Many ghost tales have ghosts that seem to follow a set of rules. They are frightening and combative, they have an unfinished agenda that needs completing before they can move on, they only come out when its dark. (Why are so many ghosts nocturnal?) In these eight great novels, yes, the ghosts might abide by some of these things, but there’s something different about each of them. They might be a dead relative in need of your help. They might be a vengeful ghost trying to rid the world of evil. They may be the narrators of the story. In one case, the ghost is the spirit of a bookstore’s most annoying customer. Whatever their motive, these books are great! If you want to read more ghost books, check out 8 of the Best New Haunted House Novels by Women, 30 Haunted House Books That Will Give You The Creeps, and 8 of the Best (Haunted) Books About Ghosts. And be sure to sign up for our horror newsletter for all things bookish and scary!