WIHM 2023: Scream Queens of the Page: Celebrating Women Who Pioneered the Horror Genre

For centuries, horror stories have been a popular form of entertainment, but it wasn’t until relatively recently that women began to make their mark on the genre. From Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” to Shirley Jackson‘s “The Haunting of Hill House,” women have always had a powerful presence in the world of horror writing. This Women in Horror Month, we want to pay tribute to the pioneering women who paved the way for today’s female horror authors with our list of classic horror novels by women.

In “Scream Queens of the Page: Celebrating Women Who Pioneered the Horror Genre,” we’ll be taking a look back at some of the most influential and chilling works of horror fiction ever written by women. From the psychological terrors of Daphne du Maurier‘s “Rebecca” to the supernatural horrors of Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” these books have stood the test of time and continue to inspire and terrify readers today.

These classic horror novels written by women were not only groundbreaking in their time but have also had a lasting impact on the horror genre as a whole. From their themes and motifs to their portrayal of female characters, these authors defied the conventions of their era and helped to shape the horror genre into what it is today.

So, if you’re a fan of horror and looking to celebrate the works of women in the genre, then “Scream Queens of the Page: Celebrating Women Who Pioneered the Horror Genre” is the perfect place to start. These ten classic horror novels by women will take you on a journey through the darker corners of the human experience, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the power of horror writing and the incredible women who have helped to shape it.

“The Mysteries of Udolpho” by Ann Radcliffe – 1794

“The Mysteries of Udolpho” is a gothic novel by Ann Radcliffe that was published in 1794. The story follows the fortunes of Emily St. Aubert, a young woman who is orphaned after her father dies. Emily is sent to live with her aunt in the remote castle of Udolpho, where she discovers a web of secrets and mysteries that threaten to destroy her sanity.

The novel is widely regarded as a classic of the horror genre for its use of gothic conventions such as the supernatural, the mysterious, and the sublime. Radcliffe’s vivid descriptions of the castle and its surrounding landscape, as well as her skillful use of suspense and terror, have made “The Mysteries of Udolpho” a benchmark of gothic horror.

One of the most notable features of the novel is the character of Emily St. Aubert herself, who serves as both the protagonist and the victim of the story. Her experiences of terror and the supernatural are conveyed in great detail, making her a relatable and sympathetic figure for readers.

Fun trivia: Ann Radcliffe was a popular author in her time and was known for her vivid and descriptive prose. Her other works include “The Romance of the Forest” (1791) and “The Italian” (1797), both of which were also bestsellers in their day. She was also known for her reclusive nature and rarely gave interviews or made public appearances.

“The Uninhabited House” by Charlotte Riddell – 1875

“The Uninhabited House” is a horror novel by Irish author Charlotte Riddell, first published in 1875. The story follows the fortunes of a family who inherit a haunted house in the English countryside. The house has a dark past, and the family soon finds themselves at the mercy of a malevolent force that seems determined to drive them out. As they begin to uncover the secrets of the house’s history, they realize that their very lives may be at stake.

“The Uninhabited House” is a classic of the horror genre for its use of gothic conventions such as the haunted house, the mysterious past, and the theme of madness. The novel is notable for its emphasis on atmosphere and its slow-building sense of dread. Riddell’s skillful characterizations and her ability to create a sense of unease have made the novel a landmark in the history of gothic horror.

Fun trivia: Charlotte Riddell was a contemporary and friend of Charles Dickens, and her writing was influenced by his work. She was also a member of the Society of Authors and was known for her support of other writers.

“The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman – 1892

“The Yellow Wallpaper” is a short story by American author Charlotte Perkins Gilman, first published in 1892. The story is told through the perspective of a woman who is confined to her bedroom by her husband, who believes she is suffering from “hysteria.” As the story unfolds, the woman becomes increasingly obsessed with the yellow wallpaper in her room, seeing in it an ever-changing pattern that represents her own deteriorating mental state.

“The Yellow Wallpaper” is a classic of the horror genre for its exploration of psychological horror and the slow descent into madness. The story has been interpreted as a feminist critique of the medical establishment’s treatment of women in the 19th century, particularly with regards to mental health.

One of the most interesting aspects of the story is its influence on the horror genre as a whole. Gilman’s depiction of a woman trapped in a room, driven to madness by a haunting pattern on the wallpaper, has been echoed in numerous works of horror fiction, from H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Music of Erich Zann” to Stephen King’s “The Shining.”

Fun trivia: Charlotte Perkins Gilman was a prominent feminist and social reformer who wrote numerous works on women’s issues and social justice. Her other works include the utopian novel “Herland” and the non-fiction book “Women and Economics.” “The Yellow Wallpaper” was partly inspired by Gilman’s own experiences with postpartum depression and the “rest cure” prescribed by her doctor.

