15 Bewitching Halloween Books for Spooky Season

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Recently updated on September 18th, 2024 at 02:37 pm

If you’re anything like me, the Halloween season isn’t just about decorating your home with pumpkins or finding the perfect costume—it’s also the best time to dive into some seriously spooky Halloween books.

Whether you’re a fan of chilling thrillers, cozy mysteries, or classic horror stories, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book as the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp.

In this post, I’ve rounded up the ultimate list of Halloween books that will set the perfect eerie mood for your fall evenings.

From bone-chilling tales to charmingly spooky stories, these Halloween books are exactly what you need to get into the Halloween spirit. So grab your favorite blanket, light a pumpkin-scented candle, and let’s explore the best Halloween books to add to your reading list this year!

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The best Halloween books for spooky season

1. We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson

Do you enjoy a horror? Trying to read more classics? You’ll love We have Always Lived in the Castle. This 1962 Gothic Horror was consistently recommended as the perfect Autumnal read. 

This haunting read is perfect for Halloween. It follows a girl called Merricat and her family’s dark secret/

An unsettling novel about an isolated and possibly murderous family. We follow the struggle that ensues when a cousin arrives at their estate.

This is perfect for anyone new to classics. A short read but it packs a punch. Shirley Jackson’s writing builds a growing sense of unease. If you’re searching for fall books to read you need to add this to your tbr list.

2. Dracula by Bram Stoker

Dracula is a classic horror story. Dracula is a great starting point if you want to read more gothic literature.

Jonathon Harker is a young English lawyer. He travels to Castle Dracula in Transylvania to conclude a real estate deal with Count Dracula. However, the local peasants warn him about evil. He makes a series of horrific discoveries about his client.

Searching for a dark, gothic read? Then you should pick this one up. This timeless horror story sets the tone for vampire fiction. The original book is very different from the movie. It creates an uneasy horror atmosphere that has never quite been captured again. Fans oof spooky fall books will love Dracula.

3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein is a classic. The book is interesting to read and differs greatly from many of the adaptations.

Many people are familiar with the basic story but the novel might not be what you expect.

In this classic story, a scientist decides to create a new being. He plunders graveyards for parts and brings it to life using electricity.

Frankenstein is hard-hitting and politically charged. You can take so much from this novel and it truly reflects the anxieties at the time. Book annotators will love Frankenstein. In fact, anyone who likes to analyse and interpret books will enjoy Frankenstein. It highlights many different themes with mesmerising language.

4. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Scary, mysterious and full of suspense.   Horror fan? Halloween lovers searching for fall books will love this classic horror.

Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show has come to Green Town, Illinois.  And it will destroy every life touched by its strange and sinister mystery. The carnival rolls in sometime after midnight, ushering in Halloween a week early.

A calliope’s shrill siren song beckons to all with a seductive promise of dreams and youth regained. Two boys will discover its secret. And soon they will know all too well the heavy cost of wishes. 

5. The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates

Searching for fall books? You can’t beat a classic haunted house story.

Everyone knows about Ashburn House. They whisper its old owner went mad, and restless ghosts still walk the halls. But when Adrienne―desperate and in need of a place to stay―inherits the crumbling old mansion, she only sees it as a lifeline… until darkness falls.Strange messages are etched into the walls. Furniture moves when she leaves the room. There’s something here―something powerful, angry, and hell-bent on shaking things up. Worse, a grave hidden in the depths of the forest hints at a terrible, unforgivable secret.

 Eventually Adrienne can’t ignore that a twisted thing lives in the house, its hungry eyes ever-watchful. Chasing the threads of a decades-old mystery, it isn’t long before she realizes she’s become prey to something deeply unnatural and intensely resentful.

6. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

October fans will love this book. It features witches, vampires and a mystery. All with some dark academia vibes. 

It follows Diana Bishop, a young scholar. In the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library she calls up a ewitched alchemical manuscript

Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery.  After a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. 

But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library.

7. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

A feel good paranormal romance. The Dead Romantics is perfect for Halloween. 

