THE SUNDIAL
By Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson is one of my favorite authors, but “The Sundial” is one of her lesser-known works. It shouldn’t be. It is a captivating blend of gothic horror, dark comedy, and apocalyptic suspense. Set exclusively inside a sprawling estate, the novel presents a richly atmospheric tale of a family’s return to their ancestral home following the death of the heir to the estate - Lionel Halloran. Jackson masterfully intertwines elements of a ghost story, an apocalyptic tale, with biting satire, creating a narrative that is both haunting and darkly humorous. The novel introduces a cast of memorable characters, including the manipulative Orianna Hallorhan, the eerie child Fancy, and the sharp-tongued Aunt Fanny, who predicts the world’s end. As the story unfolds, the house itself becomes a claustrophobic and sinister space where the characters’ flaws and fears come to the fore, making the tension palpable.
THE ACCURSED
By Joyce Carol Oates
A list of recommended female horror authors wouldn’t be complete without Joyce Carol Oates - but it was hard to choose just one. I landed on an intoxicatingly trippy Gothic novel that showcases Oates’s sharp wit. Narrated as a historian’s account of the eerie “Crosswick’s Curse,” the story is a whirlwind of supernatural chaos that befalls the wealthy Slade family and other prominent figures like Woodrow Wilson and Upton Sinclair. The novel masterfully blends lurid, decadently dark humor with a satirical edge, creating a narrative that is both thematically rich and irresistibly engaging. The pages are filled with a bizarre cast—including gay vampires, demon lovers, and shape-shifting fiends—the novel’s episodic structure is as compelling as it is expansive. The book’s portrayal of Princeton’s social elite, with their vanity and moral hypocrisy, is both a scathing satire and a thrilling ghost story
THE DAYLIGHT GATE
By Jeanette Winterson
October is the perfect month for reading a witchy tale. This one is a reimagining of the actual 1612 Pendleton Witch Trials. Set against a backdrop of witch hunts, political intrigue, and brutal torture, the novel offers a vivid exploration of power, violence, and love. Winterson blends historical facts with rich fantasy, centering on Alice Nutter, a wealthy and independent woman entangled in a web of romance and political machinations. The narrative moves swiftly with short, punchy chapters, creating a fierce tension that keeps readers on edge. The prose is a standout, merging magical imagery with stark brutality and dark humor. The novel shines as both a gothic fantasy and a poignant feminist reflection.
A SORCERESS COMES TO CALL
By T. Kingfisher
“A Sorceress Comes to Call” is a darkly enchanting retelling of the classic fairytale “The Goose Girl.” I liked it because it has both eerie charm and a good dose of whimsical delight. The story follows Cordelia, who, along with her fearsome sorceress mother, Evangeline, is forced to seek refuge at the manor of the Squire. Along with darker elements, the pages are woven with a touch of romance, magical intrigue, and a sprinkling of voodoo magic - all adding depth to the mystical atmosphere. Kingfisher’s storytelling shines through with its clever plot, well-drawn characters, and an enchanting mix of magic and adventure.
THE SHINING GIRLS
By Lauren Beukes
If you are looking for a unique twist on crime fiction, this novel blends time travel and serial killer horror. Be warned that the shifting timelines can initially be disorienting - and that is intentional to keep an air of mystery. The book finds a rhythm as you read through, and the narrative clarifies. Beukes masterfully navigates past and contemporary periods, vividly depicting American history through a time-traveling serial killer who makes a mistake when one of his victims survives and begins to investigate. This book isn’t for the faint-hearted - it is both disturbing and nightmarish - but also beautifully written.
THE SILENT COMPANIONS
By Laura Purcell
I always love a deliciously creepy novel around Halloween, and “Silent Companions” has that vibe. Set in the 1800s, it follows Elsie, a pregnant widow who moves into her deceased husband’s ancestral home, The Bridge, despite its ominous reputation. Elsie starts to encounter eerie, lifelike wooden figures—silent companions—who seem to hold dark secrets. The novel intertwines Gothic and Victorian elements with psychological tension, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is imagined. The result is a captivating, unsettling story that keeps readers hooked with its hauntingly atmospheric narrative and unexpected twists. Be prepared to sleep with the lights!
THE LAST HOUSE ON NEEDLESS STREET
By Catriona Ward
My favorite thing about this book is that it doesn’t fall neatly into one genre - it crosses through horror, mystery, psychological thriller, gothic, and supernatural, to name a few. The story centers around a boarded-up house with an odd cast of characters, including a reclusive man, an angry teenage girl, and a protective cat. When a new neighbor moves in, secrets begin to unravel. The atmosphere is chilling, with a genius structure of twists and turns that keep you guessing. The characters are complex, with layered depths that add to the sense of unease. The book deals with themes of trauma, mental health, and survival, making for a wild and engaging experience. The afterword adds an extra dimension, making this a must-read that will stay with you long after finishing.
THE GOOD HOUSE
By Tananarive Due
I can never get enough of Tananarive Due’s brilliant storytelling. “The Good House” is compelling and emotionally charged, with richly developed characters and a story that balances suspense with heartfelt moments. Set in a cursed Pacific Northwest home, the story follows Angela Toussaint as she returns with her son Corey to her grandmother’s haunted house, only to face tragedy and uncover unsettling truths about the family’s past. The novel’s intertwining timelines—Marie’s early days in the house, Angela’s summer of horror, and her struggle to piece together the aftermath—create a rich, immersive narrative filled with vividly real characters and emotional depth.
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