Graphic with gothic horror theme

Are You A Horror Fiend? Check Out These Gothic Horror Books

By Grace Isobelle

Gothic horror novels have shaped literature for years, exploring intense emotions, eerie atmospheres, and a chilling allure. Whether you are new to the genre or well read, these five gothic horror novels are bound to captivate your imagination and send shivers down your spine.

The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole

‘Shall I never escape? if I must, go where I will, a spectre will rise to reproach me with my iniquities!—Yes, thou, who hast slain the darling of my soul!’

- Horace Walpole, The Castle of Otranto

Published in 1764, The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole is regarded as the first gothic horror novel and a staple in classic literature. Follow Prince Manfred in securing his family legacy, down eerie hallways to ominous prophecies.


Despite its brevity, The Castle of Otranto packs in a myriad of themes, including the struggle between fate and free will, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the haunting presence of the past.


With supernatural elements, family secrets, and a beautiful medieval castle, this novel is a must read to begin your journey into gothic fiction.

Dark Angel by Sally Beauman

‘Secrets are dangerous things. They can poison a life, corrupt a soul, and destroy a family’

– Sally Beauman, Dark Angel

Enter the dark and twisted world of Constance Shawcross, one of the most iconic and underrated gothic horror novels that will have you entangled in a web of family secrets and complex characters.


The story begins with Constance's idyllic upbringing in a secluded English manor, but her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled in tensions and constraints of society, craving independence.


Set in the early 20th century, Dark Angel by Sally Beauman weaves together romance, mystery, and historical drama .

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

‘You are my creator, but I am your master; —obey!’

– Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

A timeless classic that absolutely cannot be left out of this list. From the admirable and creative mind of a mere seventeen-year-old Mary Shelley, Frankenstein is one of the earliest examples of science fiction, while also delving into gothic horror and philosophical questions.


The novel tackles themes of the dangers of playing God , the consequences of isolation, and the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific advancement. The Monster in this story explores loneliness, rejection, and a desire to love and understand. This novel questions what it means to be human, defying the limits of life and death, which makes it so good.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

‘I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will’

– Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is one that might surprisingly fall into gothic literature, yet following madness, repression, and the supernatural, it is a staple read.


An orphaned and mistreated woman, Jane Eyre feels intense emotions as she’s surrounded by eerie settings and dark secrets.


Jane's inner conflicts, her moral dilemmas, and her encounters with the spectral and the unknown add layers of complexity to the narrative, making it as much a psychological study as it is a Gothic romance.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

‘I am like a small creature swallowed whole by a monster, and the monster feels my tiny little movements inside’

– Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House

For fans of psychological horror as well as gothic fiction, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a beautifully written novel regarded as one of the finest ghost stories ever written.


Set in an ominous and eerie mansion with a mysterious past, the story follows four main characters: Dr. John Montague, a paranormal investigator; Eleanor Vance, a lonely and fragile woman; Theodora, a bohemian artist; and Luke Sanderson, the future heir of Hill House, as they gather together.


The novel explores themes of isolation, mental illness, and the human psyche, making it as much a psychological thriller as a ghost story.

As the final page of each gothic horror novel draws to an end, you may find yourself lingering in the shadows, haunted by the echoes of the eerie tales you’ve just read. As you explore these recommended reads, you may find yourself immersed in classic castles, wrapped up in intense emotions, and loved up in dark romances. So, take a deep breath, turn the page, and let the darkness envelop you in its mysterious embrace.

Grace Isobelle is a second-year Creative Writing student from Sheffield currently working on her first fantasy novel and poetry anthology, alongside being a poet, content creator and marketing manager. Her website is: graceisobelle.com, Instagram is @graceeisobelle and TikTok is @grace.isobelle.

Want to read more books in this genre? Join the waitlist for OwlCrate’s new quarterly Horror subscription, coming in Spring 2025!


Every 3 months, subscribers will get an OwlCrate exclusive edition of a signed, newly released hardcover Horror novel with incredible design elements. Plus, as a subscriber, you will get first access to beautiful limited editions of popular Horror books.


The Nest App

⚪️ The app is 100% free and all are welcome!


⚪️ Created for the bookish community and powered by OwlCrate!


⚪️ We have exclusive live events always happening in The Nest, so  download the app  and join the community today!

Visual divider

Leave a comment