“The Circular Staircase” by Mary Roberts Rinehart – 1908

“The Circular Staircase” is a classic mystery novel by American author Mary Roberts Rinehart, first published in 1908. The novel tells the story of Rachel Innes, a spinster who rents a country house for the summer with her niece and nephew. The house is reputed to be haunted, and strange things begin to happen, including a murder that occurs on the circular staircase. Rachel and her family become embroiled in a complex mystery that involves a missing diamond and a host of suspicious characters.

While “The Circular Staircase” is primarily a mystery novel, it contains many elements of the horror genre, including a haunted house, an eerie atmosphere, and a sense of impending doom. The novel has been praised for its skillful use of suspense and its intricate plotting. It has also been noted for its strong female protagonist, who defies the conventions of her time to become a heroine.

Mary Roberts Rinehart was a prolific author who wrote over 60 novels and hundreds of short stories in her lifetime. She was known as the “American Agatha Christie” and was one of the most popular mystery writers of the early 20th century. Rinehart was a master of suspense and is credited with helping to define the modern mystery genre.

Fun trivia: Mary Roberts Rinehart is credited with coining the phrase “the butler did it” in her 1930 novel “The Door”. The phrase has become a cliché in mystery fiction and is often used as a shorthand for a predictable or formulaic plot twist.

The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton” by Edith Wharton – 1937

“The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton” is a collection of supernatural tales by American author Edith Wharton, first published in 1937. The stories in the collection explore the theme of the supernatural, and are notable for their subtlety and psychological depth. While not traditionally classified as horror, the stories in this collection contain many elements of the genre, including eerie atmospheres, haunted houses, and vengeful spirits.

What makes “The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton” a classic of the horror genre is the way in which the author uses the supernatural to explore deeper psychological and social issues. The stories in the collection are marked by their ambiguity and complexity, and they often deal with themes of isolation, repression, and the struggle for personal freedom. Wharton’s prose is elegant and refined, and her use of language adds to the overall sense of unease and foreboding.

Edith Wharton was one of the most celebrated authors of the early 20th century. She is best known for her novels such as “The House of Mirth” and “The Age of Innocence,” but she also wrote a number of short stories and novellas. In addition to her fiction, Wharton was also an accomplished interior decorator and garden designer.

Fun trivia: Edith Wharton was the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for literature, for her 1920 novel “The Age of Innocence.” She was also the first woman to receive an honorary degree from Yale University.

“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier – 1938

“Rebecca” is a novel by British author Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1938. The story follows the life of the unnamed narrator, a young woman who marries the wealthy Maxim de Winter and moves with him to his estate, Manderley. The shadow of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca, who died under mysterious circumstances, hangs over the house and its inhabitants. As the narrator begins to uncover the secrets of Rebecca’s life and death, she finds herself drawn deeper into a web of deceit and betrayal.

“Rebecca” is a classic of the horror genre for its use of gothic conventions such as the haunted house, the mysterious past, and the theme of madness. The novel is also notable for its subversion of gender roles and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. Du Maurier’s skillful use of suspense and her deft characterizations have made the novel a landmark in the history of gothic horror.

“Rebecca” has been adapted for film and television multiple times, including a famous film adaptation by Alfred Hitchcock in 1940. The film, which starred Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine, was a critical and commercial success and helped to cement du Maurier’s reputation as a master of psychological horror.

Fun trivia: Daphne du Maurier was also a member of the famous du Maurier family, which produced a number of notable artists and writers over several generations.

“The Uninvited” by Dorothy Macardle – 1942

“The Uninvited” is a supernatural novel by Irish author Dorothy Macardle, published in 1942. The story follows a brother and sister who move into a house on the Cornish coast that has been abandoned for many years. Soon after their arrival, they begin to experience a series of strange and inexplicable events, including unexplained noises and ghostly apparitions. As they delve deeper into the history of the house, they uncover a dark secret that threatens to destroy them both.

“The Uninvited” is a classic of the horror genre for its use of gothic conventions such as the supernatural, the mysterious, and the uncanny. It is also notable for its sympathetic portrayal of the supernatural, as the ghostly presence in the story is revealed to be the spirit of a woman who was wronged in life. The novel has been adapted for film and television multiple times and is considered a landmark in the history of supernatural horror.

Fun trivia: Dorothy Macardle was a prolific writer who wrote numerous works of fiction and non-fiction, including “The Irish Republic,” a history of the Irish War of Independence. She was also a committed feminist and campaigned for women’s rights throughout her life.

“The Birds and Other Stories” by Daphne du Maurier – 1952

“The Birds and Other Stories” is a collection of short stories by British author Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1952. The collection features five stories, including the titular story “The Birds,” which was the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film of the same name. The other stories in the collection are “The Apple Tree,” “The Little Photographer,” “Kiss Me Again, Stranger,” and “The Old Man.”

