Halloween, a time for growing pumpkins, pumpkin carvings, DIY Halloween costumes, and spine-chilling tales. As the nights get longer and the shadows creep closer, there’s no better way to get into the Halloween spirit than by immersing yourself in spooky books. From haunted houses to eerie mysteries, we’ve got some of the best Halloween books for young adults and adults alike.
I’ve rounded up my top 50 books for adults and young adults. Go get you in the Halloween spirit in October! While all of these are great Halloween books they can be read and enjoyed any time of year. Time for trick-or-treating and reading!
Where to Buy Books Online
In our digital age, getting your hands on the best spooky books for Halloween has never been easier, thanks to the multitude of online book retailers. Below, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite online platforms for book shopping.
- IndieBound: If supporting local businesses is important to you, IndieBound helps you do just that, online. They connect customers with independent bookstores in their area that offer online shopping.
- Bookshop: This is one of my favorite online resources. They actively split a portion of all their sales among hundreds of independent booksellers.
- Powell’s Books: This independent bookseller from Portland, Oregon, runs a fantastic online store. They stock both new and used books, providing an opportunity to find great deals. We love stopping in when we’re driving through Portland.
- Amazon: They are fast and cheap but they’re edging out small business. Sometimes you have to but if you don’t try one of the above sites.
- Barnes & Noble: Firmly established as a traditional bookstore, Barnes & Noble smoothly transitioned into the online retail space. Their extensive range of titles is impressive, catering to diverse tastes.
- Book Depository: Shifting gears, we have the UK-based Book Depository. With the added advantage of free worldwide shipping, this retailer is a go-to for book enthusiasts across the globe. In addition to their wide-ranging collection, they frequently run discounts on well-loved titles, making it even more appealing.
So, grab that hot cocoa, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, and delve into the world of spooky books this Halloween.
Spooky Books for Young Adults
So you’ve graduated from The Great Pumpkin and picture books and board books! Step into the bewitching season of Halloween with the best Halloween books for young adults and older kids. These spooky reads will get your heart racing and immerse you in their otherworldly narratives. Are you brave enough to dive into these scary books? Then grab a blanket and lose yourself in these thrilling pages that bring the Halloween spirit right into your hands. There’s no better way to spend a Halloween night than by diving into a world of mystery, horror, and the supernatural. Time to get into the mood for some classic Halloween stories science fiction!
- “The Diviners” by Libba Bray – Set in the bustling and glittering 1920s New York, “The Diviners” is the first book in a supernatural series. Evie O’Neill has been exiled from her boring hometown to the streets of New York City and she’s pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. What she doesn’t bargain for is the city’s dark underbelly that harbors occult mysteries and paranormal activities.
- “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” by Ransom Riggs – This haunting tale combines creepy vintage photographs with a chilling narrative. When a tragedy sends sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, he discovers the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The haunting images and eerie storyline make it a perfect pick for a spine-tingling Halloween experience.
- “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman – In this creepy, masterfully-woven tale, Coraline Jones is bored until she finds a door in her flat leading to an alternate version of her life. With spine-chilling twists and a hint of dark humor, it’s a must-read for the Halloween season.
- “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman – This unique and spooky tale narrates the story of Nobody Owens, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard. Filled with suspense, humor, and heartwarming moments, it makes for a perfect Halloween read.
- “Slasher Girls & Monster Boys” by April Genevieve Tucholke – A collection of terrifying short stories compiled by various renowned young adult authors. Each story draws from a classic tale or two. They’re perfect for those looking for a Halloween thrill.
- “Anna Dressed in Blood” by Kendare Blake – Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. He faces his match in Anna, a powerful spirit who has killed everyone else who stepped into her Victorian home. It’s a chilling, bloody, and surprisingly heartfelt Halloween read.
- “Asylum” by Madeleine Roux – Dan Crawford is excited for his summer program at New Hampshire College Prep, until he realizes that the dorm used to be a sanatorium. Featuring chilling photographs and dark secrets, this book offers a macabre twist on the traditional coming-of-age story.
- “The Name of the Star” by Maureen Johnson – Louisiana teen Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life. At her boarding school there are a series of brutal murders mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper killing spree begins. This atmospheric thriller successfully combines crime, suspense, and the supernatural for a perfect Halloween read.
- “The Devouring Gray” by Christine Lynn Herman – This spooky tale follows four teens who must confront their town’s terrifying past and their own dark secrets. Their families guard the town of Four Paths from a monster that lives in the Gray.
- “The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding” by Alexandra Bracken – Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his old and storied family lineage. Until he discovers that a demon resides within him, and it’s causing trouble.
- “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness – In this heartbreaking and darkly beautiful novel. A young boy confronts his fears, sorrow, and the monster who visits him at night.
- “The Coldest Girl in Coldtown” by Holly Black – In a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist, humans and free-ranging monsters coexist in this chilling vampire novel.
- “The Fall” by Bethany Griffin – Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” this spooky tale follows Madeleine Usher, who’s doomed to succumb to the Usher family’s tragic history.
