We are currently living in a wonderful Golden Era of paranormal fantasy; more particularly, the last 10 years have been nothing short of paradigm-shifting for the genre. Inflexible classifications like romance, fantasy, horror, etc., are a thing of the past. Novels that freely incorporate aspects of fantasy, romance, mystery, horror, and science fiction are now the most popular type of literature.
Nothing beats settling in for the evening with a good book, a blanket, and some hot chocolate. The best book to read if you enjoy all things eerie and supernatural is a ghost book (and you probably do if you’re here). Or a variety of ghost literature would be preferable. The best paranormal books are the ones that make you feel uneasy and make you want to look behind you to make sure nothing is there.
Best Paranormal Books 2023
The unknown, supernatural, and unexplainable are all explored in paranormal books. These books delve into the paranormal world, bringing ghosts, witches, vampires, and other supernatural creatures to life. These books can transport you into a world of mystery and intrigue, whether you are a skeptic or a believer.
Paranormal books are not only entertaining, but they also allow readers to broaden their knowledge and explore new ideas. These books frequently include historical references, cultural traditions, and scientific concepts that help readers understand the paranormal world.
There are numerous sub-genres within the paranormal genre, including horror, romance, fantasy, and mystery. There is a paranormal book for every reader, whether they prefer a spine-chilling horror story or a romantic tale of a vampire and human love affair.
The ability of paranormal books to transport readers to different worlds and times, often blending elements of the real world with the supernatural, is one of their distinguishing features. As a result, the reader is treated to a rich and imaginative reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Overall, the best paranormal books are a great choice for anyone interested in the unknown and supernatural. These books, with their diverse range of sub-genres and captivating storytelling, provide an escape into a world of mystery, magic, and the unexplainable.
Read on to learn more about the best paranormal books to read :
Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley
This was a transcendent read for me since it was the first paranormal romance that worked just as well as a paranormal fantasy. It is the first book in Ashley’s Shifters Unbound saga. I still consider this to be one of the craziest erotic books I’ve ever read.
Kim Fraser is unprepared for her attraction to shifter Liam Morrissey when she enters his den to get information for a client who has been charged with murder. She enters Shiftertown, but she unearths much too many secrets that the shifters would prefer to remain hidden. Liam, who is not mated, is compelled to defend Kim from the anger of his clan chief and his own father.
When Liam makes the mate claim for Kim’s protection, he is unprepared for a strong attraction to the brave and kind-hearted human woman.
Penguin Classics The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
The Haunting of Hill House is the best haunted house story ever written, according to many, so if you’ve watched the Netflix series by the same name but haven’t read the original work, now is the moment. Four seekers arrive at the decaying Hill House, where eerie occurrences abound, to participate in parapsychological research in this landmark classic by the queen of creep. The connections Jackson draws between mysterious places and haunted minds, which build to an unforgettable conclusion, reveal her brilliance. Whether you’re a first-time reader or a dyed-in-the-wool Jackson devotee, The Haunting of Hill House remains a master lesson in horror literature.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
February 1862. It’s been less than a year since the Civil War began. The nation has started to realize it would be engaged in a protracted, violent conflict as the battle has picked up the pace. Willie, President Lincoln’s adored eleven-year-old son, is currently lying in critical condition upstairs in the White House. Despite hopes for a recovery, Willie passes away within days and is buried in a Georgetown cemetery. The president replies, “Oh, poor boy, he was too good for this earth.” at the time. He has been summoned home by God. Reports claim that a distraught Lincoln visited the crypt alone multiple times to hold his son’s body.
George Saunders creates an amazing tale of familial love and grief from that kernel of historical reality, breaking free of the realistic, historical context to enter a fantastical world that is both amusing and horrifying. Willie Lincoln discovers himself in a peculiar purgatory where spirits congregate, complain, lament, argue, and perform weird penance. At this period of change, which the Tibetans refer to as the bardo, a fierce battle for young Willie’s soul breaks out.
One of the most significant and influential authors of his generation took a bold stride forward with Lincoln in the Bardo, a remarkable feat of imagination. Technically audacious, kind-hearted, and genuinely invested in matters of the heart, it is proof that fiction has the capability to speak truthfully and effectively about the issues that are important to us. How can we live and love when we are aware that everything we cherish must come to an end? Is a timeless and profound topic that Saunders has posed in a captivating new manner.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
John Leonard, a literary critic, said of Beloved when it was published in 1987: “I can’t fathom American writing without it.” Morrison’s masterpiece is still crucial to the American canon today, even after all these years. The novel, which is set in post-Civil War Ohio, concentrates on Sethe, a lady who fled slavery 18 years earlier but hasn’t yet found freedom from its horrors.
The unsettling ghost of Sethe’s long-dead baby daughter, Beloved, whom she slaughtered to free herself from a life of servitude, haunts her. Beloved has returned from “the land over there” years later to seek retribution for the life that was robbed from her. Sethe is tormented by her decision and struggles with her feelings of love and loss. Beloved is a masterpiece about remembered trauma, both personal and societal, and it is written in thick, beautiful prose that borders on the sublime.
