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10 Best Paranormal Books 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Graphic Novel Book 1)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,140
Subgenre
Plot Complexity

Most important from
5527 reviews

Subgenre
The graphic novel combines ancient Greek mythology with the adventures of modern youths, making it a fun and engaging experience.
Plot Complexity
An exciting read filled with action, sword fights, mythical creatures, and drama that young readers will love.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel is an adaptation of the popular young adult fantasy series. The subgenre here is clearly urban fantasy, combined with mythology, making it an exciting read for those interested in Greek gods and paranormal adventures. The setting spans modern-day locations like New York City but with hidden mythical aspects, providing a rich backdrop for the story.

The character types include demigods, mythical creatures, and gods, offering a diverse cast that keeps the narrative engaging. The plot is moderately complex, involving quests, battles, and mythical artifacts, which can be intriguing without being overwhelming. The writing style is tailored for a graphic novel format, blending dialogue and visuals effectively to create a dynamic storytelling experience.

Some readers might find the 128-page length a bit short if they're used to more extensive graphic novels. The visual format makes it accessible and enjoyable for younger readers or those new to the paranormal genre. This graphic novel is best suited for young adults and fans of the original Percy Jackson series looking for a visually engaging way to relive the adventures.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,140
Subgenre
Plot Complexity

Most important from
5527 reviews

Subgenre
The graphic novel combines ancient Greek mythology with the adventures of modern youths, making it a fun and engaging experience.
Plot Complexity
An exciting read filled with action, sword fights, mythical creatures, and drama that young readers will love.
#2

The Haunting of Hill House (Penguin Horror)

Rating
9.1
Subgenre
Setting
Character Types

Most important from
27371 reviews

Subgenre
The book's influence on the horror genre is undeniable, with elements seen in works by Stephen King and classic TV series like The Addams Family and The Munsters.
Setting
The Haunting of Hill House is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, with its eerie, Gothic mansion setting that feels like a character itself.
Character Types
The character development is rich, particularly Eleanor, whose journey from a life of servitude to a haunted house is both tragic and compelling.
Plot Complexity
The psychological depth of the story, exploring unseen horrors and the mental deterioration of characters, adds a layer of complexity that is both fascinating and terrifying.
Writing Style
Shirley Jackson's writing is described as 'buttery prose and mysterious innuendo,' making the book a rare treat for literary enthusiasts.

'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson is a classic in the paranormal genre, specifically haunted house subgenre. Set in a mysterious mansion, the atmosphere is eerie and unsettling, perfect for those who love a spine-chilling read. The setting is vividly described, making it easy for readers to visualize the haunting environment.

The characters are diverse and richly developed, each bringing their own quirks and fears, which add depth and intrigue to the story. The plot is moderately complex with twists and turns that keep you engaged and guessing. Jackson's writing style is sophisticated yet accessible, making it a compelling read for both seasoned horror fans and newcomers to the genre.

However, some readers might find the pacing a bit slow at times, and the psychological elements can be quite intense, which might not appeal to everyone. At 288 pages, it’s a manageable length for most readers. The hardcover edition is well-made with dimensions that make it easy to handle. If you enjoy atmospheric, character-driven horror with a mix of psychological suspense, 'The Haunting of Hill House' is a standout choice.

Rating
9.1
Subgenre
Setting
Character Types

Most important from
27371 reviews

Subgenre
The book's influence on the horror genre is undeniable, with elements seen in works by Stephen King and classic TV series like The Addams Family and The Munsters.
Setting
The Haunting of Hill House is a masterclass in atmospheric horror, with its eerie, Gothic mansion setting that feels like a character itself.
Character Types
The character development is rich, particularly Eleanor, whose journey from a life of servitude to a haunted house is both tragic and compelling.
Plot Complexity
The psychological depth of the story, exploring unseen horrors and the mental deterioration of characters, adds a layer of complexity that is both fascinating and terrifying.
Writing Style
Shirley Jackson's writing is described as 'buttery prose and mysterious innuendo,' making the book a rare treat for literary enthusiasts.
#3

America's Most Haunted: The Secrets of Famous Paranormal Places

Rating
8.5
Subgenre
Setting
Writing Style

Most important from
315 reviews

Subgenre
The book tells captivating stories from a wide range of America’s most haunted locations, making it feel like an engaging chapter book.
Setting
Reading this feels like taking a ghost hunt tour through words, inspiring curiosity about exploring the paranormal firsthand.
Writing Style
The storytelling blends history, personal anecdotes, and humor to create a spine-tingling yet entertaining experience.

