Paranormal Readers’ Advisory

A Cheat Sheet for Cross-Genre Recommendations

All of the books in this list can be described as contemporary paranormal fantasy, but many books that fit that description can also be used as bridges connecting the paranormal genre with other genres.

Compiled by Neil Hollands, Williamsburg Regional Library

Cheat Sheet pdf

Paranormal Fiction

A guide to the things that go bump in the night

 

GHOSTS

 

Stardust of Yesterday by Lynn Kurland ( 1996)

Successful, happy San Francisco native Genevieve Buchanan doesn’t care about her inheritance of Seakirk Keep in Northumberland, England until her life falls apart. Along with the romantic sweep of land and sea, Genevieve has inherited an overbearing, medieval knight-ghost, Kendrick de Piaget. Kendrick is cursed to haunt the keep until he can persuade Genevieve, the last of the Buchanans, to turn the deed over to him. Strong-willed Genevieve isn’t falling for the typical ghostly tricks, but she is falling for the courtly spectre and makes a drastic choice that brings new challenges to her already upended life. Will greatly appeal to romance readers wanting paranormal romance without the vampires and shapeshifters, those who like the bedroom door closed for the most part, and those who likerichly detailed plots.

Prophet Annie by Ellen Recknor (1999)

At 22, Annie Pinkerton Boone Newcastle doesn’t think much of marriage, thankyouverymuch, and has the dead husbands to prove it. Her first was kicked in the head by a mule, and her second, a much older man and the second-richest citizen of Maricopa County, gave up his ghost in bed on their wedding night. But Jonas didn’t give up his tethers to the material world and inhabits Annie’s body, sharing her thoughts, demanding conjugal visits, and using Annie as a mouthpiece for his vision of the future. Consummate showman P.T. Barnum adds Annie to his entourage and she becomes a prophetic hit on the circus stage. Life is good until Annie meets a handsome young man and Jonas decides he doesn’t want to share but Annie does. A goofy, creative Western with a spirited heroine, zippy dialogue and plot, and all the most colorful character ever to spill out of a dime novel.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R.A. Dick (1945)

This is a sweet old-fashioned family story about a young widow who moves her family to a haunted seaside cottage in Whitecliff and meets a gruff, courtly gentleman who speaks to her from an oil painting on her bedroom wall. Lucy Muir and Captain Gregg share a unique relationship that Lucy works very hard to keep secret from her inquisitive children, the interested household help and her nosy sisters-in-law. Over the years the two adults from a long lasting bond that transcends astral and corporeal planes. Give to readers who enjoy inspirational romance or gentle reads. A classic.

Ghost Radio by Leopoldo Gout (2008)

Joaquin is haunted by many things—the memory of the accident that killed his parents and the parents of his best friend, the pleading voices of his call-in listeners desperate for someone to believe their otherworldly tales, the mercury-quick artist he has fallen in love with, and the voice of a friend coming to him over the airwaves coaxing Joaquin to tell the story, tell their story, tell his story. Whose story? Stephen King fans will enjoy this horror foray into the technosphere by a debut novelist who is also a film producer and composer.

Women and Ghosts by Alison Lurie (1994)

Ghosts. They’re not just for genres anymore, and fascinate this accomplished short story writer. Supernatural beings are everywhere in daily life. They’re the obese spooks beckoning dieters into a bakery for a tray of strawberry tarts, they’re the imps causing the antique highboy to slams its drawers on thumbs and want to go live in a museum, they’re the ghouls of spouses past; and sometimes they put on costumes at Halloween, to feel more at home in this world. A lively collection of stories about the spectacles and specters in our lives.

Compiled by Kaite Mediatore Stover, Head of Readers' Services , Kansas City Public Library

 

PSYCHICS

 

Carrie by Stephen King (1974)

Although King has visited virtually every paranormal creature in literature, he started with a little psychic troublemaker named Carrie. An awkward girl who is bullied at school and terrorized at home by her religious mother, Carrie discovers her telekinetic powers in time to take her revenge. King’s first novel shows that the paranormal often was first sighted in the horror genre, and it is there that it is darkest.

