Nothing beats a thrilling horror novel on a rainy day. Dive deep into a town swarming with vampires in one of Stephen King's most beloved narratives, Salem's Lot. The book follows the story of Ben Mears, a writer returning to his childhood town in an attempt to finish a novel about the long-abandoned Marsten House. His arrival coincides with the moving in of two strange men, Kurt Barlow and Richard Straker, both of whom are not what they seem. As the townspeople begin mysteriously falling ill and dying, Mears and his accomplices must find a way to save "the Lot"—if they still can. 

A science-fiction read like no other, Daphne du Maurier's The House on the Strand is an intriguing tale that involves time travel and a mysterious drug. Set in rainy Cornwall in Southern England, The House on the Strand revolves around the life of Dick Young, whose friend, Magnus Lane, offers him an experimental drug that allows him to travel back in time to the 14th century. During his trips back, he becomes obsessed with the lives of those around him—and consequently becomes disoriented and confused when travelling back to his own time. The book ends in an open-ended way, and will surely leave you wondering. 

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Ghost story or psychological thriller? Shirley Jackson's Haunting of House Hill recently enjoyed renewed interest thanks to a Netflix remake of the same name. However, the original book is a must-not-miss. It tells the story of Eleanor, Theodora, and Luke, all of whom find themselves set up in Dr Montague's experiment as he searches for scientific evidence of the supernatural. Creepy and mysterious, this book is best read on a chilling rainy day.  

If you're craving for romance this rainy day afternoon, go for a classic love story such as Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind. Though fairly lengthy, this timeless narrative gives readers an engaging glimpse at the time of the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. It follows the complicated story of Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler as they discover their love for each other through the various milestones of their life. 

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For a light yet thought-provoking read, consider David Nicholls' Starter for Ten, a narrative that chronicles the constant misadventures of Brian Jackson in his first year at university. It's a humorous read, with numerous laugh-out-loud moments. Despite the wit however, there are many sad yet relatable themes in the book: such as the death of Brian's father, his awkward love for Alice Harbinson, and his dysfunctional relationship with Rebecca Epstein. Part romance novel and part coming-of-age story, Starter for Ten is a fantastic example of Nicholls' touch for heartfelt storytelling.

Satiate your wanderlust during rainy days with George Durrell's delightful memoir, My Family and Other Animals. Though many know him as a famous naturalist and conservationist, Durrell is also a fantastic writer. Set on the island of Corfu in Greece, Durrell's memoir is heartwarming, funny, and chockfull of interesting animal stories. If you're looking to lift your spirits after a downpour, this is the book for you!

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