best gothic horror novels

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.

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.

A really good one is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. Although it's mainly known as a horror story about a monster, there are elements of a love - hate relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation that can be seen as a perverse form of 'romance' in the gothic sense. The desolate landscapes and the horror of the unnatural creation add to the gothic horror aspect. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde also has gothic horror romance elements. Dorian's pursuit of pleasure and his relationship with Basil Hallward has a strange, dark quality, while the portrait that ages instead of him adds a gothic and somewhat romantic (in a twisted way) dimension to the story.

One of the best is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It has elements of southern gothic horror with its themes of racial injustice and the mystery surrounding Boo Radley. Another great one is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. The story of a haunted mother and daughter relationship set against the backdrop of slavery in the South is truly chilling. And 'Absalom, Absalom!' by William Faulkner also stands out. Faulkner's complex narrative and exploration of family secrets in the southern setting create a sense of unease and horror.

Some of the best classic gothic horror novels include 'Carmilla' by Sheridan Le Fanu. It's a vampire story that predates 'Dracula' and has a very eerie atmosphere. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde also falls into this category. The idea of a portrait aging while the man stays young and indulges in immoral acts is quite disturbing. And of course, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte has gothic elements such as the wild and desolate moors, and the passionate and tortured relationships between the characters.

I think 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is a great gothic horror story. It deals with the themes of creation, monstrosity, and the consequences of playing God. The creature, created by Victor Frankenstein, is a tragic figure that elicits both fear and pity. The desolate landscapes and the dark, brooding atmosphere add to the horror.

One of the best is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It has all the classic gothic elements like a spooky castle, a menacing vampire, and an atmosphere of dread. Another great one is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It delves into the horror of creating life and the consequences that follow. And 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson also stands out, with its exploration of the duality of human nature in a dark and gothic setting.

One of the best is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It has all the classic elements like a menacing vampire, a spooky castle, and a sense of impending doom. The character of Dracula is so iconic, lurking in the shadows and preying on the living. Another great one is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It explores the horror of creating life and the consequences that follow. The creature, a patchwork of body parts, is a tragic and terrifying figure.

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.