Cover of The Turn of the Screw

Horror · Classics

The Turn of the Screw

3.2 out of 5, from 423 ratings from Hardcover readers

A young governess takes charge of two orphaned children at a remote country house. She comes to believe that the ghosts of two former servants are trying to claim the children.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1898
Pace
Slow
Length
Short
Pages
134
Format
Standalone

Read this if you like old-fashioned ghost stories that leave you debating whether the haunting is real.

Skip this if you want a clear answer and a modern, direct style.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Death

Quick answers about The Turn of the Screw

What is The Turn of the Screw about?
A young governess takes charge of two orphaned children at a remote country house. She comes to believe that the ghosts of two former servants are trying to claim the children.
Who should read The Turn of the Screw?
Read it if you like old-fashioned ghost stories that leave you debating whether the haunting is real. Skip it if you want a clear answer and a modern, direct style.
How long and how fast is The Turn of the Screw?
It is a slow-paced, short read of about 134 pages, first published in 1898.
Does The Turn of the Screw have content warnings?
Content we flag: Death.
Can I borrow The Turn of the Screw for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Turn of the Screw; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Turn of the Screw?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Haunting of Hill House, Rebecca, We Have Always Lived in the Castle.

Where to get it

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