Horror movies are a popular form of content that is consumed around Halloween. If you’re more of the literary type, here is a list of books that either fit the autumn aesthetic or spooky vibe.
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
This book follows Iris Hollow, who with her two sisters went missing and were later found when they were children. The Hollow sisters are considered strange due to their dark hair turning white, having an insatiable appetite and a willful holdover people. This book was able to combine flowers and nature with gore to create a dark version of a fairytale. Sutherland’s writing is beautiful and whimsical while still making your stomach churn whenever body horror is incorporated.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
Gibson’s debut novel is similar to Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire,” where the reader is learning the story of Constanta, one of the vampire brides of Dracula. The reader sees Constanta along with the other brides’ relationship with Dracula and how it starts off as a dark, whirlwind romance that turns into toxicity. The prose is beautiful and Gibson is able to convey each character’s development and their relationships fully within 235 pages.
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig
In this book, Ellerie Downing is the daughter of a beekeeper who also lives in the peaceful town of Amity Falls. After a stranger comes into town, continuous tragedies soon strike the town. Ellerie is a phenomenal protagonist whose strength is shown through her desperate actions to save her family. Despite being 10 pages short of a 500-page novel, the action, mystery and dark atmosphere is able to keep readers engaged.
Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison
This werewolf drama centers around Rory who begrudgingly comes back to her hometown to help her pregnant twin. After getting attacked by an abnormal animal, Rory goes through werewolf transformations that are paralleled with her childhood trauma. This creature feature is more of a character study, with an intriguing mystery and complex characters that make this an entertaining read.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Set in the 1950’s, this historical novel follows Noemi who travels to the creepy estate of her cousin Catalina, Catalina’s Englishman husband and in-laws. While Noemi and her father believe Catalina is losing her mind, Noemi soon finds that the in-laws have sinister plans for the two girls. Moreno-Garcia is able to reel readers in with the creepy, gothic atmosphere and lurking danger while discussing the real and prejudice-based belief on eugenics.
The Witchery by S. Isabelle
For fans of “The Craft,” this book delivers a diverse and ensemble cast of witches who are studying at Mesmortes Coven Academy. There is the imminent danger of The Haunting Season when wolves rise from the swamp to kill; this leads to a mission-based story of the protagonists working together to defeat this upcoming evil. This is a must-read for people who enjoy character driven stories packed with action and magic.
If you’re reading this when Halloween is over, there is no shame in picking up a creepy book to stay in the holiday spirit.