The Shining by Stephen King
King’s iconic ghost story, which was first published back in 1977, famously established his credentials in the horror genre. The story begins with Jack Torrance, an aspiring author and sober man who has moved his family to the remote Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies in order to start anew. Jack intends to restart his life as the new off-season caretaker, but the ghostly hotel has other plans.
Five-year-old Danny, Jack’s son, is endowed (or cursed) with a “shining” psychic talent that enables him to see the evil ghosts of the hotel who wish to possess him. They turn to Jack when Danny proves to be too tough of a target, setting up a terrifying battle between a family trapped within and the spooks who want them dead. King investigates Jack’s inner demons through the haunted home trope and provides a memorable paranormal thrill journey.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Noem Taboada travels to High Place, a remote house in the Mexican countryside, after receiving a desperate letter from her recently married cousin pleading for help to save her from an unknown fate. She is unsure what she will discover because Noem knows little about the area, and her cousin’s husband, a charming Englishman, is a stranger.
Another unexpected hero is Noem: She’s a glitzy debutante, and her elegant dresses and flawless red lipstick are better suited for cocktail parties than casual detective work. She is fearless, yet she is also strong, intelligent, and willpower: Not even of the home itself, which starts to haunt Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom. Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both scary and intriguing; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be charmed by Noem; and not even of her cousin’s new husband.
The family’s youngest kid is her lone ally in this hostile home. He is quiet and kind, and he appears to want to help Noem, but he could possibly be concealing sinister information about his family’s past. Because the High Place’s walls conceal a wealth of information. The family was shielded from prying eyes by their abundant wealth and defunct mining company, but when Noem looks further, she discovers tales of brutality and madness.
And because Noem is so enthralled by the horrifying yet alluring environment of High Place, it might eventually be difficult for her to ever leave this mysterious home.
The Third Hotel by Laura Van Den Berg
Clare discovers her husband Richard there when she comes to Havana to attend a horror film festival; he is wearing a white linen suit she has never seen before. Another issue is that Richard was killed in a hit-and-run accident months ago. Clare follows Richard through the busy streets of Havana, troubled and amazed, falling into a dissociative condition that sends her plunging back into the past. Clare muses, “Maybe a person became even more themselves when away, freed from their customary present tense. Van den Berg spins a lyric tale about travel, marriage, and grief in this hazy book about liminal zones and second selves.
The Removed by Brandon Hobson
The Echota family gets together for a bonfire each year to commemorate the Cherokee National Holiday and their son Ray-Ray, a teen who was slain in a police shooting. The annual bonfire marks the family members’ inner sadness evolving into something essential and fresh on the fifteenth anniversary of Ray-passing. Ray’s Hobson weaves the loss of the Echotas with the horrors of their ancestry as reality, and the spirit realm gets increasingly muddled, giving some of the story to an ancestor by the name of Tsala.
Tsala tells the story of how he was killed for refusing to leave his nation while hundreds of other Indigenous people were forced to walk the Trail of Tears. Hobson’s mystical tale of injustices, both past and present, which is steeped in magical realism and Cherokee history, is a moving act of reclaiming.
Final Words
In conclusion, the best paranormal books provide readers with a one-of-a-kind and thrilling reading experience that can transport them to a world of magic, mystery, and intrigue. The books mentioned in this blog have received glowing reviews for their intricate plots, vivid characters, and spine-chilling suspense. Whether you’re a seasoned paranormal fan or a newcomer, there’s a book on this list that will capture your imagination and keep you turning pages until the very end. So, if you’re looking for a book that will take you on an unforgettable journey into the unknown, we strongly advise you to choose one of the books reviewed in this blog and dive right in!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are paranormal books?
Paranormal books are a genre of fiction that often involves supernatural elements such as ghosts, magic, vampires, werewolves, witches, and other supernatural creatures. These books may take place in a world that is similar to our own or a completely fantastical universe.
Are paranormal books suitable for all ages?
While some paranormal books may be appropriate for younger readers, many contain mature themes and content, making them more suitable for mature readers. It is always important to check the age rating or content warnings before reading a paranormal book.
What are some popular subgenres within paranormal books?
Some popular subgenres within paranormal books include urban fantasy, paranormal romance, horror, and supernatural mystery. Each of these subgenres offers a unique take on the paranormal genre and may appeal to different types of readers.
Are paranormal books only for fans of the paranormal genre?
Not necessarily. While paranormal books may have supernatural elements, they often contain elements of other genres, such as mystery, romance, or adventure. These books can appeal to a wide range of readers, regardless of their interest in the paranormal.
Can paranormal books be based on true events?
While many paranormal books are purely fictional, some may be based on real-life accounts of paranormal experiences. These books often fall under the category of paranormal non-fiction and can offer a unique insight into the unexplained phenomena that have captivated people for centuries.