One of the best is 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It's a classic that creates a truly eerie atmosphere. The characters are well - drawn and the sense of dread builds steadily throughout the story.
Henry James' 'The Turn of the Screw' is an old but excellent haunted house fiction. It's a psychological horror story where the line between the real and the imagined is blurred, especially when it comes to the apparitions in the old house.
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.
Another good one is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. It has a very unique format that adds to the overall creepiness. The story is complex, with lots of layers, and it really plays with the idea of a haunted house in an interesting way. It's not your typical haunted house story, which makes it stand out.
Another great one is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. This novel plays with the layout of the text to add to the sense of unease and mystery, and the haunted house in it is filled with all sorts of strange and terrifying things. It's a complex and immersive read.
You might also consider 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters. It has a slow - burning sense of horror that builds around a large, dilapidated house. The characters are well - drawn and the mystery of the haunted house unfolds in a way that is not too overwhelming for those new to the genre.
A great haunted house novel is 'Hell House' by Richard Matheson. It's filled with terrifying scenes and a sense of dread. The characters' experiences in the haunted house are vividly described, and Matheson does an excellent job of building suspense throughout the story.
The Amityville Horror is also a well - known haunted house story. The Lutz family claimed to experience all sorts of terrifying phenomena after moving into the house, like strange noises, slime oozing from the walls, and seeing apparitions. Their story was so disturbing that it became famous worldwide and inspired numerous movies.
Sure. 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters is a good choice. It has a slow - burning sense of horror that's not too overwhelming for new readers of the genre. The haunted house in the story has a lot of history, and the characters' interactions with it are both fascinating and a bit scary.