The Greatest Books of All Time on Ghosts

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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.

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  1. 1. Beloved by Toni Morrison

    This novel tells the story of a former African-American slave woman who, after escaping to Ohio, is haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter. The protagonist is forced to confront her repressed memories and the horrific realities of her past, including the desperate act she committed to protect her children from a life of slavery. The narrative is a poignant exploration of the physical, emotional, and psychological scars inflicted by the institution of slavery, and the struggle for identity and self-acceptance in its aftermath.

    The 49th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. Pedro Páramo by Juan Rulfo

    This novel transports readers to the ghost town of Comala, where the protagonist, Juan Preciado, ventures in search of his estranged father, Pedro Páramo. Upon arrival, he encounters a realm where the living and the dead coexist, and through fragmented narratives and spectral encounters, the story of Pedro Páramo's life, his love, tyranny, and the curses that plague the town unfolds. The novel's innovative structure, blending memory and reality, has cemented its status as a pioneering work of magical realism, offering a haunting exploration of power, guilt, and the inescapable echoes of the past.

    The 124th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

    A young governess is hired to care for two children at a remote English estate. However, she soon becomes convinced that the grounds are haunted by two former employees who have taken control of the children. As she fights to free the children from these apparitions, the line between reality and her own fears becomes increasingly blurred, leading to a chilling and ambiguous conclusion.

    The 189th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

    The book is a chilling tale that revolves around a group of four individuals who decide to stay in a notoriously haunted mansion to conduct a paranormal investigation. The main character, a shy, reclusive woman with a troubled past, becomes increasingly unstable as she experiences terrifying phenomena and becomes obsessed with the house. As the supernatural events escalate, the lines between reality and imagination blur, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

    The 215th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. Ghost Stories Of An Antiquary by M. R. James

    "Ghost Stories of an Antiquary" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the supernatural and macabre. Written by M. R. James, these stories transport readers to eerie settings, where ancient artifacts, haunted houses, and vengeful spirits lurk. With a masterful blend of suspense and atmospheric descriptions, James weaves narratives that leave readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the boundaries between the real and the supernatural. Each story is a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the terrifying unknown, making this collection a must-read for fans of classic ghost stories.

    The 615th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 6. The Sketch Book Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving

    The book is a collection of 34 essays and short stories written by an American author, originally published throughout 1819 and 1820. It includes a mix of satire, fantasy, and nostalgic essays, many of which deal with early American rural life and other themes relevant to the post-colonial era. Among its most famous stories are "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both of which have become classics of American literature. The book's gentle wit and romanticized descriptions of old England and the American landscape of the author's time have made it a lasting piece of literary artistry.

    The 715th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. Widdershins by G. Oliver Onions

    An Occult Novel

    "Widdershins" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the life of a troubled young woman named Alice. Haunted by a traumatic childhood event, Alice finds herself drawn into a mysterious world of dark secrets and supernatural occurrences. As she delves deeper into the enigmatic past of her family, Alice must confront her own demons and unravel the truth before it consumes her. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, "Widdershins" is a chilling tale of suspense and self-discovery.

    The 1306th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 8. The Horror Horn And Other Stories by E. F. Benson

    "The Horror Horn And Other Stories" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the realms of supernatural and psychological horror. From haunted houses and vengeful spirits to eerie premonitions and macabre transformations, each story offers a unique and spine-tingling experience. With masterful storytelling and a keen eye for suspense, the author takes readers on a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, leaving them captivated and unsettled until the very last page.

    The 1372nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  9. 9. And The Darkness Falls by Boris Karloff

    Tales of Terror and the Supernatural

    "And The Darkness Falls" is a chilling tale that follows a small town plagued by a series of mysterious deaths. As the darkness engulfs the community, a group of unlikely heroes must uncover the sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. With suspenseful twists and turns, the book explores themes of fear, redemption, and the power of unity in the face of darkness.

