20 best books on hauntings – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you ready to delve into the supernatural world of ghosts, spirits, and haunted houses? Look no further than this list of the 20 best books about hauntings. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these chilling tales will keep you up at night, questioning what lies beyond our realm. From classic ghost stories to modern paranormal investigations, these haunting books are sure to send shivers down your spine. So grab a flashlight, lock the doors, and prepare to be haunted by the pages of these captivating books on hauntings.


The Haunting of Hill House

by Shirley Jackson

Are you ready to be immersed in a spine-chilling tale of supernatural terror? Look no further than the mesmerizing pages of Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, a hauntingly brilliant masterpiece that will send shivers down your spine.

Step into the dark, eerie corridors of Hill House, an infamous mansion known for its ghastly history and paranormal occurrences. This bone-chilling book will transport you to a world where every creaking floorboard and whispering wind becomes a sinister presence, lurking in the shadows.

The protagonist, Eleanor Vance, is a young woman with a troubled past, seeking solace and escape from her mundane life. Little does she know that her stay at Hill House will unleash a torrent of supernatural events that will test her sanity and grip her with fear.

Jackson’s eloquent prose weaves a web of suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat, your heart racing with every turn of the page. Her vivid descriptions and atmospheric writing bring the haunted house to life, making it a character in its own right.

As you delve deeper into the story, you’ll be captivated by the psychological terror that seeps into the minds of the characters. Is it the house that is haunted, or is it their own inner demons that haunt them? The line between reality and nightmare becomes increasingly blurred, leaving you questioning what is real and what is a product of their fragile psyches.

The Haunting of Hill House is more than just a book about hauntings; it’s a profound exploration of human vulnerability and the power of fear. Jackson’s ability to delve into the darkest recesses of the human mind is truly remarkable, leaving a lasting impression that will haunt you long after you’ve turned the final page.

So, if you’re ready to embark on a chilling journey into the heart of terror, grab your copy of The Haunting of Hill House and prepare to be enthralled by a hauntingly unforgettable experience.

The Woman in Black

by Susan Hill

The Woman in Black: A Chilling Tale of Ghosts and Spirits

Are you a fan of spine-tingling tales that send shivers down your spine? Do you find yourself inexplicably drawn to the mysteries of the supernatural? If so, then The Woman in Black by Susan Hill is the perfect book to satisfy your craving for a hauntingly good read.

Prepare to enter a world where the line between the living and the dead becomes blurred, where the unexplainable lurks in the shadows, and where the past refuses to stay buried. This haunting book takes you on a journey through the eerie and desolate landscape of a small English town, where a malevolent presence known as the Woman in Black casts a long and chilling shadow over the lives of its inhabitants.

Susan Hill masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and psychological terror, drawing you deeper and deeper into a web of secrets, curses, and vengeful spirits. As you turn each page, you’ll find yourself holding your breath, anxious to uncover the truth behind the haunting and the dark history that binds the Woman in Black to the living world.

With its atmospheric setting, richly drawn characters, and bone-chilling twists, The Woman in Black is not just a book about hauntings – it is a masterclass in the art of storytelling that will leave you sleepless and haunted long after you’ve turned the final page.

The Shining

by Stephen King

The Shining: A Bone-Chilling Tale of Supernatural Terror

Prepare to be immersed in a world of spine-tingling horror as you delve into The Shining, a hair-raising book on hauntings by the master of the genre himself, Stephen King.

In this hauntingly gripping tale, King weaves a mesmerizing web of darkness and suspense that will leave you breathless. Set in the eerie and isolated Overlook Hotel, this book about hauntings will take you on a relentless journey into the depths of the human psyche.

Follow the Torrance family as they embark on a seemingly innocent winter caretaking job at the hotel. However, as the days grow colder and the snow piles higher, the true nature of the Overlook begins to reveal itself. Unseen forces lurk within its walls, and the hotel’s macabre past refuses to stay buried.

