For someone who’s into books and did an undergraduate degree where there was an entire module on gothic literature (I was a terrible student) I’ve read a frighteningly low (hah) number of classics when it comes to horror. Here’s a list of spooky stories I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t picked up.
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley

I’m actually embarrassed to admit I’ve never read Frankenstein. Goth queen Mary Shelley, feminist icon, creator of science-fiction.
I think I actually OWN a copy of this book somewhere and I’ve never read it. I am mortified.
The Turn of the Screw – Henry James

Aside from having the coolest name for a novel that I can think of, this contains one of my major creepy-no-nos: freaky little children. I can’t wait to read this and spend the whole thing whispering “absolutely not, you creepy little bastards”.
The Haunting of Hill House – Shirley Jackson

Pretty much THE seminal “haunted house” story, and nothing simultaneously thrills me and makes me rack up a huge electricity bill from turning lights on like a haunted house story.
The Fall Of The House of Usher – Edgar Allan Poe

Okay, I actually read a bit of this in uni – enough for me to know it’s really cool and spooky – but I’ve never gone back to it even though I know I enjoyed the bit I read. Bumping up my TBR in an attempt to rectify this.
Literally anything by HP Lovecraft

HP Lovecraft is a horrible racist, but before I discovered he was a horrible racist I bought an enormous shiny hardback collection of his work (pictured) purely because I liked the front cover. (It is a really nice cover, in fairness.) I have never opened it.
And yes, I KNOW what his cat’s called. I DIDN’T WHEN I BOUGHT THE BOOK.
The Monkey’s Paw – W.W. Jacobs

I keep seeing memes about the monkey’s paw curling a single finger and every time it reminds me that I haven’t read this book yet. Honestly I think I might just to fully appreciate them.
Have you read these? Are they good? Which should I read first? Are you as mortified for me as I am for myself? Chuck me a comment and let me know/berate me.