The Greatest Fiction and Gothic Books Since 2000

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Follow on:

What should I read next?

Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.

Get Recommendations

Genres

Fiction

Gothic

Gothic literature is a genre that combines elements of horror, death, and romance, often set against dark, brooding landscapes and decaying architecture, such as haunted castles or monasteries. Originating in the late 18th century, it delves into the human psyche, exploring themes of madness, the supernatural, and the sublime. Classic Gothic novels often feature a sense of dread and the unknown, with characters confronting their deepest fears and societal taboos. The atmosphere is typically heavy with mystery and melancholy, and the narrative may include ghosts, monsters, or otherworldly beings. Gothic fiction seeks to evoke a visceral emotional response, such as fear or awe, and often contains a critical look at the time's social, cultural, and moral attitudes. Notable authors in this genre include Ann Radcliffe, Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Bram Stoker, whose works have left an indelible mark on literature and continue to influence modern horror and suspense.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 1. Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke

    Set in a parallel 19th-century England, this novel tells the story of two practicing magicians, Mr. Norrell and Jonathan Strange. Norrell, who aims to restore magic to respectability in England, is initially thrilled by Strange's natural aptitude for magic, and the two form a student-teacher relationship. However, their partnership soon deteriorates into rivalry as Strange, driven by the loss of his wife to the fairy realm, seeks to reintroduce the old, wilder forms of magic that Norrell disdains. Their conflict escalates, culminating in a magical duel that has profound consequences for the future of magic in England.

    The 1585th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez

    Set against the backdrop of Argentina's tumultuous political landscape, this gripping tale follows a father and son as they navigate a world steeped in dark rituals and supernatural forces. The father, a medium with the ability to communicate with the dead, is bound to a sinister cult seeking eternal life. As he grapples with his own mortality and the cult's demands, he must protect his son from becoming entangled in the same malevolent fate. This haunting narrative weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness, creating a chilling exploration of the human condition.

    The 5620th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 3. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

    In this gripping tale of suspense and history, a young woman stumbles upon a mysterious collection of letters in her father's library, unraveling a dark and intricate web of secrets that span centuries. As she delves deeper into the enigmatic past, she discovers a chilling connection to Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for Dracula, and embarks on a perilous journey across Europe. Her quest to uncover the truth about her family's involvement in this ancient mystery leads her through a labyrinth of historical intrigue, danger, and the haunting legacy of a legendary vampire.

    The 6148th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 4. Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

    Set against the stark and haunting landscape of 19th-century Iceland, this gripping narrative delves into the final days of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, the last woman to be executed in the country. As she awaits her fate, Agnes is sent to live with a rural family, where she forms unexpected bonds and reveals the harrowing truth behind the crime she was accused of committing. Through a blend of historical detail and emotional depth, the story explores themes of justice, redemption, and the human capacity for understanding and compassion.

    The 6312th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

    "The Little Stranger" is a gothic novel set in post-World War II Britain, where a country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family living in a crumbling mansion. The doctor becomes increasingly entangled with the family as he attempts to unravel the mystery of a malevolent presence that seems to be causing accidents and illness. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the haunting may be more psychological than supernatural, reflecting the decline of the British class system and the trauma of war.

    The 6700th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 6. Ancestral Shadows by Russell Kirk

    An Anthology of Ghostly Tales

    The book is a collection of ghostly tales that delve into the supernatural and the eerie, exploring themes of tradition, morality, and the human condition. Each story is crafted with a rich, atmospheric style that evokes a sense of mystery and suspense, often set against the backdrop of historical or rural settings. The narratives frequently involve characters confronting the unknown or the consequences of past actions, blending elements of the macabre with philosophical reflections. Through these chilling stories, the book examines the enduring influence of the past on the present, inviting readers to ponder the unseen forces that shape human experience.

    The 7012th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 7. Green Tea by Sheridan Le Fanu

    Strange Disturbances in an Old House in Aungier Street

    The story revolves around Reverend Mr. Jennings, a clergyman who becomes haunted by a malevolent spectral monkey after consuming excessive amounts of green tea. This supernatural entity torments him, leading to a gradual decline in his mental and physical health. The narrative unfolds through the observations of Dr. Martin Hesselius, a metaphysical doctor who attempts to understand and alleviate Jennings' affliction. The tale explores themes of obsession, the supernatural, and the thin line between reality and hallucination, ultimately leaving the reader questioning the nature of the haunting and its impact on the human psyche.