Rowan by Anne McCaffrey (1990)

It is always difficult to be different in society, but what if your difference is your astounding psychic abilities?  Rowan has grown up isolated by her psychic powers, serving the needs of humanity by using her powers to manage intergalactic shipping and communication.  As a lonely young woman, she unexpectedly bonds with another powerful psychic when humanity faces an alien threat, giving this SF classic a nice injection of romance.

Second Sight by Amanda Quick (2006)

Amanda Quick/Jane Ann Krentz/Jayne Castle are all pennames for the woman who writes the Arcane series of romances about a secret society of those with psychic abilities. Each “author” writes in a different time period, and the series begins with a Victorian-set romantic suspense novel about a photographer hired by the society to document its collection of artifacts. She gets involved with a society member when an artifact is stolen and the thief turns up dead. Traditional romance with a paranormal twist.

Probable Future by Alice Hoffman (2003)

Hoffman specializes in stories of families with a touch of the supernatural.  The Sparrow family women each discover they have an unusual paranormal gift when they reach the age of 13. Youngest of the clan, Stella, knows when people will die, but this gift causes trouble when she asks her father to try and prevent one of these forseen deaths.  For those who prefer literary fiction, Hoffman is an expert at incorporating the magical with the mundane.

Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper (2000)

Cassie Neill is a powerful psychic who has used her powers to help catch viscious criminals.  Trying to escape her memories, she flees to North Carolina, but finds she is still seeing the thoughts of a potential serial killer. She must find someone in this small town how will believe her before someone dies. This is the first of a trilogy, which is in turn part of a larger series about the Special Crimes which all deal with characters who use their psychic powers to stop crime.

Compiled by Megan McArdle, Berkeley Public Library

 

VAMPIRES

 

Undead and Unwed  by MaryJanice Davidson  (2004)

Undead series

Betsy Taylor’s thirtieth birthday goes from bad to worse as she gets laid off from her secretarial job and hit by an SUV. When she wakes up in the mortuary she comes to discover that an earlier attack by a pack of ravening creatures has rendered her vampyric upon her death-by-vehicle. Got that so far…? Light-hearted, snarky, full of women’s fiction conventions involving clothing, dating and shoes, Davidson has successfully merged the chick-lit genre with humor and horror in this wildly popular vampire-lite entry featuring a young woman drifting through her life who suddenly finds herself crowned Queen of the Vampires. 

Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton (1993)

Anita Blake, Vampire Hunterseries

Oldest, and arguably the novel that kick-started the current round of paranormal vampire fiction, with Guilty Pleasures Laurell K. Hamilton created a strong, clever and conflicted character in Anita Blake, and then set her to work kicking butt in the realm ofthe dark creatures of the night.  A vampire hunter with a soft spot for some of her quarry, Anita attracts males of all persuasions and trouble, in equal measure.  Known for its intense description and somewhat unconventional eroticism, this series has a strong following with readers who may not normally read fantasy or horror but enjoy her unique storytelling approach to the occult.

Dead until Dark  by Charlaine Harris (2001)

Southern Vampire Series

Sweet-tempered Louisiana native Sookie Stackhouse waits tables at Merlotte’s Bar and is usually plagued by the unwelcome ability to read minds until she makes the acquaintance of Bill the Vampire, as she laughingly calls the attractive guy she serves a glass of red wine to one night and then saves from an evil far greater than his own.  The mundane and the supernatural converge as Charlaine Harris deftly blends humor, irony and a fair amount of the macabre in this groundbreaking series that asks ‘can humans, vampires and other creatures of the night work and play well together’?  

 Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison (2004)

Rachel Morgan (Hollows)

Aptly described as a cross between hapless bounty hunter Stephanie Plum and the deadly Anita Blake, sexy witch with attitude Rachel Morgan mixes it up with all sorts of supernatural creatures in her native Cincinnati as she fends off a vicious death threat as well as the advances of her vampire roommate while attempting to investigate the immoral dealings of a well-connected politician while in the spell-induced guise of a…mink.  An appealing blend of humorous and harrowing, Harrison weaves romance, paranormal fantasy and mystery into her successful series enjoyed by a wide variety of readers who appreciate her sharp wit and deft characterization.