As the supernatural activity intensifies, young Danny Torrance, gifted with a mysterious power known as “the shining,” becomes the focal point of a malevolent presence that seeks to consume him. With his sanity hanging by a thread, Danny must confront the terrifying entities that haunt the hotel, not only to save himself but also his fractured family.

King’s masterful storytelling will keep you on the edge of your seat, turning page after page, unable to tear yourself away from the heart-pounding events unfolding within the Overlook Hotel. From ghostly apparitions to vengeful spirits, this hauntings book will make you question the very fabric of reality.

So, if you dare, step into the dark and twisted world of The Shining and experience a rollercoaster ride through the depths of terror. Brace yourself for a bone-chilling odyssey that will haunt your dreams long after you’ve turned the final page.

The Little Stranger

by Sarah Waters

Are you ready to delve into a spine-chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters, a mesmerizing book about the supernatural, brimming with eerie occurrences and unexplained mysteries.

The Turn of the Screw

by Henry James

“The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James is a spine-chilling book that delves into the realm of the supernatural and the mysterious. This haunting tale follows a young governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children in a remote English country estate. As she begins her duties, she becomes increasingly convinced that the house is plagued by malevolent spirits and that the children are being possessed. This eerie book, often described as a “book on hauntings,” is filled with suspense, psychological twists, and a sense of the uncanny. James masterfully weaves a web of uncertainty, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is imagined. Prepare to be captivated by this mesmerizing “book about hauntings” that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

Hell House

by Richard Matheson

Looking for a spine-chilling read that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than Hell House by Richard Matheson, a bone-chilling book that delves into the eerie world of the supernatural.

Prepare to be captivated by this thrilling tale that centers around the infamous Belasco House, a mansion known for its dark history and paranormal activity. This haunted house has earned its reputation as a place of terror, drawing in investigators and thrill-seekers alike.

Matheson takes readers on a heart-pounding journey as a team of experts, including a physicist, a psychic, and a spiritualist, join forces to unravel the mysteries lurking within the walls of Belasco House. As they delve deeper into the house’s dark secrets, they encounter malevolent spirits, unexplained phenomena, and horrifying visions that will leave you gasping for breath.

With masterful storytelling and a knack for creating an atmosphere of dread, Matheson explores the depths of fear and the human psyche. Hell House is not just a book about hauntings; it is a psychological thriller that will push the boundaries of your imagination.

So, if you dare to enter the world of the supernatural, grab a copy of Hell House and prepare for a bone-chilling journey into the unknown. This haunting book will keep you up at night, questioning what lies beyond our earthly realm.

The Ghost Bride

by Yangsze Choo

The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is a captivating book about the supernatural, filled with mystery and intrigue. Set in the vibrant world of 19th century Malaya, this hauntingly beautiful story takes you on a journey into the realm of the supernatural.

The Silent Companions

by Laura Purcell

Are you ready to be captivated by a chilling tale? Look no further than The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell, a mesmerizing book on hauntings that will leave you breathless.

In this hauntingly beautiful novel, Purcell takes us on a journey to the past, where we encounter a dilapidated mansion, a mysterious family, and a series of unexplained events. The story unfolds through the eyes of Elsie, a newly widowed woman who finds herself trapped in a web of secrets and supernatural occurrences.

As Elsie delves deeper into the history of the mansion, she discovers a collection of eerie wooden figures known as the silent companions. These life-sized, painted dolls have a haunting presence, seemingly watching her every move. As the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, Elsie must unravel the truth behind the silent companions and the dark forces that surround them.

Purcell’s exquisite writing effortlessly transports you to the eerie world of the silent companions. Her vivid descriptions and atmospheric prose bring the mansion and its inhabitants to life, making you feel as though you are right there with Elsie, experiencing the hauntings firsthand.

With its spine-tingling suspense, rich historical backdrop, and a touch of gothic horror, The Silent Companions is a must-read for fans of ghost stories and mysteries. Prepare to be haunted by this mesmerizing tale of secrets, betrayal, and the lingering presence of the supernatural.

