Books matching: eerie characters
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Save:A solid, if uneven, collection of eerie and imaginative stories that will thrill F. Paul Wilson fans and entertain lovers of horror and sci-fi shorts. Great for those who appreciate author insight and callbacks to a broader fictional universe.
'Soft and Others' in the Short Story Collections series by F. Paul Wilson is a compilation of diverse stories ranging from science fiction to pure horror. The stories delve into themes of consequences, past actions, the unknown, and the supernatural. The writing style is described as consistent in quality and style, with some stories resembling the mature writing and plotting seen in Wilson's later works. Readers find elements of horror, suspense, and even a sense of humor in some of the stories. is noted for containing references to the 'otherness' concept, which is a significant theme in the Repairman Jack series by the author.
1984•310 pages - #2
Save:The Bog Wife is a moody, beautifully-written Appalachian family drama swirled with folklore and magical realism - perfect for readers who love slow-burn, atmospheric tales and don’t mind lingering in the haunting shadows long after the last page.
The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister is a haunting tale set in a decaying Victorian home in Appalachia, where the Haddesley siblings are entwined in their family's ancient pact with a mystical bog. As they tend to the swamp, they prepare for their father’s death, knowing a bog wife will emerge for the eldest son after the sacrificial burial. However, when the expected bride does not materialize, the siblings confront the collapse of their traditions and the chaos it brings to their lives.
Chronister's writing is rich and atmospheric, weaving a modern folk tale filled with eerie beauty and complex family dynamics. The narrative flows through multiple points of view, diving deep into the characters' relationships and unsettling histories. Although the story unfolds slowly, it captivates with its exploration of loyalty, loss, and the consequences of blind adherence to tradition.
October 2024•336 pages - #3
Save:A gloriously spooky and unconventional Gothic horror - slow to start but unforgettable once it gets going. Perfect for readers who love moody, unsettling ambience, subverted tropes, and strong heroines with bite.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a gothic mystery set in Mexico in the 1950s, following the story of a young socialite named Noemi Taboada. Noemi receives a troubling letter from her cousin who recently married into the Doyle family and is unwell. She travels to the family's eerie mansion, High Place, where she encounters strange inhabitants and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her cousin's illness. The book combines elements of classic gothic romance, a haunted house mystery, and explores themes of colonialism and horror in a unique setting.
The writing style of Mexican Gothic is described as atmospheric and immersive, drawing readers into the cold and haunted environment of the mansion. The plot unfolds with suspenseful pacing, blending Victorian sensibilities with creepy and grotesque elements like mushrooms, mysterious dreams, and family secrets. The protagonist, Noemi, is highlighted as a strong and brave heroine who must navigate the dark secrets of High Place to save her cousin and herself, making for a gripping and eerie tale.
The parties at the Tuñóns’ house always ended unquestionably late, and since the hosts enjoyed costume parties in particular, it was not unusual to see Chinas Poblanas with their folkloric skirts and...June 2020•341 pages - #4
Save:Moody, immersive, and spooky without being full-on horror, The Book of Cold Cases is a gripping blend of mystery and the paranormal - perfect for true crime fans open to a few ghostly shivers.
Simone St. James has mixed some Henry James Shirley Jackson paranormal horror into what would already be a good and gritty murder mystery, with great twists and memorable characters. Shea, a part-time true crime blogger, gets the opportunity to interview a woman, Beth, accused of being a serial killer but acquitted at trial in the 1970s. The crimes remain unsolved, and Shea can't refuse the chance to explore, and possibly solve, the crime. The story is told in alternating POVs of Shea and Beth, with St. James excelling at creating an atmospheric, tense setting with a wonderfully frightening feel that will make readers second guess the breeze across their face.
The Greer mansion sat high on a hill, overlooking the town and the ocean. To get to it from downtown, you had to leave the pretty shops and the creaking seaside piers and drive a road that wound upwar...March 2022•381 pages - #5
Save:A classic Gothic page-turner, rich in atmosphere and suspense. Imperfect, but a must-read for lovers of Victorian mysteries and haunting tales.
Uncle Silas by J. Sheridan Le Fanu is a gothic novel set in the mid-1800s, following the story of Maud Ruthyn, a young heiress placed under the guardianship of her mysterious and possibly dangerous uncle, Silas. As Maud navigates her uncle's secluded estate, Bartram Haugh, she encounters a cast of eerie characters including her uncouth cousin Dudley, a malevolent French governess, and her enigmatic uncle Silas. The plot unfolds with dark conspiracies, suspicions of murder, and a sense of impending danger, all wrapped in a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Le Fanu's writing style in Uncle Silas is described as deliciously slow-building, classic gothic at its best, and filled with chilling suspense and atmospheric tension. The novel intricately weaves elements of horror, mystery, and psychological intrigue, drawing readers into a world of eerie happenings, creepy characters, and a sense of foreboding that culminates in a nail-biting conclusion.
