Something bad is coming this way.
There’s nothing better than curling up with a spooky book in hand as All Hallows’ Eve sneaks up on us.
Whether you’re looking for a light scare or an all-out fright-fest, Page Six editors have the best horror book recommendations for everyone this Halloween.
“After thoroughly devouring ‘Hidden Pictures’ and being blown away by the change I didn’t see coming, when I saw that self-proclaimed cat lady Rekulak had released a cat-centered horror book, I immediately added it to my must-read list for October.” — Nicole Mazza, Assistant Photo Editor
“Surreal, strange and fascinating, this underrated horror novel follows grown children grappling with their supernatural father’s legacy, but it’s not as simple as it seems. If you give in to the story, you’ll be treated to a wild ride filled with vivid, sometimes horrifying images and an immersive world.” —Lauren Sarner, TV Reporter
“You don’t have to be a vampire enthusiast to enjoy this captivating novel and blood-sucking women. The novel is set in three different centuries and three different cities – a small town in 16th-century Spain, early 19th-century London, and 2019 Boston – each featuring a headstrong woman with a taste for blood. The vampire elements are grounded in rich period detail and well-crafted characters.” — Hailey Eber, News Editor-in-Chief
“My book club chose this for our October reading, and it looks like the best time of year. A witch who trades her soul to survive a vicious attack must protect a wildlife sanctuary and a strange animal from the nearby town priest and the devil. I’m excited to try it this month!” — Lindsey Kupfer, Deputy Editor
“‘Ghost Story’ is a bone-chilling masterpiece of horror fiction. It follows four senior citizens who gather in a sleepy New York town to share spooky stories – only to find that they are actually haunted by a vengeful ghost who returns to remind them of their sinister past. Straub’s ability to craft a terrifyingly vivid scene will haunt your dreams for years to come.” —Audrey Rock, Reporter
“Grady Hendrix’s back-up list is the gift that keeps on giving during spooky seasons. I particularly recommend the Ikea-inspired nightmare fuel Horrorstör, which will pair perfectly with a ‘Backroom’ movie night.” —Riley Cardoza, Associate Editor
“’We Need to Talk About Kevin’ is a chilling book about a school shooting told from the perspective of the teenage killer’s mother as she tries to come to terms with her murderous son.” — Nicki Gostin, Reporter
“This isn’t the ‘Dracula’ you grew up reading about in school. ‘Bridgerton’ heartthrob Jonathan Bailey leads an all-star cast in the new Audible adaptation of Bram Stoker’s horror classic that’s so… well… we’ll just say it: super horny. The new entry, which also stars Ella Purnell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Aimee Lou Wood, aims to give Mina (Purnell) a more active role in the story and get her out of this situation.” From the hunted to the hunter. That (plus Bailey bringing sex back) is more than enough reason to dive into an updated classic.” — Carson Blackwelder, Associate Editor
“I’ve always been a sucker for a good haunted house story, and this story about a group of teenagers whose lives change after they enter this spooky, abandoned mansion is at the top of my list and sounds like a cross between ‘Final Destination’ and ‘Insidious.'” — Nicole Mazza, Assistant Photo Editor
“I read Harrison’s ‘Play Nice’ last year and loved it, so I immediately bought his new book last month and was saving it for October. A crazy horror novel about a wedding guest trapped in a deadly time loop? Sign me up from start to finish.” — Lindsey Kupfer, Deputy Editor
“If you haven’t read ‘The Yellow Wallpaper’ since high school, revisit Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s classic work of Gothic horror. This chilling, semi-autobiographical short story – a timeless examination of marriage and postpartum experience within the (unfortunately) patriarchy – is a truly unforgettable read.” —Riley Cardoza, Associate Editor
“‘Salem’s Lot’ is one of Stephen King’s best-known works, and for good reason. Ben Mears returns to his childhood hometown of Jerusalem’s Lot, Maine, hoping to confront his childhood nightmares about an abandoned mansion in town and perhaps gain some inspiration for his next novel.”
“Instead, he finds himself in a living nightmare, fighting evil as the dead begin to rise. A unique and truly frightening take on the modern vampire genre.” —Audrey Rock, Reporter
“’The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is a gothic delight, and its topics on aging and appearance seem quite appropriate in these Botox-obsessed/filler times.” — Nicki Gostin, Reporter
“With spooky season upon us, I wanted to add my TikTok addiction to Appalachian folklore and cryptids to my TBR list. That’s where ‘The Twisted Ones’ by T. Kingfisher (the pen name of author Ursula Vernon) comes in. After a quick search, the novel, about a woman who encounters disturbing information about strange creatures in the woods while cleaning out her hoarder grandmother’s North Carolina mountain home, quickly rose to the top of my list. It’s at the top of my list and I’m diving in.” I can’t wait for it.” — Carson Blackwelder, Associate Editor
“Sometimes I crave a popcorn thriller, and McFadden is my go-to writer for a thrilling, page-turning read. With the first paranormal thriller hitting theaters October 6, ‘The Witch’ seems like the perfect choice to kick off my spooky season.” — Nicole Mazza, Assistant Photo Editor