Books matching: haunting past
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A layered and atmospheric family history that digs far deeper than its ghostly premise - perfect for nonfiction lovers with a taste for mystery and reflection, but maybe not for strict ghost story purists.
American Ghost: A Family's Haunted Past in the Desert Southwest by Hannah Nordhaus is a captivating exploration of the author's great great grandmother, Julia Schuster Staab. The book delves into Julia's mysterious life and death, intertwining personal and cultural history. Nordhaus meticulously investigates Julia's story through psychics, DNA tests, family journals, and visits to historical locations, creating a narrative that transcends a mere ghost story to become a profound journey of discovery and connection to the past.
Nordhaus skillfully weaves together the past and present, taking readers from Europe to the South West and back again. Through detailed research and captivating storytelling, she paints a vivid picture of Julia's struggles in a foreign land, while also reflecting on her own quest for identity and understanding. The book seamlessly combines elements of memoir, history, and journalism, offering a thought-provoking exploration of family legacy and the complexities of unraveling one's ancestry.
Julia Staab occupies a distant point on my father’s family tree—my paternal grandfather’s maternal grandmother. She came from Germany with her husband, Abraham, a Jewish dry goods merchant who made hi...1980•376 pages- #2
Save:A deliciously creepy modern gothic packed with suspense, ghostly happenings, and unreliable narration - perfect for a moody weekend read, especially if you like your mysteries draped in fog and shadows.
The Widow's House by Carol Goodman is a modern gothic novel that follows the story of Clare and Jess Martin as they move to the Hudson River valley to rejuvenate their marriage and careers. Taking on a caretaker's job at the eerie Riven House, they uncover dark secrets and encounter strange occurrences, leading Clare to question her sanity and reality. As the tension builds and past tragedies resurface, the couple's relationship and Clare's perception are put to the test, culminating in a suspenseful and atmospheric tale of ghosts, mysteries, and psychological suspense.
When I picture the house I see it in the late afternoon, the golden river light filling the windows and gilding the two-hundred-year-old brick. That’s how we came upon it, Jess and I, at the end of a...March 2017•368 pages - #3
Save:A spooky, entertaining ride with some classic Koontz flair, but don’t expect perfection. Great for a late-night scare, especially if you’ve missed his old-school thrills, but it won’t convert his critics.
"What the Night Knows" by Dean Koontz follows the story of John Calvino, a family man and police detective haunted by the brutal murder of his own family by a psychotic killer when he was just 14 years old. Now, twenty years later, similar murders start occurring in the neighborhood, leading John to question if the dead always stay dead and if his family is in danger once again. The plot weaves together supernatural elements, evil spirits, and a sense of impending danger that keeps the reader on edge throughout the book. The writing style is described as creepy, compelling, and filled with eerie twists that add to the suspense of the narrative.
Suddenly at noon, six days after the murders, birds flew to trees and sheltered roosts. As if their wings had lanced the sky, the rain fell close behind their flight. The long afternoon was as dim and...2010•582 pages - #4
Save:A twisty, deeply unsettling thriller with unforgettable characters - despite some implausible leaps and dark subject matter, "Judas Child" is a gripping, emotional read perfect for fans of character-driven crime fiction.
"Judas Child" by Carol O'Connell is a standalone mystery thriller that follows the story of a child trying to escape from her abductor. The plot is riveting, with a shocking twist at the end that keeps readers hooked into the night. The story unfolds in a small town where two children are abducted, leading to a complex investigation that delves into the past crimes of the community.
The writing style of Carol O'Connell is described as sharp, emotionally cutting, and engrossing. The characters are well-developed, evoking strong emotions in readers. The novel presents multiple points of view, adding depth to the plot and resulting in an ending that surprises and shocks readers.
The boy’s front wheel wobbled at the exact moment he braked to a dead stop. And then the child resigned himself to the short flight over the handlebars, all but shrugging in midair. The hard landing o...1998•432 pages - #5
Save:A moody, thoughtful, and well-written psychological mystery that’s all about memory, secrets, and the long shadow of a buried past - not a page-turning thriller, but a compelling slow burn for readers who enjoy nuanced, character-focused stories.
The French Girl by Lexie Elliott is a psychological thriller that follows a group of friends who are brought back together after a decade when the body of a young woman, Severine, is found in a well at a French country site where they once stayed. The story unfolds as they are questioned by authorities, revealing fractured relationships, hidden secrets, and suspicions among the group. The narrative is driven by the main character Kate, haunted by Severine's ghostly presence, as she navigates through layers of deception and uncovers the truth about what happened that fateful evening 10 years ago.
The novel combines elements of mystery, psychological suspense, and ghostly phenomena, creating a tense atmosphere as the investigation into Severine's death unfolds. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of flashbacks to the past and present-day events, keeping readers intrigued as they try to piece together the puzzle of who killed Severine and why, while also exploring themes of guilt, friendship, and the consequences of past actions.
Looking back, the most striking thing is that she knew I didn’t like her and she didn’t care. That type of self-possession at the tender age of nineteen—well, it’s unnatural. Or French. She was very,...February 2018•308 pages - #6
Save:A fresh, emotionally complex take on the haunted house genre; atmospheric, beautifully written, and packed with lived-in creepiness - highly recommended for fans of smart, layered ghost stories with heart.
