Since its publication in 1818 the chilling story of “Frankenstein” has gripped generations of readers. And the writer behind this epic story? A woman named Mary Shelly. Her novel shaped modern horror and inspired many great works. But she is not the only one. There are a lot of women out there who have written some truly frightening books.
Daphne Du Maurier
This novelist had three of her books adapted for cinema: “Jamaica Inn,” “Rebecca,” and “The Birds.” Hitchcock was a big fan of her work. And it wasn’t just Hitchcock who loved her films. In 1973 Her short story “Don’t Look Now” was also adapted into a horrifying movie starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland. But like all movie adaptions, a lot gets left out, so it's best to go straight to the books.
Charlotte Riddell
When it comes to Victorian-era ghost stories, Charlotte Riddel is the reigns supreme. The Irish novelist wrote stories about haunted houses and supernatural occurrences. Her classic novels include titles such as “The Open Door” and “Nut Bush Farm” along with four supernatural novellas. These days, Riddell’s work is considered as some of the most important literature of our culture.
Shirley Jackson
Moving onto the 20th-century, Shirly Jackson is considered to be one of the most influential writers of her time. Her books depicted dread and unease, often in reference to the hardships she endured herself. Though she was a successful writer, her husband controlled her and their finances and was often unfaithful. Her feelings certainly come through in novels like “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” and “Hill House.”
Joyce Carol Oates
Dubbed the “America’s foremost woman of letters,” Joyce Carol Oates has a Pulitzer Prize nomination and over 100 books to her name. But which one to read first? We'd recommend you try her famous short story Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”, which was inspired by the real-life serial killer Charles Schmid.