Do you feel that chill running down your back? Yes, it could be the seasons changing but it could also be the spooky season sneaking up on you! In preparation for this festive time of year, we suggested some scary books to put on your reading list. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, psychological thrillers, or horror stories, there’s a scary book out there for you. Check out our list of 10 books that will send shivers down your spine just in time for Halloween!
1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
No Halloween reading list is complete without this 1959 classic. Jackson’s haunted house novel is a true psychological thriller leaving readers questioning reality. Perfect for readers who prefer subtle, eerie, and mind-bending stories.
2. The Shining by Stephen King
If haunted hotels are more your thing, grab Stephen King’s The Shining. Isolated in the snow-capped Overlook Hotel, Jack Torrance and his family face literal and metaphorical demons. Get ready for a slow burn with a big, terrifying payoff.
3. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Take a trip to 1950s Mexico in this Gothic horror tale that mixes lush, atmospheric storytelling with genuinely creepy imagery. Set in a decrepit mansion with dark family secrets, Mexican Gothic will remain in your mind long after you’ve finished the book.
4. Bird Box by Josh Malerman
What’s scarier than a monster you can’t even look at? In Bird Box, society collapses as an unseen entity drives anyone who sees it to madness and death. The tension is high, the dread is palpable, and the suspense will have you reading with all the lights on!
5. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
A blend of horror and cultural identity, this novel follows a group of Native American friends haunted by a violent event from their past. The story is unique, brutal, and rich in atmosphere, with a relentless sense of dread.
6. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
This story is a Victorian ghost story that will make your skin crawl. Is the governess truly seeing the spirits of two evil figures, or is she slowly losing her mind? The story’s ambiguity of the supernatural elements makes it even more unsettling.
7. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
If you like your horror with a side of fantasy, Bradbury’s tale of a sinister carnival that rolls into a small town is a must-read. With themes of youth, fear, and desire, this eerie story captures the magic and terror of growing up—and the nightmares that come with it.
8. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
This mind-bending novel is a web of fear, both literally and figuratively. The story of a family who discovers their house is impossibly bigger on the inside than the outside and will leave you questioning your sanity as much as the characters.
9. The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
Set in a crumbling mansion, The Silent Companions is a gothic horror novel filled with creeping dread. Strange, life-like wooden figures called “companions” begin to appear in the house, and as they multiply, and so does the tension. It’s a slow-burning ghost story that will make you squirm.
10. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
A modern classic, Coraline may be written for younger readers, but it’s creepy enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. When Coraline discovers a parallel world that’s similar to hers but oh-so-wrong, she must face off against the button-eyed “Other Mother” to escape. It’s the perfect eerie fairy tale for the spooky season.
Wow, that’s a frightening list! There’s nothing to do now but light some candles, snuggle under a warm blanket, and prepare to be spooked page after page. If we didn’t scare you off, come back next week and get cozy with us around the campfire for some classic ghost stories. In the meantime, if you need to update your lingerie drawer check out our Cami & Tap sale going on all this week! See you in the next blog!
Deb Fries works with the Julianna Rae team to offer the best shopping experience for quality silk and cotton sleepwear while also writing for the blog at Juliannarae.com.