If you’re anything like us, Halloween is your favorite time of year to curl up with a great horror novel. And what better way to scratch that itch than with a classic haunted house book?
Creaking floorboards, eerie whispers, and shadows that move on their own – haunted houses have captivated our imaginations for centuries. For those who crave a spine-tingling read, we’ve compiled a list of 10 chilling novels that bring haunted houses to life on the page.
From Gothic classics to modern paranormal thrillers, these books will have you double-checking your locks and sleeping with the lights on. Prepare to be spooked as we explore some of literature’s most unforgettable haunted dwellings.
10. Hell House by Richard Matheson
This classic haunted house book comes from horror master Richard Matheson. Even if you don’t know his name, you definitely know his work, including the iconic science fiction novel I Am Legend and some of the best Twilight Zone episodes ever written.
Hell House is about a haunted estate called Belasco House, the site of numerous horrors including murder and insanity. As four strangers undertake the latest attempt to understand the mansion’s inner workings, they are confronted with horrors beyond their wildest imagination…
Why we recommend it: I loved the suspense and philosophy in this haunted house book.
9. We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson
ISBN: 9780143039976
One of my favorite haunted house books, this one is an absolute must-read for anyone who loved The Haunting of Hill House or its Netflix adaptation, which is arguably one of the best horror shows of the last decade.
This novel tells the story of a wealthy, ostracized family who lives in a dilapidated New England estate. Six years ago, half the family was murdered when their meal was poisoned. As the novel unfolds, we are plunged into a deeper question, not about who did it, but why?
Why we recommend it: I adored the creepy atmosphere and psychological development in this haunted house book.
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8. The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
ISBN: 9780553116601
When the Lutz family moves into their dream home, they’re ready to start a new chapter. Little do they know about the brutal murders that took place in their new house just one year prior.
As the family begins to experience scary and disturbing phenomena, they’re pushed to flee or die trying.
Why we recommend it: I love the dark tone of this classic haunted house book.
7. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Set in a creepy, moldy mansion in 1950s Mexico, this novel is a delightfully modern take on the haunted house book.
Noemí is sent to check up on her ill cousin after receiving a series of mysterious and alarming letters. Her investigation soon leads to unnerving discoveries about her cousin’s family and a desperate fight to escape a seriously terrifying haunted house.
Why we recommend it: I loved the strong female characters in this book!
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. Ghost Story by Peter Straub
Peter Straub’s classic haunted house book is one of our favorites.
In it, a group of four elderly men gather to share spooky stories from their past. But as they speak, they realize a dark secret connecting the four of them and uncover the vengeful force seeking retribution.
Why we recommend it: I was terrified by this book and its incredible pacing.
5. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
ISBN: 9780140620610
This classic haunted house book is just a short novella, making it a great choice for readers looking for spooky brevity.
In The Turn of the Screw, a governess begins caring for two strange children in a country estate. As strange events begin to unfold, she begins to suspect that the house, or even the children, may be haunted.
Why we recommend it: I adore this book, which introduced a lot of modern horror tropes.
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4. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
ISBN: 9781567921892
This chilling ghost story follows a young lawyer who, on a work assignment in the English countryside, discovers a terrifying spirit that haunts the house he’s tasked to work in.
If you enjoy this book, be sure to watch the 2012 film adaptation starring Daniel Radcliffe.
Why we recommend it: I loved the atmosphere in this haunted house book.
3. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
One of our favorite paranormal horror books, House of Leaves is complex, multi-layered, and unlike anything else we’ve read.
It tells the story of a family who slowly discovers that their house is bigger than it appears. Which isn’t so bad. But the haunting presence in their house? That’s a different story.
Why we recommend it: I loved the narrative structure of this book.
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2. The Shining by Stephen King
This classic haunted house book also inspired one of the greatest film adaptations of all time, despite the author’s hatred of the well-known movie.
In case you don’t know the story, The Shining follows the Torrance family as they begin a winter of caretaking at the remote Overlook Hotel. When they begin to experience strange events, however, it becomes clear that they aren’t the only ones in the hotel…
Why we recommend it: I love the family dynamics in this terrifying haunted house book.
1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
The novel that set the bar for haunted house books, Shirley Jackson’s Haunting of Hill House is a masterpiece. It tells the story of a group of strangers mysteriously invited to investigate a notorious haunted house.
The house seems increasingly evil, which begs the question: what brought the strangers there, and what does it want from them?
Why we recommend it: I loved the atmosphere and the queer undertones in this novel.
We hope you’ve found some inspiration in our list of the ten best-haunted house books to keep you up at night!
Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments.
Happy spooky season!