The Winter People

by Jennifer McMahon

The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon is a chilling and suspenseful book about hauntings that will leave you with goosebumps. Set in a small town in Vermont, the story weaves together two timelines, connecting a present-day mystery with a haunting past.

The Ghost Writer

by John Harwood

The Ghost Writer by John Harwood is a captivating book about hauntings that will send shivers down your spine. This enthralling tale follows the journey of a young woman who stumbles upon a hidden family secret that is as chilling as it is mysterious.

Set in the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian England, the protagonist, Gerard Freeman, is haunted by his past and the hauntings that lurk within his family history. As he unearths a collection of forgotten letters, he becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind his ancestor’s tragic fate.

Harwood’s masterful storytelling weaves a web of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The book on hauntings takes us on a journey through time, as Gerard delves deeper into the dark secrets of his family’s past, encountering restless spirits and eerie encounters along the way.

What sets The Ghost Writer apart from other hauntings books is its ability to seamlessly blend elements of gothic horror, psychological suspense, and historical fiction. Harwood’s richly detailed descriptions create an eerie atmosphere that lingers long after the last page is turned.

With its hauntingly beautiful prose and spine-tingling plot twists, The Ghost Writer is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a captivating book about hauntings. Prepare to be enthralled as you unravel the dark secrets that lie within the pages of this hauntingly unforgettable tale.

The Haunting of Maddy Clare

by Simone St. James

The Haunting of Maddy Clare is a spine-chilling book on hauntings that will send shivers down your spine. Prepare to be captivated by a story that delves into the supernatural, as the protagonist finds herself entangled in a world of restless spirits and dark secrets.

The House Next Door

by Anne Rivers Siddons

Welcome to a world of eerie happenings and spine-chilling encounters in “The House Next Door” by Anne Rivers Siddons. Prepare to be captivated by this mesmerizing book on hauntings that will leave you breathless with every turn of the page.

In this gripping book about hauntings, Siddons takes us on a journey to the seemingly idyllic town of Atlanta, where a beautiful house stands tall next door. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that there is something sinister lurking within its walls.

With her exquisite writing style, Siddons expertly weaves a tale of supernatural occurrences and ghostly apparitions that will send shivers down your spine. As you delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the house, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, unable to tear your eyes away from the pages.

This hauntingly captivating hauntings book explores themes of fear, obsession, and the dark secrets that lie hidden in the shadows. Siddons’ vivid descriptions and atmospheric storytelling will transport you into a world where reality and the supernatural collide.

Prepare to be mesmerized by “The House Next Door” as it takes you on a chilling journey through the unknown. This is not just a book on hauntings, but a masterful exploration of the human psyche and the power of the supernatural. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of the house next door?

The Ghosts of Sleath

by James Herbert

The Ghosts of Sleath is a spine-chilling book about hauntings that will leave you on the edge of your seat. James Herbert, the renowned master of horror, takes us on a terrifying journey into a small English village plagued by supernatural occurrences.

Set in the picturesque town of Sleath, this hauntings book delves into the dark secrets that lie beneath its seemingly peaceful façade. As new residents move in, they soon discover that Sleath is no ordinary village. Strange noises, unexplained sightings, and a palpable sense of fear permeate the air, making it clear that something sinister is at play.

Herbert skillfully weaves a web of suspense and terror, as the residents of Sleath find themselves caught in a battle between the living and the dead. With each turn of the page, the tension escalates, drawing the reader deeper into the heart-pounding mystery.

As the hauntings intensify, the villagers are forced to confront their deepest fears and darkest secrets. The line between the living and the dead becomes blurred, and the boundaries of reality are shattered. With his trademark vivid imagery and bone-chilling prose, Herbert creates a world that is as terrifying as it is captivating.

The Ghosts of Sleath is a must-read for fans of supernatural horror and anyone who enjoys a good scare. Prepare to be haunted by this gripping tale of terror and the terrifying forces that lurk just beyond our realm.

The Ghosts of Heaven

by Marcus Sedgwick

Are you ready to embark on a chilling journey through the depths of time? Look no further than The Ghosts of Heaven, a spine-tingling book that will leave you pondering the mysteries of the universe long after you turn the final page.

