It’s October. Also known as, the most wonderful time of the year. You may argue that descriptor better fits with the Christmas season. I would argue that you are wrong.
There are a lot of different things that can be spooky. It all depends on what you are afraid of. Are you afraid of ghosts, axe-wielding murderers, commitment? Or do you want to read something that has spooky vibes without leaving you sleeping with all of the lights on in your house? Because those electric bills will end up being a lot scarier than the fictional boogeyman. So let’s look at some books that fall all along that range: from happily Halloween-y to terrifying.
Keep in mind that this is a very subjective list coming from someone who watched the original IT miniseries in elementary school, probably much earlier than she should have, and who giggles inside of haunted houses.
For our first recommendation, we have a series that centers around a female Grim Reaper who is figuring out her life and her powers. One of her powers involving being able to see dead people which allows her to help solve cases with the local police department.
There are a few potentially scary moments throughout the series (mostly involving ghosts and murderers), but the bulk of the story is funny with a romantic subplot.
For our next recommendation, we have one of my favorite reads of this year. Our story centers around a kid who may or may not be haunted by their recently deceased uncle. Things are going bump in the night. But is it the uncle, and why would he be haunting their house?
The story is so heart-warming with great relationships between the main character and their mom as well as friends and neighbors. It’s a great read for all ages with just enough spookiness to get you into the Halloween spirit.
Now let’s get to some scarier stories. Coraline steps into a world much like her own except her parents are everything she has always wanted. Instead of being distracted by work and insisting on making meals she doesn’t like, all of their attention is centered on her and making her happy. But something isn’t right with this other world, and I’m not just talking about the creepy button eyes.
If you thought the movie was scary, just wait until you read the book. Filled with all sorts of scares as well as a general sense of unease, it’s sure to have you reaching for a nightlight.
And for our last recommendation, possibly the scariest book I’ve read in a long time, Rosemary’s Baby. Our main character gets a new apartment with her charming husband. It’s a highly sought after apartment despite all the deaths surrounding it. The neighbors are a little weird, but the husband makes friends with them. Surely, everything is fine.
The tension builds so beautifully. The sense of horror and dread will definitely have you double-checking to make sure your doors are locked and that none of your neighbors have a spare.
Do you have a favorite spooky October read? Let me know, and maybe it’ll appear in a positive perspective book review.
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