Well, contemporary gothic fiction is a blend of old-school spookiness and modern-day issues. It can have elements like ghosts, but also deal with contemporary fears and social problems. The writing style is often atmospheric and tense.
The themes of death and the power of the past are also typical. Death is often not just a physical end but is intertwined with the story's mood and the characters' fates. The past has a powerful influence in contemporary gothic fiction. It can be a past event, like a long - ago murder in a small town, that still haunts the present, shaping the characters' actions and the overall plot.
One of the best contemporary gothic fiction works is 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia. It combines elements of the gothic genre with Mexican folklore, creating a unique and haunting atmosphere.
Guillermo del Toro is quite notable. His works often blend gothic elements with horror and the fantastical. For instance, his movie 'Crimson Peak' has a strong gothic undercurrent with its spooky mansion and family secrets.
Contemporary gothic novels often feature elements like gloomy settings, such as old mansions or desolate landscapes. They usually have a sense of mystery and the supernatural. For example, there might be ghosts, vampires or other uncanny creatures. The characters are often complex, with a lot of inner turmoil and secrets.
Anne Rice is a well - known author in this genre. She's famous for her Vampire Chronicles series which blend elements of gothic horror with richly detailed characters and settings. Another one is Stephen King. While he writes in various genres, many of his works, such as 'Salem's Lot, have strong gothic elements, like the spooky small - town setting and the presence of the undead.
One of the best contemporary gothic novels is 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield. It has a mysterious atmosphere with secrets and doubles. Another great one is 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia. It combines elements of Mexican culture with gothic horror. And 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is also excellent. It's a dark and spooky story about a girl finding a parallel world.
One characteristic is the use of dark and often foreboding settings. For example, old mansions, desolate landscapes, or creepy small towns. Another is the presence of complex and often troubled characters. They might have deep - seated psychological issues or be haunted by their pasts. Also, there is often an element of the supernatural, like ghosts or unexplained phenomena, which adds to the overall sense of unease in the story.
Well, 'Wuthering Heights' can be considered a precursor to contemporary gothic romance novels, but there are modern ones too. For example, 'The Vampire Diaries' series by L.J. Smith. It has all the elements like the dark and mysterious vampires, a love triangle, and a spooky small - town setting. And 'Gothic by Gaslight' by various authors contains a collection of short stories that blend gothic themes with romance in a contemporary context.
There's 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. Although it's an older work, it has had a huge influence on contemporary gothic short stories. It's about a man's descent into madness over an old man's 'vulture - like' eye. In more recent times, Kelly Link's 'Some Zombie Contingency Plans' has a contemporary gothic feel, with its strange, otherworldly events and dark undertones.
Some contemporary gothic horror novels worth mentioning are 'The Grip of It' by Jac Jemc. It's about a couple who move into a new house and experience strange and terrifying events. 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman is also quite well - known. In this novel, people must avoid looking outside because something out there causes madness and death. These novels often play on the fear of the unknown and the eerie nature of old, haunted - like places.