This mesmerizing novel, penned by the talented Marcus Sedgwick, is not your typical book about hauntings. It weaves together four separate stories, each set in a different time period, yet all interconnected by a powerful symbol – the spiral. From prehistoric caves to a futuristic spaceship, Sedgwick takes us on a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the human experience.

Step into the shoes of a young girl accused of witchcraft in medieval England, as she fights for her life and battles the demons that haunt her. Feel the intense solitude of a 19th-century asylum inmate, trapped in a spiral of madness and despair. Experience the heart-pounding thrill of a scientist on a mission to another planet, discovering eerie remnants of an ancient civilization. And finally, witness the birth of art and language as a prehistoric girl creates the first spiral drawings.

The Ghosts of Heaven is not merely a hauntings book; it is a profound meditation on the cyclical nature of life and the eternal quest for meaning. Sedgwick’s lyrical prose will transport you to different worlds, where the line between reality and the supernatural becomes blurred.

Prepare to be captivated by this hauntingly beautiful masterpiece, as Sedgwick weaves together these four tales in a way that will leave you breathless. So grab a cozy blanket, dim the lights, and prepare yourself for a journey into the unknown. The Ghosts of Heaven will stay with you long after the final page, lingering like a ghostly presence in the depths of your imagination.

The Ghosts of Belfast

by Stuart Neville

Are you ready to delve into a chilling world of spirits and secrets? Look no further than The Ghosts of Belfast, a hauntingly captivating book that will send shivers down your spine.

Step into a realm of restless souls and hidden mysteries as author Stuart Neville takes you on a gripping journey through the dark and haunted streets of Belfast. This spellbinding tale weaves together elements of crime, redemption, and the supernatural to create a truly unique reading experience.

In this book about hauntings, you’ll meet Gerry Fegan, a former IRA hitman burdened by the ghosts of his past. As his haunted past resurfaces, Fegan finds himself caught in a web of violence and vengeance. With the spirits of his victims haunting him relentlessly, he embarks on a quest for redemption that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Prepare to be captivated by Neville’s masterful storytelling and his ability to seamlessly blend the realms of crime and the supernatural. The Ghosts of Belfast is a haunting book that will leave you questioning the boundaries between the living and the dead.

The Haunting of Sunshine Girl

by Paige McKenzie

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a spine-chilling journey through the world of the supernatural? Look no further than The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie, a captivating book on hauntings that will send shivers down your spine.

The Ghosts of Heaven

by Keith Donohue

The Ghosts of Heaven is a mesmerizing book that delves into the mysteries of the human soul and the haunting power of time. This extraordinary novel takes readers on a captivating journey through four interconnected stories, all centered around the concept of hauntings.

Each story explores different aspects of hauntings, from literal ghosts to the lingering echoes of past decisions and actions. Through vivid and lyrical prose, Keith Donohue weaves together tales that span centuries and continents, creating a tapestry of haunting experiences that will leave readers spellbound.

From a prehistoric cave where a young girl draws spirals on the walls, to a mental institution in the 1920s where a doctor becomes obsessed with a patient, to a spaceship hurtling through the cosmos towards a distant planet, each story offers a unique perspective on the concept of hauntings.

The Ghosts of Heaven is a hauntingly beautiful book that explores the depths of human emotion and the eternal nature of the human soul. With its poetic language and intricate storytelling, this book will leave readers captivated and contemplating the mysteries of life and time long after the final page has been turned.

The Haunting of Gillespie House

by Darcy Coates

A Gripping Tale of the Supernatural: The Haunting of Gillespie House

Prepare to be captivated by the bone-chilling pages of The Haunting of Gillespie House, a mesmerizing book that delves deep into the realm of the paranormal. This spellbinding tale takes readers on a haunting journey through the eerie corridors of a mysterious mansion, where restless spirits and malevolent entities lurk in every shadow.