Already Dead by Charlie Huston (2005)

Joe Pitt Casebooks

“Vyrus”-infected Joe Pitt is employed by the various rival vampyre clans of New York to carry out odd jobs and deal with odd creatures in this dark, humorous take on vampire society, with the inspired structure of its own brand of organized crime families.  Full of edgy, creepy black humor, Pitt is the guy to have at your back in a pinch, as long as he’s not serving himself up dinner at the same time. Fast-paced and smart, this is an urban thriller with a paranormal twist as zombies and other creatures of the night vie for dominance in contemporary Manhattan.

Twilight  by Stephenie Meyer (2005)

Twilight Series

While this novel is a great fit for adolescents with its angsty, outsider ethos, anyone who enjoys a vampire story may appreciate Meyer’s tale of the coming-of-age of high-school senior Bella Swan, powerfully attracted to handsome, mysterious Edward Cullen, a fellow student with a dangerous secret to protect.  Atmospheric and erotic, but without any overt sexual description, this is a vampire story with more interest in exploring the tragedy of forbidden attraction and star-crossed lovers than the mores of a vampyric lifestyle.  A classic romance, reminiscent of Wuthering Heights or Romeo and Juliet, but that death will not part.

Compiled by Deborah T. Walsh, Head of Adult and Reader Services, Geneva Public Library District

 

WEREWOLVES

 

Bitten by Kelley Armstrong (2001)

Women of the Otherworld series

Elena Michaels is a journalist that has been turned into a werewolf by her former lover.  She is struggling with her new place in society, balanced between two worlds and adjusting to whom she has become- the only female werewolf in the world.  The characters are strong, complex, and compelling with a plot that will keep readers on their toes, with a little bit of romance as well.

Other novels in the series include:

Stolen (2003)

Dime Store Magic (2004)

Industrial Magic (2004)

Haunted (2005)
Broken (2006)
No Humans Involved (2007)

Personal Demon (2008)

Living with the Dead (2008)

Frostbitten (novel coming Oct 2009)

Note:  Not all of the narrators are werewolves.  Werewolves are main characters in Bitten, Stolen, and Broken.

Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow (2008)

This very original horror novel in told in free verse and follows three packs of feral dogs in Los Angeles who are actually werewolves.  The packs are violent, menacing, and their numbers are growing as they persuade the city’s downtrodden to join them.  Mixed among the violence and pack politics is a love story between the protagonist, Anthony, and his girlfriend who happens to be a werewolf unbeknownst to him.  The quick pace, vivid imagery, twinge of crime noir, and prose style make this a book that’s hard to put down.   

The Passion by Donna Boyd (1998)

Three werewolves are violently murdered in New York City.  As a result, werewolf pack leader Alexander Devoncroix must tell his son the truth behind the family’s history and their multimillion dollar corporation.  Alexander used to be in love with a human, Tessa, who ends up becoming a pawn in the deadly game played between competing werewolf packs.  The beginning hook, a fast moving plot, romance, and the rivalry of the packs make this a book that readers will devour.

Other novels in the series include: 

The Promise (1999)   

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (2006)

While trying to live a “normal life,” tough, self-confident mechanic Mercy Thompson, a shapeshifter raised by werewolves, gets into mischief with the other supernatural beings that inhabit her world.  One of the most enjoyable aspects is the society which Briggs masterfully builds.  Full of plot twists and a touch of romance.

Other novels in the series include: 

Blood Bound (2007)

Iron Kissed (2008)

Bone Crossed (2009)

Silver Borne (2010) 

Derik’s Bane by MaryJanice Davidson (2005)

Werewolf Derik Gardner in summoned to California to destroy the sorceress Morgan Le Fay, who is reincarnated in the scatterbrained human Sara Gunn.  Sara has no idea who she really is and why Derik shows up to kill her.  Derik is inexplicably drawn to her and feels conflicted, knowing he really should fulfill his mission. These characters were first introduced in Davidson’s novellas "Love's Prisoner" from Secrets, Volume 6, and "Jared's Wolf" from Secrets, Volume 8.  Readers will find this book laugh out loud funny, quirky, witty, and fast paced. 