"America's Most Haunted: The Secrets of Famous Paranormal Places" is a solid pick for readers fascinated by ghost stories and haunted locations across the United States. It falls into the subgenre of paranormal non-fiction focused on well-known haunted sites, making it great for those who enjoy exploring real-world mysteries rather than fictional tales. The setting covers various famous places, which helps keep the book engaging by offering a variety of spooky environments and histories.

The characters in the stories are mostly real-life witnesses, investigators, and historical figures, which adds authenticity and a relatable feel. The plot complexity is fairly straightforward, as the book mainly presents accounts and investigations rather than a complex narrative, which works well for readers looking for an informative yet easy-to-follow read. The writing style is accessible and clear, suited for both newcomers to paranormal topics and seasoned enthusiasts. Some readers might find that it lacks deep scientific analysis or skeptical viewpoints, as it leans more toward storytelling and intrigue.

At about 368 pages, it's a manageable length for those who want a detailed look without being overwhelmed. This book is ideal for anyone curious about haunted American landmarks and enjoys a blend of history with paranormal tales.

Rating
8.5
Subgenre
Setting
Writing Style

Most important from
315 reviews

Subgenre
The book tells captivating stories from a wide range of America’s most haunted locations, making it feel like an engaging chapter book.
Setting
Reading this feels like taking a ghost hunt tour through words, inspiring curiosity about exploring the paranormal firsthand.
Writing Style
The storytelling blends history, personal anecdotes, and humor to create a spine-tingling yet entertaining experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Paranormal Books

Choosing the right paranormal book can be an exciting journey into the unknown. Whether you're looking for spine-chilling horror, mysterious thrillers, or supernatural romance, understanding your preferences and the key elements of paranormal books can help you find the perfect read. Here are some important aspects to consider when selecting a paranormal book.
SubgenreParanormal books come in various subgenres such as horror, thriller, romance, and fantasy. This spec is important because it defines the type of supernatural elements and the overall tone of the book. Horror subgenres focus on fear and suspense, thrillers on mystery and excitement, romance on love with supernatural twists, and fantasy on magical worlds and creatures. To pick the right one for you, consider what kind of experience you want—do you want to be scared, thrilled, enchanted, or swept off your feet?
SettingThe setting of a paranormal book can range from contemporary urban environments to historical periods or entirely fictional worlds. This spec is important because it influences the atmosphere and immersion of the story. Contemporary settings might feel more relatable and immediate, historical settings can add a layer of intrigue and depth, while fictional worlds can offer limitless imagination. Think about where you want to be transported—do you prefer the familiarity of the present, the allure of the past, or the boundless possibilities of a fantasy realm?
Character TypesParanormal books often feature a variety of supernatural characters such as ghosts, vampires, witches, and werewolves. This spec is important because the type of characters can greatly affect the story's dynamics and appeal. Ghosts might bring a haunting and eerie feel, vampires can add a dark and seductive element, witches might offer magical and mystical experiences, and werewolves can introduce primal and thrilling aspects. Consider which supernatural beings fascinate you the most and how they might enhance your reading experience.
Plot ComplexityThe complexity of the plot in paranormal books can vary from straightforward to intricate. This spec is important because it determines how engaging and challenging the story will be. Simple plots might focus on a single supernatural event or relationship, making them easy to follow and enjoy. Complex plots can involve multiple twists, subplots, and deep character development, providing a more immersive and thought-provoking experience. Reflect on your preference for storytelling—do you enjoy quick, easy reads or do you prefer to dive into elaborate and multifaceted narratives?
Writing StyleThe writing style of a paranormal book can range from descriptive and atmospheric to fast-paced and action-oriented. This spec is important because it affects how the story is conveyed and how you connect with it. Descriptive styles can create vivid imagery and a strong sense of place, while fast-paced styles can keep you on the edge of your seat with constant excitement. Consider what kind of reading experience you enjoy—do you like to savor detailed descriptions and mood-setting, or do you prefer a quick, thrilling ride?

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