Wuthering Heights was 1 of the first novels we covered in my English Literature course at the University of St. Andrews (yes, I was there at the same time as Wills & Kate; no, I do not know them!) Here's a reading list I curated specially for readers who can't forget the wildness and obsession of the novel and are wondering what to read after they finish Wuthering Heights- perfect for reading on the train as you travel up to Yorkshire!
Dracula – Bram Stoker
A classic Gothic horror tale of vampires, desire, and Victorian anxieties.
Who will love it: Fans of Gothic tension, suspense, and dark romance
Who might not: Readers who dislike epistolary storytelling or archaic prose.
Northanger Abbey – Jane Austen
Note: if you can't get enough of Jane Austen, you'll love these Jane Austen planner stickers and these Jane Austen quotes about love.
Catherine Morland, a girl obsessed with Gothic novels, visits the mysterious estate of a potential suitor and begins to imagine real-life horrors lurking in every chest. There's even a film adaptation which is a good watch!
Who would like it: Fans of satire, Gothic tropes, and character humor- those who enjoy Gothic elements but want a more lighthearted novel after the stormy angst of Wuthering Heights
Who would NOT: Readers expecting purely dark or brooding tones & a stormy relationship- this is ultimately a comedy about reading Gothic books, not being in one.
The Secret History – Donna Tartt
A group of elite college students in.a Vermont college becomes entwined in murder, betrayal, and obsession.
Who will love it: Dark academia enthusiasts, mystery lovers, and character-driven plots + Fans of intense, obsessive friendships and the "aesthetic" of old libraries and Greek tragedy.
Who might not: Readers seeking lighthearted or fast-moving narratives, or who need a "hero" to root for; every character here is deeply flawed and morally grey.
Jane Eyre – Charlotte Brontë
A plain young and poor woman becomes a governess and navigates love, mystery, and moral challenges in a brooding English estate with a secretive employer. A story of desire, morality and secrets that I actually prefer to Wuthering Heights!
Who will love it: Fans of intense character development, emotional intensity, Gothic romance, social commentary, and a heroine with a strong moral core.
Who might not: Readers seeking fast-paced plots or light-hearted stories.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – Anne Brontë
A mysterious woman with a hidden past moves into a crumbling hall, bringing scandal, gossip, and hard truths about abusive love.
- Who will love it: Readers who want feminist grit, realism about bad marriages, and emotional resilience alongside gothic mood.
- Who might not: Those expecting a glamorous romance or easy redemption for cruel men.
Note: although this is very different in tone from Wuthering Heights, reading novels by all 3 Brontë sisters gives a fascinating insight into the environement that produced Emily Brontë .
Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier
A shy, nameless young woman marries a wealthy widower, only to find his coastal estate haunted by the lingering shadow of his first wife. Another personal favorite!
Who will love it: Fans of the slow-build tension of a psychological haunting, light Gothic romance, and atmospheric settings + those who want a balance between the “weight” of Wuthering Heights’ love story and the “light and sparkling” nature of a traditoinal romance.
Who might not: Readers who dislike slow-building tension, brooding protagonists, or a submissive/ "anxious" protagonist + Those who need a clearly “healthy” central romance or straightforward answers.
Have you read any of these novels? Which did you love and which did you hate?
