If You Like….
If you like ghost stories, you’ll probably like….
— those old Hitchcock-branded anthologies of classic ghost stories, like Haunted Houseful
— The Uninvited
— pretty much anything by Barbara Michaels (Ammie, Come Home
— Helena Dela’s The Count
— my adolescent favorite (although now rather dated), Lois Duncan’s Down a Dark Hall
— and Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House
What are your favorite ghost stories?
It’s been several years since I read this book, and I believe it was a ghost story, but “The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield was marvelous.
Turn of the Screw (Henry James) & The Graveyard Book (Neil Gaiman).
I’m easily spooked and usually steer clear of too much horror (Anne Rice being the exception — love The Witching Hour but it still scares the beejeezus out of me).
Barbara Michaels is just my style — I’m reading Houses of Stone. (Loved Ammie, Come Home, too!)
Susanna Kearsley’s The Shadowy Horses has a ghostly appearance at an archaeological dig — wonderful storytelling.
If you like the movie The Uninvited (one of my faves), you must read the book upon which it is based, The Uninvited by the Irish writer, Dorothy Macardle. While you’re at it, do yourself a favor and read her other stuff including, The Unforseen and Dark Enchantment. She was a wonderful writer. Also, Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black was super scary. Right up there with Shirley Jackson. And if you can handle that level of fright, you might want to check out anything by Jonathan Aycliffe, specifically, The Vanishment or Naomi’s Room. Love those scary Brits!
I had no idea she’d written others! I’ve just ordered “Unforeseen” and “Dark Enchantment”. Thanks, Vicki!
Vicki – Where did you find Unforeseen and Dark Enchantment available? I just searched amazon and B&N didn’t bring up much.
I can’t usually sleep after ghost stories (including the not actually terrifying but scared me Scary Stories series … I know. I’m a chicken.) However I can read psychological stuff – and I have never been more creeped out than I was after reading The Yellow Walpaper. I read it in high school and it’s still with me. That same year we read Rebecca in class and I recall being creeped out by that too … pansy stuff. I know. 🙂
Jennifer Crusie’s Maybe this Time.
If you like ghost stories read The Exorcist, by William Peter Blatty, one of the all-time best terror-filled romps into the world of supernatural possession.
Getting a little closer to home, I also recommend Nachtsturm Castle by Emily C. A. Snyder. This 138 page power-packed little thriller has all of the classic Gothic props wrapped up in a sequel of Northanger Abbey.
Oh! My favourite subject!
Though not strictly speaking a ghost story, the novel “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier has such a presence about it that you just feel the late Mrs. De Winter lounging around hidden from the reader!
Also will agree with Erika – “Turn of the Screw” is probably my favourite ghost story – it still sends chills up and down my spine!
And again, though strictly not a “ghost” story – Victoria Holt’s “The Time of the Hunter’s Moon” has always cast a spirited shadow over me that tingled my toes.
As to films – Hitchcock would be a favourite of mine, again with Rebecca, and also there was this movie, and for the life of me I can’t remember it’s name – but when I do I will come back and post here – super eerie! Was awesome!
Diana, all of Macardle’s books are long out of print and can be tough to find. It took me a while to track them down. My best suggestion if there isn’t a seller on Amazon would be to try Alibris or Ebay. Good luck!
I’m a little late to the discussion but HP Lovecraft scared the willie’s out of me — all I can remember is something about mutated frogs. So scary I can’t even remember the name of it. Then the first 20 pages of Jurassic Park were terrifying but I did finish the book. Stephen King can be pretty scary too.