Halloween is creeping closer, and while some people may be planning elaborate costumes or decorating their lawns with skeletons, you—dear reader—know the best way to celebrate spooky season: by getting lost in a terrifyingly good book. Forget the haunted houses and horror movies; this year, let’s dive into the best books to read this Halloween, the ones guaranteed to send shivers down your spine, make you question every creak in the floorboards, and ensure you leave the lights on all night.
Whether you’re a fan of classic ghost stories, blood-curdling thrillers, or atmospheric horror that gets under your skin, there’s something on this list to keep you deliciously terrified. So, grab your coziest blanket, make sure your doors are locked, and prepare for some seriously spooky page-turners.
1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
If you’re going to start anywhere, start with the queen of psychological horror, Shirley Jackson. The Haunting of Hill House is more than just a haunted house story—it’s a slow-burn descent into madness, with a dash of family drama and a sprinkle of supernatural chills. The book follows a group of people investigating the famously haunted Hill House, and trust me, this place isn’t just throwing a Halloween party. The house itself feels alive, and you’ll find yourself questioning who—or what—is really doing the haunting.
Jackson’s writing is darkly witty, and she plays with your sense of reality until you’re as unsettled as the characters. If you want a spooky read that gets inside your head and rattles around a bit, this one’s for you. And don’t blame me if you start hearing strange noises after reading it. It’s probably just the wind. Probably.
2. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
If you’re looking for something with both eerie atmosphere and fresh originality, Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic is the perfect pick. Set in the 1950s, the story follows the stylish and fearless Noemí Taboada as she travels to an isolated mansion in the Mexican countryside to check on her cousin, who has sent a distressing letter about the creepy goings-on in her new home.
What starts as a classic gothic setup—crumbling mansion, mysterious family, something strange lurking in the shadows—quickly spirals into a disturbing, hallucinatory nightmare. Mexican Gothic expertly blends gothic horror with Mexican folklore, all while delivering a whip-smart heroine who isn’t afraid to face the darkness head-on. Plus, you’ll never look at mold the same way again. Seriously, don’t eat while reading this.
3. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Can you even have a Halloween reading list without Dracula? No, you cannot. Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire tale is a must-read for anyone who loves gothic horror, Victorian melodrama, or simply wants to meet the original bad boy of the undead. Dracula tells the story of Jonathan Harker, a solicitor who travels to Transylvania and ends up at the mercy of Count Dracula—who, spoiler alert, is a vampire with big plans to take a bite out of London.
Though written in 1897, Dracula still packs a terrifying punch, and Stoker’s epistolary format (told through letters, journal entries, and news articles) gives it an eerie, real-life vibe. It’s got everything: creepy castles, mysterious fog, and enough garlic to make you question your spice rack. Just be warned: after reading, you may start eyeing your charming, cape-wearing neighbor a little more closely.
4. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
If you want your Halloween read to be absolutely brutal and full of vengeance, then look no further than The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. This novel is part horror, part social commentary, and all heart-pounding dread. It follows four Native American men who are haunted—literally and figuratively—by a hunting trip gone wrong from their youth. Now, years later, something is coming for them, and it’s not happy.
Jones masterfully weaves horror with themes of identity, culture, and guilt. The novel builds tension with precision, and when things finally explode into full-blown horror, it’s not for the faint of heart. If you like your scares with a side of deeper meaning and a whole lot of gore, The Only Good Indians will have you looking over your shoulder every time you step outside.
5. The Shining by Stephen King
It’s hard to mention spooky books without giving a nod to the master of horror himself, Stephen King. And while the man has an extensive list of terrifying novels, The Shining remains one of his best (and most nightmare-inducing). Set in the isolated Overlook Hotel, the book follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer who takes a job as the hotel’s winter caretaker. Jack’s descent into madness, egged on by the malevolent spirits in the hotel, is the stuff of horror legends.
With its creepy, empty halls, snowstorm-induced isolation, and Jack’s famous “Here’s Johnny!” breakdown, The Shining will make you rethink any cozy weekend getaways to remote hotels. Plus, King’s signature blend of psychological horror and supernatural spookiness means that you’ll be haunted long after you’ve turned the last page.
6. The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
For fans of historical horror with a gothic twist, The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell is a must-read. The story is set in the Victorian era and follows newly widowed Elsie Bainbridge, who moves to her late husband’s crumbling estate to oversee its restoration. Things go downhill fast when she discovers strange, life-sized wooden figures known as “silent companions,” which seem to have a mind of their own.
These eerie, unmoving figures manage to be some of the creepiest inanimate objects you’ll encounter in literature. The book is a perfect blend of slow-burning gothic horror, psychological tension, and a deeply unsettling atmosphere. If haunted houses and sinister objects are your thing, this one’s guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
7. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Okay, maybe not all Halloween reads need to scare you senseless—sometimes a dash of whimsy mixed with spookiness does the trick. Enter Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book, a delightful (and slightly creepy) tale of a boy named Nobody Owens (Bod for short), who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered.
Gaiman’s writing is, as always, enchanting, and The Graveyard Book is equal parts charming and eerie. It’s a perfect mix of gothic elements, ghostly adventures, and heartwarming moments, making it a fantastic pick for both younger readers and adults who like their scares with a side of quirk. Don’t be surprised if you end up wanting to visit a graveyard after this one—just to say hi, of course.
8. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Why not go back to Shirley Jackson for another deliciously twisted tale? We Have Always Lived in the Castle is less about jump scares and more about building a slow, creeping sense of dread. It follows two sisters, Merricat and Constance, who live in near-isolation after a family tragedy (spoiler: their family was poisoned, and it’s definitely as sinister as it sounds).
Jackson’s sharp prose and dark humor shine here, and the novel explores themes of paranoia, madness, and small-town cruelty. It’s a masterclass in unsettling domestic horror, perfect for a cozy Halloween night spent questioning whether your neighbors are really as innocent as they seem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The Haunting of Hill House considered one of the best horror novels?
Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is praised for its psychological complexity, eerie atmosphere, and its exploration of the thin line between the supernatural and the mind’s inner demons. It’s a classic for anyone who loves cerebral horror.
What makes Mexican Gothic unique?
Mexican Gothic blends traditional gothic horror tropes with Mexican history and folklore, creating a story that feels both familiar and fresh. Its rich cultural backdrop and strong heroine set it apart from other haunted house stories.
Is The Shining by Stephen King very different from the movie?
While both the novel and the movie are iconic, there are key differences between Stephen King’s The Shining and Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation—most notably in how the characters and the ending are portrayed. Both are terrifying, but in slightly different ways!
Are there any non-scary Halloween reads?
If you’re looking for a spooky read that won’t leave you jumping at shadows, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is a whimsical, ghost-filled story with plenty of charm. It’s eerie but heartwarming, making it perfect for readers who want a little less terror.
What makes The Only Good Indians stand out?
The Only Good Indians stands out for its seamless mix of supernatural horror with deep social commentary on identity, culture, and history. Stephen Graham Jones combines visceral scares with a thought-provoking narrative that packs an emotional punch.