One of the best short ghost stories is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. In this story, the narrator is haunted by the vulture - like eye of an old man. His obsession drives him to commit a heinous crime, and then he is consumed by the sound of the old man's still - beating heart, which he imagines he can hear even after the man is dead. It's a chilling exploration of guilt and madness.
The atmosphere is crucial. If it can create a really spooky and immersive setting, like an old, creaky mansion or a fog - covered cemetery. It draws the reader in and makes them feel like they are in the story with the characters. Also, a good plot twist. For instance, if the ghost turns out to be someone the main character knew all along but in a different form. This keeps the reader on their toes and makes the story more exciting.
In my opinion, a ghost story becomes the best story when it taps into our deepest fears. It could be the fear of the unknown, the fear of death, or the fear of something lurking in the dark. Take 'The Shining' for instance. It not only has ghosts but also delves into the psychological breakdown of the main character, which is exacerbated by the haunted hotel. This combination of psychological horror and the supernatural is what can make a ghost story stand out as the best.
One great podcast is 'Lore'. It delves into the dark and mysterious stories behind various folklore and superstitions. The host, Aaron Mahnke, has a captivating storytelling style that draws you in and makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of these spooky tales. Another is 'The Black Tapes'. It presents itself as an investigation into the paranormal, with a mix of interviews and real - life accounts that are truly spine - chilling. And 'Welcome to Night Vale' offers a unique take on the strange and supernatural. Set in a fictional desert town, it weaves together all kinds of odd and otherworldly events in a really engaging way.
I'm not sure who the author of 'the best ghost story' is. There are many great ghost stories out there, and without more context, it's difficult to determine the specific author.
One possible title is 'Shadows of the Dead'. This title is great for a ghost story because 'shadows' can often be associated with something that is not quite there, something that is otherworldly, like a ghost. And 'the dead' makes it clear that the story will involve spirits or apparitions from beyond the grave. It creates an atmosphere of dread and anticipation.
The 'Ghost in the Attic' is a really good one for kids. It's about a little boy who moves into a new house and hears strange noises coming from the attic. When he finally goes up there, he discovers a friendly ghost who is just a bit lonely. It has a happy ending which makes it suitable for younger audiences.
For me, the soundtrack of 'It' in 2017 was excellent. The music added a lot of horror and mystery to the ghost story. The combination of creepy sounds and intense melodies really enhanced the overall experience.