    The 1425th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 10. Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

    The novel explores the journey of a 13-year-old boy, his drug-addicted mother, and his baby sister as they travel through Mississippi to pick up their white father from the state penitentiary. The story is steeped in the harsh realities of poverty, racism, and struggle, and is further complicated by the presence of a ghost from the family's past. It's a haunting tale about the legacy of trauma and the power of family ties.

    The 1650th Greatest Book of All Time
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  11. 11. The Complete John Silence Stories by Algernon Blackwood

    The Psychic Detective

    "The Complete John Silence Stories" is a collection of thrilling tales written by Algernon Blackwood. The book follows the adventures of John Silence, a psychic detective who uses his extraordinary abilities to solve perplexing mysteries. From haunted houses to supernatural encounters, Silence's investigations take readers on a captivating journey through the realms of the unknown. With a blend of suspense, horror, and the occult, these stories offer a unique and chilling reading experience.

    The 1880th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 12. The Second Century Of Creepy Stories by Hugh Walpole

    "The Second Century of Creepy Stories" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the depths of the human psyche, exploring themes of fear, madness, and the supernatural. From haunted houses to malevolent spirits, each story takes readers on a suspenseful journey, leaving them questioning the boundaries between reality and the unknown. With its masterful storytelling and eerie atmosphere, this anthology is sure to captivate fans of horror and suspense.

    The 1948th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 13. Topper Takes A Trip by Thorne Smith

    A Sequel to Topper

    This comedic novel follows the adventures of Cosmo Topper, a conservative banker, who finds himself once again entangled with the mischievous and ghostly Marion Kerby. After the events of their first escapade, Topper seeks solace and a cure for his supposed ailments in the French Riviera, only to discover that Marion, along with other spectral companions, has decided to join him. The ensuing chaos, filled with humorous and fantastical incidents, challenges Topper's stiff demeanor and societal norms, as he navigates through a series of ghostly interventions, romantic entanglements, and the ever-present struggle to maintain his sanity amidst the supernatural hijinks.

    The 1948th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 14. Peace by Gene Wolfe

    The book is a complex and multi-layered narrative that weaves together the memories of an elderly man named Alden Dennis Weer. As he reminisces about his life in a small Midwestern town, the story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, revealing a tapestry of seemingly mundane events that are imbued with subtle supernatural elements and dark undercurrents. The protagonist's recollections are filled with enigmatic characters and incidents, and as the narrative progresses, it becomes apparent that Weer's memory may be unreliable, leading the reader to question the nature of reality and the veracity of his account. The novel blends elements of fantasy, horror, and mystery, creating a haunting meditation on memory, mortality, and the human condition.

    The 1975th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 15. Ghost Story by Peter Straub

    A Novel of the Supernatural

    "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 2060th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 16. In a Glass Darkly by Sheridan Le Fanu

    "In a Glass Darkly" is a collection of five short stories in the horror and mystery genres, all presented as cases of a fictional physician whose researches lead him into the dark corners of the supernatural. The tales involve a range of eerie and macabre happenings such as a man being haunted by his doppelgänger, a cursed mirror, a deadly spectral wolf, a case of spontaneous combustion, and the iconic story of a woman being preyed upon by a female vampire. The stories are tied together by the posthumous papers of the occult detective Dr. Martin Hesselius.

    The 2270th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 17. Nine Horrors And A Dream by Joseph Payne Brennan

    A Collection of Supernatural Tales

    "Nine Horrors And A Dream" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the depths of the human psyche and the supernatural. From haunted houses and cursed artifacts to encounters with malevolent spirits and ancient evils, each story presents a unique and spine-tingling nightmare. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, the author takes readers on a journey through the darkest corners of the imagination, leaving them questioning the boundaries between reality and the macabre.

    The 2435th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 18. Worse Things Waiting by Manly Wade Wellman

    Supernatural Stories of Manly Wade Wellman

    In "Worse Things Waiting" by Manly Wade Wellman, a collection of eerie and suspenseful tales unfolds, each one delving into the realm of the supernatural. From encounters with vengeful spirits to mysterious disappearances, the stories explore the darker corners of human existence, leaving readers on the edge of their seats. With vivid descriptions and a masterful command of suspense, Wellman invites readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is blurred, and where the worst things imaginable are waiting just beyond the shadows.

