Ah, Halloween—the perfect excuse to curl up with a blanket, a cauldron full of coffee (or other delicious autumn brew), and dive into the creepiest, most spine-chilling reads I can find. This season isn’t just about ghostly ghouls and jack-o’-lanterns; it’s also about the books that’ll make you glance over your shoulder at 2 a.m. when your house creaks. You know, the ones that make your heart race and leave you wondering if you really locked the door.
If you are like me, this time of year you thrive on thrillers, mysteries, and psychological twists, you’re in for a treat—no tricks, I promise. Grab yourself a pumpkin-shaped cookie (or five), and let’s take a look at some reads guaranteed to haunt you long after the last page!
The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup
Why it’s spooky: If you like your thrillers dark, twisted, and utterly gripping, ‘The Chestnut Man’ is a must-read. A serial killer leaves behind little chestnut dolls at the scenes of his gruesome crimes, and it’s up to detectives to figure out the connection between these murders and a long-cold missing person’s case. The fall setting makes it perfect for the season, and the tension is so thick you could carve it with a pumpkin knife. Prepare for late-night reading and a serious case of the chills. And after you’re done reading it, you could watch the series on Netflix!
Warning: Not for the faint of heart (or weak stomachs!)
Dr. Sleep by Stephen King
Why it’s spooky: You can’t have Halloween without the King himself. That would be like a haunted house with no ghosts. ‘Dr. Sleep’ will deliver chills that will seep into your bones. This sequel to ‘The Shining’ follows Danny Torrance, now an adult, still haunted by the horrors of the Overlook Hotel. Add in a creepy cult of people who feed on the “steam” of children with psychic abilities, and you’ve got yourself a Stephen King special: unsettling, creepy, and disturbingly memorable. If ‘The Shining’ left you with nightmares, I know it did me, ‘Dr. Sleep’ will make sure they linger.
Warning: May induce spontaneous hotel-checking paranoia and a refusal to enter any room numbered 217.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Why it’s spooky: This psychological thriller is all about silence—literally. Alicia Berenson hasn’t spoken a word since she murdered her husband (allegedly). Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to crack her open and figure out what really happened. The twists in this book are mind-boggling, and let me tell you, the silence speaks volumes. Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Michaelides hits you with a plot twist so hard, you’ll need a moment to recover.
Warning: This book may cause obsessive page-turning and a desperate need for answers.
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
Why it’s spooky: What’s Halloween without a good, haunted house story? Maggie Holt inherits her father’s old house, a mansion that was the subject of his bestselling memoir about their time living there. Haunted, they said. But Maggie’s not convinced, so she returns to uncover the truth. Is it just a creepy, old house? Or is there something waiting for her in the dark? Riley Sager delivers some serious chills, and you’ll be wondering if you should actually check out that creaky sound down the hall. Spoiler: don’t.
Warning: Read during daylight hours if you want to sleep tonight… and maybe consider being home before dark.
More spine-chilling reads down below
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Why it’s spooky: If you’re craving a gothic mystery with a hint of horror, this book delivers on every eerie level. Set in 1950s Mexico, ‘Mexican Gothic’ follows Noemí as she travels to a creepy mansion to check on her cousin, who is sending alarming letters about strange happenings. The writing is lush, the atmosphere is claustrophobic, and the characters are hauntingly enigmatic. Think haunted mansions, toxic relationships, and family secrets—plenty to make your skin crawl in all the right ways.
Warning: May cause strange dreams about moldy wallpaper and haunted corridors.
Hemlock by Kiersten Modglin
Why it’s spooky: I had to include one of Kiersten Modglin’s gems for this list! ‘Hemlock’ is psychological suspense at its finest, with layers of secrets, lies, and a touch of the supernatural. If you’re looking for a fast-paced read with some eerie moments that’ll have you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined, this one’s for you. Plus, the twists will keep you on your toes until the very end. Kiersten really knows how to keep us guessing, doesn’t she?
Warning: You may develop trust issues—again.
And if you’re thinking, “But I don’t want to sleep with one eye open!” I’ve got you covered with a couple of cozy, non spine-chilling reads too. After all, even the bravest bookish heroes need a break from the creeps.
Cozy Corner: For the Not-So-Spooky Reader
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Why it’s not-so-spooky: A quirky and charming mystery about four friends who solve crimes in their retirement village. There’s no danger of sleepless nights here—just a fun, clever whodunit.
Warning: May lead to spontaneous adoption of senior citizen sleuthing as a retirement plan.
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Why it’s not-so-spooky: If you want something light, funny, and full of heart, this one will melt your spooky-season fears away. No ghosts, no murder, just a feel-good story with lovable characters.
Warning: May cause uncontrollable grinning and a renewed belief in fresh starts.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Why it’s not-so-spooky: If you need a break from the heart-racing thrillers and want something that’ll make you laugh instead of scream, ‘Funny Story’ is your go-to. Emily Henry brings her signature wit and charm to this story about two very different people thrown together in unexpected (and hilarious) ways. It’s full of humor, heart, and relatable moments that will leave you grinning long after the final page. Perfect for those who’d rather chuckle than shudder this Halloween.
Warning: Side effects may include bursts of laughter and the warm fuzzies—zero nightmares involved!
Whether you’re looking for some spine-chilling reads or prefer to keep it cozy, this list has something for every reader. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your book, your blanket, and maybe keep a nightlight on—just in case.
If you need to grab your copy of any of these great titles, you can get them here on Amazon. Or get one for free when you sign up for a free trial from Audible.
Until next time, my bookish besties, keep it brash, keep it bookish, and keep it true to you!
What’s next up on your TBR? I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line in the comments below!
