The Bookish Ashley

Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the spooky spirit than by diving into some thrilling, eerie, and downright chilling reads? Whether you’re looking for a classic ghost story, a psychological thriller, or a tale filled with supernatural suspense, there’s something on this list to send shivers down your spine. Here are five books to immerse you in the Halloween vibe:

1. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson

Considered one of the best ghost stories of the 20th century, Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is a masterpiece of psychological horror. The novel follows a group of people who come to stay at a notoriously haunted mansion. What starts as a scientific study of supernatural phenomena quickly devolves into a terrifying exploration of fear, madness, and the unknown. Jackson’s writing creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that will make you question every creak in your house and every shadow that moves.

2. “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

For those who enjoy a modern twist on gothic horror, Mexican Gothic is a perfect choice. Set in 1950s Mexico, the story follows Noemí Taboada, a glamorous socialite who receives a desperate letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for help. She travels to High Place, a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside, only to uncover dark secrets, a haunted house, and a family with a chilling past. Moreno-Garcia’s writing is lush and atmospheric, combining the gothic traditions with a fresh, unique cultural perspective that makes it impossible to put down.

3. “Home Before Dark” by Riley Sager

If you love haunted house tales but crave a twist, Home Before Dark by Riley Sager will keep you guessing. This novel is a perfect mix of horror and mystery, told in a dual timeline format. It follows Maggie Holt, who returns to a supposedly haunted Victorian estate her family fled from years ago after her father wrote a bestselling memoir about their paranormal experiences. As Maggie digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that make her question what was real and what was fabricated. Sager’s writing builds tension masterfully, making it a great choice for Halloween reading.

4. “The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones

The Only Good Indians is a chilling novel that blends horror with social commentary, making it a standout choice for a Halloween read. The story follows four Indigenous men who are haunted by a disturbing event from their youth. As they are stalked by a relentless supernatural entity, they must confront their own pasts and the consequences of their actions. Stephen Graham Jones creates a sense of dread and tension that will grip you from the very first page, with vivid imagery and a narrative style that’s both poetic and horrifying.

5. “The Sundown Motel” by Simone St. James

Simone St. James’s The Sundown Motel is a ghost story wrapped in a mystery, perfect for fans of both genres. The story alternates between two timelines: in 1982, when a young woman named Viv Delaney disappears while working the night shift at a run-down motel; and in 2017, when her niece Carly decides to investigate her disappearance. The eerie atmosphere of the motel, coupled with strange occurrences and chilling secrets, makes this book a page-turner. St. James weaves a story that is both suspenseful and unsettling, with twists that will keep you guessing until the end.

Each of these books offers something unique for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit—whether it’s the classic chills of a haunted house, a modern gothic tale, a psychological thriller, or a supernatural mystery. So grab a blanket, a cup of something warm, and let these stories take you on a spine-tingling adventure that will leave you sleeping with the lights on! Happy reading!