With Halloween happening this week, you might want to get into the spooky vibe and one way to do that is by reading horror books – and we’ve got some spine-tingling recommendations to get you in the mood!
1. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
Dive into one of the earliest horror classics. Frankenstein explores the dark side of human ambition through Victor Frankenstein’s doomed experiment in creating life. This timeless tale of horror, science, and tragedy is as chilling today as it was in the 1800s, making it an ideal Halloween read.
2. “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Set in 1950s Mexico, Mexican Gothic follows Noemí Taboada as she investigates the strange goings-on at High Place, a sinister mansion that hides deadly secrets. The novel’s creeping horror and eerie atmosphere make it a haunting and unique addition to your Halloween list.
3. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson
This iconic haunted house story is a must-read for fans of psychological horror. Four strangers gather at Hill House, a mansion with a dark past, and soon begin experiencing increasingly disturbing supernatural occurrences. Jackson’s masterful prose builds suspense and dread, leaving you questioning reality.
4. “The Silent Companions” by Laura Purcell
Perfect for fans of gothic horror, The Silent Companions follows Elsie Bainbridge, a young widow who moves into her late husband’s crumbling estate. She discovers eerie wooden figures resembling family members, and soon, terrifying events unfold. Purcell’s writing transports you into a world where every shadow holds a sinister secret.
5. “The Shining” by Stephen King
No spooky book list is complete without The Shining. Set in the isolated Overlook Hotel, this classic follows the Torrance family as they confront a sinister force that lurks within the hotel’s walls. Stephen King’s ability to blend psychological horror with supernatural elements is as haunting as ever.
6. “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman
Don’t let the fact that it’s a children’s book fool you—Coraline is a genuinely creepy tale and fits the theme of spooky books. When young Coraline steps into an alternate version of her world, she discovers a world filled with disturbing “Other” parents. Gaiman’s storytelling captures the magic and horror of childhood fears, making it a perfect quick Halloween read.
7. “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill
This classic British ghost story centres on solicitor Arthur Kipps, who encounters a vengeful spirit while visiting a haunted mansion to settle an estate. Hill’s atmospheric storytelling captures the bleak landscapes and supernatural terrors of The Woman in Black, giving it an unsettling, lingering effect. You could even watch the film, starring Daniel Radcliffe, once you’ve had your fill of spooky books.
8. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker’s Dracula remains the ultimate vampire story and one of the best spooky books. Follow Jonathan Harker as he encounters Count Dracula, a charismatic yet terrifying figure who brings darkness and fear to England. With gothic castles, sinister villains, and ominous landscapes, this novel embodies Halloween horror.
9. “Pet Sematary” by Stephen King
Another King classic, Pet Sematary tells the story of a family who moves to a rural town and discovers a mysterious burial ground with dark powers. Known for its heart-wrenching suspense, the novel explores themes of grief, resurrection, and the terrifying consequences of bringing back the dead.
10. “Ghost Wall” by Sarah Moss
In this contemporary thriller, a teenager and her family join an Iron Age reenactment retreat, where tensions build and reality blurs. Ghost Wall subtly draws on folklore and psychological horror, creating an eerie atmosphere that mirrors the oppressive environments of classic horror.
Grab your blanket and a pumpkin spiced latte, get cosy and snuggle up with a good spooky read!
