'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, although written earlier, was still widely read in the 60's and 70's. It has mystery in Mr. Rochester's past, a gothic setting of the old manor, and a beautiful love story between Jane and Rochester.
Daphne du Maurier was a very well - known author. Her works like 'Rebecca' are full of mystery and gothic elements, and the romances in her books are always tinged with a sense of the unknown and unease.
One characteristic is the use of the supernatural. In many gothic romance mystery novels, there are ghosts, vampires, or other otherworldly elements. For instance, in 'Dracula', the vampire himself is a central part of the mystery and the gothic horror. Another characteristic is the female protagonist who is often in a vulnerable position. In 'Rebecca', the new Mrs. de Winter is constantly overshadowed by the mystery of the first Mrs. de Winter. The atmosphere is also key, with a sense of gloom, shadows, and impending doom.
They often feature gloomy settings like old mansions or castles. The heroines are usually in some sort of distress, and there is an air of mystery and suspense throughout the story. There is also a strong element of the supernatural, like ghosts or curses.
'The Thirteenth Tale' by Diane Setterfield is also excellent. It's a story full of mystery and gothic elements, centered around a famous writer's secrets. The atmosphere is very much like a traditional gothic novel, with an old mansion and a complex family history.
One classic is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. It has elements of mystery with Heathcliff's strange past and the dark, brooding atmosphere of the moors. Another is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. The mystery surrounding Mr. Rochester's attic and his past relationships adds to the gothic feel while there is also a strong romantic element. Also, 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker contains gothic mystery in the form of the vampire's powers and origin, and there are some romantic undertones between the characters.
One popular 1970s gothic romance novel is 'Flowers in the Attic' by V.C. Andrews. It's a dark and complex story filled with family secrets and a gothic atmosphere. Another is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. Although it was written earlier, it remained popular in the 1970s. The brooding Manderley and the mystery surrounding the first Mrs. de Winter create a quintessential gothic mood.
One great gothic romance mystery novel is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. It has a brooding atmosphere, a mysterious new wife trying to fit into her husband's shadowy past at Manderley. Another is 'Jane Eyre' which combines elements of gothic horror with a romantic mystery as Jane uncovers the secrets of Mr. Rochester. And 'The Thirteenth Tale' is also a wonderful choice, filled with family secrets and a gothic feel.
They often use dark and spooky settings like old castles, haunted mansions, or desolate moors. These places are full of secrets and shadows, which immediately create a sense of mystery. The use of elements like fog, thunderstorms, and dimly lit corridors also adds to the atmosphere. Characters in these novels may have secrets or be in strange situations that further the mystery. The romantic aspect comes in with the passionate relationships that are often set against this backdrop, like two lovers in a spooky castle trying to figure out a mystery together.
These novels tend to have a slow - burning romance. The mystery aspect serves to heighten the tension and draw out the development of the relationship. The language used is often elaborate and descriptive, painting vivid pictures of the settings and the characters' emotions. For instance, in 'Northanger Abbey', the detailed descriptions of the Abbey itself add to both the mystery and the romantic atmosphere.