It follows Florence Day. Florence is a ghostwriter for a prolific romance author. The problem is, after a terrible breakup, she no longer believes in love. It’s as good as dead.When her new editor, a too-handsome mountain of a man, won’t give her an extension on her book deadline, Florence prepares to kiss her career goodbye. But then she gets a phone call she never wanted to receive, and she must return home for the first time in a decade to help her family bury her beloved father.For ten years, she’s run from the town that never understood her, and she can’t bring herself to stay. Until she finds a ghost standing at the funeral parlor’s front door.

8. The Shining by Stephen King

Stephen King was constantly recommended when  I was searching for fall books to read. It, Sleeping Beauties and The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon. But the Shining stood out. 

This classic horror story is perfect for fans of a haunted house.

Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing.

 But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote…and more sinister.

9. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

A Halloween classic. There are countless movie versions of this classic novel but I highly recommend reading the original. 

Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher, came to Tarry Town in the glen of Sleepy Hollow to ply his trade in educating young minds.

 He was a gullible and excitable fellow, often so terrified by locals’ stories of ghosts that he would hurry through the woods on his way home.

 Until late one night, he finds that maybe they’re not just stories. What is that dark, menacing figure riding behind him on a horse? And what does it have in its hands? 

10. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Sawkill island has never been safe for young girls. There is a local legend about a paranormal beast who hunts young girls.

We are introduced to three girls: Zoey, Val and Marion. They have the power to save the island. If they are willing to come together and try.

Sawkill Girls is a dark fantasy book. And it’s definitely not for everyone. The world-building is dark, moody and atmospheric. But I love the idea of sapphic girls coming together and using magical powers to conquer evil.

11. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Coraline is one of the most classic fall books. And it delivers on creepiness. Neil Gaiman writes the most atmospheric books. And they always have autumnal vibes.

Coraline is fed up with the lack of attention from her parents. She discovers a family from a parallel universe. And they give her everything she wants.

But is everything as it seems?

The sassy cat is the best. Especially when Coraline tries to befriend the cat. And it responds with “We COULD be rare specimens of an exotic breed of dancing African elephants, but we’re not. At least, I’M not.

In a reading slump? Coraline is perfect. This short book is a quick read with an easy writing style you breeze through. Plus it has one of the BEST adaptations.

12. Cemetary Boys by Aiden Thomas

 A magical YA Contemporary with LGBTQ+ Main characters. 

Cemetery Boys follows Yadriel whose traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender.

To prove himself, he performs a ritual. And sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin.

How perfect is that plot for Halloween? The cover, the plot and the intrigue all scream autumnal Halloween vibes.

13. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven Cycle is unique compared to other fantasy books. This paranormal fantasy features an unusual plot but it works superbly. The characters, magic and setup are well developed. And the academia make this perfect for autumn.

Each year in the churchyard, Blue watches her psychic mother see those who are going to die that year. Blue never actually sees them herself. Until this year. When she speaks directly to a boy.

He is called Gansey and is a student at Aglionby school. The students there are known locally as Raven Boys.

I had so many recommendations to read this and for good reason. The characters make this one of the best fall books. Blue starts disliking the Aglionby students. And they work to become friends. And this makes the relationships much more captivating.

14. Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Serpent and Dove is an excellent pick for fall books with witches. Or a compelling romantasy. It features a slow burn enemies to lovers romance between a witch and a witch hunter.

Serpent and Dove follows Louise – a witch.  She lives in Cesarine where witches are hunted and burned. Reid is a witch hunter who has always lived by the same principle – thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

But Lou pulls a stunt and it forces them into an impossible scenario – holy matrimony.

This has so many tropes that I enjoy – enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience and  morally grey characters. And it’s topped off with an well developed magic system and easy to read writing.

This is the perfect books to read in fall. The witchy imagery and gritty city setting are excellent.

15. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

Mooncakes is a cozy YA fantasy romance about a witch and a non-binary werewolf. The paranormal elements and witch make this perfect for fall. And the illustrations are wholesome and adorable.

