Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Whether you’re cosying up on a stormy night or looking for a thrill with your morning tea, classic ghost stories offer chills without the gore, proving that sometimes the scariest things are the ones left unseen. So, grab your favourite blanket, lock the doors (just in case), and dive into these timeless ghostly tales.
1. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Imagine being hired to babysit, only to find out the children are friends with… something supernatural. This psychological thriller is as much about what’s not said as what is. Is the governess losing her mind, or are there really ghosts? Either way, it’ll leave you questioning your own shadow by the end.
2. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Let’s set the scene: a creaky old house, strange noises in the night, and characters who are just as unstable as the structure itself. Shirley Jackson’s masterpiece is a reminder that the scariest thing about ghosts might just be how they mess with your mind—and your home insurance.
3. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill
This one’s practically a rite of passage for ghost story lovers. Arthur Kipps is sent to a remote village to settle an estate, only to be haunted by—you guessed it—a woman in black. Creepy children, misty marshes, and an ending that’ll make you double-check your windows. Pure, spine-tingling joy.
4. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M.R. James
Consider this your ghost story buffet. M.R. James serves up a collection of eerie tales featuring cursed artefacts, haunted manuscripts, and mysterious apparitions. These stories might be over a century old, but their ability to make your skin crawl is timeless.
5. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
A ghost story that’s more about presence than apparitions, Rebecca is the haunting tale of a second wife living in the shadow of her predecessor. The late Mrs de Winter doesn’t need to show up to make her presence felt—she’s in the air, the house, and every snooty side-eye from the housekeeper.
Whether you’re a seasoned ghost story aficionado or just looking to dip your toes into the supernatural, these classics promise thrills, chills, and the occasional sleepless night. After all, who needs peaceful dreams when you’ve got brilliant tales to haunt your waking hours?