    The 2450th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 19. They Return At Evening by H. Russell Wakefield

    A Book of Ghost Stories

    The book is a collection of eerie and atmospheric ghost stories that delve into the supernatural and the macabre. Each tale explores themes of fear, revenge, and the unknown, often set against the backdrop of English country houses and landscapes. The stories are characterized by their chilling narratives and unexpected twists, as characters encounter spectral apparitions and unsettling phenomena. The collection masterfully evokes a sense of dread and suspense, drawing readers into a world where the boundary between the living and the dead is hauntingly thin.

    The 2727th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  20. 20. The Empty House And Other Ghost Stories by Algernon Blackwood

    This collection of ghost stories delves into the eerie and supernatural, exploring themes of fear, the unknown, and the afterlife. Each tale is crafted to evoke a sense of suspense and mystery, often featuring haunted locations, spectral apparitions, and psychological tension. The narratives are rich in atmosphere, drawing readers into unsettling worlds where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur, and where the characters must confront their deepest fears and the inexplicable forces that surround them.

    The 2817th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 21. The Ghost Stories Of Edith Wharton by Edith Wharton

    This collection features an array of chilling and atmospheric tales that explore the supernatural and the psychological depths of fear. Set against the backdrop of Wharton's keen observations of society and human nature, each story delves into themes of isolation, the unknown, and the eerie presence of the past. With her characteristic elegance and wit, the narratives weave together elements of suspense and the macabre, leaving readers with a haunting sense of mystery and the uncanny. Through vivid settings and complex characters, the stories capture the essence of ghostly encounters and the lingering shadows they cast on the living.

    The 2848th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 22. The Ghost Pirates by William Hope Hodgson

    The novel follows the harrowing experiences of a sailor named Jessop aboard the ill-fated ship Mortzestus, which is plagued by mysterious and supernatural occurrences. As Jessop and the crew navigate treacherous waters, they encounter ghostly apparitions and inexplicable events that suggest the ship is under siege by malevolent forces from the sea. Tension and fear escalate as the crew struggles to maintain their sanity and survive the relentless onslaught of these spectral entities. The story builds to a climactic confrontation, exploring themes of the unknown and the thin line between reality and the supernatural.

    The 2859th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 23. The Haunters And The Haunted by Edward Bulwer-Lytton

    Ghost Stories and Tales of the Supernatural

    The book is a collection of supernatural tales that explore the eerie and mysterious world of ghosts and hauntings. Through a series of short stories, it delves into the psychological and metaphysical aspects of the supernatural, often blurring the lines between reality and the unknown. Each story presents a unique perspective on the theme of haunting, whether through spectral apparitions, cursed objects, or unsettling atmospheres, ultimately reflecting on the human fascination with the afterlife and the unexplained. The narratives are rich in Gothic elements, creating a chilling and thought-provoking experience for readers intrigued by the paranormal.

    The 2859th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 24. 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 2914th Greatest Book of All Time
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  25. 25. The Supernatural Omnibus by Montague Summers

    Being a Collection of Stories of Apparitions, Witchcraft, Werewolves, Diabolism, Necromancy, Satanism, Divination, Sorcery, Goetry, Voodoo, Possession, Occult Doom and Destiny

    The book is a comprehensive anthology that delves into the realm of the supernatural, offering a rich collection of stories and essays that explore various aspects of the mystical and the eerie. It brings together a diverse array of tales, ranging from ghost stories to accounts of witchcraft and demonic encounters, each selected to evoke a sense of wonder and fear. The compilation reflects the editor's deep interest in the occult and the unexplained, providing readers with both classic and lesser-known narratives that capture the imagination and challenge the boundaries of the natural world. Through its varied content, the book serves as a fascinating exploration of humanity's enduring fascination with the supernatural.

    The 2936th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

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.

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