The spooky Halloween season is here, when horror hounds of the literary persuasion rise from their crypts in search of some of the best books to chill their blood. Though movies usually dominate the Halloween holiday, there are many books that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
From literary classics like Dracula to modern-day nightmares like Salem's Lot, some page-turners are scary enough to give the reader nightmares for life. Even if they aren't as popular as freaky flicks, the readers of Reddit took to the site to scream for the books that have come to define their Halloween experience.
The Night Country (2003)
Ghosts and Halloween are a winning combination, and Stewart O'Nan's The Night Country found a clever new way to blend the two together. Reddit user bittybro gave a great rundown of their favorite Halloween book when writing, "The Night Country by Stuart O'Nan. Ghost story that takes place on Halloween. Told from the POV of the ghosts."
While it isn't the scariest book of all time, the Halloween vibes abound throughout the novel, and its narrative structure is truly unique. Few stories had ever put the reader in the mind of a ghost, and there is a fair amount of tragedy to go along with the classic Halloween spookiness.
'Salem's Lot (1975)
Stephen King is a master of modern horror and 'Salem's Lot usually ranks as one of his best books. Calling out a King classic, Reddit user CatlantAH1802 said, "Salem's Lot by King is perfect for the fall/Halloween season. The whole atmosphere of that book is perfect for this time of year."
Like a modern-day gothic nightmare, King's tale of vampires overrunning a small Maine town is fraught with tension and suspense. As with the author's other great books, 'Salem's Lot offers a wealth of interesting characters, and he manages to create a villain so shocking that readers will find themselves locking their windows extra tight.
The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow (1820)
Even though it was written over 200 years ago, Washington Irving served up a doozy of a tale when he wrote The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. User whyhhhwhy made Irving a yearly tradition, writing "I've always loved reading Legend of Sleepy Hollow...around this time of year".
Now most remembered as the Tim Burton movie adaptation that is usually considered one of his best, Irving's tale is woven into the fabric of U.S. history. Older literature can sometimes be quite dull, but the stalking evil of the Headless Horsemen rivals even the most harrowing movie villain from recent memory.
Imaginary Friend (2019)
Stephen Chbosky made waves with the publication of his novel The Perks Of Being A Wallflower, but the follow-up, Imaginary Friend, is where he flexed his horror muscles. Reddit user ghostie_friend reflected on the book, commenting, "Imaginary friend by stephen chbosky, it's a little long but great for a more slow, eerie fall mood."
Chbosky wouldn't normally be the first author to come to mind to write a horror epic, but he brought his trademarked psychological style to a simple spooky tale. Taking place during fall in a rural Pennsylvania community, the book exudes Halloween imagery, while also keeping the reader engaged with its compelling mystery.
The Graveyard Book (2008)
With The Sandman coming recently as one of Neil Gaiman's best adaptations, the prolific author has been well-represented in the worlds of horror, fantasy, and sci-fi. Reddit user saltiest-of-all called upon Gaiman's supreme talent when they said, "The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman...a child is raised in a cemetery by its spooky denizens."
Despite being a young adult-level novel, Gaiman's signature wit and clever storytelling shine through just as brightly. The characters all crackle with life, and there is a spooky feeling without being too over-the-top with its horror. The Graveyard Book is one of the few YA titles that should be read by Halloween fans of all ages.
Kill Creek (2017)
Scott Thomas knew exactly what he was doing when he penned Kill Creek, and in doing so, he delivered a quintessential book for the Halloween season. Reddit user Nicolexamy picked it as their favorite spooky season page-turner, saying, "I absolutely love Kill Creek by Scott Thomas - it has all the makings of a perfect October read."
Set in a creepy old house that is supposed to be haunted, the main characters are all horror authors who are equipped with frightening imaginations. Reminiscent of classic authors like Poe and Wells, there is a tongue-in-cheek nature to the entire story, but it never sacrifices any spookiness. Kill Creek is the perfect book for Halloween fans who like a good scare but do not necessarily like gore or overt violence.
The Haunting Of Hill House (1959)
Often ranked highly among the best ghost stories of all time, Shirley Jackson's seminal novel, The Haunting Of Hill House, has been adapted to film and TV on numerous occasions. Redditor Maester_Maetthieux let the book speak for itself, writing, "Shirley Jackson - The Haunting of Hill House."
The recent Netflix adaptation helped to bring the book back to the forefront, but the chills needed no refreshing even decades after its publication. Unlike more overt terror tales which rely on gruesome detail, Jackson weaves a complicated narrative between the characters and peppers the book with eerie moments.
Dark Harvest (2006)
With a film adaptation coming soon, Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge is getting a much-needed boost in popularity since its release in 2006. Redditor RealSimonLee didn't let the cheesy name stop them, saying, "The poorly named Dark Harvest by Dan Partridge is one of my favorites. It takes place on Halloween, and captures rural America pretty well."
Reminiscent of stories like The Lottery, the eerie Halloween tale is built around the concept of a yearly competition with a mysterious reward. Though the concept seems overused, Dark Harvest not only injects new life into the horror trope, but also infuses enough Halloween imagery to keep any ardent trick or treater happy.
Dracula (1897)
While only a select few adaptations of Dracula have been book accurate, the source material is a seemingly endless well for film and TV to draw from. Turning to Bram Stoker for their favorite spooky season read, a deleted Reddit user wrote, "I always re-read Bram Stoker's Dracula this time of year."
The story is familiar to almost everyone, but the creepy way in which Stoker imparts the tale of the mysterious Count is what makes it so great. Despite its 19th century origins, Dracula is a hypnotic read that draws the reader in with its spooky gothic imagery that feels both ancient and incredibly modern at the same time.
Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962)
If ever a book personified the spooky season, Ray Bradbury's brilliant novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes, might be the best contender for the title. A deleted Redditor called on the book to define the holiday, saying, "'Something Wicked This Way Comes' (Ray Bradbury) is as quintessentially Halloween as any book can be!"
Set within a mysterious carnival that descends on a small town, the book is from a youthful perspective that only serves to heighten the horror and fantasy of it all. Eschewing the usual ghouls and ghosts of most horror stories, the book relies on fantasy and magic to creep the reader out. In the end, the book captures Halloween and is also an allegory about the scary prospect of growing up in a world that is confusing and dangerous.