best public domain horror novels

Well, 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is also among the top public domain horror novels. This novella by Robert Louis Stevenson explores the duality of human nature in a very dark and disturbing way. Then there's 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. It's a chilling ghost story that leaves much to the reader's interpretation, with an ambiguous and spooky plot that keeps you on edge.

One of the most famous is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It's a classic horror story filled with vampires and gothic elements. Another is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It deals with themes of creation and the monstrous. 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson is also great. It shows the duality of human nature in a very spooky way.

Well, 'Frankenstein' could be a good starting point too. The basic idea of a man creating a monster is very relatable in a sense, and Mary Shelley tells the story in a way that draws you in. It has themes of regret, isolation, and the consequences of playing God, which are all interesting aspects for new horror readers to explore.

The public domain horror novels often feature elements that tap into our deepest fears. For example, the fear of death and the afterlife in 'The Turn of the Screw'. They also can have a moral undertone, as seen in 'The Monk' where the main character's downfall is due to his moral lapses. Moreover, they can be very atmospheric. In 'The Phantom of the Opera', the grandeur yet spooky setting of the opera house is used to great effect to create a horror - filled environment.

One of the best public domain novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England. The characters are vividly drawn, especially Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the world to the iconic vampire figure, with a chilling atmosphere and a gripping plot. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll is also among the best. Its absurd and imaginative world has fascinated readers of all ages for generations.

Good character development is also key. Even in a short story, the best ones make you care about the characters. In some public domain horror stories, the main character's fear and desperation are palpable, which draws you into the story. And many of them have unexpected twists. Like in some old Gothic horror short stories, the ending might completely change your perception of what was going on throughout the story.

Well, websites like Librivox are good places. They not only have the text of public domain horror stories but also audio versions, which is really cool. Also, some university libraries have online collections of public domain literature, and you can often find some excellent horror stories there. For example, the University of Michigan's digital library has a lot of old and rare works that could include some great horror finds.

Some well-known horror short stories in the public domain include works by Edgar Allan Poe, such as 'The Tell-Tale Heart' and 'The Black Cat'.

One of the best is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It's a classic that delves into themes of creation, morality, and the human condition. The story of Victor Frankenstein creating a monster has had a profound impact on science fiction ever since. It was way ahead of its time in exploring the consequences of scientific overreach.

One of the best is 'The Virginian' by Owen Wister. It's a classic that really captures the essence of the Old West, with its portrayal of cowboy life, honor, and the changing landscape. Another great one is 'Riders of the Purple Sage' by Zane Grey. It has exciting action scenes and a great story about love and survival in the wild west. And 'The Call of the Canyon' by Grey as well, which shows the beauty and allure of the western landscapes.