Gothic Lite (68 books)

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Gothic novels that avoid being depressing by having a lighter side, maybe a bit of romance to lighten it up.

Themes include a moody atmosphere, haunted manors, castles, hidden gardens and passageways, wild moors and seas, secrets, romance, mystery, ghosts, and a nostalgia for the past.

Decay, ruin, bleakness and tragedy are not the entire focus of the story, and if they're included, it doesn't end there. It should have a hopeful ending.

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1	A Story Of Bad: A Murder Mystery... A Romance... Intertwined by Edward M. Krauss (Goodreads Author) 4.56 avg rating — 32 ratings score: 800, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 4.16 avg rating — 2,417,903 ratings score: 789, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 4.17 avg rating — 1,340,286 ratings score: 584, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Mariana by Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 26,776 ratings score: 390, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	The Winter Sea (Slains, #1) by Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 71,132 ratings score: 381, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	An Inquiry into Love and Death by Simone St. James (Goodreads Author) 3.86 avg rating — 12,025 ratings score: 294, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	The Haunting of Maddy Clare by Simone St. James (Goodreads Author) 3.83 avg rating — 38,255 ratings score: 290, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 34,141 ratings score: 279, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	This House Is Haunted by John Boyne (Goodreads Author) 3.62 avg rating — 17,140 ratings score: 196, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	The House Between Tides by Sarah Maine (Goodreads Author) 3.79 avg rating — 10,010 ratings score: 194, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Wildfire at Midnight by Mary Stewart 4.01 avg rating — 6,668 ratings score: 191, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	The Hound of the Baskervilles (Sherlock Holmes, #5) by Arthur Conan Doyle 4.14 avg rating — 404,299 ratings score: 190, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	Garden Spells (Waverley Family, #1) by Sarah Addison Allen (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 110,723 ratings score: 189, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Silent in the Sanctuary (Lady Julia Grey, #2) by Deanna Raybourn (Goodreads Author) 4.05 avg rating — 18,975 ratings score: 187, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters 3.57 avg rating — 61,294 ratings score: 187, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen 3.85 avg rating — 472,583 ratings score: 185, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	The Broken Girls by Simone St. James (Goodreads Author) 4.05 avg rating — 136,006 ratings score: 179, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 22,851 ratings score: 177, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	The Anatomist's Wife (Lady Darby Mystery, #1) by Anna Lee Huber (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 20,374 ratings score: 169, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Thornyhold by Mary Stewart 3.87 avg rating — 8,259 ratings score: 164, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	Maulever Hall: A Gripping Gothic Romance by Jane Aiken Hodge 3.87 avg rating — 426 ratings score: 162, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Dark Surrender (Passion & Promises #2) by Erica Ridley (Goodreads Author) 3.69 avg rating — 425 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Tyburn (The Southwark Saga, #1) by Jessica Cale (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 239 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	The Architect of Song (Haunted Hearts Legacy, #1) by A.G. Howard (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 1,735 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Bridles Lane (West Country Trilogy #1) by Johanna Craven (Goodreads Author) 3.79 avg rating — 161 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Hiraeth by Sabina Lungeanu (Goodreads Author) 4.36 avg rating — 14 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	The Painted Bridge by Wendy Wallace (Goodreads Author) 3.49 avg rating — 2,167 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Mist of Midnight: A Novel of Victorian Romantic Suspense by Sandra Byrd (Goodreads Author) 3.98 avg rating — 2,541 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Let Nothing Astonish You by Lauren Opper (Goodreads Author) 3.56 avg rating — 59 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	Guidance to Death (Frank Adams Detective series Book 1) by Daniel V. Meier Jr. (Goodreads Author) 4.67 avg rating — 261 ratings score: 100, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Too Sinful To Deny (Scoundrels & Secrets, #2) by Erica Ridley (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 892 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Named of the Dragon by Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author) 3.83 avg rating — 9,763 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Forgotten Places by Johanna Craven (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 524 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	Bride of a Distant Isle (Daughters of Hampshire, #2) by Sandra Byrd (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 1,084 ratings score: 99, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Too Wicked To Kiss (Scoundrels & Secrets, #1) by Erica Ridley (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 2,473 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Be Buried in the Rain by Barbara Michaels 3.96 avg rating — 2,727 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	A Lady in Disguise (Daughters of Hampshire, #3) by Sandra Byrd (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 858 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	Lady of a Thousand Treasures (The Victorian Ladies, #1) by Sandra Byrd (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 785 ratings score: 97, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	Secrets in the Mist (Gothic Myths, #1) by Anna Lee Huber (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 1,204 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	Wakenhyrst by Michelle Paver 3.86 avg rating — 19,221 ratings score: 96, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Footsteps in the Dark (Country House Mysteries Book 1) by Georgette Heyer 3.73 avg rating — 7,088 ratings score: 95, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker (Strangely Beautiful, #1) by Leanna Renee Hieber (Goodreads Author) 3.43 avg rating — 2,431 ratings score: 90, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer 3.93 avg rating — 11,498 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Uneasy Paradise by Norah Lofts 3.70 avg rating — 33 ratings score: 88, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	Red Sky at Night Lovers' Delight by Jane Aiken Hodge 3.72 avg rating — 156 ratings score: 87, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	Shadow of a Lady by Jane Aiken Hodge 3.55 avg rating — 175 ratings score: 86, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	Rebel Heiress by Jane Aiken Hodge 3.66 avg rating — 219 ratings score: 85, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Marry in Haste by Jane Aiken Hodge 3.87 avg rating — 823 ratings score: 84, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	Watch the Wall, My Darling by Jane Aiken Hodge 3.83 avg rating — 1,339 ratings score: 83, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer 4.05 avg rating — 10,284 ratings score: 82, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Castle Barebane by Joan Aiken 3.64 avg rating — 267 ratings score: 82, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore (Goodreads Author) 3.61 avg rating — 4,707 ratings score: 81, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	The Silence of Herondale by Joan Aiken 3.58 avg rating — 189 ratings score: 81, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	The Other Side of Midnight by Simone St. James (Goodreads Author) 3.81 avg rating — 11,028 ratings score: 80, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Miss Martha Mary Crawford by Catherine Cookson 4.27 avg rating — 656 ratings score: 80, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	Waiting for Willa by Dorothy Eden 3.72 avg rating — 621 ratings score: 79, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	The Witching Time by Jean Stubbs 3.55 avg rating — 69 ratings score: 78, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	Mortal Arts (Lady Darby Mystery, #2) by Anna Lee Huber (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 13,589 ratings score: 77, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	Dear Laura (Inspector Lintott Mysteries #1) by Jean Stubbs 3.85 avg rating — 458 ratings score: 77, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	A Grave Matter (Lady Darby Mystery, #3) by Anna Lee Huber (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 11,840 ratings score: 76, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Jalna (Whiteoaks of Jalna, Book 7) by Mazo de la Roche 3.80 avg rating — 1,018 ratings score: 76, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Bellewether by Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 14,984 ratings score: 75, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Beneath the Shadows by Sara Foster (Goodreads Author) 3.59 avg rating — 4,870 ratings score: 75, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Jessamy Court by Anne Maybury 3.08 avg rating — 49 ratings score: 74, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	The Secret of the Elms by Daniel P. Mannix 3.92 avg rating — 13 ratings score: 73, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	The Nonsuch Lure by Mary M. Luke 4.14 avg rating — 231 ratings score: 72, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Lady Darlington by Fred Mustard Stewart 3.52 avg rating — 40 ratings score: 71, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	Close-Up on Death. by Maureen O'Brien 3.27 avg rating — 52 ratings score: 70, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars