5 Spooky Books to Read This October
Autumn leaves crunch underfoot, the air grows crisp, and suddenly, it’s that time of year again: spooky season! With Halloween fast approaching, it’s the perfect excuse to dive into a chilling book and get your heart racing (without even leaving the comfort of your cosy blanket). Whether you’re into haunted houses, creepy thrillers, or sinister secrets, we’ve got you covered with these five spine-tingling reads. Grab a hot chocolate, dim the lights, and prepare for some sleepless nights…
1. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson
If you’re a fan of all things eerie, this classic is a must-read. Shirley Jackson weaves a terrifying tale of a group of strangers who gather at Hill House to study the paranormal. As they explore the mansion’s dark history, strange things begin to happen, and it’s hard to tell whether the house is haunted or if the terror is all in their minds. Perfect for fans of psychological horror, The Haunting of Hill House will leave you questioning reality long after you’ve turned the final page.
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this one’s technically a children’s book – Coraline is packed with enough creepy vibes to spook readers of any age! Coraline Jones discovers a hidden door in her new house, leading to an alternate version of her life. At first, it seems perfect – until things take a terrifying turn. With button-eyed ‘Other Parents’ and a seriously sinister twist, Coraline delivers chills in the best possible way. This is a great pick if you’re after something unsettling but not full-on terrifying.
3. “House of Hollow” by Krystal Sutherland
For a mix of mystery, horror, and twisted fairytale vibes, look no further than House of Hollow. This YA read follows three sisters who disappeared as children only to return with no memory of what happened, but something about them has changed. Iris, the youngest, begins to uncover the truth behind their disappearance as strange, supernatural events unfold around her. Dark and gorgeously written, this one is a haunting, unsettling journey you won’t want to miss.
4. “The Wicked Deep” by Shea Ernshaw
If you’re into witchy tales, The Wicked Deep is the book for you. Set in the coastal town of Sparrow, Oregon, this story revolves around the Swan sisters, who were drowned for witchcraft two centuries ago. Every summer, their spirits return to the town to seek revenge by luring boys into the water to drown them. With a mix of romance, mystery, and supernatural elements, The Wicked Deep is perfect for a rainy autumn day when you want something dark and atmospheric.
5. “The Taking of Jake Livingston” by Ryan Douglass
This one’s for fans of paranormal horrors with a modern twist. Jake Livingston is one of the only Black students at his private high school and also happens to be able to see ghosts. While he’s used to navigating high school and the supernatural world, things take a sinister turn when a vengeful spirit sets its sights on him. The Taking of Jake Livingston is a fast-paced, creepy read that deals with both real-life issues and the world of the dead, making it a fresh, thrilling pick for Halloween.
So, whether you’re after a gothic mansion, button-eyed villains, witchy vibes, or haunted high schools, these books are sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. Which one will you read first? Let us know in the comments – and don’t forget to keep the lights on!