The Greatest Supernatural Books of All Time
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.
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 RecommendationsGenres
The "Supernatural" category for books typically includes stories that involve paranormal or supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures. These books often explore themes of magic, mystery, and the unknown, and may incorporate elements of horror, romance, or fantasy. Supernatural books can range from dark and eerie tales to lighthearted and whimsical stories, but they all share a common thread of exploring the supernatural world beyond our own.
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.
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.
DownloadTo 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-
301. The Castle Spectre by Matthew Lewis
A Drama, in Five Acts
The story unfolds in a haunted castle in Wales, where a young woman named Angela discovers her true heritage and the dark secrets of her past. Raised by a mysterious guardian, Angela learns she is the daughter of a nobleman who was murdered by his treacherous brother, the current lord of the castle. As Angela seeks justice and her rightful inheritance, she is aided by the ghost of her mother, who haunts the castle seeking vengeance. The tale combines elements of romance, mystery, and the supernatural, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that reveals the power of love and justice over tyranny and deceit.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
302. Bertram by Charles Robert Maturin
The Castle of St. Aldobrand
The novel is a Gothic tale that follows the tragic story of a disgraced monk named Bertram, who returns to England after being presumed dead. Consumed by vengeance and despair, Bertram becomes entangled in a web of dark schemes and forbidden love, ultimately leading to his moral and spiritual downfall. Set against a backdrop of mysterious castles and stormy landscapes, the narrative explores themes of betrayal, redemption, and the destructive power of unchecked ambition, culminating in a dramatic and haunting conclusion.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
303. The Romance Of The Forest, Interspersed With Some Pieces Of Poetry by Ann Radcliffe
Interspersed with Some Pieces of Poetry
The novel is a Gothic tale that follows the journey of Adeline, a young woman who finds herself entangled in mystery and danger after being rescued by the La Motte family. As they seek refuge in an abandoned abbey, Adeline uncovers dark secrets and hidden histories that threaten her safety and test her resilience. Throughout her ordeal, she encounters themes of love, betrayal, and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of the eerie and atmospheric French countryside. The story weaves elements of suspense and romance, ultimately exploring the triumph of virtue and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
304. The Nocturnal Visit by Regina Maria Roche
A Tale of Mystery and Romance
The novel revolves around the mysterious and suspenseful events that unfold in a secluded mansion, where a young woman finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and intrigue. As she navigates the eerie atmosphere and encounters enigmatic characters, she must uncover hidden truths and confront her own fears. The story weaves elements of romance and gothic suspense, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of identity, trust, and the supernatural.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
305. The Ghost Seer by Friedrich Schiller
Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
306. Zastrozzi by Percy Bysshe Shelley
A Romance
The novel is a Gothic tale of revenge and obsession, centered around the enigmatic and vengeful Zastrozzi, who seeks to destroy his enemy, Verezzi, for past wrongs. As Zastrozzi manipulates those around him, including the innocent Julia and the passionate Matilda, the story unfolds with themes of betrayal, madness, and the struggle between good and evil. The narrative explores the depths of human emotion and the consequences of unchecked ambition, culminating in a dramatic and tragic resolution.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
307. Saint Irvyne by Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Rosicrucian
The novel is a gothic tale that follows the story of Wolfstein, a disillusioned wanderer who becomes entangled with a mysterious band of outlaws. As he navigates a world filled with dark secrets, alchemy, and supernatural elements, Wolfstein encounters the enigmatic Ginotti, who offers him forbidden knowledge and power. The narrative explores themes of ambition, the quest for immortality, and the moral consequences of one's choices, ultimately leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion. The story is imbued with a sense of foreboding and examines the human desire to transcend mortal limitations.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
308. The Orphan Of The Rhine by Elanor Sleath
A Romance
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque yet foreboding landscapes of the Rhine, the story follows the young and virtuous Julie de Rubine, who, after the death of her mother, embarks on a perilous journey filled with mystery and suspense. As she navigates through a world of dark secrets, hidden identities, and sinister plots, Julie encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including the enigmatic Count Wolfram and the malevolent Baroness de Blonay. Throughout her adventures, Julie's resilience and courage are tested as she seeks to uncover the truth about her lineage and secure her rightful place in a world fraught with danger and deception.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
