When it comes to Gothic fiction, settings are everything. Echoing corridors, secret passages, flickering candlelight- these details are what make this genre so much fun to read. Here are a few of my favorite places where I have lost myself while deep in the pages of a gripping Gothic novel.

Manderly (Rebecca)

My very favorite Gothic romance is Daphne duMaurier’s Rebecca. The opening line echoes the main character’s dread of the place: “Last night I dreamed of Manderly.” The mansion almost becomes another character in the novel. It’s drenched in tradition and secrets, serving as a perfect backdrop for the mysterious Rebecca.

Dracula’s Castle ( Dracula)

Hidden away in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania, this haunted fortress is home of the most famous vampire. The empty, cobwebbed castle hidden far away from human eyes breeds nightmares. The echoing cries of the children of the night make the perfect backdrop for this terrifying location.

Thornfield Hall (Jane Eyre)

Jane Eyre is another of my favorite Gothic locations. I’m always on the edge of my seat when Jane enters the place and discovers its dark secrets, especially those in the attic. I’ve often thought that grim Thornfield Hall is a representation of its stern master, Mr. Rochester.

Vale Castle ( A Bargain of Blood and Starlight)

In A Bargain of Blood and Starlight, Lenora finds herself trapped in Lord Vale’s home which is full of empty hallways and meandering cellars. It’s a place where a wrong turn could be deadly. Good thing she has the help of stoic Mr. Graves, or she might be lost forever.

Are you a fan of Gothic romances and stories of family curses and fated love? Try A Bargain of Blood and Starlight.