We’ve flipped the calendar to October which means the leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping, and days are getting shorter. Everywhere you look, you’ll see Indian corn, hay bales, and pumpkin decorations and you can get pumpkin spiced everything- coffee, Oreos, Pringles, and even toothpaste. While I’m always more than a little sad to see summer go (understatement of the century), I am super excited to usher in spooky season! I love to see how creative people get with their decorations, the slasher-thons on tv (are you Team Freddie or Team Jason?), and the chance to re-read my favorite spooky and scary books and, of course, find new ones. It’s not just spooky season, it’s spooky book season!
Here are some of my favorite super spooky books to help fill the rest of this super spooky month! Links in the titles and pictures will take you to Amazon for your convenience.
Take your pick from Stephen King
I have been reading Stephen King for decades and his older works are easily my favorites. Affectionately known as “The King of Horror,” King’s books have been made into best movies and topped best seller lists. Although I’ve read some of his more recent novels, my heart belongs to his books of my youth.
All four of these novels are carefully crafted to bring you to the edge of your seat, take your breath, and stop your heart. The characters are evil and the plots are intense. King has a way of getting in your head and staying there. Want nightmares? These books are the stuff nightmares are made of. Pet Sematary has been my nightmare since 1984 and now it is my gift to you (read my blog about it here) in addition to The Stand, Misery, and The Shining.
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
This is the story of a vengeful ghost. And it is an excellent ghost story.
This book gave me a headache. I clenched my jaw for almost the entire book. All of my muscles were tensed and I read until the wee hours in the morning. Actually, I think my whole body hurt while I read this book.
You want a book that you can’t book down because you have to know what happens but you have to put down because you need a chance to catch your breath and let your heart slow down? Here it is, all in one Heart-Shaped Box.
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
This is a slow burn of a creeper that sneaks up on you until you are totally sucked in and then pounces on you and yells, “BOO!”
Oh, and it might give you a nightmare or two afterwards as a bonus.
Spooky book? Check!
Intensity by Dean Koontz
Koontz is a master storyteller and this book is one of his best. You will be looking over your shoulder for years…
Make Friends with Riley Sager
If you haven’t discovered Riley Sager, you don’t know what you are missing. Home Before Dark and Lock Every Door are my favorite books by him, but I would say you could grab any of his and not be disappointed. He is so good about convincing you that he’s telling you one story and all the while, he’s weaving another story right in front of you. You know it’s there, but you don’t know the full extent of it until the very last page. Hold your breath and hold on if you are reading Riley Sager.
The Passage by Justin Cronin
Full disclosure: This is a LONG book (799 pages) and it’s the first of three (for another 1, 170 pages) but it is absolutely worth it.
You know who the bad guys are, or at least you think you do.
You know what’s going to happen, or at least you think you do.
This book is creepy and terrifying and will make you think about everything that is going on in the world in a whole new way.
The Troop and The Deep by Nick Cutter
You by Caroline Kepnes
This is not a spooky book in any paranormal sense of the word, but while you are reading it, and for long after, you will look over your shoulder and be suspicious of anyone showing you any kindness.
This is one that you can read in one sitting (mostly because you won’t want to put it down).
Spooky Books Galore
So, these are some of my favorites. Do you agree? Did I miss any of yours?
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