12 best various ghost stories

It follows a governess who is tasked with caring for two orphaned children in a remote English estate. She begins to see apparitions, and the story explores whether the ghosts are real or manifestations of her own psychological instability.

"The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins: This 1859 novel is often considered one of the earliest examples of the mystery and suspense genre. It features an eerie and enigmatic female ghostly figure dressed in white who appears at various points in the story, setting off a chain of mysteries and events.

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving: This American short story, first published in 1820, tells the tale of the infamous ghostly figure known as the Headless Horseman. Set in the Dutch settlement of Tarry Town, it's a blend of horror and folklore with a focus on the supernatural.

"The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson: This 1959 novel is a cornerstone of modern horror fiction. It follows a group of people who gather in a haunted mansion to investigate paranormal phenomena. The story explores themes of psychological terror and the ambiguity of supernatural events.

"Carmilla" by J. Sheridan Le Fanu: Published in 1872, this novella is an early example of vampire literature. It tells the story of a female vampire named Carmilla who preys on a young girl, Laura. It combines elements of gothic horror with themes of seduction and the supernatural.

"The Shining" by Stephen King: This 1977 novel is a modern classic in the horror genre. It tells the story of a family that becomes the winter caretakers of the haunted Overlook Hotel. The supernatural events and psychological descent into madness make it a gripping ghost story.

"Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: Published in 2020, this novel blends historical fiction with horror.It tells the story of a young woman who travels to a remote Mexican mansion to rescue her cousin from a mysterious and sinister family. The novel draws from Gothic and ghost story traditions.

"The Canterville Ghost" by Oscar Wilde: Written in 1887, this novella is a satirical take on the ghost story genre. It tells the story of an American family that moves into an English haunted house and refuses to be frightened by the ghost, Sir Simon.

These ghost stories span various time periods and styles, showcasing the enduring fascination with the supernatural and the macabre in literature.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best various ghost stories on the market