It's Not a Phase: Getting Into Gothic Novels
By: Briana Wilvert
Gothic horror has existed and thrived as a sub-genre for centuries—for a good reason! You take a decaying, creepy setting like a mansion or a castle, throw in a family curse or some ghosts, and what you get is a unique blend of psychological and supernatural horror that is as unsettling as it is addictive. But don't worry, just because this sub-genre started ages ago, doesn't mean your only TBR options are Victorian books written by long-dead white guys. This starter pack has a little something for everyone.
Your Gothic Horror Starter Pack
Beloved by Toni Morrison
A timeless classic, Beloved tells the story of a formerly enslaved family living in Ohio whose home is haunted by a malevolent ghost. The stronger the ghost grows, the more dysfunctional the family becomes. This is a story that will linger with you long after you've read it.
When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur
This 2025 Southern Gothic release brings the genre into the modern era. Four unlikely allies begin investigating the disappearance of a teenager in their small town and end up discovering the rotten, sinister truth behind what drives the local rich and powerful.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
A cry for help from her newlywed cousin sends Mexican debutante Noemí Taboada deep into the countryside to provide aid. She finds mysterious in-laws, an inhospitable manor, a fading mining empire, and more questions than answers. This one has a twist you won't see coming.
The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li
Dual timelines, three generations, and the fates of two Chinese-American families collide in the crumbling mansion of a former Hollywood starlet. Amidst the battle for a rotting inheritance, Li delves into romance, betrayal, and the true cost of the American Dream.
The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
The four Haddesley siblings have grown up isolated on the cranberry bog of their ancestors in West Virginia, tied to the land by a supernatural pact. When their patriarch dies, and the pact is broken, they struggle to face an unknown future together. This Appalachian Gothic story is equal parts haunting and atmospheric.
We Love Dread!
If you've been itching to get into a new horror sub-genre, Gothic Horror should be on your list! With complex heroes, existential themes, and supernatural elements—not to mention its current diverse resurgenc—the genre keeps you coming back for more.