They tend to play on our fears of the unknown. The ghosts are often not fully explained, leaving a sense of mystery. There could be strange apparitions, unexplained events like objects moving on their own. And the writing style usually uses a lot of descriptive language to create a sense of dread, such as describing the dark corners of a room where the ghost might lurk or the cold touch of an unseen hand.
'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a classic. It's set in a desolate, fog - covered landscape which adds to the overall sense of dread. The ghost of the woman in black is a truly haunting figure, and the story builds up a great deal of tension as the protagonist uncovers her tragic past.
One of the top ghost fiction books is 'Bag of Bones' by Stephen King. It tells a story full of mystery and ghostly apparitions. 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson also belongs to this list. It has a strange family and a possible ghostly presence. 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters is another. It's set in a crumbling English manor and has a sense of the uncanny, with a possible ghostly figure that haunts the place and the people in it.
Well, there's 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. It has elements of the supernatural and can be considered a form of ghost fiction. It's a powerful and complex story. Then there's 'Bag of Bones' by Stephen King. King is great at creating ghostly and horror - filled tales. Also, 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens has ghosts that play important roles in the story.
For beginners, 'The Canterville Ghost' by Oscar Wilde is a great start. It has a lighter tone compared to some other ghost stories. It's humorous in parts while still having a spooky element. Another good one is 'Wait Till Helen Comes' by Mary Downing Hahn. It's a fairly simple and straightforward ghost story that is easy to follow and will give you a taste of the genre.
I'd recommend 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill. It's a chilling ghost story set in a desolate landscape. The titular woman in black is a terrifying figure that haunts the main character. Then there's 'Bag of Bones' by Stephen King. King is a master of horror, and this book is full of his signature scares and a very interesting ghostly plot. Also, 'The Ghost Bride' by Yangsze Choo is a great read. It combines elements of Chinese culture with a ghostly love story.
One great 'Best Fiction Ghost Books' is 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It's a classic that creates a truly spooky atmosphere. The characters are well - drawn, and the sense of unease builds steadily throughout the story.
They often feature the historic architecture of Charleston. The old mansions, cobblestone streets, and cemeteries in Charleston provide a perfect backdrop for ghost stories. So, these elements are usually described in detail.
Often, they have a spooky setting, like an old abandoned house or a desolate cemetery. The presence of ghosts or other supernatural entities is a key feature. For example, in 'The Shining', the haunted hotel setting adds to the overall sense of dread.
One of the best is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a classic that creates an eerie atmosphere with its ambiguous ghostly encounters. The psychological aspect makes it truly chilling.