Shapeshifter by J. F. Gonzalez (2008)

Mark Wiseman is a werewolf who has lived with his curse for many years, keeping it a secret and under control.  When Bernard Roberts comes into Mark’s life, everything changes.  Suddenly he is unable to control the wolf within him and terrible things start to happen when Mark is forced to do Bernard’s bidding. 

Touch of the Wolf by Susan Krinard (1999)

Set in the 1870s with well described settings and historical details.  Cassidy Holt is half werewolf half human and was raised by her human aunt and uncle.  At age 22, she leaves New Mexico to go to London in search of her werewolf mother’s family.  Cassidy encounters her cousin, the werewolf Braden Forster.  Cassidy is arranged to marry Braden’s younger brother, but he finds that he is having a hard time resisting her beauty and innocence.  What ensues is a powerful mix of passionate romance and dark secrets.   

Other titles in the series include: 

Once a Wolf (2000)

Secret of the Wolf (2001)

To Catch a Wolf (2003)

To Tame a Wolf (2005)  

Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn (2005)

Kitty Norville, a DJ for a late night radio station and a werewolf in secret, starts a late-night advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged.  She quickly becomes atarget of a werewolf hunter and several others bent on homicide.  Kitty’s chatty conversational narratives and her interpersonal struggles stand out.

Other books in the series include: 

Kitty Goes to Washington (2006)

Kitty Takes a Holiday (2007)
Kitty and the Silver Bullet (2008)

Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand (2009)

Kitty Raises Hell (2009)

Compiled by Troy Reed, Maricopa County Library District, AZ

 

Witches

 

So Enchanting by Connie Brockway (2009)

After Lord Greyson Sheffield outed her husband as a swindler rather than a spiritualist, Francesca Brown retreats to the highlands of Scotland to serve as a companion to young Amelie. Amelie's father has hired her to help his daughter develop her "powers". After hearing rumor of a Scottish "witch", Sheffield and his nephew, Lord Hayden Collier arrive in Little Firkin to confront Francesca and Amelie. This is a charming, sexy and entertaining dual romance tinged with magic.

The Patriot Witch by CC. Finaly (2009)

Procter Brown is a Revolutionary War rebel with a Loyalist girlfriend and a hidden talent that he brings to bear during the early stages of war at Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill. As he struggles as a minuteman, he also struggles to learn more about his abilities as a witch and how to best serve his country. An engaging and suspenseful combination of history and witchcaft, this is the first in a series.

A Sudden Wild Magic by Diana Wynn Jones ( 1992)

The "Ring" is a benevolent society of witches who protect the Earth from evil. Meanwhile, in another universe the celebate magicians of Arth have been looting the Earth of ideas and innovations and wreaking havoc to support the planet Pentarchy ( ruled by magic and lacking originality). Members of the Ring decide enough is enough and set out on a mission to quell the magicians of Arth. The destiny of two separate universes is in the hands of a dotty old Earth woman, the rebellious heri of Pentachy and a beautiful young mother who unknowningly may possess a sudden wild magic. According to PW - " Jones's sly sense of humor and her accurate, affectionate depiction of relations between women and men give an extra kick to this effervescent tale."

The Limits of Enchantment by Graham Joyce (2005)

Fern is steeped in folk traditions by Mammy (the village wise woman). When Mammy is injured Fern must step in to fill her shoes. But in her small British village the 1960's are changing and moden ways are encroaching on the traditions of hedgerow magic. Fern must discover her own way in a changing world.This is potent brew of fantasy, coming of age, and romance.

Bloody Harvests by Richard Kunzmann (2006)

This debut thriller incorporates South African mythology and a modern day serial killer mystery. A horribly mutilated child is discovered and "bad muti" (magic), the work of a powerful and dangerous sangoma (witch doctor) is suspected. Detective Inspectors Harry Mason and Jacob Tshabalala track the serial killer in this gritty and visceral book.