We follow teen witch Nova. She works at her Nana’s magical bookshop. And she helps them loan out spell books. But she also investigates supernatural occurrences in her local town.

One day, she is tasked to investigate reports of a white wolf in a nearby forest. She then discovers her childhood best friend,  Tam, fighting a demon werewolf.  

This is such a comfort read. The artwork is insanely beautiful. I loved the illustrations of the magic and magical creatures living in the forest. The romance is also adorable. This is ideal if you’re in a reading slump. Graphic novels are easy to read. And mooncakes has such a warm and cozy vibe.

I love a cozy fantasy book in Autumn. If you’re after queer cozy fantasy books, I have tons of recommendations. Check out my article on queer cozy fantasy books here

16. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

This has a magical story concept and whimsical worldbuilding. And it has such a cozy fantasy vibe. Perfect if you like friendly witches or fall forest imagery.

Every year the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope to keep her from terrorizing the town.

But the witch Xan is kind. She rescues the abandoned children. And delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest.

Fyrian the dragon is adorable. He’s small and cute. The humour made me smile and laugh many times. The audiobook brought Fyrian to life and the voice made me chuckle multiple times.

17. The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

This is perfect for fans of Howl’s Moving Castle or the classic rom-com, You’ve Got Mail. A captivating fantasy with an enemies to lovers romance.

Hart is a marshal, tasked with patrolling the magical wilds of Tanria. Mercy never has a moment to herself. She’s been single-handedly keeping Birdsall & Son Undertakers afloat.

After yet another exasperating run-in with Mercy, Hart finds himself penning a letter addressed to “A Friend”. Much to his surprise, an anonymous letter comes back in return.

18. Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin

A cute and cozy fantasy romance with fake dating. This is low stakes and set in an adorable small town.

We follow Lucinda Caraway. She lives in Freya Grove, a mystic seaside town where magic is the norm.

She spends her days teaching but can’t stop wishing for more. One night, that wish turns into a spell and suddenly she can’t say no

19. The Witches of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais

This comforting fantasy features witches and a magical heist. It features older witches in their eighties. And the characters make this story magical.

We follow five octogenarian witches. An angry mob threatens to demolish Moonshyne Manor.

Queenie confesses they’ve fallen far behind on their mortgage payments. The witches are determined to save their home and themselves.

20. Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson

This is a cozy fantasy with Halloweentown vibes. Set in a magical inn, this is the perfect comforting read for spooky season.

We follow thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay. She’s never been normal.

 Every generation uses their abilities to help run the Ravenfall Inn, a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. But it’s hard to contribute when your only power is foreseeing death.

The perfect cozy fantasy for Spooky Season!

21. The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy

 The Worst Witch is perfect if you’re looking for books about trainee witches. It’s a light hearted adventure story about good witches.

We follow Mildred Hubble. She is a trainee witch at Miss Cackle’s Academy. But she’s making an awful mess of it.

She’s always getting her spells wrong. And can’t ride a broomstick. Will she ever make a real witch?

Mildred Hubble is a relatable character. She’s not a perfect student – she’s badly organised and sometimes struggles at school. But she’s a relatable character for a middle grade audience. Awkwardd, clumsy and often an outcast through no fault of her own.

If you’re looking for light hearted fantasy books about witches then this is perfect. You could easily binge read it in a day.

22. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

An uplifting cozy fantasy book with witches.

We follow Mika Moon, an isolated witch. Mika hides her magic so she doesn’t draw attention. As an orphan, she’s used to being alone.  And she follows the rules.

With one exception Mika posts videos on her online account pretending to be a witch. She thinks no one will take her seriously.

But someone does.

An unexpected messages begs her to travel to the remote Nowhere House to teach three young witches to control their magic.

23. Halloween Party by Agatha Christie

If you’re on the hunt for a classic mystery with a spooky twist, The Halloween Party by Agatha Christie is a must-read this season.

This novel features the iconic detective Hercule Poirot, who is called to solve a chilling case after a young girl is mysteriously drowned at a Halloween party.

