South Huntsville Public Library
The Spine Chilling Book Chat
Thursday, October 29, 2026 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Gothic novels written between 1764 and 1896 take place in ruined monasteries or old castles with secret passageways. Readers react viscerally to the doom, fear, or sadness of the distressed heroines or cruel villains. Those who have read Dracula, Frankenstein, or Wuthering Heights are often haunted by these novels many years later. Starting in the mid-1700s and throughout the 1800s, these popular novels entertained and horrified readers. Today, so many are forgotten.
This book chat is for anyone interested in rereading a beloved classic or challenging yourself to a lesser known gothic novel like The Beetle, published the same year as Dracula, and more popular.
Anyone is welcome to attend the book chat, as Dracula once stated to Jonathan Harker, "Welcome to my house! Enter freely and of your own will!"
The Spine Chilling Book Chat will meet at 6 pm in the Reading Room at South Huntsville Public Library.
Attendees should have read or attempted to read a gothic novel or novella written between 1764 and 1896. Please come prepared to briefly discuss your selection.
If you have questions or would like a list of gothic novel recommendations, please contact sgermany@hmcpl.org