When looking for books to read online for free, paranormal fantasy is a popular choice. As humans, we seem to crave stories of the unknown. From the ghost in Shakespeare’s Macbeth to the specters in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we as readers love to be spooked.
But paranormal lit goes beyond ghosts and encompasses any beings (or circumstances) outside of the realm of scientific explanation, making paranormal subjects perfect for the fantasy genre. Here we can read about faeries, zombies, ghosts, vampires, werewolves, fallen angels, and every strange being that exists in between.
Of course, if you bought every paranormal novel that caught your eye, your bank account would quickly be depleted. But never fear, ghost hunters! Here is a roundup of ten paranormal-themed ebooks for you to read for free!
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde’s only novel follows Dorian Gray, a young, rich, beautiful man who has his portrait painted by a famous artist. Obsessed with youth and beauty, Dorian wishes he could sell his soul so that he could stay young, and let the painting age instead. But the painting not only shows his every wrinkle and flaw—it records each and every sin, causing the young man in the painting to become a twisted, grotesque monster, while his own beauty remains untouched.
Read for free on Project Gutenberg, and catch the film starring Shadow and Bone star Ben Barnes.
The Undying Monster: A Tale of the Fifth Dimension by Jessie Douglas Kerruish
An unknown monster living in the woods has plagued the Hammond family for as long as they can remember. When Oliver Hammond is attacked, his sister enlists the help of “supersensitive” detective Luna Bartendale, who finds more to the mystery than anyone could have imagined. The Hammonds realize they will have to sacrifice everything in order to keep the monster from killing again.
Written in 1922, this novel is considered essential paranormal gothic literature. There is also a film adaptation, released in 1942.
Read free on Penn Libraries.
Shifter Wars: Supernatural Battle (Werewolf Dens Book 1) by Kelly St. Claire
When Andie’s mom died, she inherited more than her debt; she inherited her pack of lies—amongst other things. Andie discovers her mother had a different surname and place of birth than she thought. Desperate to uncover the truth, she travels to her mother’s real birthplace, Deception Valley, and finds her mother also had a secret family. A secret werewolf family. With the help of a handsome stranger with mysterious golden eyes, Andie will dig up her mother’s past to discover the truth of her heritage.
Read this engaging paranormal romance for free with Kindle Unlimited.
Bloodstorm by Amber Kallyn
Niki has spent 200 years searching for the one who killed her family and made her into a vampire. But a local sheriff, the handsome Shane Spencer, awakens carnal desires in Niki that had long been overshadowed by her desire for revenge. Will Niki be able to put her past behind her to find peace, and possibly love?
Read this steamy pick free on BookBub for a limited time. Deals change daily, so check back often for more free ebooks!
Dirk Cooper: Paranormal Real Estate by Salty Waters
Dirk Cooper has three problems: ghosts, money, and the mafia. The solution? Real estate. Desperate to recover from the housing crash of 2008, Dirk agrees to sell haunted houses, owned by a mysterious wealthy businessman. But soon, Dirk is caught up in a dangerous web of dark magic that’s like nothing he’s ever seen before.
Read this 5-star rated ebook on Royal Road.
Ghost in the Ring (Ghost Night #1) by Jonathan Moeller
Caina Amalas used to be a deadly Nightfighter, and a spy and agent for the Emperor of Nighmar. Now, she just wants to live a quiet life with her husband. But as civil war tears her world apart, her skills are needed to defeat the malevolent sorceress of the Umbarian Order. Caina, however, struggles as she has a secret history with the Umbariann Order—secrets that might get her killed.
Read free on Google Play, and check out other books in this popular series for only $0.99.
Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love (Various Authors)
Kiss Me Deadly is not a novel per se, but still a book definitely worth reading online for free. This anthology collects thirteen of the best names in fantasy and paranormal literature, with heavy-hitters like Carrie Ryan, Maggie Stiefvater, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Sarah Rees Brennan. From faeries to the holy trinity of zombies, vampires, and werewolves, this is the book your spooky dreams are made of.
Read this little gem free on Internet Archive.
Ghosts by Henrik Ibsen
If you’re looking for something a little different to whet your paranormal appetite, why not try a play written by renowned Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen?
Mrs. Helen Alving is a Captain’s widow, haunted by her husband’s infidelity and the disease he passed on to her son. Even though this isn’t a “ghost story” in the literal sense, Ibsen shows us different types of ghosts through a widow haunted by her husband’s memory and his actions while he was still alive.
Read this intense psychological drama on Free Ebooks.
To Catch a Fae by Mila Young
Long ago, light and darkness converged and created a beauty that will destroy the world. Guen is not ready for a world that is not supposed to exist…but when three stunningly gorgeous men appear in Guen’s life saying she needs protection, who is she to argue? Follow Guen as she discovers the truth of who she really is in this paranormal romance.
Read the first three chapters for free on Fictionate.Me, then buy the book for $0.99.
Shunter by Dandy Jackson Chukwudi
This paranormal adventure follows a vampire hunter investigating the mysterious murders happening in the city of Aba in southeastern Nigeria. Along the way, she meets werewolves and vampires, entering into a coven that just might change her beliefs about vampires forever.
Read this exciting adventure free on Smashwords.
Author’s Bio: Heather R. Parker is a freelance writer, editor, and published poet from Georgia. She works as a writer and editor for the self-publishing platform Fictionate.me. Her work has been published by Nightingale & Sparrow Magazine, Goats Milk Magazine, Analog Submissions Press, Friday Flash Fiction, Medium, and others. Heather lives in Georgia with her husband, son, and a menagerie of pets. In her spare time, you can find her doing yoga, taking long walks in the woods, birdwatching, or picking flowers in sun-dappled meadows. You can follow Heather’s writing on Instagram, Facebook ,and Fictionate.Me.