The Castle of Otranto

A haunted castle, a cursed noble family, and a prophecy that could destroy everything—The Castle of Otranto is the original gothic thriller that started it all.

First published in 1764, Horace Walpole’s tale of murder, mystery, and the supernatural blends medieval romance with eerie suspense in a way that still captivates readers today. When a giant helmet crashes down and kills the heir to the throne, the tyrannical Manfred scrambles to secure his legacy—by any means necessary. As dark secrets unravel and strange apparitions appear, the line between fate and madness begins to blur.

This short but gripping novel laid the foundation for gothic literature, influencing everything from Frankenstein to modern horror.

A must-read for fans of dark mysteries, supernatural fiction, and gothic drama—this is where the genre began.