    The 7012th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  8. 8. Soulless by Gail Carriger

    An Alexia Tarabotti Novel

    Set in a steampunk Victorian London, the story follows Alexia Tarabotti, a strong-willed and witty spinster who lacks a soul, giving her the unique ability to negate supernatural powers. When she accidentally kills a vampire, she becomes embroiled in a mystery involving disappearing werewolves and vampires. As she navigates this dangerous world, she encounters Lord Maccon, a rugged werewolf investigator, and together they unravel a conspiracy threatening the delicate balance between humans and the supernatural. The narrative blends romance, humor, and adventure, creating an engaging tale of intrigue and self-discovery.

    The 7638th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 9. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    In "Mexican Gothic," a young woman named Noemí travels to a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside to rescue her cousin who has seemingly fallen under the spell of her new husband. As Noemí delves deeper into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and confronts a malevolent force that threatens their lives. Blending elements of gothic horror and Mexican folklore, this atmospheric tale explores themes of colonialism, racism, and female empowerment in a captivating and chilling narrative.

    The 7884th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 10. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

    The novel is a gothic mystery that follows a young biographer named Margaret Lea, who is summoned to write the life story of the reclusive and enigmatic author Vida Winter. As Vida recounts her past, Margaret becomes entangled in a haunting tale of family secrets, identity, and tragedy, set against the backdrop of a decaying English estate. Through a series of twists and revelations, Margaret uncovers the truth about Vida's mysterious thirteenth tale, leading to a deeper understanding of her own life and the power of storytelling.

    The 8211th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Those Across The River by Christopher Buehlman

    In this gripping horror novel, a disillusioned World War I veteran moves with his partner to a small, seemingly idyllic town in Georgia to write a book about his family's history. However, they soon discover that the town is haunted by a dark and violent past that refuses to stay buried. As they delve deeper into the town's secrets, they encounter strange rituals and a menacing presence in the woods across the river, which the townspeople are desperately trying to appease. The couple's presence stirs the ancient evil, leading to a terrifying struggle for survival against a force that challenges the very nature of humanity and morality.

    The 8432nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  12. 12. The Gentleman In Black by James Dalton

    His Adventures in Search of a Wife

    The novel weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue set in 19th-century England, where a series of unexplained events and enigmatic characters converge around a small, unsuspecting village. At the heart of the story is a mysterious figure known only as the Gentleman in Black, whose presence seems to bring both fear and fascination to the local inhabitants. As the protagonist, a curious young man, delves deeper into the secrets surrounding this elusive figure, he uncovers a web of hidden pasts, dark secrets, and unexpected alliances. The narrative explores themes of identity, trust, and the blurred lines between good and evil, culminating in a gripping and unexpected resolution.

    The 8435th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 13. Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito

    Winifred Notty takes a position as a Victorian governess at the gloomy Ensor House, where the household’s eccentricities and her own troubled past begin to unsettle her. As she cares for the children and navigates the family’s secrets, her dark imagination and compulsions start to blur the line between fantasy and reality, leading to a tense and unsettling climax around Christmas.

    The 8654th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  14. 14. White Is For Witching by Helen Oyeyemi

    In this hauntingly atmospheric novel, readers are introduced to a young woman grappling with a rare eating disorder and the loss of her mother, all while living in a malevolent, sentient house that has a disturbing history. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives, including that of the house itself, to explore themes of identity, race, and belonging. As the protagonist's condition worsens and the house's sinister intentions become more apparent, the lines between reality and the supernatural blur, creating a chilling tale of psychological horror and the complexities of inheritance—both familial and cultural.

    The 9255th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  15. 15. Shadowplay by Joseph O'Connor

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of late 19th-century London, this novel weaves a captivating tale of friendship, ambition, and the transformative power of the arts. It follows the intertwined lives of three iconic figures of the theatrical world—Bram Stoker, the enigmatic Henry Irving, and the talented Ellen Terry—as they navigate the challenges of their personal and professional lives. Through a rich tapestry of historical detail and emotional depth, the story explores themes of love, loyalty, and the haunting shadows of the past, ultimately celebrating the enduring magic of the stage and the indomitable spirit of those who bring it to life.

    The 9768th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 16. The Haunted Wood by Sam Leith

    "The Haunted Wood" by Sam Leith delves into the enchanting world of children's literature, exploring its evolution from ancient times to today. The book examines how these stories have influenced generations, reflecting our deepest emotions and dreams. Through the lives of beloved authors, Leith paints a vivid picture of the genre, highlighting its ability to resonate with readers across different eras.

