6 Of The Best Gothic Horror Books, Based On Reviews

With elements ranging from crumbling castles and ghostly visions to tortured characters and eerie atmospheres, Gothic horror has been giving readers spine-tingling thrills since the eighteenth century. The subgenre has spawned some of the most well-known classics while continuing to inspire contemporary titles. In fact, the category is credited with giving life to the best dark academia novels to add to your book club reading list.

Though Gothic literature is not exclusively horror, the recurring themes and elements of the genre often lend themselves to haunting aesthetics and supernatural frights. These titles explore morality, temptation, and hubris, with tragic endings being a common component. In terms of prose, vivid descriptions and hyperbolic language are often used to depict eerie settings and intense emotions, giving the genre a distinct storytelling style.

With this in mind, there are plenty of reader-approved Gothic horror titles that are brimming with atmospheric scares. Whether you're ready to pick up one of the most tragic classics for a good cry or want a contemporary take on the genre, this list has a little something for every horror reader. Given the nature of the genre, readers are encouraged to consult trigger warnings, as needed.

Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein" kicks off our list of the best Gothic horror books, influencing a host of Gothic literature and horror films since its original 1818 publication. The novel follows young scientist Victor Frankenstein, whose determination to create new life quickly turns to horror upon the animation of a new being. Rejected by his creator and cast into isolation, the hideous, but intelligent Monster vows to seek vengeance on Victor and all that he loves.

The science fiction novel maintains a 3.91-star rating on Goodreads, with reviewers highlighting intense emotions, compelling characters, and rich prose as standout elements. Having read the classic, I can speak to its poignant exploration of themes such as science versus nature, creation, religion, and solitude. "This is one of the most gutwrenching books I've ever read," said bookish creator Emmie on YouTube, mentioning the writing's dramatic flair. "It's just so affecting and so haunting." Overall, "Frankenstein" isn't heavy on the scares, but it has plenty of overwrought emotions and Gothic atmospheres that will appeal to fans of the genre. Plus, it's inspired plenty of adaptations for supplemental viewing, including Guillermo del Toro's 2025 take on the classic starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac.

Next, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a Gothic text that maintains thematic relevance to this day. The 1890 novella follows the titular Dorian as he trades his soul for everlasting beauty and youth after receiving a beautiful painting of himself. Then, under the influence of his friend Lord Henry Wotton, the young gentleman falls into a sinful lifestyle that is hidden from the public but reflected in his deteriorating portrait.

Alongside the exquisite writing and uncanny threat, the themes of corruption, morality, beauty, and duality firmly cement this novella into the Gothic canon while continuing to connect with contemporary readers. "It may be a horror for those inclined with the principles of Victorian morality," explains YouTuber Lady of the Library. "But for many of us, the desires of Dorian are not too dissimilar from our own, particularly in an age so obsessed with beauty and mainstream conformative aestheticism."

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" boasts a 4.13-star rating on Goodreads, and I can personally echo reviewer claims of beautiful writing and striking themes. Additionally, the novella's queer undertones rank as a notable element, with some readers finding their experience heightened by background information about Wilde's life as a gay man in the nineteenth century. So, though this Gothic classic won't necessarily send readers hiding under bedsheets, it will definitely appeal to fans of psychological horror.

While Bram Stoker's "Dracula" wasn't the first ever vampire tale to experience mainstream success, the 1897 title ranks as a classic addition to both Gothic literature and the supernatural canon. After Jonathan Harker visits Transylvania to assist the mysterious Count Dracula in the purchase of a London home, mystery and terror begin spreading across England. Not only is an unmanned vessel discovered shipwrecked on the coast of Whitbey, but Lucy, the friend of Jonathan's fiancée Mina, begins sleepwalking again, while an asylum patient starts ranting about an impending arrival.

The multimedia novel, featuring letters, journal entries, and medical logs, boasts an average rating of 4.02 stars on Goodreads, with reviewers highlighting the multi-perspective format, ongoing mystery, and unexpected humor as standout elements. Having read portions of the classic, I can vouch for these many praises. "A really interesting format about a vampire named Dracula who is out for blood and about the people who are trying to stop him," content creator Alexandra Roselyn said in a YouTube video. "You are piecing together the mystery of Dracula as we go, and it is good. It is so wild."

