Unlike paper books, where the reader can quickly skip over scary pieces, an audiobook listener is completely in the hands of the narrator. Similarly, unlike television or a film, where the producer has created and set the scene for visual impact, an audiobook allows the imagination to run amok and for the full horror of a ghost story to blossom inside the mind. This powerful combination means that anyone interested in a truly chilling ghostly experience should certainly consider listening to a ghost story audiobook.
Ghost Stories in Audiobook Format
There are many classic ghost stories available in audio or spoken word format. These include many of the classic tales of Gothic horror which remain much loved examples of the genre. Many ghost stories are also short stories which means that they can be listened to in one sitting. Ghost stories audiobooks often feature a collection of stories and this can be an excellent way to sample the writing of different authors. While ghost stories, by the very nature, are written to scare and surprise, most classic tales rarely feature bad language or adult content. This means that they are often suitable for older children and this can make for a fun family listen.
Listening to Ghost Story Audiobooks
Ghost stories can, of course, be listened to in the same way as any other audiobook. For a really spine chilling experience, however, listeners might like to consider making the listening of the ghost story an occasion to share with family and friends. Instead of listening to the audiobook in daylight or in a brightly lit room, create a spooky atmosphere with candle light! Short stories are ideal for this and would make a fun alternative to a Halloween party or an interesting addition to a dinner party.
Buying Ghost Story Audiobooks
Ghost story audiobooks are readily available and large book stores as well as specialist audiobook retailers, such as Audible.com, offer a wide choice. These are generally available digitally for instant download or on CD.
Free Ghost Story Audiobooks
Many of the classic ghost stories are now in the public domain. This means that the books can be recorded and distributed freely, giving listeners an alternative to commercially produced audiobooks. One of the most well known free audiobook websites offering audio versions of classic literature is Librivox.org.
Libraries are also another excellent source of ghost story audiobooks. Libraries often offer a range of audiobooks which are loaned free or for a small charge to members. Many libraries will order audiobooks from other libraries if they do not hold a particular title, which is a useful service, particularly in smaller libraries.
Some Classic Ghost Stories
There are hundreds of ghost stories available, however here is a selection of some of the most well known. Many of these authors wrote several ghost stories which can be found in ghost story collections.
These titles can be found in audiobook compilations and are also in the public domain. This means that they can also be found on public domain audiobook websites for free or for a small fee.
- The Traveller by R. H. Benson
- The Water Ghost of Harrowby Hall by John Kendrick Bangs
- The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Captain of the Polestar by Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Watcher by the Threshold by John Buchan
- A Ghost Story by Mark Twain
- The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
- The Old Nurse's Story by Mrs Gaskell
- The Wolf by Guy de Maupassant
- How Fear Departed from the Long Gallery by E F Benson
- The Adventures of the German Student by Washington Irving
- The Signalman by Charles Dickens
- The Monkey's Paw by W. W. Jacobs
- Mrs Zant and the Ghost by Wilkie Collins
Do you have a favorite ghost story that you listen to on audiobook? Do leave a comment below!