    The 10180th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 17. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

    In this gothic novel, a 1970s British acid folk band retreats to an ancient country house to create their next album, only to find themselves enveloped by supernatural occurrences. As the young musicians are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Wylding Hall, the strange environment fuels their creativity, leading to the creation of a legendary album. However, the summer takes a dark turn when the lead singer mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangle of haunting memories and unanswered questions that persist for decades, until the surviving band members reluctantly confront their past in a series of interviews, revealing the chilling truth behind the disappearance.

    The 10361st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 18. The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis

    In 18th-century Little Nettlebed, five Mansfield sisters become the focus of fearful gossip when villagers claim to see them turning into dogs. Told through multiple local perspectives, the novel explores how superstition, rumor and intolerance escalate into suspicion and danger for those who stand apart. Moody and unsettling, it follows the mounting pressure on the sisters as the community’s anxieties intensify.

    The 10675th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 19. The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Minerva, a graduate student researching an obscure horror writer, uncovers a manuscript that links a decades-old disappearance at her Massachusetts university to stories her great-grandmother told about a witch in early 1900s Mexico. As she digs deeper, eerie parallels emerge across three women in different eras, suggesting a lingering, dangerous force haunting their lives.

    The 10689th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 20. The Bone Key by Sarah Monette

    The Necromantic Mysteries of Kyle Murchison Booth

    "The Bone Key" is a collection of interconnected short stories centered around the character of Kyle Murchison Booth, a socially awkward museum archivist with a penchant for the supernatural. The tales are steeped in gothic horror and follow Booth as he encounters a series of eerie and otherworldly mysteries that he must solve. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of ancient artifacts and the occult, Booth navigates through hauntings, curses, and the restless undead, all while grappling with his own personal demons and the loneliness that pervades his life. The stories are rich in atmosphere and evoke the style of classic ghost stories, offering a modern homage to the genre with a unique, introspective protagonist.

    The 10940th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

    In "The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a young woman named Rowan Caine takes a job as a live-in nanny at a luxurious smart home in the Scottish Highlands. However, the seemingly perfect opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as Rowan discovers the dark secrets hidden within the house and the tragic events that have unfolded in the past. As strange occurrences escalate and tensions rise, Rowan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, desperately trying to prove her innocence and uncover the truth before it's too late.

    The 11275th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 22. Furnace by Livia Llewellyn

    Stories

    "Furnace" is a collection of dark and surreal short stories that delve into the depths of human depravity, desire, and despair. The narratives, rich with grotesque and erotic imagery, explore the boundaries of horror and fantasy, often blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The tales within this anthology are characterized by their lush prose and haunting themes, taking readers on a journey through twisted landscapes and the darkest corners of the psyche, where the monstrous and the beautiful intertwine in a disturbing dance of the macabre.

    The 11470th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 23. The Ballad Of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

    The book reimagines the early 20th-century horror landscape by centering on a Black protagonist, Charles Thomas Tester, in 1920s Harlem. Tester, a street musician and hustler, becomes entangled in the dark and supernatural underbelly of New York City when he delivers an occult tome to a reclusive sorceress. His actions catch the attention of malevolent forces, leading to a series of events that expose the racial tensions and eldritch horrors lurking beneath the city's surface. As Tester's involvement with these arcane powers deepens, he is transformed in ways that challenge the very fabric of reality, culminating in a confrontation with otherworldly consequences. The narrative serves as both a critique of Lovecraftian racism and a compelling tale of cosmic horror and societal injustice.

    The 11802nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  24. 24. Vantage Point by Sara Sligar

    On a remote Maine island, Clara returns to the family mansion with her brother Teddy and his wife, years after their parents’ mysterious deaths. When intimate videos of Clara surface online — videos she doesn’t remember making — the family’s reputation, a political campaign, and long-buried secrets collide. Tense and atmospheric, the novel follows Clara as she confronts betrayal, possible manipulation, and the uncertain line between public image and private truth.

    The 12104th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 25. Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

    Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of chaos, this gripping tale follows a group of unlikely allies as they navigate a landscape fraught with danger and deception. As they uncover secrets buried deep within their pasts, they must confront their own inner demons while striving to prevent a looming catastrophe. With time running out, the characters are forced to make difficult choices that test their loyalty, courage, and humanity, ultimately leading them on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

    The 12446th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download