And: Practical Magic (1995) by Alice Hoffman, The Physic Books of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe (2009), Wicked (1995) and Son of a Witch (2005) by Gregory Maguire, The Last Witchfinder (2006) by James Morrow, Circle of Five (2003) by Dolores Stewart Riccio, and Witching Hour (1990) and Lasher (1993) by Anne Rice.

Compiled by Ann Chambers Theis, Chesterfield County Public

Zombies

 

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance, Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem by Seth Grahame-Smith (2009)

In this clever and hip “expanded edition” of Pride and Prejudice, 85 percent of the original text has been preserved but mashed-up with  “ultraviolent zombie mayhem.”  When the novel opens, England has been overrun by zombies, and Elizabeth Bennett has been trained in martial arts. She and Mr. Darcy engage in all-out zombie war, brought together by their common interest in zombie-killing.  A totally original spin on a classic tale.

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Brooks, Max 

Brooks, author of the nonfiction title The Zombie Survival Guide, brings us a post-apocalyptic battle against zombies.  The story is told through a series of first-person accounts by various characters around the world - first hand experiences and testimonies of survivors of a zombie war that nearly wipes out humankind.  Tongue-in-cheek yet with an air of total seriousness, this is a great pick for guys.

The Living Dead.  by John Joseph Adams

This anthology of zombie short stories features a wide variety of zombies (who knew there were so many?).  There are apocalyptic stories such as Stockholm Syndrome by David Tallerman; voodoo tales including Zora and the Zombie by Andy Duncan; historical settings as in Sherman Alexie’s Ghost Dance;  and humorous satire, found in Less Than Zombie by Douglas E. Winter.  Classics from Stephen King (Home Delivery) and Clive Barker (Sex, Death, and Starshine) dovetail nicely with newer fiction from the likes of Dan Simmons (This Year’s Class Picture) and Laurell K. Hamilton (Those Who Seek Forgiveness).

Patient Zero  by Jonathan Mayberry

Baltimore detective Joe Ledger been secretly recruited by an ultra-secret government office to combat terrorists.   But not your usual terrorists.  Oh no, these terrorists have figured out how to bio-engineer zombies, to use as weapons of mass destruction.  Fast-paced with tons of action, this is a modern twist on the zombie tale.

Breathers: A Zombie’s Lament by Scott G. Browne

 In this black comedy (billed as a “rom-zom-com”), Andy Warner has just survived a car crash.  Well, if you call being a zombie surviving.  He moves into his parent’s basement to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the crash, and finds it’s a difficult transition to go from alive to…not really dead.  He’s not the only one in this boat however, and soon joins Undead Anonymous, a group of the newly undead that quickly moves from support group to activists for the flesh-eaters.

Compiled by Rebecca Vnuk, Glen Ellyn Public Library

 

TEEN PARANORMAL SERIES

 

Tithe by Holly Black (2004)

Modern Faery’s Tale series

Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms – one that could end in her death.

Marked by P.C. Cast (2007)

House of Night series

In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire.  When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny.

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz (2007)

Blue Bloods series

When Schuyler Van Alen, a sophomore at a prestigious New York City private school, turns fifteen, she notices herself going through physical and psychological changes and learns a startling secret about the bloodlines of the city’s wealthiest and socially prominent families.

Vampire Academy by L.J. Smith (2007)

 Vampire Academy Series

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's, the very place where they're most in danger. 

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (2007)

Wicked Lovely series

Seventeen-year-old Aislinn, who has the rare ability to see faeries, is drawn against her will into a centuries-old battle between the Summer King and the Winter Queen, and the survival of her life, her love, and summer all hang in the balance.

Compiled by Michelle Boivenue-Fox, Kent District Library

 

PARANORMAL GRAPHIC NOVELS

 

Due to the Graphic Novel genre being so subdivided, it is a tad problematic to come up with appropriate titles since there is so much cross germination.  Action may be centered around the paranormal but it could be in an alternate Fantasy/Science Fiction world with Robots and Aliens in a Dystopia, Post Apocalypse setting with Vampires and Super Heros! And Manga has it all.

