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As Halloween approaches, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a spooky read to set the mood. Whether you’re looking for a slow-burn classic or a modern tale of horror, this list has something for everyone. Here are some top October/Halloween reads to chill your bones for when you’ve got some time to unwind onboard…
Top Spooky Reads
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Often regarded as one of the most frightening books ever written, The Haunting of Hill House tells the story of a group of strangers investigating a mansion notorious for its paranormal activity. As the house begins to reveal its dark past, the divide between reality and the supernatural begins to blur, leading to a haunting tale that lingers long after the final page.
Salem’s Lot by Stephen King
Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot is a must-read for fans of vampire horror. This classic tale of a small town slowly succumbing to a vampiric plague is filled with suspense, dread, and unforgettable moments of terror. King’s careful build-up of tension will have you flipping pages late into the night.
A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enriquez
Step into the unsettling world of Mariana Enriquez, where ordinary lives take disturbing turns. Her twelve short stories weave supernatural elements with everyday reality, creating a world where terror hides behind the mundane. Set in Argentina, these tales especially focus on women whose lives unravel when they encounter the eerie and surreal.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Atmospheric and suspenseful, Rebecca is a gothic masterpiece. A young woman marries a wealthy widower and moves to his isolated mansion by the sea, only to be haunted by the memory of his first wife. As secrets about the past unravel, the novel expertly builds tension, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.
Out There Screaming edited by Jordan Peele and John Joseph Adams
From the visionary director of Get Out and Us, Jordan Peele teams up with John Joseph Adams to bring us an anthology of Black horror stories. Out There Screaming explores not only supernatural horrors but also the real-world terrors of injustice. This groundbreaking collection is as socially relevant as it is deeply unsettling.
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
Set in 1840s Mexico, Vampires of El Norte blends historical fiction with horror. Nena, a rancher’s daughter, must protect her home from bloodthirsty creatures that attack in the night, draining men of their life force. This sinister take on the vampire legend is a gripping story that explores both human and supernatural conflicts.
This Cursed House by Del Sandeen
In Del Sandeen’s Southern gothic debut, a young Black woman leaves Chicago in the 1960s to work for a mysterious family in New Orleans. She soon realises that the family is under a dark curse—and they believe she is the key to breaking it. A richly atmospheric tale, This Cursed House is full of eerie suspense and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
Melanie Middleton, a real estate agent who can see ghosts, inherits an old Charleston mansion. But with the house comes a group of restless spirits desperate to tell their stories. Full of Southern charm and supernatural intrigue, The House on Tradd Street offers a light-hearted yet spooky read perfect for those who enjoy a bit of ghostly mystery with their horror.
Ghostland by Colin Dickey
If you’re a fan of offbeat history and haunted places, Ghostland by Colin Dickey is a must-read. This book takes readers on a journey through some of the most famously haunted locations in the U.S., all while exploring the darker side of American history. It’s both insightful and eerie, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys the macabre details behind ghost stories.
Poems Bewitched and Haunted edited by John Hollander
For those who like their scares in smaller doses, this anthology of supernatural-themed poetry is perfect. Poems Bewitched and Haunted features witches, ghosts, and other ghoulish figures, all wrapped in verse. It’s a fun, literary way to get into the Halloween spirit and a great choice for those who prefer shorter, bite-sized reads.
House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
Marion Shaw escapes a life of poverty by becoming a bloodmaid in the notorious House of Hunger. But the opulent world she enters is filled with dangerous secrets, and Marion soon realises she may not survive long enough to enjoy her newfound luxury. A dark, gothic novel that explores themes of power and survival, House of Hunger is a gripping, sinister read.
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
Riley Sager’s latest thriller tells the story of a man haunted by the disappearance of his childhood friend. Set in a seemingly perfect neighbourhood, dark secrets begin to surface as he uncovers the truth about what really happened. With its unexpected twists and high tension, Middle of the Night will have you hooked until the shocking final reveal.
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