Horror fans, as we hurtle closer to Halloween, chances are you might be feeling festive. It’s getting colder out, leaves are falling, and let’s be honest: it’s a great excuse to snack on some of your favorite candy.
But there’s another way to celebrate!
Cracking open a classic ghost story is a guaranteed way to get in the mood for a spooky season. If you’re looking for inspiration, fear not. You’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite ghost stories, including both short stories and novels.
Here are ten of the best ghost stories ever written.
10. The Others by James Herbert
This twisty, detective-inspired ghost story is also a dark supernatural thriller. In The Others, a young private investigator named Nicholas is hired to find a missing person.
But as Nicholas finds himself more intertwined with the case, he uncovers disturbing secrets about a sinister nursing home. Is the past really as dead as we think?
Why we recommend it: I loved how this book explored ideas of “othering” through Nicholas’s physical disabilities.
9. The Death of Halpin Frayser by Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Bierce is arguably one of the most influential writers you may have never heard of. From his psychological ghost stories to his mysterious disappearance, his life, and work is a rabbit hole well worth falling into.
In his short story The Death of Halpin Frayser, Bierce blends gothic horror with supernatural terror. Young Halpin Frayser, the protagonist, finds himself alone in a forest at night.
As the story unfolds, Halpin is confronted with terrifying specters from his past.
Why we recommend it: I loved the dark psychology and atmosphere in this ghost story.
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8. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
One of the all-time classics of the genre, Rebecca is a quintessential ghost story for all readers. While it might not be the most conventional ghost story, it is a highly influential spooky read. In fact, its titular character has even lent her name to an emerging psychological concept!
When an unnamed protagonist marries a mysterious and wealthy older man, she soon begins to suspect that all is not what it seems in his sprawling country estate.
Why we recommend it: The atmosphere, the character development, the plot twists…I love so much about this book!
7. Ghost Story by Peter Straub
As a group of four elderly men get together to swap tales from their past, they soon realize that there’s a common thread between them.
As a vicious force begins to wreak havoc on their peaceful town, the men are left to confront their actions and, more importantly, the consequences.
Why we recommend it: I loved the layers, characterization, and easy-to-read writing style in this ghost story.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
This psychological ghost story follows a young governess who becomes slowly convinced that the children in her care are haunted by evil spirits. Can she save them or, for that matter, herself?
Why we recommend it: I loved the ambiguity and nuance in this story, which leaves a lot up to the imagination.
Related10 Gothic Horror Stories to Haunt Your Dreams
5. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson is the author of some of our favorite gothic novels by women, and The Haunting of Hill House is perfect evidence of why.
A group of strangers visit a haunted house in order to better understand its past. The ghosts in the house, however, only seem to want one thing: them.
Why we recommend it: I loved the queer themes and character development in this novel.
4. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
This iconic ghost story is over 200 years old, but it still holds up.
A superstitious schoolteacher named Ichabod Crane moves to the town of Sleepy Hollow, which is allegedly haunted by the Headless Horseman. But is he real, or does the real threat lie elsewhere?
If you want to learn more, be sure to check out our explainer article on this classic ghost story.
Why we recommend it: I love the themes of class and folklore in this unsettling ghost story.
RelatedThe Door To Terror: 10 Books About Haunted Houses Guaranteed to Give You Nightmares
3. Beloved by Toni Morrison
Trigger warning: death of a child
A heartbreaking and profound ghost story, Beloved is terrifying in its depiction of the evils of humanity. (It’s also considered a classic of Southern Gothic literature.)
Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman, is haunted by the ghost of her late daughter. As she attempts to build a future, she finds her past simply won’t leave her in peace.
Why we recommend it: I admire this novel deeply for its devastating emotional complexity and exploration of trauma and the legacy of slavery.
2. The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
Jacobs’ ghost story is a classic that has been parodied countless times. In it, a family is presented with a haunted charm guaranteed to grant them any three wishes.
The consequences, however, are not what they expected…
Why we recommend it: I liked the plot twist and irony in this digestible and brief ghost story.
1. The Shining by Stephen King
Stephen King’s name is synonymous with horror. The latest adaptation of his work, Salem’s Lot, has become a runaway streaming success, and it’s easy to see why.
In this classic ghost story, a troubled family moves to the isolated Overlook Hotel to become its winter caretaker. But the evil spirits that haunt the hotel have a different plan. Can the Torrance family survive?
Why we recommend it: I love the familial themes in this ghost story novel.
Boo! Those were the ten best ghost stories ever written. From drafty mansions to cursed objects to terrifying figures, these novels and short stories are sure to have something for all readers.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Happy spooky season!
