Summer has left us in its wake, and that means that autumn is on its way in with a vengeance. The leaves are changing from lush greens to golden browns and the nights are beginning to draw in. With autumn coming, that means darker nights and, of course, Halloween. That means staying indoors, settling down on the couch with a good book and getting into the Halloween spirit. This is the perfect time to dive into tales of the supernatural, the macabre, ghostly hauntings and getting ready for the scary season. Whether you’re a fan of classic horror, modern thrillers, or spooky tales for the whole family, Halloween is the perfect time to explore the darker side of literature to be chilled, thrilled, scared and outright terrified! Whatever you enjoy for your Halloween-themed reading, there’s a book out there for you, something that will get you in the mood for those trick-or-treaters, bobbing for apples and Halloween parties. Or just something that will give you the chills in the small hours of the dark nights!
For those who revel in the classic horror stories, why not revisit Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” or Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”? These timeless novels have set the standard for horror and continue to send shivers down the spines of readers today. They haunt us with the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of the supernatural.
If you’re looking for something more contemporary, the works of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Richard Laymon or Joe Hill might be just the ticket. King’s “The Shining” is a masterclass in building suspense.
For those who prefer their scares with a side of comedy and humour, “Corpsing” by Kayleigh Marie Edwards will give you a scare at night but with enough humour to put a smile on your face.
For the kids, well Roald Dahl’s “The Witches” is a fantabulous read, dark, scary and fun! And “The Twig Man” by Sana Rasoul is a spine-tinglingly chillingly spooky story that is a perfect children’s horror story (age 8 upwards) for Halloween and beyond.
And let’s not forget about the younger readers who also deserve some Halloween fun. Picture books like “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson and “Ghosts Can’t Play Hockey” by Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence provide just the right amount of thrill and fun without the nightmares.
Halloween is also an excellent opportunity for reading groups and book clubs to gather and share their favourite spooky stories. It’s a time to discuss what scares us, what thrills us, and why we continue to be fascinated by tales of the unknown.
So, this Halloween season, why not light some candles, brew some pumpkin spice tea, and curl up with a book that transports you to another realm? Whether it’s a gothic novel, a modern thriller, or a children’s book full of magic and mystery, there’s a Halloween read for everyone.
No matter what your taste, Halloween is a time to celebrate the stories that make us feel a little more alive by confronting the things that go bump in the night or hide under the bed.
Happy haunting, and Happy Halloween Reading!
Take a look at a selection of some of the books that I have reviewed that I think would make good Halloween reading (just click on the image to read my review), and let us know your favourite Halloween reads in the comments at the end of this post.
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