15 Best Ghost Books About Things That Go Bump in the Night

Whether told around a campfire, whispered at sleepovers, or devoured with a flashlight under the covers, ghost books and spooky stories have a unique way of getting under our skin. There's just something about being intentionally scared that's equal parts thrilling and satisfying. When I was a kid, my parents introduced me to the excitement of the genre with an audiobook of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a collection of spooky tales that's since gained a cult following. I don't think I've slept well since. Many of us probably remember our first childhood ghost story, but we don't have to leave them behind as we grow up. Ghost books for adults are often even creepier, especially if you're able to suspend disbelief for the time it takes to get to the last page. Different cultures have their own takes on the supernatural too, and dipping into new-to-you legends can reclaim that feeling of discovery all over again. From age-old classics to newer releases, we've got a tale from beyond the grave that will keep you up at night. And if you're lying awake trying not to let your feet peek out from under the covers, cleanse your mental palate with one of our feel-good books next.