Hey there, Halloween is just around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time to get cozy, light some candles (the spooky kind), and dive into a terrifyingly good book! Whether you’re into psychological horror, supernatural thrillers, or blood-curdling tales, there’s something in the world of horror literature that will give you the perfect chills for the season. So, grab your blanket and settle in—here are five of the best horror books to read this Halloween. Trust us, you won’t want to read these alone in the dark!
1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
This classic has stood the test of time for a reason. Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is the ultimate haunted house story, full of eerie atmosphere and psychological tension. You follow a group of people who agree to take part in a paranormal experiment, only to have their darkest fears come to life. Jackson masterfully blurs the lines between the supernatural and the psychological, making you question whether the hauntings are real or just the characters slowly losing their minds. Either way, it’s terrifying.
2. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-García
If you’re looking for something a little closer to home (especially for us who are from Mexico), Mexican Gothic is a must-read. This novel is set in 1950s Mexico and follows Noemí, a socialite sent to a creepy mansion in the countryside to check on her cousin. Once there, she uncovers some very dark, disturbing secrets about the family that lives there. The novel combines gothic horror with Mexican folklore, and the result is chilling. Plus, the strong female lead makes this one even better!
3. Pet Sematary by Stephen King
No horror list is complete without a little Stephen King, and Pet Sematary is one of his most unsettling works. When the Creed family moves to a new house, they discover a nearby pet cemetery with the eerie power to bring things back from the dead. But of course, sometimes dead is better. The slow build of dread in this book is unmatched, and King’s exploration of grief, loss, and the human desire to hold on to the past is heart-wrenching—especially when it turns into full-blown horror.
4. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
This book is a must-read for those who love horror that dives deep into cultural identity and history. The Only Good Indians follows a group of Native American friends who are hunted by an entity seeking revenge for a crime committed years ago. Jones weaves together modern horror and Indigenous folklore in a way that’s both unsettling and poignant. The creeping sense of dread will keep you turning the pages, even if you want to look away.
5. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
If you’re into mind-bending, unconventional horror, House of Leaves is the book for you. This book is unlike any other—it’s a puzzle, a haunted house story, and a psychological thriller all wrapped in one. The plot centers on a family who discovers their new house is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. But there’s so much more to this novel, and part of the horror comes from the way the book is physically structured (with footnotes, strange formatting, and text scattered across the pages). It’s a reading experience like no other and will leave you questioning reality.
So, there you have it—five terrifying reads for this Halloween season! And remember: if you hear strange noises while you’re reading, it’s probably just the wind… or is it? Don’t forget to read our Part 2 next Friday!
