The Judge’s House by Bram Stoker

A scholar rents an old, deserted house for peace and quiet but soon realizes the eerie judge who once lived there may not have left. As strange occurrences build, including sightings of a malevolent rat and spectral noises, dread grows. The plot moves from academic calm to chilling confrontation with a vengeful spirit. It’s a classic Gothic horror tale of isolation, rationality undone, and supernatural justice. Stoker builds atmosphere and terror with precision.