best contemporary gothic horror novels

One of the best is 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia. It combines elements of Mexican folklore with a spooky, decaying mansion setting and a sense of mystery and dread that is characteristic of gothic horror.

Sure. 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters. It's set in post - World War II England and revolves around a crumbling manor house. There are strange happenings, class tensions, and a sense of unease that builds throughout the story.

Contemporary gothic horror novels often incorporate modern technology and social issues, while classic gothic horror novels usually focus more on traditional elements like haunted castles and damsels in distress. For example, a contemporary gothic horror novel might have a plot involving a haunted smartphone or the horrors of modern urban living.

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.

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.

Some of the best contemporary southern gothic novels include 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. It has a strong sense of place in the American South and features a feisty young girl seeking justice. Then there's 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt. Although not strictly set in the South, it has elements of southern gothic such as the sense of a closed - off community, secrets, and a sense of impending doom among the characters. Also, 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker, which portrays the lives of African - American women in the South, dealing with abuse, love, and finding one's voice, and it has a touch of the otherworldly in its storytelling.

For beginners, 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is a great choice. It's not too complex and has a really engaging and spooky story that can introduce the elements of gothic literature like the otherworldly and the slightly menacing. Another good one is 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia. It has a clear gothic plot with a young woman going to a strange old house and uncovering 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.

The 'Cunning Folk' series is also great. It delves deep into the world of superstition and witchcraft in a gothic setting. The detailed descriptions of the gloomy landscapes and the complex characters really draw you in. There are often dark secrets and mysterious happenings that keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the story.

One of the best is 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia. It combines a creepy old mansion, family secrets, and a touch of the supernatural. Another great one is 'The Silent Companions' by Laura Purcell, which has a very spooky atmosphere with its old - fashioned dolls that seem to have a life of their own. And 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson is a classic that still holds up today, with its psychological horror and the eponymous haunted house.