- “The Wicked Deep” by Shea Ernshaw – Two centuries ago, three sisters were sentenced to death for witchery. Stones were tied to their ankles and they were drowned in the deep waters surrounding the town. Now, the sisters return, stealing the bodies of three troubled girls so they may seek their revenge, luring boys into the harbor and pulling them under.
- “City of Ghosts” by Victoria Schwab – Cassidy Blake has a bit of an unusual talent: she can see ghosts. When her parents start hosting a TV show about the world’s most haunted places, she meets a girl who shares her ability, and learns more about her own “gift.”
- “The Dead House” by Dawn Kurtagich – Told through diary entries, video transcripts, therapy sessions, and emails, this is the harrowing tale of a girl possessed by her malevolent alter ego.
- “The Bone Witch” by Rin Chupeco – Tea has the power to raise the dead but it comes with a devastating price. As dark forces gather, she must overcome society’s fear of her to protect the ones she loves.
- “Through the Woods” by Emily Carroll – This graphic novel is a collection of five hauntingly beautiful fairy tales where happy endings are hard to find. Each story is eerie and unique, making it perfect for fans of horror and the supernatural.
- “The Raven Boys” by Maggie Stiefvater: For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
- “Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare” by Darren Shan: Darren Shan and his best friend, Steve, get tickets to the Cirque Du Freak, a wonderfully gothic freak show featuring weird, frightening half-human, half-animals. In the midst of the excitement, true terror raises its head when Steve recognizes that one of the performers— Mr. Crepsley— is a vampire!
- “The Monstrumologist” by Rick Yancey: In this terrifying and grotesque world, Will Henry, an orphan and assistant to a doctor with a most unusual specialty: monster hunting, tells his horrifying tales. The story unfolds from the depths of the human soul to the heights of human corruption in an environment populated by dreadful beings. It’s a heart-pounding gothic thriller with an unforgettable young hero.
- “Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” by D.J. Milky – This imaginative book dives into the world of Tim Burton’s iconic film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. It brings to life the Pumpkin Queen’s untold story. It reveals the transformative journey of Sally, a rag doll girl who’s always felt invisible in Halloween Town. Throughout her tale, readers explore familiar settings and meet beloved characters from the original story. As Sally embraces her individuality and discovers her own potential, she learns that she is much more than a mere patchwork doll. This new perspective brings fresh enchantment to a cherished classic. It a must-read for fans of the original film and those new to the Nightmare Before Christmas universe.
Spooky Books For Adults
As the spooky Halloween season draws near, there’s no better time to delve into haunted books for adults, teeming with spine-chilling tales. When the autumn leaves start to fall and the nights begin to lengthen, the intrigue of horror novels intensifies. Seamlessly transitioning from suspense to the supernatural, these spooky Halloween books embody the spirit of this eerie time, making them the perfect accompaniment for the season’s chilling nights.
Our carefully selected list of best Halloween books for adults brings you thrilling tales! And, these books, with creepy haunted houses and eerie ghost stories, offer narratives loaded with suspense and intrigue.
No matter if you’re a longtime horror fan or just getting started with spooky books, our list promises fear. Every turn of the page delivers a thrill, making these perfect Halloween companions for a night of chilling reading.
- “The Shining” by Stephen King – A quintessential Halloween read, “The Shining” tells the story of Jack Torrance, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. With his wife and son with him, the family quickly finds that the hotel is haunted by a menacing presence. As a snowstorm traps them within the hotel, the line between reality and nightmare blurs.
- “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson – This is regarded as one of the best literary ghost stories! This book follows a group of individuals participating in a paranormal study at the ominous Hill House. With subtle horrors and psychological suspense, it’s a perfect tale to send shivers down your spine this Halloween.
- “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris – This chilling book follows the story of Clarice Starling. She is a young FBI trainee, who is tasked with understanding the mind of a terrifying serial killer known as Buffalo Bill. With help from the infamous Hannibal Lecter, Starling delves into the dark psyche of the killer.
- “Dracula” by Bram Stoker – No Halloween book list would be complete without this timeless classic. “Dracula” is a thrilling journey to the heart of Transylvania. There, the ancient vampire Count Dracula plots his bloodthirsty control of the world.
- “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice – This novel is the first in the “Lives of the Mayfair Witches” series. It tells the story of a powerful witch family through time and space. It is replete with vivid descriptions, gothic romance, and supernatural intrigue.
- “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill – A gripping ghost story set in a small English town. The book follows Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor who is sent to attend a recently deceased client’s funeral. He’s meant to sort out her papers, only to find himself haunted by the vengeful Woman in Black.
- “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty – A horrifying tale of demonic possession. This novel tells the story of Regan, a young girl possessed, and the two priests who try to save her. It’s a classic that has terrified readers since its initial publication.
- “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James – In this chilling novella, a governess starts her new job caring for two orphans. She becomes convinced that the estate is haunted and that the children are under the control of malevolent spirits.
