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Novelist Natalie Kikić’s Favorite Haunted Reads

Vampires, body horror and supernatural secrets populate Kikić’s recommendations, but beneath the scares lie stories of grief, rage, repression and the search for belonging.

I've loved gothic horror since before I even really knew what it was (hello, Frankenstein). What began as a fascination with haunted houses and atmospheric settings grew into a love for a genre that explores our fears and anxieties in subtle yet complex ways. Characters in gothic horror novels aren't only dealing with ghosts, monsters or other supernatural elements; they are also often grappling with terrifying forces of isolation, repression, madness and power. I had so much fun putting my own spin on these classic elements in my gothic horror debut set in Croatia, The Haunting of Lavender House. For those looking for a spooky read this fall, here are some of the gothic horror novels I frequently recommend.

Gothic horror worth reading

'The Hacienda' by Isabel Cañas

'She Is a Haunting' by Trang Thanh Tran

'Juniper & Thorn' by Ava Reid

'The Dravenhearst........

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