The Greatest Peruvian, American, British "Fiction, Gothic" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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.

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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.

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  1. 1. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

    The novel is a dark and atmospheric tale of a centuries-old vampire, Louis, who shares his life story with a young reporter. He recounts his transformation into a vampire by the charismatic and ruthless Lestat, their complex relationship, and their encounters with other supernatural beings. The narrative explores themes of immortality, loss, identity, and the human desire for love and companionship. The book is known for its rich detail and its philosophical and historical depth.

    The 541st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

    The novel is a gripping tale set in Victorian England, revolving around two young women, a petty thief and a rich heiress, whose lives intertwine in unforeseen ways. The thief is part of a con to defraud the heiress of her fortune, but as the plot thickens, the lines between deception and truth, loyalty and betrayal, love and manipulation get blurred. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and class, and keeps the readers on the edge till the end.

    The 699th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Salem's Lot by Stephen King

    In a small town called Salem's Lot, a writer returns to his childhood home to find that the town is being plagued by a mysterious evil force. As the residents slowly succumb to the darkness, a group of unlikely heroes must band together to fight against the ancient and powerful vampire who is responsible for the town's descent into chaos. With a chilling atmosphere and intense suspense, this novel explores the themes of fear, loss, and the battle between good and evil.

    The 806th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Bloody Chamber And Other Stories by Angela Carter

    "The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that reimagines and deconstructs traditional fairy tales. The narratives are filled with strong female characters, sexual exploration, and violent and gothic themes. Each story presents a unique spin on classic tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard, challenging the typical gender roles and expectations found in the original stories.

    The 1240th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Passion Of New Eve by Angela Carter

    The book is a provocative work of speculative fiction set in a dystopian future America, where societal collapse has given way to lawlessness and extreme gender politics. The narrative follows the transformation of an Englishman into the female 'Eve' by a radical feminist group, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and power. As Eve navigates a surreal landscape populated by emblematic characters, including a manipulative surgeon and a mythic film star, the story delves into the fluidity of gender and the construction of femininity, challenging the reader's perceptions of normative gender roles and the nature of desire.

    The 2009th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Flowers in the Attic by V. C. Andrews

    The novel focuses on four siblings who, after the tragic death of their father, are locked away in the attic of their cruel grandmother's mansion as their mother tries to inherit the family fortune. The children endure years of abuse and neglect, and as their mother's visits become less frequent, they must rely on each other for survival. Over time, they form a deeply complex and troubling relationship, leading to a shocking and devastating climax.

    The 2191st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Affinity by Sarah Waters

    In "Affinity" by Sarah Waters, a young woman named Margaret Prior becomes a visitor at Millbank Prison in Victorian London, where she becomes intrigued by a spiritualist named Selina Dawes. As their relationship deepens, Margaret is drawn into a web of secrets and deception, leading to unexpected consequences for both women. This atmospheric and suspenseful novel explores themes of desire, obsession, and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion.

    The 2216th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

    The novel is a chilling ghost story set in the remote English countryside, where a young solicitor is sent to settle the estate of a recently deceased client. Upon his arrival at the eerie and isolated Eel Marsh House, he encounters unnerving supernatural occurrences and the repeated sightings of a mysterious woman dressed in black. As he delves deeper into the town's tragic history, he uncovers a tale of a vengeful spirit whose appearance foretells the death of children. The solicitor's skepticism turns to horror as he becomes entangled in the spectral web of the woman in black, and he must confront the haunting secrets that lie within the house and the town.

    The 3756th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Complete Short Stories Of Ambrose Bierce by Ambrose Bierce

    "The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking tales that showcase the author's mastery of the short story form. Bierce's stories delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of war, death, and the supernatural. With his sharp wit and incisive writing style, Bierce crafts narratives that are both entertaining and deeply unsettling, leaving readers pondering the complexities of the human condition long after they have finished reading.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Sweetheart, Sweetheart by Bernard Taylor

    In "Sweetheart, Sweetheart" by Bernard Taylor, a young man named David inherits a grand old mansion from his estranged twin brother, Colin, who died tragically years ago. As David settles into his new home, he begins to experience eerie occurrences and encounters the ghostly presence of his deceased brother. Haunted by the past, David delves into the dark secrets of the house and his family, uncovering a chilling tale of love, jealousy, and revenge that spans generations. With its blend of supernatural elements and psychological suspense, this gripping novel takes readers on a haunting journey through the twisted corridors of the human mind.

    The 4141st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Ghost Story by Peter Straub

    "Ghost Story" by Peter Straub is a chilling tale that follows a group of elderly men who are haunted by a dark secret from their past. As they gather to share ghost stories, they soon realize that their own lives have become intertwined with the supernatural. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as they are forced to confront their deepest fears and face the consequences of their actions. With atmospheric prose and a gripping plot, this haunting novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of secrets.

    The 4455th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Keep by F. Paul Wilson

    "The Keep" is a gripping supernatural thriller that follows the story of a Nazi commander who takes control of an ancient castle in Romania during World War II. As the commander and his soldiers begin to experience strange and terrifying occurrences, they soon realize that they are not alone in the castle. With the help of a mysterious prisoner, they must confront a malevolent force that has been awakened, threatening their lives and sanity. This dark and suspenseful tale explores themes of good versus evil, redemption, and the power of ancient forces.

