Characteristics include a build - up of suspense. The author slowly reveals the secrets of the haunted house. In 'Mexican Gothic', the main character gradually discovers the dark secrets of the old mansion she's staying in. There are also often elements of the unknown, such as strange noises, apparitions, or things that move on their own. And the characters are usually trapped in some way, either physically or emotionally, in the house, which adds to the tension.
New and good haunted house novels usually play with the characters' psychology. The characters start to question their sanity as they experience the strange events in the house. For example, in 'House of Leaves', the narrator's mental state is closely intertwined with the strange happenings in the house. And they often have a rich backstory for the house, whether it's a tragic event in the past or some sort of ancient curse.
Often, they have a really well - described setting. The haunted house itself is detailed, like its creaky floors and shadowy corners. There's a sense of mystery, like in 'The Haunting of Hill House' where you don't know what's really causing the hauntings at first.
A good haunted house novel often has a vivid description of the house itself. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', Shirley Jackson describes the architecture and the dark corners in great detail, which makes the house seem like a character itself. It also has an element of mystery. The readers should be kept guessing about what is really going on in the house, whether it's ghosts or some other supernatural forces.
Many of them incorporate elements of Japanese folklore. This could be things like vengeful spirits or cursed objects. In 'Dark Water', the idea of a spirit being attached to a particular place, like the apartment, is a common trope in Japanese supernatural beliefs.
Often, they are rich in atmosphere. For example, they use detailed descriptions of the haunted house environment, like the creaking floors, cold drafts, and shadowy corners. This makes the reader feel as if they are actually in the spooky place.
Typically, they often have a very old and dilapidated house as the central setting. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the house is described as having a very eerie and foreboding architecture. Another characteristic is the presence of unexplained noises, like creaking floors and howling winds. In 'The Woman in Black', these noises add to the overall sense of dread. There's also usually a sense of a past tragedy or mystery associated with the house, which haunts the present inhabitants or visitors.
Typically, they have a spooky setting, like an old, dilapidated house. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old mansion is full of creaky floors and shadowy corners.
Often, they incorporate elements of Korean folklore. For example, spirits like the dokkaebi might be part of the hauntings in the story. The settings are usually old, traditional Korean houses which add to the eerie atmosphere.
One new haunted house novel is 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It's a classic that still feels fresh with its atmospheric description of the haunted house and the psychological terror it inflicts on the characters.
Often, they have a spooky atmosphere. For example, in 'The Haunting of Hill House', the old, creaky house and the strange noises at night create an immediate sense of dread.
One great new haunted house novel is 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It's a classic that still holds up today, with a creepy old house filled with strange noises and unexplained phenomena. Another is 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia. It combines elements of Mexican folklore and a spooky, decaying mansion setting.
Often, they can be more creative. For example, the architecture of the haunted house in fictional stories can be extremely elaborate and outlandish. It might have secret passages everywhere or rooms that defy the laws of physics.