5 Haunting Reads You Must Pick Up This Halloween Season
(originally written on cafecrashdown.com)
As Halloween approaches, there’s no better way to embrace the spooky spirit than by diving into a chilling book. Whether you’re a horror fanatic, a lover of page-turning suspense, or someone who enjoys the eerie atmosphere of the season, these five haunting reads are sure to send shivers down your spine. So, grab your favorite blanket, light a candle, and prepare yourself for some truly spine-tingling stories that will keep you up long after the lights go out.
1. Out There Screaming – Edited by Jordan Peele and John Joseph Adams
out there screaming
If you’re a fan of the twisted genius behind Get Out and Us, then Out There Screaming is the horror anthology you need on your bookshelf.
Edited by Jordan Peele and John Joseph Adams, this collection showcases an array of new Black horror stories, blending supernatural terror with real-world issues. From tales of ghosts and ghouls to the horrors of systemic injustice, this anthology explores the intersection of fear and social commentary. Each story is packed with dread, tension, and meaning, making it one of the most powerful and thought-provoking books to kick off your Halloween reading spree.
Key takeaway: This anthology taps into the deeper fears within our society, perfect for fans of socially conscious horror.
2. The Night House – By Jo Nesbo
THE NIGHT HOUSE
Known for his crime thrillers, Jo Nesbo’s The Night House takes a sharp turn into supernatural horror.
Richard Elauved, a 14-year-old dealing with personal tragedy, moves to a small, isolated town, only to be further ostracized. When his classmate disappears in a disturbingly bizarre way, Richard believes a haunted telephone booth is to blame. But no one believes him. With eerie twists and turns, this unsettling story delves into themes of isolation, grief, and the terror of being unseen. The Night House is a masterclass in suspense, guaranteed to grip readers until the last chilling page.
Key takeaway: A suspenseful, psychological horror that explores themes of loneliness and terror.
3. Bad Cree – By Jessica Johns
bad cree
Jessica Johns delivers a haunting debut novel that intertwines supernatural horror with deep cultural reflection.
In Bad Cree, a young Cree woman is haunted by dreams that blur the line between reality and the supernatural. Her visions pull her into a nightmarish journey where she confronts both her family’s traumatic past and the weight of cultural loss. As much about personal identity and reclamation as it is about horror, this novel is equal parts eerie and profound. If you’re looking for a haunting tale that has emotional depth, Bad Cree will deliver.
Key takeaway: A gripping story of horror, identity, and the legacies we inherit.
4. Haunted Castles – By Ray Russell
haunted castles
For lovers of classic Gothic horror, Ray Russell’s Haunted Castles is a must-read.
This collection includes some of the most bone-chilling tales ever written, capturing the essence of Gothic storytelling. From eerie mansions to shadowy figures lurking in the dark, Russell masterfully conjures the perfect atmosphere for a Halloween night. With a foreword by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, this collection will transport you to worlds of sinister elegance, where monsters and menacing forces reign supreme. Stephen King himself has praised these tales, calling one story “the finest example of modern Gothic ever written.”
Key takeaway: A rich collection of Gothic horror perfect for fans of atmospheric, classic tales.
5. 20th Century Ghosts – By Joe Hill
20th century ghosts
Joe Hill, son of Stephen King, has proven himself to be a master of modern horror.
20th Century Ghosts is a collection of short stories that runs the gamut from terrifying to deeply emotional. Each tale is beautifully crafted, with Hill’s unique ability to humanize horror in unexpected ways. From ghosts who haunt cinemas to eerie love stories, 20th Century Ghosts offers a diverse range of scares, perfect for any horror enthusiast. This anthology will leave readers haunted by both the horrors within and the poignant emotions that linger long after the last page is turned.
Key takeaway: A versatile collection of horror stories that explore the terrifying and the touching.
Halloween isn’t complete without a few spooky reads to set the mood.
From supernatural thrillers to culturally rich horror, these five books offer something for every type of horror fan. Whether you’re seeking thought-provoking social commentary, classic Gothic chills, or bone-rattling supernatural terror, this list has it all. So, as Halloween creeps closer, grab one (or all) of these haunting reads and let the nightmares begin.
Which of these haunting tales are you most excited to read?
Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe for more horror recommendations to keep your Halloween season delightfully spooky.