It also is sometimes difficult to identify the audience for some titles. For instance, Dean Koontz has a graphic novel series, “In Odd we Trust” whose protagonist is an older teen with psychic powers but it’s a rather simplistic and childish romp. Similarly, much of the Manga titles deal with paranormal activity by teen characters though that does not preclude adults for identifying with these protagonists.

Two good sources for understanding the various aspects and attributes of Graphic Novels are:   Graphic Novels: Stories to Change Your Life by Paul Gravett, 2005 and Graphic Novels: A Genre Guide to Comic Books, Manga, and More by Michael Pawluk, 2007.

“Cairo: A Graphic Novel” by G. Willow Wilson, artist M.K. Perker, 2007.  Complete with Middle East politics, romance and a genie in black and white.

“Dead End”, by Shohei Manabe 2000- hyperkinetic journey of violence, urban gangsters and an angelic girl who mysteriously appears in the slum.  Rough drawings, language and subject matter.

“John Constantine, Hellblazer” By Garth Ennis, artist Steve Dillon, 1994-.  Actually classified under Demonic Possession.  British ‘grifter-magician’ is involved in the occult, much extreme violence and awful relationships in addition to beating the devil with the ‘hero’ being just as diabolical.  Very mature audience.

“Psychic Academy” by Katsu Aki, 2004-2006-a special school for children with psychic abilities. Mature graphics. Strange people, creatures and occurrences in British boarding school. Very stylized glossy color artwork.  First appeared as a web cartoon.

“Strangehaven” by Gary Spencer-Millidge, 2005.  Cozy English village run by a secret society, lots of weird relationships and quirky inhabitants. Spender-Millidge illustrates his characters thinking, you can see their anxiety in beautiful black and white. Mature themes.

If unexplained plague can be a paranormal experience, then “Black Hole” by Charles Burns, 2005 and “Y the Last Man” by Brian K. Vaughn, illustrated by Pia Guerra, 2003-should be included.  The former takes place in the 1970’s Seattle, in which a sexually transmitted  disease, or ‘bug’ causes disfiguring mutations that forces the teen victims into isolation and further alienation. It is in striking black and white resembling photo negatives for mature audiences.

 “Y the Last Man”, A man and a monkey are the last two males in the world after a deadly plague kills all the others are joined by a few committed females to search the world for the cause of the man-killing plague.

“Visitor” by Yee-Jung No, 2005-New girl in high school is haunted by disturbing dreams and is cursed with supernatural abilities. (Korean)

Compiled by Jodie DeLamatre, Reference Librarian, Hudson Library & Historical Society, Hudson, OH

 

Bibliography of Sources for Paranormal Fiction

compiled by Rosalind Reisner

  

Encountering Enchantment: A Guide to Speculative Fiction for Teens by Susan Fichtelberg

Libraries Unlimited, 2006

This guide annotates some 1400 mostly recent fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal titles, both YA and adult titles appropriate for YA. The titles are grouped by subgenre; most paranormal titles will be found in Chapter 13: The Dark Side: Paranormal and Horror. Annotations include plot summaries, reading levels, and awards information.

Anatomy of Wonder: A Critical Guide to Science Fiction. 5^th ed. Neil Barron. Libraries Unlimited, 2004.

This in-depth guide includes critical material, history, and essays on various aspects of the genre as well as a large section of annotated titles. Paranormal entries can be found in the Theme Index for titles, under the heading “Paranormal Powers”.

Horror Readers’ Advisory: The Librarians’ Guide to Vampires, Killer Tomatoes, and Haunted Houses by Becky Siegel Spratford and Tammy Hennigh Clausen. American Library Association, 2004.

The authors’ goal was to “provide librarians with a ready reference resource for horror-related questions.” In addition to an annotated list of titles divided by sub-genre, the book contains information on genre history, resources, collection development, and marketing. Sections on werewolves, zombies, witches, warlocks etc., contain annotations of paranormal titles.

Fluent in Fantasy: the Next Generation by Diana Tixier Herald and Bonnie Kunzel. Libraries Unlimited, 2008.

