Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than to read books that will send shivers down your spine? From classic tales of vampires to modern horror stories, these books will surely give you the chills and thrills that you seek. So, grab a cup of cocoa, light some candles, and prepare to be scared as we take you on a journey through the pages of the 5 books you should read this Halloween.
1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
This classic horror novel will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. The story follows four people as they spend a summer in Hill House, a notorious haunted mansion. As they experience the terrifying and inexplicable symptoms of the house’s malignant presence, their sanity begins to unravel. Shirley Jackson masterfully creates a tense and creepy atmosphere that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished the book.
20th Century Ghosts by Joe Hill
This collection of short stories is perfect for anyone who wants a quick scare. Joe Hill, who is the son of Stephen King, has a talent for writing horror that is both subtle and terrifying. Some of the standout stories in this collection include “Pop Art,” which is about a boy who is friends with a balloon and “Best New Horror,” which is about a writer who discovers a video that is too horrifying to describe.
Hag: Forgotten Tales Retold by Daisy Johnson
This collection of short stories is a modern take on traditional fairy tales. The stories are all written by women, and they focus on the dark and twisted aspects of the tales that we all know and love. The standout story in this collection is “A Hairy Tale,” which is a retelling of “Rapunzel” that is both creepy and captivating.
Nos4A2 by Joe Hill
This novel is a modern take on the vampire story. The villain, Charlie Manx, is a vampire who feeds on the souls of children and takes them to a place called Christmasland. The protagonist, Victoria McQueen, has the ability to travel through shortcuts in reality, but when she crosses paths with Charlie, she discovers that he might be the only one who can stop him. This novel is both terrifying and heartwarming, with characters that you can’t help but root for.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
No list of Halloween books would be complete without a nod to Dracula. This classic horror novel is told through a series of letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings and follows the story of Count Dracula, a vampire from Transylvania, as he tries to move to England to spread the undead curse. Bram Stoker’s writing is beautifully descriptive, and his use of suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat
There you have it, 5 books that will give you the chills and thrills that you seek this Halloween.
From classic horror to modern takes on traditional tales, these books are sure to satisfy any horror lover. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a book, turn off the lights, and get ready for a scare. Happy Halloween!
