Hello!
For the longest time, I thought I was not a fan of gothic literature – I had read a lot of Poe and some Shelley, tried Interview with the Vampire and a couple other "gothic" recs. I have found that the gothic lit I've consumed before has been a) too long/vague (I understand it is part of the genre) b) had a lot of ghosts, also something I do not care for.
Then yesterday, I read Grey Dog and loved it! The atmosphere, the writing style, the sapphic yearning, well written female characters – I was hooked! Binged it in two days. When I looked at the recommendations after finishing, I was given a bunch of Eric LaRocca works, most of which I have read and hated (I do not like his writing style and I find a lot of his books to be over-the-top cringy (sorry if you like him, you do you!)).
So, can anyone recommend some gothic books in the same vein? I have found that some recs I have tried reading did not hook me the way this one did. Thanks in advance!
by Outrageous-Law-112
1 Comment
Our Wives Under the Sea – Julia Armfield
More quiet dread and relationship-driven horror than traditional gothic, but very atmospheric and emotionally sharp.
The Luminous Dead – Caitlin Starling
Claustrophobic, intense, and character-focused with strong female leads and queer subtext. Less “haunted house,” more psychological descent.
Mexican Gothic – Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Classic gothic structure but faster paced, strong female POV, and more tangible horror rather than vague specters.
The Death of Jane Lawrence – Caitlin Starling
Leans into gothic marriage horror with yearning and dread, but more plot-driven than older gothic works.
Fingersmith – Sarah Waters
Not horror, but deeply gothic in mood with sapphic longing, morally complex women, and addictive pacing.