It was winter—that is, about the second week in November—and great gusts were rattling at the windows, and wailing and thundering among our tall trees and ivied chimneys—a very dark night, and a very...1864•459 pages - #6
Save:A chilling, classic ghost story - equal parts psychological puzzle and gothic suspense - that rewards patient readers but may frustrate those who want straightforward scares or definitive answers.
'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James is a psychological horror story that revolves around a governess who starts working in an old house with two children and encounters ghosts of the previous caretakers. The narrative delves into the governess's increasing paranoia and ambiguity surrounding the ghosts and the children's behavior, blurring the lines between reality and supernatural elements. The writing style is described as dense and antiquated, with long sentences and an overuse of commas, which some readers found challenging but others found rewarding in unraveling the psychological and sexual themes of the story.
My counselor couldn't read! I winced at my mistake, which I attenuated as I could, and opened my letter again to repeat it to her; then, faltering in the act and folding it up once more, I put it back...1891•129 pages - #7
Save:Spooky, beautiful, and artistically bold - "Aura" is a dark gem for fans of literary horror and magical realism, but it may be too eerie or stylistically experimental for everyone.
Aura by Carlos Fuentes is a novella that follows the story of Felipe Montero, a young historian who takes on the task of editing the memoirs of General Llorente. He falls in love with Aura, the niece of the elderly widow Consuelo. The book is described as a mesmerizing and horrifying tale that delves into themes of reality, dreams, doppelgängers, literature, love, and darkness. The narrative is carried out in the second person, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of magical realism.
You’re reading the advertisement: an offer like this isn't made every day. You read it and reread it. It seems to be addressed to you and nobody else. You don't even notice when the ash...1962•89 pages - #8
Save:A masterwork of psychological horror - chilling, ambiguous, and brilliantly written. Don’t expect easy scares, but do expect to be haunted long after you finish!
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a classic horror novel that tells the story of four individuals invited to investigate the paranormal occurrences at Hill House. As they delve into the mysteries of the house, strange phenomena begin to unfold, leading to a growing sense of disassociation from reality and genuine horror. The narrative is a meditation on isolation, fear, and desperation, particularly focusing on the protagonist Eleanor's psychological journey as she navigates the haunting presence of Hill House.
No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its...1959•224 pages - #9
Save:A compelling Southern gothic ghost story that’s big on atmosphere and character, with just enough creepiness to keep you checking shadows. Not the most groundbreaking, but it’s a fun, cozy read for haunted house fans!
The Family Plot by Cherie Priest follows the story of Dahlia, who leads a salvage crew tasked with dismantling an old estate haunted by angry spirits. As they work to salvage valuable items from the house, they uncover secrets and face escalating supernatural occurrences. The novel is praised for its strong characters, particularly Dahlia, a pragmatic and no-nonsense heroine, and for its vivid descriptions that immerse readers in the eerie atmosphere of the haunted house. The plot combines elements of mystery, suspense, and ghostly encounters, keeping readers on edge with unpredictable twists and a satisfyingly creepy ending.
Chuck Dutton set aside the walkie-talkie and made a token effort to tidy his desk, in case Augusta Evelyn Sophia Withrow expected to speak with a goddamn professional. The owner and manager of Music C...September 2016•368 pages - #10
Save:A super creative sci-fi read with heart, action, and a unique format - ideal for readers who love seeing different sides of a story and are up for a little experimentation. Not perfect, but definitely memorable and worth checking out if you want something different!
'Replica' by Lauren Oliver is a unique and intriguing book that follows the intertwined narratives of two teenage girls, Lyra and Gemma. The story unfolds in a secret research facility called Haven, where cloned children are kept under strict conditions and subjected to medical experimentation. As the girls' paths eventually cross, they uncover dark secrets about their origins and the sinister activities at Haven. The book delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the consequences of scientific manipulation, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and eerie settings.
ON VERY STILL NIGHTS SOMETIMES we can hear them chanting, calling for us to die. We can see them, too, or at least make out the halo of light cast up from the shores of Barrel Key, where they must be...October 2016•557 pages
