Can you recommend the best modern gothic novels?

Sure. 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn is a modern gothic gem. It has a dark and disturbing atmosphere, with a protagonist who has a lot of psychological baggage. The small - town setting with its secrets and the damaged family relationships are key elements of its gothic style.

Sure. 'The Hunger' by Alma Katsu is a great modern gothic horror. It reimagines the Donner Party story with a supernatural twist. 'The Witch Elm' by Tana French also fits the bill. It has a slow - burning sense of dread and a mystery at its core. Another one is 'The Loney' by Andrew Michael Hurley. It's set in a desolate landscape and has an eerie religious undertone.

Sure. 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters. It's set in post - war England and revolves around a doctor's visits to a crumbling country house. There are elements of class struggle and the supernatural that blend well in this gothic tale.

For beginners, 'Mexican Gothic' is a great start. It has a straightforward plot with a lot of gothic elements like the spooky mansion and family secrets. The writing is engaging and easy to follow. Another good one is 'The Night Circus'. It's not too heavy on the gothic darkness but has enough of it to give you a taste, along with a beautiful love story. And 'Jane Eyre' is also suitable as it's a well - known classic that many people start with when exploring gothic romance. The relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester is both passionate and complex.

If you're just starting with modern southern gothic novels, 'The Secret History' could be a good choice. It has a bit of a murder mystery aspect along with the gothic elements. The characters are complex and the setting of the small college gives it a sense of a closed - off world, much like in traditional southern gothic. Also, Flannery O'Connor's short stories, like 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find', can be a good entry point. Her writing is sharp and full of the strange and grotesque elements typical of southern gothic, but in a more bite - sized format.

Yes. 'Wuthering Heights' is a wonderful gothic novel. The passion and hatred between Heathcliff and Cathy are palpable, and the desolate setting adds to the overall mood. 'Rebecca' is a must - read. The sense of foreboding and the mystery surrounding the first Mrs. de Winter keep you on the edge of your seat. And 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' with its exploration of vanity and the dark side of beauty is really interesting.

There are several modern gothic novels worth checking out. 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski is an extremely unique one. It plays with the physical form of the book itself to enhance the sense of unease and mystery. Another is 'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova. It weaves a tale of vampires and history across different locations, creating a very gothic atmosphere. And 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman, while also being a children's book, has strong gothic elements like a parallel, darker world and a menacing other - mother figure.

'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia is also great. It combines elements of Mexican culture with gothic horror. The decaying family estate and the strange happenings within it make it a captivating read. There are themes of family secrets, the supernatural, and a sense of claustrophobia that are typical of gothic novels.

I would recommend 'The Silent Companions' by Laura Purcell. It has a great blend of gothic elements like an old manor house, a young widow, and a sense of unease. The mystery surrounding the silent companions, which are wooden cut - outs, is really engaging.

I would recommend 'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield. It has all the elements of a great gothic romance. It's filled with mystery, an old mansion, and a complex relationship between the characters. The writing is accessible, making it a good start for those new to the genre.