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New Gothic Tales from the Past Four Years
In literature, the term “Gothic” is a notoriously slippery designation. Ask a dozen English professors what it means, and you’ll get a dozen different answers. That’s true of any question with English professors, though, which is part of their charm.
Nevertheless, we persist: Generally speaking, the descriptor "Gothic" refers to a flavor of fiction somewhere in the misty borderlands of horror, mystery/thriller, and historical fiction. It’s a mood, really, or an atmosphere. Think manor on the moors, dark and Byronic men, resourceful heroines in peril—along with romance, dread, decay, and domestic tension.
Gothic stories often have supernatural elements in play, too: restless ghosts, haunted houses, spooky little dead girls in the foyer. Some classic Gothic novels include The Castle of Otranto, The Turn of the Screw, Rebecca, or pretty much anything from Edgar Allan Poe.
In celebration of October and all things dreadful, we’ve collected below several dozen books from the recent and massive Gothic resurgence in fiction: the New Gothic, some call it. The collection meanders through various horror-adjacent genres, and you’ll find a handful of young adult titles here, too. Scroll over the books below for more information, and take a moment to admire the excellent cover art. Feel free to shelve any interesting leads with the Want to Read button.
2022
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2021
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2020
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2019
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Do you like to read Gothic fiction? Share your favorite titles (recent or not-so-recent!) in the comments below!
Comments Showing 1-15 of 15 (15 new)
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Donna
(new)
Sep 29, 2022 04:44PM
I recommend Brain Spill by K. E. Scherer. This is the book to reach for when the spooky mood strikes. This debut anthology has portals, new creatures, paranormal activity, and freaky, forgotten places. Many of these tales are potential seeds for great novels to come. What's the vibe? The gore and body count is balanced by notes of Stephen king style suspense. The imagination is there. The real is just under the edges.
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pretty covers yes I am legitimately that shallow but I just clicked on half the pretty ones because I am tired but need more books to read...so...yes...nice covers
Elle wrote: "pretty covers yes I am legitimately that shallow but I just clicked on half the pretty ones because I am tired but need more books to read...so...yes...nice covers"Same...
Seeing All the Murmuring Bones by A.G. Slatter, which I haven't read yet, I note the absence of her latest, The Path of Thorns
, which I have read and it's an excellent Gothic fantasy set in the Sourdough and Bitterwood world she's been creating with short stories. You don't have to have read the short stories to read the novel, though. It stands on its own.
Appreciate the list, added a bunch of stuff to my 2022 shelf.
Malice HouseCurrently reading an arc of Malice House by Megan Shepherd. I'm loving it! It comes out October 4th of this year.
My favorite Southern Gothic horror actually takes place in the summertime on a beach and I think this is why it freaks me out even more. A book that can scare the bejeezus outta me in broad daylight: The Elementals by Michael McDowell.
Benjamin wrote: "Elle wrote: "pretty covers yes I am legitimately that shallow but I just clicked on half the pretty ones because I am tired but need more books to read...so...yes...nice covers"Same..."
I hate to say it but, yes, an attractive cover is high up on my list of what I look for in a book. A book, from cover to story to paper quality, etc. is a total package experience for me. Have I read and enjoyed books that had horrible covers? Yes. Do I still initially judge a book I know nothing about by the cover. Also yes.
Gothic is one of my favorite genres, but the New Gothic isn't nearly as good as the classics.
My favorite gothic book is "the shadow of the wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I also love the classic books Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier and the woman in black by Susan Hill
I love anything by Mechthild Glaser. Especially this time of year. I highly recommend anything by her.
Sue wrote: "C.J. Cookes books are amazing."I just discovered her with the Lighthouse Witches and it was a great read. Now going to check out her older stuff.
Girls of Salt and Sea is a criminally underrated modern Gothic horror! It's absolutely worth the read if you like modern settings with supernatural elements and gothic components.
Laura Purcell can do no wrong in my eyes.
