What are the characteristics of famous haunted house novels?

Well, they tend to create an atmosphere of unease. In 'The Woman in Black', the fog - covered marshes and the isolated house contribute to this. There's also often a backstory to the haunting, whether it's a past tragedy or an evil deed. In 'Amityville Horror', the supposed murders that took place in the house before are the root of the hauntings. And many haunted novels have characters who are either victims of the hauntings or trying to figure out how to stop them.

Many of them incorporate elements of Japanese folklore. This could be things like vengeful spirits or cursed objects. In 'Dark Water', the idea of a spirit being attached to a particular place, like the apartment, is a common trope in Japanese supernatural beliefs.

Often, they are rich in atmosphere. For example, they use detailed descriptions of the haunted house environment, like the creaking floors, cold drafts, and shadowy corners. This makes the reader feel as if they are actually in the spooky place.

Typically, they often have a very old and dilapidated house as the central setting. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the house is described as having a very eerie and foreboding architecture. Another characteristic is the presence of unexplained noises, like creaking floors and howling winds. In 'The Woman in Black', these noises add to the overall sense of dread. There's also usually a sense of a past tragedy or mystery associated with the house, which haunts the present inhabitants or visitors.

Often, they incorporate elements of Korean folklore. For example, spirits like the dokkaebi might be part of the hauntings in the story. The settings are usually old, traditional Korean houses which add to the eerie atmosphere.

A good haunted house novel often has a vivid description of the house itself. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', Shirley Jackson describes the architecture and the dark corners in great detail, which makes the house seem like a character itself. It also has an element of mystery. The readers should be kept guessing about what is really going on in the house, whether it's ghosts or some other supernatural forces.

One of the most well - known is 'The Phantom of the Opera'. It tells the story of a mysterious figure haunting the Paris Opera House. The phantom, Erik, is a complex character with a tragic past. His love for Christine Daaé drives much of the plot, filled with mystery, drama, and elements of the supernatural within the grand setting of the opera house.

Often, they have a really well - described setting. The haunted house itself is detailed, like its creaky floors and shadowy corners. There's a sense of mystery, like in 'The Haunting of Hill House' where you don't know what's really causing the hauntings at first.

Often, they have a spooky atmosphere. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old, creaky house and the strange noises at night create an immediate sense of dread.

The most famous hauntings in the Winchester haunted house include the apparitions that are often seen. Some visitors have described seeing a woman in Victorian - era clothing, believed to be Sarah Winchester, gliding through the halls. There are also reports of strange whispers and moans that can be heard throughout the house. It gives the impression that the spirits are communicating with each other or perhaps trying to communicate with the living. Additionally, the feeling of being watched, even when you're alone in a room, is a common haunting experience in this house.