They usually involve some form of the supernatural. Ghosts are the central element, but there may also be other things like curses or premonitions. For example, in 'The Shining', the haunted hotel has a long history of bad events and the ghosts there seem to be tied to that history. Also, the characters in these novels often experience psychological turmoil. They may start to doubt their own sanity as they encounter the ghosts, like in 'The Woman in Black' where the protagonist is constantly on edge and her mental state deteriorates as she uncovers more about the ghostly presence.
In some regional or less - known ghost novels, there are also women in black who have their own unique stories. They might be based on local legends or superstitions. For example, a woman in black who was said to have drowned in a nearby lake and now haunts the shores at night. These characters, while not as globally famous as the others, are important in their own cultural and literary contexts.
Definitely 'The Shining'. The story of a family in an isolated, haunted hotel is really creepy. The sense of isolation and the slow descent into madness are well - crafted. The hotel seems to have a life of its own, with all its ghosts and strange occurrences.
One of the more well - known 911 ghost stories is about a woman who was working in a building near Ground Zero. She often reported seeing a figure in old - fashioned work clothes in the hallway. She believed it was the ghost of a construction worker who had perished in the building collapse.
One of the most famous ghost novels is 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It creates a spooky atmosphere with its haunted house setting and the psychological breakdown of the characters.
Sure. 'Dracula' is extremely famous. It has been adapted into countless movies and has had a huge impact on vampire and horror literature. Another is 'The Turn of the Screw'. It's known for its ambiguity and psychological horror. And 'The Haunting of Hill House' is also quite well - known for its exploration of the haunted house trope.
Ghosts of tragic figures are also very prominent. Take Anne Boleyn at the Tower of London. Her beheading was a very tragic event, and her ghost is said to haunt the place. The element of a tragic death and an unresolved or unavenged spirit is a common theme in these stories. It makes the ghosts seem more real and their presence more haunting.
The story of the 'White Lady by the Ruins' is quite famous. She's often associated with the historical tragedies of Tacloban. Many locals and even some tourists claim to have had an encounter with her.
The Flying Dutchman is a well - known seaside ghost story. It's about a ghost ship that is doomed to sail the seas forever. Sailors often claim to have seen it off the coast, a spectral ship with tattered sails. It's said to be an omen of bad luck if spotted near the seaside.