Recommended reads & more

His first collection of short stories, 'Night Shift' was released soon after 'The Shining' and just as he was becoming a household name. These 20 stories show King's range and skill as a writer. Many of these stories have been adapted for film and television. 

Widely considered the ultimate modern ghost story, Jackson’s masterpiece focuses on psychological terror rather than simple jump scares. It explores the fragile psyche of Eleanor Vance as she explores a notorious mansion. The novel has seen multiple acclaimed adaptations, including the 1963 film The Haunting and a hit Netflix series.

This collection introduces readers to "Cosmic Horror" and the vast, indifferent deities of the Cthulhu Mythos. Lovecraft’s prose is dense with atmosphere, exploring themes of forbidden knowledge and ancient evils. His influence on modern horror, sci-fi and gaming culture remains unparalleled nearly a century later.

While many know the title story from Alfred Hitchcock’s cinematic masterpiece, Du Maurier’s original tale is a bleaker, more claustrophobic experience. This collection highlights her ability to find menace in the natural world and the mundane. It’s a masterclass in suspense from one of the 20th century’s most versatile writers.

Written in the tradition of the classic Victorian ghost story, Hill’s novel is a chilling account of a lawyer haunted by a vengeful spectre in the marshlands of England. It has become a modern staple of the genre, spawning a record-breaking West End play and a terrifying TV play adapted by Nigel Kneale that chilled a generation.

One of the most debated ghost stories in literature, this novella follows a governess who becomes convinced that the children in her care are being haunted. James expertly leaves the reader wondering if the spirits are real or products of a fractured mind.

A masterpiece of metafictional horror from the co-creator of Ghost Stories and The League of Gentlemen. The stories herein are presented as true with Dyson himself as the sceptical investigator. This is an unconventional and eerie novel from a true master of the craft. Read it if you dare.

A collection of truly macabre tales that will leave readers feeling the aftermath of a short sharp shock! EJH's stories often have a darkly humorous tone but deliver wholeheartedly on unsettling chills. These are stories that won't leave you in peace when the lights go out.

A seminal collection of Ramsey Campbell's short stories from 1961-1991. From Lovecraftian horrors to urban decay, no stone is left unturned & lurking beneath each is something darker than before. It features my favourite short story The Companion - the conclusion of which is so extraordinary & unsettling I have never been able to forget it.

Six 'strange stories' (Aickman's preferred term) which take their time to build. The sense of dread pervading each one often comes from the realistic detail but just when you feel you have an understanding of Aickman's world, the rug is removed & you are left with an ambiguous ending that will replay in your mind incessantly. Sleepless nights & nervous days await.

An accomplished television scriptwriter, 'The Apparition Phase' is Maclean's incredible literary debut. A hauntological novel that sets a new bar for ghost story writing, it is a slow-burn exploration of grief and adolescence wrapped in 1970s nostalgia.

Rarely considered 'horror', this Gothic masterwork embodies terrors both real & supernatural. A relationship of such intensity death cannot supress, a changeling whose evil machinations will destroy all those around him, and a blighted house on a windswept moor that decays the hearts of its inhabitants. If you think you know this, I urge you to read it again.

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Robert Lloyd Parry is THE storyteller of classic ghost stories.

As well as seeing him perform in person, you can watch  many readings online for free.

FInd out more at www.nunkie.co.uk

If you prefer a deep dive into horror film classics through the written word, look no further than this beautifully produced magazine. We Belong Dead celebrates the golden age of horror and cult cinema with incredible passion and high-quality photography. You can buy the latest issues directly from their website or via Amazon. For those who want something more permanent for their shelves, they also release thick, high-quality "Fearbooks" and hardback special editions that compile the best of their long-running history into stunning collector's items.

For those who want to hear experts and authors dissect the mechanics of a good scare, this podcast is an essential listen. Hosted by writer and performer Adam Z. Robinson, each episode of The Ghost Story Book Club explores the literary side of the genre with thoughtful, eerie discussions. You can stream every episode for free on most major podcast platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts or even on the website. It’s the perfect companion for a long, dark walk or a late night by the fire when you want a more intellectual chill.

More focused on 'true' ghost stories rather than the fictional works recommended so far, the Uncanny phenomenon began life as a BBC radio and television series created by Danny Robins featuring explorations of the paranormal and supernatural phenomena and was first broadcast in 2021. Still going today, it is also available as a podcast on BBC Sounds, but has also morphed into a television series and a touring show.

If you'd rather discover the classic ghost stories visually, you can do no better than this iconic TV show that started in 1971.

You can usually watch the latest episode on BBC iPlayer through the year.

There is also a 6 disc BFI collection on DVD, which your local library may have to hire or is widely available to buy new or second-hand.

Nothing beats the visceral tension of a well-produced ghost story in a theatre. From the legendary, long-running chills of The Woman in Black to the jump-scares of Dyson and Nyman’s Ghost Stories, the stage offers a unique kind of terror. You should also look out for their latest immersive venture, Seance, which pushes the boundaries of live horror even further.

A social media account that celebrates the top live ghost storytellers in the country.

Amongst the chosen ones are the master of classic ghost storytelling, Robert Lloyd Parry, Adam Z. Robinson (who is also responsible for the Ghost Story Book Club), theatre company Monkey With Cymbals and, we're thrilled to say, Weeping Bank!

Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X or BlueSky to keep up to speed with all your favourite ghost storytellers working hard to keep the ghost story alive around the country.