Horror Aficionados discussion

I know this has something to do with me being a fan of YA but I feel like gothic horror needs to get back in-vogue. It hasn't disappeared but there doesn't seem to be a lot of emphasis on spooky atmosphere or stuff that gives me the creeps imagining. Maybe what I'm missing is that sense of something foreboding in the background, like a good old-fashioned mystery with suspence.

Anyone else longing for a dark and stormy night? Ominous fog, mayhaps?

Courtney; I agree, I'm a huge sucker for atmospheric gothic themes, and can't seem to find enough books like that. To be honest, I really haven't read any YA since I was young, however, I recently read an excellent YA book (I didn't even realize it was YA until I was almost finished reading). Long Lankin by Lindsay Barraclough was quite gothic; featuring an old Norman family that has been cursed since the reign of Elizabeth I by a monster that preys on children. The theme and time frame are very similar to Stephen King's novel, It, but I liked Long Lankin much better because of the gothic atmosphere.

have you guys tried reading Carlos Ruiz Zafón's CEMETERY OF FORGOTTEN BOOKS trilogy? has elements of gothic lit in the books. :-)

Myta wrote: "have you guys tried reading Carlos Ruiz Zafón's CEMETERY OF FORGOTTEN BOOKS trilogy? has elements of gothic lit in the books. :-)"

Thanks for the suggestion Myta, I read the reviews for this trilogy; sounds promising.

Interesting recs. Thanks!

I know Coraline sometimes gets categorized as gothic.

I like stories with a Victorian setting best - like The Woman in Black. I'm one of those people who isn't really big on Dr Who, but loves the Victorian episodes!

I got into a vampire e-book series too on a mate's recommendation. It's about a Victorian Doctor. It starts small, but the second and third installments are much grander. They're all quite chilling really. Looking forward to seeing where it goes next. First story is called Dr. Blessing's Curse, or, The Baby In the Bell Jar.

I saw the film version of The Woman in Black and really enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendations!

When I hear Gothic Horror I think of two things, Annce Rice's Vampire Chronicles and Gargoyles. Maybe even gothic style and Victorian Era esque type buildings.

Looking for some gothic horror books to read.

Justin wrote: "Looking for some gothic horror books to read."

Harkworth Hall had a very interesting mix of Lovecraft with a Gothic atmosphere.

And of course there's Shirley Jackson. If you'd like a review of Harkworth Hall there's one here http://www.scifiandscary.com/?s=Harkw...

Justin wrote: "Looking for some gothic horror books to read."

My suggestions:

I definitely have been wanting to read The Monk. I'll look into these thanks!

Kelly B wrote: "Justin wrote: "Looking for some gothic horror books to read."

My suggestions:

[bookcover:We Have Always Lived in the Castle|8..."

Cool Kelly! I am going to have to check these books out! :)

Try . Also try and aything by Jonathan Aycliffe. All are great gothic horror.

I need to read a gothic horror novel as I think the novel im currently writing could be considered gothic horror and urban gothic.

Justin wrote: "I need to read a gothic horror novel as I think the novel im currently writing could be considered gothic horror and urban gothic."

The Flowers in the Attic series is generally considered Gothic and Joanne Harris has an oft overlooked book that falls into the Gothic category Sleep, Pale Sister . Another that I love, if you can find it, is The Sign of the Ram

Some really good suggestions here. Even though I'm late to this party, I thought I'd add a few titles all the same:
Haunted Castles by Ray Russell -- a collection of Gothic horror stories, including the novella "Sardonicus"
Songs of a Dead Dreamer and Grimscribe by Thomas Ligotti -- I haven't read all of the former but the latter has strong Gothic overtones even though set in then contemporary America, or someplace sort of like then contemporary America but weirder
The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters -- British haunted house novel

I read a gothic horror story this year and it was more of a modern one, but it reminded me a lot of the gothic stories I use to read growing up. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a step into the "gothic past".

by Catherine Cavendish