309. The Mysterious Mother by Horace Walpole
A Tragedy
The story unfolds around a dark and intricate tale of forbidden desires and tragic consequences, centered on a noblewoman who unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of incest and deception. As secrets from the past resurface, the characters grapple with guilt, remorse, and the haunting specters of their actions. The narrative explores themes of sin, redemption, and the inescapable nature of fate, set against a backdrop of gothic elements and intense emotional turmoil. Through its complex characters and dramatic revelations, the story delves into the depths of human frailty and the enduring impact of hidden truths.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
310. Tales For Christmas Eve by Rhoda Broughton
A Collection of Ghost Stories
The book is a collection of eerie and atmospheric stories set around Christmas Eve, blending elements of the supernatural with Victorian sensibilities. Each tale explores themes of mystery, suspense, and the uncanny, often featuring ghostly apparitions and unsettling events that challenge the characters' perceptions of reality. The narratives are rich in detail and mood, capturing the tension between the warmth of the holiday season and the chilling presence of the unknown. Through these stories, the book delves into the darker side of human nature and the thin veil between the living and the spectral.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
311. Monos And Daimonos by Edward Bulwer-Lytton
A Legend of the Rhine
The story revolves around a man who becomes increasingly isolated from society due to his misanthropic tendencies and disdain for humanity. As he retreats further into solitude, he encounters a mysterious and malevolent figure that seems to embody his inner demons and darkest thoughts. This encounter leads him on a journey of introspection and self-discovery, forcing him to confront the duality of his nature and the consequences of his choices. The narrative explores themes of alienation, the struggle between good and evil within oneself, and the impact of one's inner world on their external reality.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All Time -
312. The Night Side Of Nature by Catherine Crowe
Or, Ghosts and Ghost Seers
The book explores the supernatural and the mysterious aspects of the natural world, delving into ghost stories, hauntings, and other paranormal phenomena. It presents a collection of anecdotes and accounts that aim to shed light on the unseen and often inexplicable occurrences that challenge the boundaries of the known and the unknown. Through a blend of storytelling and analysis, the book invites readers to consider the possibility of a hidden dimension to reality, encouraging an open-minded exploration of the mystical and the eerie.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
313. Checkmate by Sheridan Le Fanu
A Tale of Speculation and Intrigue
The novel is a gripping tale of mystery and suspense, centered around a complex web of deceit, manipulation, and hidden motives. It follows the protagonist as they navigate a world filled with enigmatic characters and unexpected twists, unraveling secrets that challenge their perceptions and test their resolve. The story delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of tension and intrigue that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
314. The Vroucolacas by James Kirke Paulding
A Tale of Greece
The story revolves around a mysterious and eerie figure known as the Vroucolacas, a creature from Greek folklore akin to a vampire. Set against the backdrop of a small, superstitious village, the narrative explores themes of fear, superstition, and the unknown as the villagers grapple with the presence of this supernatural being. The tale delves into the psychological impact of the Vroucolacas on the community, highlighting the tension between rationality and myth, and ultimately questioning the nature of belief and the power of fear.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All Time -
315. Varney, The Vampire by Thomas Prest
Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
316. Wagner, The Wehr Wolf by George William MacArthur Reynolds
The Wehr-Wolf
The novel is a gothic tale set in the 16th century, following the story of Fernand Wagner, a man who becomes a werewolf after making a pact with a mysterious stranger for extended life and wealth. As Wagner grapples with the curse that transforms him into a beast under the full moon, he navigates a world filled with dark magic, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. The narrative explores themes of redemption, the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of one's choices, as Wagner seeks a way to break free from his monstrous fate while encountering various historical and supernatural figures.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
317. Spook Stories by E. F. Benson
The book is a collection of chilling and atmospheric tales that delve into the supernatural and the eerie. Each story masterfully weaves elements of suspense and the macabre, exploring themes of ghostly apparitions, haunted locales, and the unsettling presence of the unknown. The narratives are rich with vivid descriptions and psychological depth, capturing the reader's imagination and evoking a sense of dread and wonder. Through a blend of traditional ghost story elements and unique twists, the collection offers a compelling journey into the realm of the uncanny.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
318. Can Such Things Be? by Ambrose Bierce
The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce
This collection of short stories and tales delves into the eerie and supernatural, exploring themes of fear, the unknown, and the macabre. Through a series of chilling narratives, the book presents a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, often leading to unsettling and thought-provoking conclusions. The stories are characterized by their dark humor, unexpected twists, and a keen exploration of human nature's darker aspects, leaving readers to ponder the mysteries and horrors that might lurk just beyond the veil of the ordinary.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
319. Ghost And Horror Stories Of Ambrose Bierce by Ambrose Bierce
This collection features a series of chilling tales that delve into the supernatural and macabre, showcasing the dark and eerie imagination of the author. The stories explore themes of death, the afterlife, and the inexplicable, often blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. With a keen sense of irony and a penchant for unexpected twists, the narratives captivate readers with their haunting atmospheres and unsettling conclusions, leaving a lasting impression of dread and curiosity about the unknown.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
320. Ancient Sorceries And Other Tales by Algernon Blackwood
The book is a collection of supernatural and eerie tales that delve into the mysterious and the uncanny. Each story explores themes of the unknown, often featuring protagonists who encounter strange and otherworldly phenomena that challenge their perceptions of reality. The narratives are rich with atmospheric detail, creating a sense of suspense and unease as characters navigate through experiences that blur the line between the natural and the supernatural. The stories are unified by their exploration of the mystical and the inexplicable, leaving readers with a lingering sense of wonder and dread.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
321. The Dance Of Death And Other Tales by Algernon Blackwood
This collection of stories delves into the supernatural and the mysterious, exploring themes of the unknown and the eerie. The tales often feature characters who encounter strange and unsettling phenomena, leading them to question reality and their own perceptions. Through atmospheric storytelling and rich descriptions, the narratives evoke a sense of suspense and wonder, inviting readers to ponder the boundaries between the natural and the supernatural. Each story is crafted to engage the imagination, leaving a lingering sense of intrigue and contemplation about the mysteries that lie beyond the ordinary world.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
322. Day And Night Stories by Algernon Blackwood
The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the supernatural and the mysterious, exploring themes of the unknown and the uncanny. Each story is crafted with a rich, atmospheric style that immerses the reader in eerie and often unsettling scenarios. The narratives often blur the line between reality and the supernatural, inviting readers to question the nature of perception and belief. Through a variety of settings and characters, the stories evoke a sense of wonder and fear, capturing the essence of the mystical and the inexplicable.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
323. Incredible Adventures by Algernon Blackwood
The book is a collection of five supernatural and psychological tales that explore the boundaries between reality and the unknown. Each story delves into the mysterious and often eerie experiences of its characters, who encounter forces beyond their understanding. Themes of nature's power, the subconscious mind, and the mystical aspects of human existence are woven throughout the narratives, creating a sense of wonder and unease. The stories challenge the characters' perceptions and invite readers to ponder the thin line between the ordinary and the extraordinary.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
324. John Silence, Physician Extraordinary by Algernon Blackwood
Physician Extraordinary
The book is a collection of supernatural tales featuring John Silence, a doctor with a keen interest in the occult and psychic phenomena. Each story showcases his unique ability to investigate and resolve mysterious and otherworldly occurrences, often involving haunted locations, spiritual disturbances, and mystical experiences. Silence approaches these cases with a blend of scientific curiosity and deep empathy, using his knowledge and intuition to help those troubled by the inexplicable. Through his adventures, the stories explore themes of the unknown and the boundaries between the natural and supernatural worlds.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
325. The Lost Valley And Other Stories by Algernon Blackwood
The collection features a series of supernatural and eerie tales that delve into the mysteries of the natural world and the human psyche. Each story explores themes of the unknown, often blending elements of horror and the mystical to evoke a sense of wonder and dread. The narratives are rich with atmospheric descriptions and psychological depth, inviting readers to ponder the thin veil between reality and the supernatural. Through encounters with the inexplicable, the characters often face profound transformations or revelations, highlighting the power and unpredictability of nature and the unseen forces that may dwell within it.
The 9379th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase 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.
DownloadTo 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