English Literature with Creative Writing graduate Kelly Pells explains her top picks for Gothic books.

There is something that has always appealed to me about Gothic literature, and I relished the chance to study it both at A-level and at university. Give me a raging storm, a desolate landscape and a terrible, evil villain and there’s nothing I’d enjoy more. My interest was sparked once again when I visited the Terror and Wonder exhibition at the British Library earlier this year, so here I’ve picked my top five Gothic books that all lovers of the dark side should read.

1. Dracula by Bram Stoker

Young solicitor Jonathan Harker is sent to Transylvania to deal with the accounts of the mysterious Count Dracula, who lives in an isolated castle in the mountains. But Dracula is not all he seems, and soon Harker finds himself in a battle of good versus evil, with his wife, Mina, caught in the middle.

A classic Gothic story complete with plenty of nightmares, damsels-in-distress and, of course, blood. You probably think you know the story but if you've never actually read it, you're missing out. Genuinely thrilling and horrifying in equal measure, this is a classic that has inspired countless adaptations. The language, like most of the books on this list, is a bit difficult to get used to, but once you do you’re in for an engaging, unforgettable read.

2. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Swiss medical student Frankenstein conducts secret experiments and discovers the spark of life that enables him to bring to life a creature constructed from body parts scavenged from graves. But, disgusted by his creation, he flees, leaving the poor being to fend for himself in an evil, unforgiving world.

Forget the Hollywood image of Frankenstein's creature as a grunting, green-tinged monster with bolts in his neck, the creature of the book is actually very articulate and poses deep questions about the relationship of the creator to what he creates. This is another one that you should read, even if you think you know the story. You will discover so much more in the book than with any film adaptation. Of course there are the usual scenes of characters collapsing from overwrought emotion while lightning flashes on the horizon, but this really is a great read.

3. The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

Something a bit more contemporary for number 3. It begins similarly to Dracula, with a solicitor named Arthur Kipps sent to the small English town of Crythin Gifford to settle the affairs of Mrs Drablow, a recently deceased client. However, what should be a simple task quickly spirals out of control, as Kipps discovers that Mrs Drablow’s house is haunted by a menacing spectre.

People often claim that books can’t be scary; those people have obviously never read this book. I’ve yet to read a ghost story as chilling and frightening as this one. This is one to cosy up with on a winter’s night while rain patters against the windows – though you may be too afraid to look out into the darkness. Please don't judge this book by the film that recently came out with Daniel Radcliffe, though if you do get a chance, check out the stage play in London, it's absolutely brilliant – even if it has scarred me for life. I can never look at a rocking chair in the same way.

4. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

And it’s back to the classics. Wilde's only novel, this story centres on a beautiful young man who makes a deal so that a portrait of himself will grow older and show all the signs of a life of excess, while he himself remains young forever. He embarks on a life of sex, lies and general debauchery, with his sins painting his soul blacker and blacker.

A fairly simple premise, but the novel is fantastically written with brilliant suspense and great characterisation. As with most Gothic stories, there is more to this novel than over-the-top emotion and dark events happening on stormy nights. Wilde poses important questions about ideas of art and life. Once again the language can be a bit tough to begin with, but when you get used to it you’ll find yourself lapping up Wilde’s gorgeous, decadent descriptions.

5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

A passionate story about the wild, uncontrollable love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a foundling adopted by Catherine's father. But if you're expecting a happy ending, well, as Tyrion Lannister says, you've come to the wrong place.

The setting becomes another character in this novel, the brooding moors and dark, stormy skies reflecting the troubling inner emotions of the protagonists. This book is often compared to Jane Austen’s novels, but Bronte’s is so much better, with so much more passion and fire than anything Austen ever wrote. Characters are brooding and mysterious, and the intriguing tale unfolds with fantastic suspense and tragic consequences.

Kelly Pells graduated Brunel University with a first in English with Creative Writing. She has had her short stories published by magazines and runs the book review blog scribblerreview.blogspot.co.uk.