10 Spooky Reads for Halloween That Will Give You the Chills!
This post is all about the hottest Spooky Reads for Halloween
Hi bestie!
It’s that time of year again! The leaves are crunching, the nights are getting longer, and the pumpkin spice is flowing—so naturally, it’s time to curl up with some spooky reads that will have you clutching your blanket for dear life! Whether you’re a fan of creepy, spine-tingling tales or just love a good scare to get into the Halloween spirit, I’ve got you covered. From haunted houses to bone-chilling thrillers, these 10 Spooky Reads for Halloween and Fall Nights are here to give you all the thrills, chills, and goosebumps you crave.
So, grab your coziest blanket, light a candle (preferably one that smells like cinnamon or pumpkin pie), and prepare for a terrifyingly good time! Oh, and don’t worry—I’m here with you every spooky step of the way. If you get too scared, just remember: I’m only a comment away!
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1. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson
Ah, yes! We’re starting with a classic! Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is like the grandparent of all haunted house stories. It’s eerie, unsettling, and downright spooky. If you love a good psychological scare, this one will have you questioning what’s real and what’s lurking in the shadows. Perfect for a cozy fall night… with all the lights on, of course.
2. “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Looking for a chilling Gothic tale with a twist of the paranormal? Mexican Gothic is set in the eerie, decaying High Place mansion, and trust me, you won’t forget this book any time soon. It’s got haunted house vibes, creepy family secrets, and all the spooky goodness you need to keep you on the edge of your seat. Beware of moldy walls and dark hallways—you’ll never look at them the same way again!
3. “The Shining” by Stephen King
If you haven’t read The Shining, bestie, what are you waiting for? Jack Torrance and the Overlook Hotel are waiting to scare the pumpkin spice out of you! This one’s a bit of a slow burn, but when it gets going—yikes. Hallucinations, ghostly encounters, and a whole lot of “REDRUM” to keep you up at night. Just don’t read this in a cabin in the woods. Trust me.
4. “Home Before Dark” by Riley Sager
Okay, bestie, let me paint you a picture: haunted house meets true crime documentary meets heart-pounding thriller. That’s Riley Sager’s Home Before Dark in a nutshell. Is the house really haunted? Or is there something far more sinister at play? If you love books that keep you guessing and constantly flipping pages, you’ll love this one. It’s the perfect Halloween treat!
5. “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice
Fancy a deep dive into the world of witches? The Witching Hour by Anne Rice is a classic Gothic horror with a dose of supernatural intrigue. The eerie ambiance, dark family secrets, and a dash of witchcraft make this a deliciously spooky read for fall. Warning: It’s a long one, so maybe pace yourself. Don’t want to burn through it faster than a vampire at sunrise!
6. “The Silent Companions” by Laura Purcell
Okay, creepy dolls and haunted houses? You know this one’s going to be nightmare fuel. The Silent Companions is all about an old, eerie mansion and the unsettling, wooden companions that might—or might not—be alive. It’s eerie and atmospheric, perfect for those misty fall nights when you’re in the mood to be spooked!
7. “The Sundown Motel” by Simone St. James
Bestie, if you love a good ghost story with a mystery to unravel, you’re going to devour The Sundown Motel. It’s got creepy small-town vibes, a haunted motel, and two timelines that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You’ll want to check out, but you won’t be able to leave this book alone until the very last page!
8. “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman
Yes, it’s technically a children’s book, but don’t let that fool you—Coraline is seriously spooky! It’s all about a young girl who finds a door to a parallel world that seems perfect… until it isn’t. If you’ve got a dark imagination and love a bit of whimsy with your horror, this one’s for you. Just beware of the Other Mother—she’s not as sweet as she seems.
9. “The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones
If you’re looking for a terrifyingly unique story that blends supernatural horror with social commentary, The Only Good Indians is your next read. It follows four Native American men haunted by a dark event from their past, and let me tell you, it’s as haunting as it is thought-provoking. Fair warning: this one might mess with your head (in the best way possible).
10. “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury
Fall and Halloween nights are the perfect time to dive into this spooky, atmospheric tale. Something Wicked This Way Comes has a carnival that’s definitely up to no good, and its sinister atmosphere will leave you unsettled in all the right ways. Bradbury’s poetic writing style makes this one a haunting, unforgettable read.
Phew! That was quite the list! I don’t know about you, but I’m already picking out which spooky read I’m starting with tonight. Whether you’re a horror fanatic or just dipping your toes into the genre, these books will make your fall nights extra eerie. Don’t forget to leave a light on when you’re reading though—just in case something goes bump in the night!
Now, over to you! Which spooky read are you most excited to dive into? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. And hey, if you’ve got any other hair-raising suggestions, share them with your bestie (me)!
Before you go and get lost in your book, make sure you subscribe to The Catalog by Celine. We’ve got all the best bookish recommendations, whether you’re into spine-chilling tales or feel-good romances. And trust me, you won’t want to miss out on what we’ve got coming up next. Hit that subscribe button and let’s keep this bestie bond going!
Stay spooky,
Your bookish bestie!
Spooky Reads for Halloween:
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