As Poirot delves into the eerie details and uncovers hidden secrets, you’ll be hooked on every page, trying to piece together the clues. The atmosphere of the story is perfect for Halloween, filled with suspense, intrigue, and just the right amount of creepiness.

If you love a good whodunit with a dash of the supernatural, The Halloween Party is definitely one to add to your fall reading list!

24. The Graveyard book by Neil Gaiman

If you’re looking for a Halloween book that’s both enchanting and eerie, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman is an absolute must-read.

This beautifully written novel follows the story of Nobody Owens, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is tragically murdered.

Gaiman masterfully blends fantasy, adventure, and just the right amount of spookiness to create a story that’s perfect for Halloween

. The graveyard setting is richly atmospheric, making it the ideal backdrop for a tale that’s both heartwarming and haunting. Whether you’re a fan of Gaiman’s other works or new to his writing, The Graveyard Book is sure to captivate you with its unique blend of mystery and magic. It’s a perfect read for cozying up on a chilly October night!

25. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

For a Halloween read that delves into the darker sides of human nature, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is an absolute classic you can’t miss.

This novella explores the chilling duality of good and evil through the story of Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist, and his sinister alter ego, Mr. Hyde. As the line between these two personas blurs, the suspense builds, drawing you into a world of gothic horror and psychological intrigue.

Stevenson’s vivid descriptions and masterful storytelling create an atmosphere that’s both eerie and thought-provoking, making it a perfect pick for Halloween. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature or just love a good, spooky tale, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a must-read that will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page.

26. The Complete Tales and Poems by Edgar Allen Poe

If you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the dark and macabre this Halloween, The Complete Tales and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe is an essential addition to your reading list.

This collection brings together all of Poe’s most haunting works, from the chilling “The Tell-Tale Heart” to the eerie beauty of “The Raven.” Poe’s mastery of gothic horror and psychological suspense will pull you into a world where madness, death, and mystery reign supreme.

Each story and poem is dripping with atmosphere, perfect for setting a spooky mood on a crisp October night. Whether you’re new to Poe or revisiting his timeless classics, this collection offers an unparalleled experience of dread and wonder that’s perfect for Halloween.

27. Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters

Ghostwood Song is a spooky tale with Southern Forest imagery. It features an intriguing mystery and a bisexual main character.

Ghostwood song follows Shady Groves. She’s inherited her father’s ability to call ghosts from the grave with his fiddle. And she knows the tunes bring nothing but trouble. But her brother is accused of murder. And to clear his name she’s going to have to make the ghosts sing.

I listened to the audiobook version of this which I highly recommend. The narrator has the most charming Southern USA accent. This book is super atmospheric and full of creepy forest scenes.

It strikes a balance of home comforts and creepy scenes while also exploring the impact of loss on a family.

28. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

One Dark Window is perfect if you’re searching for fantasy books with fall settings. It features a magic system centred around tarot cards, giving it a paranormal feel throughout. It also features rebellion, scheming, and political intrigue balanced with romance.

It follows Elspeth Spindle. She needs more than luck to stay safe in the kingdom of Blunder. She needs a monster. She calls him Nightmare – the ancient spirit trapped in her head. He protects her.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

Romance is an excellent way to balance courtly intrigue and politics. Particularly if you’re newer to fantasy. This is an addictive and atmospheric read, perfect for fall.

29. The House Witch by Delemhach

If you’re looking for low-stakes, cozy fall fantasy books then you need to read this. 

The House Witch is set in a medieval world where witches can command a different form of elemental magic – fire, air, water or earth.  We follow Finlay who is a mutant – he’s a House Witch. And he becomes a Royal Cook in a castle. And his magic means he can cook the most incredible meals. 

This is the most perfect cosy read.

Filled with beautiful food imagery, courtly intrigue and magical hijinks. Likewise,  it features an adorable kitten companion.

This is also quite light on the romance and fantasy elements. But the beautiful, cosy food imagery more than made up for it. And reading a fantasy book with a male protagonist is refreshing.

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