- “Interview with the Vampire” by Anne Rice – This book provides a deep dive into the life of the undead. Louis, a 200-year-old vampire, tells his story of immortality, love, loss, and a thirst for human blood to a young reporter.
- “Bird Box” by Josh Malerman – In a world where looking outside can make you go mad, Malorie must make a terrifying journey with her two children while blindfolded. This post-apocalyptic novel is filled with suspense and terror, making it a thrilling Halloween read.
- “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski – This unique horror novel features an intricate layout and unique style. It tells the story of a family who discovers that their new house is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside.
- “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides – A blend of psychological thriller and horror. This book explores the mystery behind a woman who shoots her husband five times and then never speaks another word.
- “Pet Sematary” by Stephen King – After moving to a small Maine town, Louis Creed discovers a pet cemetery in the woods behind his home. When tragedy strikes, Louis turns to his unusual neighbor, setting off a perilous chain reaction.
- “The Girl with All the Gifts” by M.R. Carey – It is a world devastated by a mysterious fungal disease that’s turned most of the population into ‘hungries’. We follow the story of Melanie – a girl who is different, who may hold the key to humanity’s survival.
- “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” by Iain Reid – This psychological thriller is a chilling exploration of dread, despair, and paranoia as a woman travels with her boyfriend to meet his parents.
- “The Passage” by Justin Cronin – A security breach at a secret U.S. government facility unleashes a monstrous group of beings. This results in a chilling apocalyptic adventure.
- “Rosemary’s Baby” by Ira Levin – Rosemary Woodhouse and her struggling actor husband move into a peculiar apartment building, encountering strange neighbors and even stranger events. Everything suspiciously revolves around their newborn baby.
- “World War Z” by Max Brooks – This novel is a collection of individual accounts in the form of first-person anecdotes. These people tell the tale of the worldwide conflict against the zombie plague.
- “Let the Right One In” by John Ajvide Lindqvist – In 1980s Sweden, a peculiar friendship develops between a bullied boy and his mysterious new neighbor in this haunting story of love and horror.
- “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson – This unsettling novel tells the story of the Blackwood sisters. They live their life in isolation after a shocking family tragedy.
- “Ghost Story” by Peter Straub – A sinister figure from their past relentlessly haunts a group of men in this chilling horror novel.
- “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters – In this chilling gothic ghost story set in post-war Britain. A doctor becomes increasingly entwined with an old gentry family of declining fortunes occupying a dilapidated Georgian mansion.
- “Slade House” by David Mitchell – Every nine years, the enigmatic and soul-sucking Grayer twins invite someone new to their haunted mansion of reality-bending illusion.
- “Hell House” by Richard Matheson – Matheson’s legendary tale follows a group of investigators in the most haunted house in the world.
- “Ring” by Koji Suzuki – The novel that inspired the horror films of the same name. This is the story of a cursed videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die in a week.
- “The Wasp Factory” by Iain Banks – This disturbing novel follows the sadistic and sociopathic teenager, Frank Cauldhame, and his bizarre rituals on a remote Scottish island.
- “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier – A haunting and enduring classic, “Rebecca” tells the story of a young woman who marries wealthy widower Maxim de Winter, only to find herself living in the shadow of his late wife, Rebecca. The new Mrs. de Winter struggles to fit into the world of Manderley, the opulent and grand estate. She is constantly compared to the seemingly perfect Rebecca. The mysterious housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, further deepens her insecurity. As secrets about Rebecca and her death unravel, the suspense builds up, leading to an unexpected climax. Rich in atmospheric details and psychological depth, “Rebecca” is a gripping tale of suspense and mystery.
- “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley – Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a masterpiece of 19th-century gothic literature. An ambitious young scientist named Victor Frankenstein becomes obsessed with discovering the secret of life. He creates a grotesque creature in an experiment. But upon bringing it to life, he is filled with horror and disgust. His creation, rejected by its maker and society, seeks revenge on its creator, leading to a tragic chain of events. Exploring themes of ambition, responsibility, and the human condition, “Frankenstein” is a timeless tale that continues to captivate readers.
Fun Halloween Treats
Get ready for Halloween with more than just costumes and candy. Transitioning into the season’s spooky side is part of the fun. Regardless of age, there’s a spine-chilling book tailored for you. To initiate your thrilling journey, dive into these spooky books and savor the suspense. With a warm drink in hand, get cozy and immerse yourself in these chilling tales. Lastly, complement your reading adventure with a scary movie for a comprehensive Halloween experience.
Comments & Reviews
Brett G says
Some really good recommendations here. Thank you for sharing.
I would recommend Ghost on the lake by Alex Alexander. A unique and fascinating paranormal mystery/suspense that totally hooks you in right from chapter one and has enough clever plot twists to keep you captivated until the end. Wonderfully written with great characters, this book is absolutely perfect Halloween reading.
Marissa Fischer says
I’ll have to check that one out!
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Bogdan says
Ooh! Great list!