An extensive guide to the fantasy genre, the most useful section for paranormal fiction readers is titled “Genreblending”

What Fantastic Fiction do I Read Next? A Reader’s Guide to Recent Fantasy, Horror and Science Fiction by Neil Barron. Gale, 1998

This huge compendium of titles is an extensive resource for the reader and librarian. Entries for individual titles contain not only plot summaries, but suggestions for what to read next. In the “Story Type” index under the “Horror” section, there are listings for vampire and werewolf novels, among others.

Genreflecting: A Guide to Popular Reading Interests by Diana Tixier Herald. 6^th ed. Libraries Unlimited, 2006

This popular guide to all fiction genres has separate chapters on science fiction, fantasy, and horror which contain listings of paranormal titles. “Paranormal Romance” is also a subgenre listing in the Romance chapter.

Hooked on Horror III: A Guide to Reading Interests By Anthony J. Fonseca and June Michele Pulliam. Libraries Unlimited, 2009

“Focusing on titles published since 2002 and broadly accessible to library users, along with a few older classics, the authors cover more than a dozen popular subgenres of horror fiction, including vampires and werewolves, techno-horror, ghosts and haunted houses, and small town horror. More than 500 annotations are new to this edition.”

Read on…Horror Fiction by June Michelle Pulliam and Anthony J. Fonseca  Libraries Unlimited, 2006

Read on…Fantasy Fiction by Neil Hollands. Libraries Unlimited, 2007.

These guides annotate titles and organize them in themed lists based on how they appeal to readers based on character, story, setting, mood, and language. Paranormal titles are scattered throughout these lists.

 

A list of music related to the paranormal. Listed by paranormal creature/subject.

For more information: All Music

 

Television

 

Ghosts

• TAPS Ghost Hunters
• The Ghost and Mrs Muir
• The Ghost Whisper
• Medium
• Space Ghost
• Casper the Friendly Ghost

Paranormal

• Eleventh Hour
• Paranormal State
• PSI Factor (Canadian)

Vampires:

• True Blood
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Angel
• Dark Shadows
• Moonlight
• Forever Knight

Weres:

• Werewolf

Witches

• Bewitched
• Charmed
• Hex (BBC)
• Sabrina the Teenaged Witch
• The Worst Witch (TV Movie)
• Eastwick

 

Movies

 

Ghosts

• The Sixth Sense (1999)
• The Shining (1980)
• Poltergeist (1982)
• Beetlejuice (1988)
• Ghost (1990)
• Ghostbusters (1984)
• What Lies Beneath (2000)
• Always (1989)
• The Blair Witch Project (1999)
• House (1983)
• The Others (2001)
• Ju-On The Grudge (2003)
• The Changeling (1980)
• The Amityville Horror (1979)
• The Ring (2002)
• Ghost and Mrs Muir (1947)
• The Ghost and Mr Chicken (1968)

 

Vampires

• Near Dark (1987)
• Let the Right One In (2008)
• Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
• Fright Night (1985)
• Cronos (1993 )
• Interview with a Vampire (1994 )
• Lost Boys (1987)
• From Dawn to Dusk (1996)
• Shadow of the Vampire (2000 )
• Dracula: Pages from a Virgin's Diary (2002)

And...

• Twilight
• Salem's Lot (1979)
• Vampires (1998)
• 30 Days of Night (2007)
• Nosferatu ( 1922)
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
• Dracula (1932)

Werewolves

• Teen Wolf (1985)
• Beast Must Die (1974)
• Legend of the Werewolf (1975)
• Mad at the Moon (1992)
• Silver Bullet ( 1985)
• Wolf (1994)
• Ginger Snaps (2000)
• Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
• Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)
• Company of Wolves (1984)
• Dog Soldiers (2002)
• Wolfman (1941)
• Wolfen (1981)
• Howling (1981)
• An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Witches

• Witches of Eastwick (1987)
• Haxan: Witchcraft Through The Ages (1922)
• The Craft (1996)
• Suspiria (1997)
• The Witches (1990)
• I Married a Witch (1942)
• Bell Book and Candle (1958)
• Practical Magic (1998)
• Hocus Pocus (1993)