In Cherie Priest's novel *It Was Her House First*, we follow Ronnie Mitchell, who buys a dilapidated mansion in West Seattle with plans to renovate it. Unbeknownst to her, the house has a tragic history, having witnessed multiple deaths under mysterious circumstances. As Ronnie digs into her new project, she finds herself haunted not just by the memories of those who lived there before her, particularly the silent film star Venita Rost, but also by her own personal ghosts, stemming from the guilt of her brother's recent death. The narrative flips between past and present, weaving a rich tapestry of mystery and emotional turmoil as the lives of the living intersect with the dead.
My dearest friend’s execution was largely a private affair, despite public interest in the condemned man and the mystery of his motives. It took place in less than twenty minutes on the lawn behind th...July 2025•352 pages - #7
Save:A beautifully atmospheric modern gothic novel with a haunting double narrative - perfect for fans of descriptive writing and slow-burning suspense, as long as you don't mind a leisurely pace and lots of sensory detail.
'The Lantern' by Deborah Lawrenson is a gothic novel set in Provence, France, intertwining two stories - one of a modern couple, Eve and Dom, who move to a rambling old property with a dark past, and the other of Benedicte Lincel, a former occupant haunted by the secrets of the house. The narrative skillfully weaves suspense, mystery, and elements of romance, drawing parallels to classics like 'Rebecca' and 'Jane Eyre'. Lawrenson's evocative writing captures the sights, smells, and atmosphere of Provence, creating a rich and immersive reading experience that keeps readers engaged as they uncover the hidden truths of the past and present.
The book explores themes of love, secrets, suspicion, and the supernatural, as Eve delves into the mysteries surrounding Dom's enigmatic past, particularly his missing ex-wife Rachel. The narrative builds tension gradually, blending elements of gothic fiction with captivating storytelling, where characters grapple with their own fears and doubts while navigating the haunting presence of the old farmhouse and its dark history. Lawrenson skillfully merges past and present, offering a tale that is both atmospheric and suspenseful, leaving readers intrigued by the intertwining fates of the characters and the revelations that unfold throughout the narrative.
Down here, on the southern rim of the country, out of the mistral’s slipstream, the evening drops as viscous liquid: slow and heavy and silent. When we first arrived, the stifling sultriness made slee...August 2011•400 pages - #8
Save:A chilling, gripping thriller that’s perfect for fans of dark mysteries and stories that keep you guessing. Not for everyone, but it’s sure to satisfy those who love their suspense with a side of nightmare fuel.
'The Shadows' by Alex North is a psychological thriller following Paul Adams, who returns to his hometown of Gritten Wood after 25 years due to his dying mother. The story revolves around a murder linked to a group of disturbed teenagers, with rumors of a copycat murderer on the loose. Told through the perspectives of Paul and Detective Amanda Beck, the book explores themes of lucid dreaming, past traumas, and chilling secrets hidden in the dark woods surrounding the town. The narrative weaves between past and present, building suspense with multiple twists, turns, and unexpected revelations, making it a compelling and eerie read.
The book's writing style is described as effortlessly creating a creepy vibe with short, digestible chapters that effectively alternate between past and present timelines. The author skillfully builds suspense and leaves readers hanging at the end of each chapter, keeping them engaged and intrigued throughout the story. The plot delves into themes of manipulation, nightmares turning into reality, and the vulnerability of young minds to believe in dark legends, offering a blend of horror, suspense, and mystery that captivates readers till the end.
On the day it began, Detective Amanda Beck was technically off work. She slept late. Having been woken in the early hours by the familiar nightmare, she clung to the thin threads of sleep for as long...July 2020•319 pages - #9
Save:A bizarre, experimental horror tale for genre fans who enjoy mind games and don’t mind walking away with more questions than answers.
'Will Haunt You' by Brian Kirk follows the story of Jesse Wheeler, a former guitarist of a heavy metal band, who becomes the protagonist in an elaborate scheme tailored to prey on his fears and resurrect the ghosts from his past. As Jesse reads a mysterious book, he draws the attention of a mysterious individual who forces him to play a game, leading him into a world of personalized terror. The narrative shifts into a surreal horror novel filled with bizarre imagery and events, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The writing style is described as strange, unusual, and constantly breaking the fourth wall, creating a dark and twisted atmosphere that emphasizes the ever-changing situation the main character finds himself in.
The book was the last thing on my mind when I got to the gig that night. Though something should have triggered my memory when I saw Solomon. The burn mark creeping up through the collar on his neck....March 2019•240 pages - #10
Save:Unforgettable, fierce, and fast-paced - "The Alice Network" is must-read historical fiction for anyone who loves stories of resilience and women’s hidden bravery in wartime. Expect equal parts heartbreak, suspense, and hope.
"The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of two women, Eve and Charlie, set during World War I and the aftermath of World War II. Eve, a member of the real-life Alice Network of female spies, finds herself haunted by her past as she helps Charlie, a young American woman searching for her missing cousin Rose. The narrative moves between 1915 and 1947, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption as the characters navigate the challenges of war and personal growth. The book delves into the lives of these strong women, shedding light on their experiences and the impact of their choices during tumultuous times.
I was sitting opposite my mother at a wicker table among the potted palms in the Dolphin Hotel, trying to ignore what my eyes were telling me. The blond girl by the front desk wasn’t who I thought she...June 2017•532 pages