    The 4602nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Down A Dark Hall by Lois Duncan

    The novel centers around a teenage girl who is sent to a remote and mysterious boarding school where only a handful of students are enrolled. As she settles into her new environment, she discovers that the school harbors dark secrets and that the students, including herself, are being manipulated by the sinister headmistress and her staff to channel the spirits of dead geniuses. The protagonist must unravel the eerie mysteries of the school and confront the supernatural forces at play to escape the dangerous situation and save herself and her peers from the clutches of the school's malevolent influence.

    The 6098th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Tales of H. P. Lovecraft by H. P. Lovecraft

    This book is a collection of stories by an iconic writer of horror and strange fiction. The tales are filled with bizarre creatures, ancient curses, and mind-bending concepts about the nature of reality. The stories are often set in isolated, decaying locations and explore themes of cosmic horror and the unknown. The author's unique writing style and vivid imagination have made him a significant figure in the genre of supernatural fiction.

    The 6264th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Elementals by Michael McDowell

    "The Elementals" is a Southern Gothic horror novel that delves into the eerie and mysterious world of two old, aristocratic families, the McCrays and the Savages, who share a haunting past intertwined with two secluded Victorian houses on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The story unfolds as the families gather for a funeral, only to be drawn into a chilling confrontation with malevolent forces that reside in the third, abandoned house—known as the third house—where the elementals, sinister entities that are not quite ghosts, lurk. As the oppressive summer heat intensifies, so does the terror, revealing dark family secrets and testing the bonds of kinship as the characters struggle to contend with the supernatural threat.

    The 6557th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

    This series centers around a young woman torn between two vampire brothers—the dark and brooding Stefan and the dangerous, yet compelling Damon. Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, the narrative delves into themes of love, conflict, and the supernatural as these characters navigate their complex relationships amidst a backdrop of mystery and danger. As the brothers vie for her heart, they must also confront their tumultuous past and the threats that emerge against the backdrop of high school life and beyond, revealing a world where vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings exist in secret.

    The 6640th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 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 6759th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Queen Of The Damned by Anne Rice

    In this gothic horror novel, the third installment of a popular vampire series, the narrative intertwines ancient history with the modern world, as the vampire Lestat awakens Akasha, the first and most powerful vampire, known as the Queen of the Damned. Her radical vision for a new world order threatens both human and vampire existence. As she enacts her plans, a group of vampires with varied motives converges to confront her, leading to a climactic battle that delves into themes of power, immortality, morality, and the essence of what it means to be human. The novel explores the deep lore of vampire mythology, expanding upon the origins and rules of the undead, while also examining the personal struggles and relationships between these eternal beings.

    The 6916th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Asylum by Patrick McGrath

    The book is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of Stella Raphael, the wife of a forensic psychiatrist working at a high-security mental hospital. Stella becomes dangerously infatuated with Edgar Stark, a charismatic patient and artist who is institutionalized for the gruesome murder of his wife. As Stella's obsession with Edgar deepens, she embarks on a passionate affair that leads her down a path of emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity. Her reckless actions threaten to unravel not only her own life but also the lives of those around her, as the narrative explores themes of madness, desire, and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity.

    The 7916th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Monsieur, Or The Prince Of Darkness by Lawrence Durrell

    "Monsieur, Or The Prince Of Darkness" is a captivating novel that explores the complex and enigmatic life of a man known as Monsieur. Set against the backdrop of post-war Europe, the story delves into Monsieur's mysterious past, his involvement in espionage, and his relationships with various intriguing characters. Through vivid prose and intricate storytelling, the book delves into themes of identity, love, and the blurred lines between good and evil, leaving readers questioning the true nature of Monsieur until the very end.

    The 7988th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Bone Key by Sarah Monette

    "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 9169th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. A Bloodsmoor Romance by Joyce Carol Oates

    "A Bloodsmoor Romance" is a gothic novel set in the late 19th century that chronicles the lives and misadventures of the five Zinn sisters in the fictional town of Bloodsmoor, Pennsylvania. The narrative, rich with Victorian sensibilities and supernatural elements, delves into the sisters' encounters with kidnapping, spiritualism, and technological innovations of the era, alongside their personal quests for love, independence, and identity. Through a blend of dark humor and intricate storytelling, the novel explores themes of gender roles, societal expectations, and the clash between tradition and progress in American society.

    The 9269th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Red Tree by Caitlín R. Kiernan

    The book is a haunting narrative that delves into the psychological turmoil of an author struggling with grief and writer's block. After retreating to a secluded house in the countryside, she discovers a manuscript by a previous occupant that tells of a sinister tree with otherworldly powers. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with the manuscript and the tree's dark history, the boundaries between reality and nightmare begin to blur, leading her down a spiraling path of madness and despair. The novel masterfully intertwines themes of loss, the supernatural, and the fragility of the human mind.

    The 9363rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. 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 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Justine by Alice Thompson

    "Justine" by Alice Thompson is a haunting and atmospheric novel set in 19th-century France. The story follows a young woman named Justine who becomes a governess for a wealthy family in a remote mansion. As she delves into the secrets of the house and its inhabitants, Justine finds herself trapped in a web of manipulation, deceit, and madness. With its Gothic undertones and psychological suspense, the book explores themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.

    The 9394th Greatest Book of All Time

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