Zombies

• Shaun of the Dead (2004)
• Thriller (1983)
• 28 Days Later (2002)
• 28 Weeks Later (2007)
• Night of the Living Dead (1968) (1990)
• Dawn of the Dead (1978) (2004)
• Fido (2006)
• Resident Evil (2002)
• Dead Alive (1992)
• Army of Darkness (1993)
• Dead Snow (2009)

 

For more information about these films: IMDB | Rotten Tomatoes

There are a number of great Young Adult books that appeal to adults as well as teens - the Twilight series for example. Neil Hollans notes several good series in his Paranormal RA cheatsheet (pdf). Michelle Boivenue-Fox also lists good titles in the Paranormal Guide lists.

Here are a few more to sink your teeth into...

 

Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause (1997)

In a Maryland suburb, Vivian (teen werewolf) is attracted to Aiden (a meat boy) - should she reveal her true nature to him? What is her place in the werewolf clan? A vivid and exciting werewolf coming of age tale complete with love and loss, this story works well on many levels.

Lonely Werewolf Girl by Martin Millar (2008).

A Scottish clan of werewolves is on the brink of civl war. Kalex, laudanum-addicted teenage werewolf, is at the center of the storm. A sprawling soap opera populated by all manner of werewolves (cross-dressing, fashionisita, etc) this is a gory and grungy read from a World Fantasy Award winner.

The Reformed Vampire Support Group by Catherine Jinks (2009)

Nina is forever fifteen, living off the blood of guinea pigs and contending with the unpleasant side effects of vampirism. She is a member of a support group, but loaths her fellow group members. When a member of the group is staked, the other group members must save themselves from vampire haters and work together. "One part problem novel, one part comedy, and one part murder-mystery, this alternative vampire story is for outsiders of all kinds, underground or otherwise." - Horn Book

The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause(1990)

Zoe's mother is dying of cancer, her father is withdrawn and her best friend moved away. Then she meets Simon, who seems to understand her. Simon reveals himself as a vampire on a mission to avenge his mother's killer. Zoe and SImon draw strength from each other and work together bring Simon's dangerous plan to fruition.

Peeps by Scott Westerfield

After a drunken one night stand, nineteen- year -old Cal is infected by a parasite that causes vampirism. While parasite-positive (a peep) Cal is a rare natural carrier who develops night vision and superhuman strenth. He is recruited by the Night Watch to hunt peeps. Horn Book called Peeps " A clever blend of adventure, horror, romance, and science text."

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett (2003)

If you haven't discovered the amazing Terry Pratchett's adult books why not start with one his books for teens? If you have discovered Terry Pratchett's adult books, then why not try some of his works for teens? Practical Tiffany uses her burdgeoning powers as a witch to do battle with nightmarish creatures unleashed by the Fairy Queen. She is aided by the Wee Free Men who are sheep swiping, six inches tall, overly fond of alchohol and very fierce. All Pratchett's is work is an "ingenious mélange of fantasy, action, humor" - Kirkus.

The Witch's Boy by Michael Gruber (2005)

As a baby ugly Lump was abandoned and taken in by Witch. Witch decided to keep him despite the advice of her talking cat. Witch ropes in a bear and a djinni to serve as nanny and tutor. Lump is difficult to love and becomes more so as he grows older. Interwoven, slightly twisted fairy tales enhance this parable of parenting.

In the Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (2009)

In the years since the Zombie Apocalypse, Mary's isolated village has clung to religious Sisterhood for guidance and for fences to keep the undead out for survival. When the fences are breached, Mary and several other survivors begin a dangerous journey to try find a safe haven.

Days of Little Texas by R.A. Nelson (2009)

Little Texas is a teen evangelist and faith healer. He fails to save a Lucy from death and begins to experience some doubts about his faith and his worthiness. Lucy reappers in his life as a spector and challenges his beliefs as they work together to eradict an evil presence haunting a planation. PW calls this book a "multidimensional coming-of-age/ghost story."

Contemporary Fantasy | Crime Fiction Cross Genres | Cross Genres | Cross Genres | Ghosts| Magic | Spiritualists | Vampires | Witches | Zombies |

Paranormal Starred Review List (pdf)