As Halloween approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the spooky season than with a gripping book that sends shivers down your spine. Whether you’re into classic horror, gothic fiction, or eerie mysteries, this list has something for every thrill-seeker. Grab your favourite blanket, a hot drink, and get ready to delve into these haunting reads.
1. Halloween Party by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s classic mystery unravels at a Halloween party, where a child’s innocent remark about having witnessed a murder leads to a chilling investigation. With Christie’s signature twists, this one is perfect for a spine-tingling evening.
2. The Luminaries by Susan Dennard
In this supernatural tale, a girl in a small town discovers a sinister connection between her family and a series of disappearances. As she unravels the dark history of her home, secrets long buried rise to the surface.
3. Pet Sematary by Stephen King
King’s chilling exploration of grief and loss centres on a burial ground with the power to bring back the dead. However, not all resurrections are peaceful, leading to terrifying consequences.
4. Dracula by Bram Stoker
The quintessential vampire novel, Dracula introduces readers to the enigmatic Count Dracula and his dark intentions in Victorian England. This classic is a perfect blend of gothic romance and horror.
5. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking work explores themes of creation, ambition, and monstrosity. Follow Victor Frankenstein as he grapples with the consequences of his scientific endeavours, leading to horrifying results.
6. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
A psychological horror novel that blends fear and ambiguity, this story follows a group of people as they investigate the eerie Hill House, where the past is as haunting as the present.
7. The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
Set in a world where the dead rise from their graves, this dark fantasy follows a gravedigger’s daughter and a mysterious outsider as they confront the bones that refuse to stay buried.
8. The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay
In this gripping psychological thriller, a family holidaying in a remote cabin must confront a terrifying group of strangers who believe they must make an unthinkable sacrifice to save the world.
9. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Set in the 1950s Mexico, this gothic horror novel follows Noemí Taboada as she investigates her cousin’s mysterious situation at a remote estate. Filled with unsettling secrets, it’s a haunting tale perfect for Halloween.
10. The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
A post-apocalyptic novel that mixes horror and science fiction, this story follows Melanie, a girl with extraordinary abilities, as she navigates a world ravaged by a fungal infection that turns humans into zombies.
These spooky reads are sure to set the perfect Halloween mood, whether you’re in the mood for spine-tingling chills or eerie mysteries. So dim the lights, cosy up, and lose yourself in these haunting tales. Happy reading, and have a spooky Halloween!
The Ink Thief 
Pet Sematary was my first SK read, way back in elementary school. It’s responsible for so much of my literary tastes. 🙂
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