5 Frightening Books to Haunt Your Halloween Reading List

Between trick-or-treating, festive parties, and an array of spooky snacks, there are endless ways to celebrate this Halloween. This year, I’m opting for a cosy night in with my favourite books. If you’re looking to join me, here are some spine-tingling reads that will keep you entertained!

1. The Haunting of Hill House - Shirley Jackson 

At the core of the Gothic genre lies the haunted house - the looming manor, shrouded in mystery.

When you're alone in that melancholy space, are you truly by yourself, or is some restless presence lurking just out of sight?

That's the genius of Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. Dr Montague, an academic interested in the paranormal, invites a small group to stay with him at the infamously haunted Hill House. Among the guests are Luke, the aloof heir to the estate, and the cool, confident Theodora. However, the heart of this tale lies with Eleanor - a timid, tentative young woman who seems wildly out of place among this crew of ghost hunters.

Studying this book in university revealed the rich layers of gothic novels to me. They aren’t just about jump scares and monsters; often, it’s the uncertainty that allows our deepest fears to seep in.

2. Northanger Abbey - Jane Austen

Did you know Jane Austen published just six books in her lifetime? It’s wild, considering how beloved her books have become. Northanger Abbey is a personal favourite. It does start a bit slow, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. 

Catherine, our heroine, is obsessed with the popular Gothic novels of her time - think of today’s teens chowing down on their favourite pop culture junk food, much to the chagrin of the adults around them. The whole story is framed by this obsession, turning into a delightful satire of the very novels Catherine devours. With a sprinkle of humour, mystery, and just a touch of horror, it all culminates in classic Austen romance mixed with her signature fun.

3. Engleby - Sebastian Faulks

Faulks has a real talent for burrowing into the human mind and exposing its most unsettling depths. This has to be one of the best dark character studies I've ever read. No ghosts or vampires in sight, but let me tell you, it unsettled me to my core - humans can be so much scarier than any supernatural monster.

Following this deeply troubled protagonist will set your nerves on edge as you grow increasingly suspicious and even paranoid. But then you start to recognize that you might share some of his odd behaviours—like unbearable awkwardness in social situations or having the desperate need to fit in. Even the stalking! You know, like that time you took a deep dive into somebody's social media and liked their family holiday photo from 2016.

4. Gothic Tales - Elizabeth Gaskell

If you're into spooky short stories, Elizabeth Gaskell's Gothic Tales take you by the hand and lead you into a shadowy world filled with secrets and whispers. 

In “Disappearances”, Elizabeth weaves local legends of mysterious vanishings with a mix of gossip and facts that will keep you guessing. Then there's “Curious, if True,” a playful twist on classic fairy tales that adds a layer of intrigue.

These stories stand in stark contrast to Gaskell’s more grounded social realism, revealing a darker, unsettling side of her writing. 

5. Twilight - Stephanie Meyer

And of course, we can't finish this list without Twilight - the moment Cedric Diggory became a bloodthirsty vampire! Sure, it might not spark any deep, philosophical debates, but with an entire series to devour, you can read all night long and escape into a world of vampires, love triangles, and teenage angst. So grab your favourite snacks, settle in and get ready to read all night long!

ꕥ CURRENTLY READING ꕥ:

This Halloween, I’m diving into Pet Sematary by Stephen King - a must-read for any horror fan! 

The story follows Louis Creed, who moves with his family to a rural town and discovers a mysterious pet cemetery hidden in the woods. But when tragedy strikes, Louis learns that some things buried should stay buried …