround both the family and Truant himself. Show less

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Kill Creek

Kill Creek

A Novel

by Thomas, Scott

Book - 2017

When a best-selling horror author is invited to spend Halloween in the world's most infamous haunted houses, he reluctantly agrees, joined by three other ...Show more When a best-selling horror author is invited to spend Halloween in the world's most infamous haunted houses, he reluctantly agrees, joined by three other modern horror writers. But what begins as a simple publicity stunt becomes a fight for survival. The entity they have awakened will follow them, torment them, threatening to make them a part of the bloody legacy of Kill Creek. Show less

When a best-selling horror author is invited to spend Halloween in the world's most infamous haunted houses, he reluctantly agrees, joined by three other ...Show more When a best-selling horror author is invited to spend Halloween in the world's most infamous haunted houses, he reluctantly agrees, joined by three other modern horror writers. But what begins as a simple publicity stunt becomes a fight for survival. The entity they have awakened will follow them, torment them, threatening to make them a part of the bloody legacy of Kill Creek. Show less

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The House Next Door

The House Next Door

by Siddons, Anne Rivers

Book - 2007

A young couple lives in a peaceful suburb. Then construction starts on the vacant lot next door. Disappointed by their diminished privacy, they soon reali...Show more A young couple lives in a peaceful suburb. Then construction starts on the vacant lot next door. Disappointed by their diminished privacy, they soon realize something is wrong with the house. It can’t be haunted, yet it destroys the goodness of every person who moves in, until the entire heart of the neighborhood threatens to be torn apart. Show less

A young couple lives in a peaceful suburb. Then construction starts on the vacant lot next door. Disappointed by their diminished privacy, they soon reali...Show more A young couple lives in a peaceful suburb. Then construction starts on the vacant lot next door. Disappointed by their diminished privacy, they soon realize something is wrong with the house. It can’t be haunted, yet it destroys the goodness of every person who moves in, until the entire heart of the neighborhood threatens to be torn apart. Show less

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Slade House

Slade House

A Novel

by Mitchell, David

Book - 2015

Down the road from a pub, along the brick wall of a narrow alley, if the conditions are exactly right, you’ll find the entrance to Slade House. A stranger...Show more Down the road from a pub, along the brick wall of a narrow alley, if the conditions are exactly right, you’ll find the entrance to Slade House. A stranger will greet you by name and invite you inside. At first, you won’t want to leave. Later, you’ll find that you can’t. But what really goes on inside Slade House? For those who find out, it’s already too late. Show less

Down the road from a pub, along the brick wall of a narrow alley, if the conditions are exactly right, you’ll find the entrance to Slade House. A stranger...Show more Down the road from a pub, along the brick wall of a narrow alley, if the conditions are exactly right, you’ll find the entrance to Slade House. A stranger will greet you by name and invite you inside. At first, you won’t want to leave. Later, you’ll find that you can’t. But what really goes on inside Slade House? For those who find out, it’s already too late. Show less

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Medusa's Web

Medusa's Web

by Powers, Tim

Unknown - 2015

In this haunted "House of Usher in the Hollywood Hills," two pairs of siblings and cousins must solve the mysterious secrets of Caveat, the eerie, decaying Hollywood mansion they were raised in that is also a conduit for the supernatural. In this haunted "House of Usher in the Hollywood Hills," two pairs of siblings and cousins must solve the mysterious secrets of Caveat, the eerie, decaying Hollywood mansion they were raised in that is also a conduit for the supernatural. Show less

In this haunted "House of Usher in the Hollywood Hills," two pairs of siblings and cousins must solve the mysterious secrets of Caveat, the eerie, decaying Hollywood mansion they were raised in that is also a conduit for the supernatural. In this haunted "House of Usher in the Hollywood Hills," two pairs of siblings and cousins must solve the mysterious secrets of Caveat, the eerie, decaying Hollywood mansion they were raised in that is also a conduit for the supernatural. Show less

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