Chilling Tales: Haunted House Books from 2017
Embark on a spine-tingling literary journey as we delve into the best haunted house books published in 2017. These chilling tales masterfully blend suspense, horror, and atmospheric prose to create unforgettable reading experiences. So, grab your favorite blanket, turn off the lights, and let's explore these terrifying tales.
Top Haunted House Novels of 2017
- The Changeling Sea by K. M. Alexander
- The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende
- Haus der Lügen by John Katzenbach
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson (re-release)
K. M. Alexander's The Changeling Sea
K. M. Alexander's The Changeling Sea is a gripping tale that combines elements of horror, fantasy, and mystery. The story unfolds in an isolated lighthouse, where a young woman named Elara discovers an ancient, otherworldly force that threatens to consume her and the people she loves. Alexander's evocative prose and masterful pacing create an immersive and terrifying atmosphere that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits
First published in 1982, Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits was re-released in a beautiful new edition in 2017. This magical realism masterpiece tells the story of the Trueba family, whose lives are forever changed by the arrival of a mysterious woman named Clara. As the family's history unfolds, readers are treated to a richly textured narrative that blends folklore, history, and the supernatural. Allende's lyrical prose and compelling storytelling create a haunting and unforgettable reading experience.

John Katzenbach's Haus der Lügen
John Katzenbach's Haus der Lügen (House of Lies) is a gripping psychological thriller that revolves around a crumbling mansion in Germany, where a group of strangers are invited to participate in a mysterious game. As the game progresses, the participants begin to uncover dark secrets about the house and its former inhabitants, leading to a chilling and unexpected climax. Katzenbach's taut prose and expert pacing make this novel a must-read for fans of suspenseful and atmospheric horror.
Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
While not a traditional haunted house story, Taylor Jenkins Reid's The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo features a chilling and atmospheric setting in the form of a glamorous Hollywood mansion. The novel follows the life of Evelyn Hugo, a fictional film star who recounts her scandalous life and career to a young journalist. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a richly textured narrative that explores themes of power, ambition, and the dark side of Hollywood glamour. Reid's evocative prose and compelling storytelling create a haunting and unforgettable reading experience.
A Classic Revisited: Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House
First published in 1959, Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House is widely regarded as one of the greatest haunted house stories of all time. In 2017, the novel was re-released with a stunning new cover and an introduction by the acclaimed author Neil Gaiman. The story follows four individuals who spend a summer in the eerie Hill House, where they encounter a series of terrifying and inexplicable events. Jackson's masterful prose and chilling atmosphere make this novel a must-read for fans of classic horror.

Honorable Mentions
| Title | Author | Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Cabin at the End of the World | Paul Tremblay | 2018 |
| The Twisted Ones | T. Kingfisher | 2019 |
| Mexican Gothic | Silvia Moreno-Garcia | 2020 |
While these novels were published after 2017, they are still worth mentioning for their exceptional storytelling and chilling atmosphere. Paul Tremblay's The Cabin at the End of the World is a tense and suspenseful tale of survival, while T. Kingfisher's The Twisted Ones offers a unique and atmospheric take on the classic haunted house story. Finally, Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic is a richly textured and chilling novel that draws inspiration from the works of Shirley Jackson and Gothic literature.
In conclusion, the haunted house books published in and around 2017 offer a diverse and chilling range of reading experiences. From atmospheric and suspenseful tales to dark and twisted narratives, these novels are sure to satisfy even the most discerning horror fans. So, grab your favorite flashlight and prepare to be terrified by these masterful works of literary horror.