I’m not really into spooky reads that much, but I do appreciate a few books that are appropriate for this time of year. So, I figured it was time that I prepared a list of a few spooky reads. Of course, I had to add my personal touch that spotlights my tastes.
I made this list with readers in mind that don’t have a clue where to start when looking for a book appropriate for the spooky season. From magical realism to fantasy, thrillers and literary fiction, I’ve included some titles I think will be a solid start to the season.
So get cozy and read on for my list of spooky reads!
Let The Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
Considered part horror, part thriller, with a touch of supernatural, Let The Right One In is the first book I will be reading by this author. The Swedish writer included lots of spooky themes in this novel: ritual killings, revenge, bullying, pedophilia, just to name a few. It may not be your typical horror book, but it contains vampires with a Nordic twist to it. I’m not sure what else to say until I read it myself, so enjoy!
The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck
This is one of my favorite witch books I’ve ever read. The Witch Hunter is more of a thriller than a horror book. Nonetheless, the witches and occult that are present in the book give it that spooky vibe that’s perfect for this time of year. It is the first of four novels in the Jessica Niemi series. If you’re into Nordic Noir authors but haven’t read anything by Seeck yet, this book is a great place to start!
The Ice Coven by Max Seeck
This is the second Jessica Niemi installment. The ghosts that haunted her in The WItch Hunter are still present in the background of this story. The Ice Coven is better rated than the debut novel. It involves two mysterious disappearances and a washed up body on the frigid beach with marks on it. While digging into the two cases, Jessica finds that all three young people have ties to a sinister cult. Her nightmares she still has about the coven of witches that almost took her life six months ago still haunt her. But she’s trying her best to solve the cases and overcome the demons that still visit her at night.
The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin
Not a horror book, The Immortalists is mostly a novel about magical realism. Klara, one of the four Gold siblings is into magic from a young age, and she ends up making a career out of it. After visiting a traveling psychic when they were children, the woman told all four of them the day they would all die. But they all reacted differently to the news, and the book follows the siblings through the decades. Especially how the predictions affected them, whether they believed in them or not.
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
Magical Realism done differently, The Island of Missing Trees is more of a literary fiction book. I did find the perspective of a fig tree very unique, so I thought it was an interesting addition to this list. I had never read a book that makes a tree one of its main characters, and the author did a splendid job of it. Not scary in any way, its magical qualities are like a warm hug on a chilly day. If you’re intrigued, pick it up; you won’t regret it.
Needful Things by Stephen King
From the King of horror, I had to include at least one of his works. Although Carrie or The Shining might be his most popular horror novels, Needful Things is worth a second look. It is the oldest novel on this list, and the writing is different from the contemporary authors I’ve mentioned today. But if you’ve never read King, like myself (I’m a little ashamed, to be honest), then this one is a good starting point. Not as scary as some of his other novels, it introduces the reader to his creative writing without keeping you up at night.
We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
I recently listened to this horror book on audio, but, to be honest, I didn’t find it that scary. Nor did I like it that much, but I can see why many people did. It is a spooky book, that’s for sure, but it’s not for everyone. It does have a shocking twist at the end, so that redeemed the book for me a bit. But I found it a bit slow to start off. Still, a solid choice if you’re into the genre.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
I can’t believe this book was published in 2011 and I haven’t read it yet. It is a fantasy book that contains a lot of magic, a deep love between two young adults, and of course, a circus. Written with seductive prose, the story will encapture the reader and transport them to a fictional land. A nominee for the favorite book of the year and the best fantasy book of 2011, add it to your tbr if you haven’t done so already. It will get you in the mood for this spooky time of year!
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
This is one of the best magical books to read in October. It gives me cozy vibes and makes me want to curl up by the fireplace with a cup of tea, a blanket, and read all day. I read this one in 2018, and sometimes I still think about it. The bonds between the three Owens siblings and the way their mother will go out of her way to protect them is what stuck with me most. Oh, yeah, and the fact that the two sisters are witches! But don’t worry, they’re the good kind! One of my favorite books in its genre, I recommend it to those who are skeptical about reading books about witches.
Twilight By Stephenie Meyer
I read this book with my daughter when it first came out, followed by the other three installments in the series. We also watched the movies together, it was our yearly tradition. Looking back, it may not have been the best written vampire book out there, but it was certainly the catchiest. Especially with a younger demographic. Would I read it now? Probably not, but I don’t regret having read the series and experiencing watching its movie adaptation with my daughter. It was one of the last and best activities we enjoyed together before she became an adult!
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwabb
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
One of the best fantasy/magical realism books i’ve ever read. It is also one of my favorite books of 2021, although it was published in 2020. You can check out my previous review here:
September 2021 Book Reviews-Part 2
What else can I say to convince you to read this book? It is told from a dual timeline: France 1714 and present day New York. Addie makes a Faustian bargain that allows her to live forever, but she will not be remembered by anyone she encounters. The plot may seem basic, but the writing and the way the story is woven is anything but. Pick it up for yourself and be the judge. I bet you will like it though!!
Concluding Words
I must say, I had lots of fun putting together this list of spooky reads. Not your typical options, surely, but I think the variety will appeal to a larger audience. What do you think? Will you pick up any of these titles? Let me know in the comment box below.
Until next time, keep reading fellow bookworms!