Written by the acclaimed author Darcy Coates, The Haunting of Gillespie House is a must-read for anyone who craves a good scare. Coates’s masterful storytelling and knack for building suspense will leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the secrets that lie hidden within the haunted walls.

This book on hauntings plunges readers into the lives of a brave group of individuals who find themselves inexplicably drawn to Gillespie House. As they explore the dark corners and ominous rooms, they soon realize they are not alone. Ghostly apparitions, vengeful specters, and unexplained phenomena abound, making their every step a heart-pounding encounter with the supernatural.

Coates expertly weaves a tapestry of fear and intrigue, immersing readers in an atmosphere thick with tension and foreboding. With each turn of the page, the sense of dread intensifies, leaving you yearning for more. The author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail paint a vivid picture of a house consumed by darkness, its haunting presence seeping into your very bones.

But The Haunting of Gillespie House is not merely a book about hauntings; it is a tale of resilience and the indomitable spirit of humanity. As the characters face their deepest fears and confront the malevolent forces that threaten their lives, they discover the strength within themselves to fight back. Their courage in the face of unimaginable horror serves as a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness.

If you have a penchant for supernatural stories that send shivers down your spine, then this hauntings book is a must-read. Enter the world of The Haunting of Gillespie House, where the line between the living and the dead blurs, and the specters that dwell within its pages will haunt your

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing

by Sheila Turnage

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing is a spine-tingling adventure that will leave you captivated from start to finish. This bewitching tale takes you on a wild journey through a small Southern town, where mysteries and hauntings abound.

In this hauntingly beautiful book, Sheila Turnage weaves a spellbinding story about a group of young sleuths who must unravel the secrets of Tupelo Landing. When strange things start happening in their town, Mo LoBeau and her best friend, Dale, decide to investigate. With their trusty sidekick, the ghostly Miss Lana, they dive headfirst into a world filled with eerie happenings and ghostly apparitions.

This book about hauntings will keep you on the edge of your seat as you join Mo, Dale, and Miss Lana in their quest to uncover the truth. With its clever plot twists and heartwarming characters, The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing is a hauntingly delightful read that will leave you wanting more.

So if you’re looking for a thrilling hauntings book that will transport you to a world filled with mystery and intrigue, look no further. The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing is the perfect choice for anyone who loves a good ghost story.

The Haunting of Ashburn House

by Darcy Coates

The Haunting of Ashburn House is a spine-chilling book about hauntings that will send shivers down your spine from the very first page. This hauntingly captivating novel by Darcy Coates takes readers on a terrifying journey into the depths of a house consumed by paranormal activity.

Set in the eerie Ashburn House, a secluded mansion with a dark history, the story follows Adelaide, a young woman who inherits the property from a distant relative. Filled with secrets and whispers of the supernatural, the house becomes a sinister character of its own, determined to keep its dark secrets buried.

As Adelaide delves deeper into the mysteries of Ashburn House, she encounters spectral apparitions, chilling whispers, and unexplained phenomena that defy all logical explanation. With each turn of the page, the suspense intensifies, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.

Coates masterfully builds the tension, using vivid descriptions and atmospheric writing to transport readers into the heart of the haunted house. The author’s ability to create an eerie ambiance will make you feel as if you are walking the dimly lit corridors of Ashburn House yourself, your heart racing with every creak and shadow.

With its clever plot twists and unexpected revelations, The Haunting of Ashburn House keeps readers guessing until the very end. Coates weaves together a tale of horror, mystery, and supernatural intrigue that will captivate fans of the genre.

So, if you’re in the mood for a bone-chilling book on hauntings that will leave you with goosebumps, The Haunting of Ashburn House is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be haunted long after you’ve closed its pages.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you have a fascination for the supernatural and a desire to explore the unexplained, these 20 best books about hauntings are a must-read. From chilling ghost stories to haunted houses and paranormal investigations, these books offer a journey into the mysterious world of the supernatural. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good scare, these books will keep you captivated and leave you questioning the existence of the unknown. So grab a cup of tea, turn off the lights, and prepare to be haunted by the pages of these spine-tingling reads!