contemporary gothic novels

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.

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.

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.

Contemporary gothic romance novels often update the settings. Traditional gothic novels were usually set in old castles or mansions, while contemporary ones might be set in modern cities or renovated old buildings. For example, in some contemporary novels, the spooky place could be an abandoned factory. Also, the female characters in contemporary gothic romance novels are often more independent compared to the damsels in distress in traditional ones.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.