For an added layer of intrigue, the Dracula Daily newsletter on Substack delivers the classic tale in a serialized format. While this is how "Dracula" was originally published in America, appearing in Chicago Inter-Ocean, the Matt Kirkland-designed format sends emailed portions in correspondence with the dates featured in the novel, running six months from May to November.

Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca" is another classic that fans of Gothic horror should check out. In the 1938 title, an orphaned lady's maid is dazzled by a sudden proposal from widower Maxim de Winter. While the offer seems like an unbelievable stroke of luck, the unnamed protagonist soon finds that the figure of de Winter's late wife continues to loom over his country estate, proving to be a dark threat to the new marriage.

With an average rating of 4.25 stars on Goodreads, the novel is praised for its slow-burning mystery, rich, gothic descriptions, and ominous atmosphere. "This is one of my favorite classics of all time," said book-based YouTuber Plant Based Bride. "It has such an eerie atmosphere with tension that continues to build through the entire novel and a mystery at its core." In addition to these elements, themes of obsession, identity, and loss further cultivate the gothic vibes that the title is known for, making it a true staple of the genre.

While there are definitely some book-to-movie adaptations that blew up in everyone's faces, "Rebecca" is also a beloved 1940 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock that very effectively translates the gothic vibes to the screen for a suspenseful, post-read treat. For fans of atmospheric reads and slow-burn thrillers, this is a Gothic horror novel that's worth adding to your TBR.

While "Beloved" by Toni Morrison belongs among the best modern classics to add to your book club reading list, the 1987 title arguably ranks as one of the most haunting examples of American Gothic literature, as well. The dark tale centers around Sethe, an escaped slave who continues to be haunted by the atrocities of the past alongside the looming specter of her late baby. Interweaving past and present alongside a poetic writing style, the novel combines Gothic elements with real-life horrors to examine the atrocities of slavery and the impact of racism.

"I liked that it was ghosty and weird, and I feel like I traditionally love books where I don't fully know what's going on and there are weird elements sprinkled in there, too," said content creator BooksandLala when discussing the novel. "I just love horror books that pair, like, unrealistic horror with realistic horror." Additionally, "Beloved" is praised for its rich writing, compelling characters, and unflinching honesty, boasting an average rating of 3.98 stars on Goodreads. Though filled with a lot of pain and suffering, this Morrison novel definitely ranks as one of the best Gothic horror books you can pick up.

As mentioned, contemporary writers continue to be inspired by the conventions of Gothic horror, with Isabel Cañas releasing "The Hacienda" in 2022. The historical fiction, set in Mexico after the Mexican War of Independence, takes inspiration from "Rebecca" as it centers around Beatriz as she adjusts to life on an unfamiliar estate following a controversial marriage. Though she is determined to make the neglected property her home, the heroine soon finds a supernatural threat looming in San Isidro, and ultimately turns to the kindhearted Padre Andrés to help uncover the secrets of the hacienda.

Receiving two nominations in the 2022 Goodreads Choice Awards, "The Hacienda" has a 3.84-star rating on the reading platform. I can personally attest to how the novel blends Gothic elements with cultural and historical details, with other readers noted the chilling atmosphere and poignant themes as standout elements. "Beautifully written, powerful, a gothic ghost story that tackles huge themes and scares the socks off you at the same time," wrote author Simone James. "A strong heroine, a terrifying house, and a hot priest. You truly could not ask for more in your ghost story." With all this in mind, this Cañas novel is a great pick for Gothic horror fans looking for a recently-released title.

The books on this list were selected using reader feedback from Goodreads and content creator input shared on YouTube, with my own personal experience with select titles being considered and mentioned. We aimed to identify popular, well-reviewed picks from the genre, limiting our selection to titles with an average Goodreads rating of 3.75 stars or higher, while including a mixture of classic and contemporary options. Short stories were excluded from consideration.