Book List: Must-Read Gothic Novels, Part 2 (1900–1999 Publications)

This post features affiliate links, which means that we’ll earn
a small commission if you make a purchase through these links.

Today I’m continuing with my love for all things weird, creepy, unsettling, and strange with Part 2 of my Must-Read Gothic Novels series. Part 1, posted on June 7th, included a broad genre overview and six of my favorite pre–1900 works, while today’s list includes six of my current favorites published between 1900–1999, as well as a TBR Pile Peek — including two works by Shirley Jackson and two works by Michael McDowell, because each author’s writing is just that incredible!

Next week, I’ll move on to Part 3, which will cover current favorites published from 2000–present. So without further ado, on to Part 2!

Must-Read Gothic Novels Published Between 1900–1999

• Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938), a shocking, disturbing, and foreboding story of isolation and dependence surrounding an unnamed narrator who marries a much-older man and attempts to run a household staunchly dedicated to its prior mistress.
  
  
• The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (1959), a truly unnerving haunted house tale that leaves the reader feeling anxious, terror-stricken, disoriented, and full of dread.
  
  
• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (1962), a searing story of sisters, community, and belonging underscored by a creeping sense of dread and pent-up fury.

• Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin (1967), a quick, horrifying read that serves as an exercise in deceit, gaslighting, treachery, and betrayal.
  
  
• Blackwater by Michael McDowell (1983), a sprawling, epic Southern gothic saga that weaves the hypnotic, tantalizing tale of the Perdido, Alabama-based Caskey family.
  
  
• Bonus: The Woman in Black by Susan Hill (1983), a tragic, sinister, spine-tingling ghost story set on the foggy English moors that leaves readers sleeping with the lights on and leery of rocking chairs!

• TBR Pile Peek: The Elementals by Michael McDowell (1981), Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor (1985), Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987)

Have you read any of the books in this list? If so, which is your favorite?

❤Amanda

Disclaimer

Many books featured on this blog were purchased by us; however, we do accept publisher-, author-, and other source-provided copies (both advanced reader copies (ARCs) and finished copies) from publishers, authors, and other sources we deem to be a good fit for our reading preferences and blog. Posts and reviews that feature such copies are disclosed. For more information, refer to the Disclaimer & Disclosures section.

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means that when you click one of those links and make a purchase, we earn a small commission paid by the retailers, at no additional cost to you. These links will take you to books and other products that we like, trust, and believe will be beneficial to our readers. Affiliate programs use cookies to track visits in order to assign sale-related commissions; funds earned keep the Site up and running and allow us to continue to share reviews and other content. Thank you for your support!