“The Birds and Other Stories” is a classic of the horror genre for its use of psychological terror and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. The stories in the collection are notable for their blend of the supernatural and the mundane, as well as their focus on the psychological states of their protagonists. Du Maurier’s skillful use of atmosphere and her ability to create a sense of impending doom have made the collection a landmark in the history of horror fiction.

Fun trivia: Daphne du Maurier was a prolific author who wrote numerous novels, short stories, and plays throughout her career. Her other works include “Rebecca” (mentioned above,) “My Cousin Rachel,” and “Jamaica Inn,” all of which have been adapted for film and television multiple times.

“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson – 1962

“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” is a gothic novel by American author Shirley Jackson, first published in 1962. The story follows the lives of the Blackwood family, who live in a large house in a small New England town. The family has become the subject of local gossip and suspicion after a tragedy that occurred years earlier. The youngest daughter, Merricat, is particularly ostracized and isolated from the rest of the town. When a distant cousin arrives and tries to ingratiate himself with the family, the tensions in the household begin to boil over, with disastrous consequences.

“We Have Always Lived in the Castle” is a classic of the horror genre for its use of gothic conventions such as the haunted house, the isolated family, and the theme of madness. The novel is also notable for its subversion of gender roles and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. Jackson’s skillful use of suspense and her deft characterizations have made the novel a landmark in the history of gothic horror.

One of the most interesting aspects of the novel is its place in the literary canon. Jackson is known for her groundbreaking work in the horror and suspense genres, particularly her short story “The Lottery,” which caused a sensation when it was first published in The New Yorker in 1948. “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” was Jackson’s final novel before her death in 1965 and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre.

Fun trivia: Shirley Jackson was also a prolific writer of non-fiction and memoirs, including “Life Among the Savages” and “Raising Demons,” which detailed her experiences as a wife and mother. She was also known for her eccentricities, such as keeping a pet spider in a jelly jar and conducting seances in her home.

“The Changeling” by Joy Williams – 1978

“The Changeling” is a horror novel by American author Joy Williams, published in 1978. The story follows Pearl, a young woman who has recently moved to a remote island with her husband and infant son. Soon after arriving, Pearl begins to experience strange visions and hallucinations, and becomes convinced that her son has been replaced by a changeling. As she delves deeper into the island’s mysterious history, she uncovers a terrifying truth about the community and her own family.

What makes “The Changeling” a classic of the horror genre is its eerie atmosphere and haunting imagery. Williams’ prose is sparse and evocative, and she creates a sense of creeping dread that builds throughout the novel. The novel has been praised for its exploration of the themes of motherhood, identity, and the supernatural, and its powerful and haunting conclusion.

Joy Williams is a celebrated American author who has published numerous novels, short story collections, and essays. She is known for her sharp and incisive writing style, as well as her willingness to tackle difficult and challenging subject matter. Her other works include the novels “Breaking and Entering,” “The Quick and the Dead,” and “State of Grace,” as well as the short story collections “Taking Care” and “99 Stories of God.”

Fun trivia: Williams was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2001 for her novel “The Quick and the Dead.” She has also been awarded numerous other honors and accolades throughout her career, including the Rea Award for the Short Story and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

The End…Or is It? Continuing the Legacy of Women in Horror

As we come to the end of our celebration of classic horror novels written by women, it’s clear that the genre owes a great debt to the pioneering female authors who helped shape it. From the Gothic sensibilities of Ann Radcliffe and Charlotte Bronte, to the psychological horror of Mary Shelley and Shirley Jackson, these writers have left an indelible mark on the horror landscape. Their works continue to inspire and terrify readers to this day, and their influence can be seen in the many women who continue to write and publish horror fiction.

What makes these novels classic of the horror genre is their ability to tap into our deepest fears and anxieties, and to explore the darker aspects of the human experience. These writers were unafraid to delve into the realms of the supernatural, and to use horror as a means of examining issues such as gender, class, and identity. Their works remain as relevant and thought-provoking today as they were when they were first published.

We hope that this list has given readers a sense of the breadth and depth of the horror novels written by women in the past. From the eerie atmospheres of “The Yellow Wallpaper” and “The Uninvited,” to the Gothic terrors of “The Mysteries of Udolpho” and “Rebecca,” to the psychological horror of “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” and “The Haunting of Hill House,” these works are sure to thrill and delight readers of all kinds.

In closing, we urge readers to continue to seek out the works of women writers in the horror genre, both classic and contemporary. There are many talented writers working in the field today, and their contributions to the genre are every bit as important as those of the women who came before them. By reading and supporting these writers, we can ensure that the legacy of women in horror will continue to flourish for many years to come.