Genre Guide – Gothic Fiction

Welcome to the world of dark and stormy nights, gloomy mansions, family secrets, passionate yearnings, and (mostly) doomed romances. Help yourself to these old-school treats and contemporary tricks of the genre, just in time for spooky season! 


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The Castle of Otranto

The book that started it all, complete with a family curse, a haunted house, and some uncomfortable revelations. Best read by candlelight during a howling storm. You can also check out this title as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.


Rouge

After her mother’s mysterious death, Belle returns home to mourn…and investigate. All roads lead to an enchanting seaside spa and its charming—and deadly—aestheticians. You can also check out this title as eBook or eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.


Beloved

This contemporary classic weaves back and forth through time to explore the story of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman, her daughter Denver, and the ghostly presence that haunts their home. You can also check out this title as eBook or eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.


Juniper & Thorn

A fairy tale for adults, with bite. Marlinchen and her sisters are witches; their father, a dark wizard. So when Marlinchen falls in love, we know her road will not be smooth or easy.  


The Mysteries of Udolpho

When Emily’s father dies, she is forced to live with her indifferent aunt and scheming uncle. Can she resist their attempts to steal her inheritance, and find her lost love as well? 


The Villa

A murder mansion, a bad boy rockstar, two writers, and a lot of messy romantic feelings? Mary Shelley would definitely approve. A compelling tale of darkness under the warm Mediterranean sun. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.


Rebecca

A young bride arrives at her new home, only to find herself surrounded by reminders of his first wife…and not in a good way. What secrets lurk behind her groom’s cheerful facade? You can also check out this title as eAudio on Overdrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.


Mexican Gothic

It’s right there in the title, but in case you’re not convinced: after receiving a letter from her newly-wed bestie, Noemi travels to the bride’s mysterious mansion to discern whether or not all is well. Spoiler: it SO isn’t. You can also check out this title as eBook or eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.


The Monk

In what is arguably the most extra Gothic novel ever penned, a monk is lured into further and further episodes of depravity. Meanwhile, a young nun struggles between her love of a handsome young man and her vows to God. 


The Gilda Stories

After escaping enslavement Gilda finds chosen family with “those who share the blood.” We see her grow and mature into her new life over the course of several centuries. This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Overdrive/Libby and as eBook on Hoopla.


Northanger Abbey

Tongue firmly wedged in cheek, Austen delivers a hilarious send-up of gothic genre conventions, with a heroine who has, perhaps, read one too many novels. You can also check out this title as eBook or eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.



The Woman in White

Laura Fairlie’s restless ghost prowls the graveyard at night, the villagers say. Walter, her lover, doesn’t believe in ghosts, but has suspicions of his own that drive him to investigate. A gripping mystery with secrets, plots, and shocking revelations galore. You can also check out this title as eBook or eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.


The Death of Jane Lawrence

Jane’s marriage of convenience has some strange rules, but she and Augustine make it work. Until, that is, they start falling in love with each other, and Augustine’s secrets and lies come to light. Can Jane defeat the evil that haunts her groom? Or will she succumb to his mansion’s dark magic? You can also check out this title as eBook or eAudio on Overdrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.


The Haunting of Hill House

Last, but certainly not least, the chef’s kiss of contemporary haunted house novels. “Silence lay steadily against the wood and stone of Hill House, and whatever walked there, walked alone.” You can also check out this title as eBook or eAudio on Overdrive/Libby.