Ghost fiction is a genre that has intrigued and captivated readers for centuries. With chilling tales of the supernatural, these stories explore haunted houses, restless spirits, and the mysteries that lie beyond death. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the genre, the following list of the top 10 best ghost fiction books will give you a thrilling reading experience. Each book offers a unique take on the supernatural, bringing ghost stories to life in ways that will keep you up at night.
Author: Melissa Radcliffe
Melissa Radcliffe is an experienced fiction reviewer and avid reader of supernatural and ghost fiction. Her deep interest in ghost stories has led her to uncover the best reads in the genre.
10. Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories
Author: Roald Dahl
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6 out of 5) – 1,647 ratings
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Roald Dahl is best known for his children’s books, but this collection shows his ability to select some of the most eerie and fascinating ghost stories. Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories is a hauntingly enjoyable collection of supernatural tales, gathered from around the world.
Why You’ll Love It
This book is perfect for those who enjoy a well-curated anthology of ghost fiction. Dahl’s eye for the most chilling stories brings together a diverse and compelling range of ghostly tales.
Fun Fact
Roald Dahl personally read hundreds of ghost stories in preparation for this collection, selecting only the best and scariest for inclusion.
9. Layla
Author: Colleen Hoover
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2 out of 5) – 113,444 ratings
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Layla is a supernatural love story with a dark twist. Colleen Hoover, known for her compelling romance novels, dives into ghost fiction with this haunting tale. A romance infused with eerie, otherworldly occurrences, this book explores love in the face of supernatural forces.
Why You’ll Love It
If you love a combination of romance and ghost fiction, Layla blends the two perfectly. The paranormal elements are woven into the storyline in a way that enhances the emotional depth of the novel.
Fun Fact
Hoover was inspired to write Layla after visiting a haunted inn, where the eerie atmosphere helped shape the novel’s setting.
8. The Ghost and the Twins: Haunting Danielle, Book 33
Author: Bobbi Holmes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8 out of 5) – 1,081 ratings
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The Haunting Danielle series has captured the hearts of ghost fiction lovers, and the 33rd book, The Ghost and the Twins, is no exception. This cozy ghost mystery offers a captivating mix of spectral appearances and endearing characters.
Why You’ll Love It
Fans of lighter ghost fiction will love the balance of mystery, suspense, and warmth in this series. Holmes creates an inviting world where the supernatural feels almost comforting.
Fun Fact
Bobbi Holmes originally began the Haunting Danielle series as a standalone book, but reader demand turned it into a long-running series.
7. The September House
Author: Carissa Orlando
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2 out of 5) – 4,923 ratings
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The September House is a compelling and chilling ghost fiction novel that brings readers into a haunted house filled with disturbing secrets. Carissa Orlando delivers a gripping tale that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
Why You’ll Love It
This book offers a fresh take on the haunted house genre, with a strong psychological element that adds to the suspense. If you love ghost fiction that plays with your mind, this is the book for you.
Fun Fact
Carissa Orlando’s inspiration for The September House came from her own experiences visiting historical, haunted houses in the southern United States.
6. Ghost Stories: Stephen Fry’s Definitive Collection
Author: Stephen Fry
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6 out of 5) – 5 ratings
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Actor and writer Stephen Fry curates a masterful collection of ghost fiction that spans centuries of eerie tales. His distinct narration and careful selection make this one of the best anthologies for ghost story lovers.
Why You’ll Love It
Stephen Fry’s charming narration elevates this collection, adding a layer of sophistication to the ghost fiction experience. If you enjoy short stories, this is a treasure trove of classic and modern ghostly tales.
Fun Fact
Stephen Fry has always been fascinated by ghost fiction and the supernatural, even hosting a podcast dedicated to ghost stories.
5. Black Mouth
Author: Ronald Malfi
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4 out of 5) – 930 ratings
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Black Mouth is a gripping ghost fiction novel by Ronald Malfi that combines childhood trauma, dark secrets, and supernatural terror. This haunting tale explores how the past can come back to haunt the present in the most literal sense.
Why You’ll Love It
Malfi’s writing is atmospheric, bringing the terror to life with a slow burn that will leave you uneasy long after you finish reading. This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy complex characters and deep psychological horror.
Fun Fact
Malfi was inspired by classic horror films and urban legends when writing Black Mouth, giving the book a cinematic feel.
4. The Shining
Author: Stephen King
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7 out of 5) – 46,133 ratings
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Stephen King’s The Shining is a cornerstone of ghost fiction. This classic horror novel delves into the psychological and supernatural horror surrounding the haunted Overlook Hotel, where dark forces push a man to the edge of sanity.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re new to ghost fiction or horror, The Shining is a must-read. King’s ability to create suspense and terror is unmatched, making this one of the most iconic ghost stories ever written.
Fun Fact
Stephen King based the Overlook Hotel on a real-life haunted hotel, The Stanley Hotel, in Colorado.
3. Layla
Author: Colleen Hoover
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2 out of 5) – 113,444 ratings
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Layla returns for a second spot on this list, showcasing its lasting appeal in the ghost fiction genre. Hoover’s ability to blend romance with the supernatural creates a story that’s as emotional as it is eerie.
Why You’ll Love It
Layla offers a unique perspective on ghost fiction, focusing on the emotional depth of characters and their relationships. It’s a ghost story for readers who appreciate a mix of genres.
Fun Fact
Colleen Hoover’s venture into ghost fiction has been met with critical acclaim, marking her as a versatile author.
2. The Ghost and the Wedding Crasher: Haunting Danielle, Book 32
Author: Bobbi Holmes
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7 out of 5) – 1,076 ratings
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Another hit from Bobbi Holmes, The Ghost and the Wedding Crasher, continues the Haunting Danielle series with an unforgettable ghostly mystery. With twists, turns, and plenty of supernatural surprises, this cozy ghost fiction novel is a reader favorite.
Why You’ll Love It
Holmes’ ability to mix humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments makes her books stand out in the ghost fiction genre. If you enjoy a lighter take on the supernatural, this book is for you.
Fun Fact
The Haunting Danielle series has amassed a loyal fan base, leading to over 30 books in the series.
1. The Shining
Author: Stephen King
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7 out of 5) – 46,133 ratings
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Stephen King’s The Shining tops this list as the ultimate ghost fiction masterpiece. Its iconic place in horror and ghost fiction makes it a must-read for any fan of the genre. The Overlook Hotel is perhaps one of the most famous haunted locations in literature.
Why You’ll Love It
The Shining blends psychological horror with ghost fiction in a way that feels timeless. It’s both chilling and thought-provoking, making it a book you’ll never forget.
Fun Fact
King has often said that he feels a deep personal connection to The Shining, as it was written during a tumultuous time in his life.
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