13 Spooky Halloween Books for Adults to Read This October

Halloween isn’t just for costumes and candy—it’s the perfect time to curl up with a spine-chilling book that keeps you turning pages deep into the night. If you’re in the mood for something eerie, unsettling, or downright terrifying, here’s a list of the creepiest Halloween books for adults (warning: no kid-friendly titles here).

Whether you love psychological thrillers, classic horror, or supernatural tales, these spooky novels are the best books to read on Halloween for adults.

I’ve included Amazon links to each recommended book, but you can also see my post on where to get e-books and audiobooks for free. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for digital versions.)

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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.

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

If you’re a fan of haunted houses and psychological horror, Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is a must-read. This classic tale of four people investigating the mysterious Hill House will leave you questioning what’s real and what’s imagined.

Jackson masterfully weaves together the terror of the unknown and the madness of the mind, creating a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve finished the book.

“No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality; even larks and katydids are supposed, by some, to dream. Hill House, not sane, stood by itself against its hills, holding darkness within.”

2. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker

Dracula is the quintessential Halloween read for those who love gothic horror. Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire novel has it all—mystery, terror, and one of the most legendary creatures in horror fiction.

The dark atmosphere and eerie descriptions of Count Dracula’s castle and his chilling encounters with the living make this novel the perfect choice for a Halloween night.

“Listen to them—the children of the night. What music they make!”

3. “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

For a modern twist on gothic horror, Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic delivers a slow-burn tale of dread set in 1950s Mexico. When Noemí Taboada is summoned to a remote mansion to check on her cousin, she uncovers sinister secrets hidden within the decaying house and its inhabitants.

With its lush atmosphere, creeping suspense, and gothic elements, this novel is a chilling read that will leave you spellbound.

“After all, you can’t trust people who lie to themselves.”

Discover more books set in Mexico here.

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

This horror novel blends cultural identity, trauma, and supernatural terror to create a unique and deeply unsettling story. The Only Good Indians follows four Native American men who are haunted by an event from their past, leading to a terrifying and vengeful force that stalks them.

Stephen Graham Jones combines psychological horror with elements of folklore and revenge in a way that is both brutal and thought-provoking, making it an ideal Halloween read.

“It’s that moment when you know you’ve done something so terrible that even your unborn children will suffer because of it.”

5. “Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes is a dark fantasy novel that captures the eerie atmosphere of October perfectly.

When a sinister carnival rolls into a small town, two boys find themselves caught in a battle between good and evil. This novel is both nostalgic and terrifying, making it a perfect blend of autumnal magic and Halloween chills.

“A stranger is shot in the street, you hardly move to help. But if, half an hour before, you spent a little time talking, getting to know him … you’d spring to his aid. Why? Because he’s nothing to you. But once you talk, he’s a friend.”

6. “The Exorcist” by William Peter Blatty

If you’re looking for a truly terrifying read, The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty is one of the most iconic horror novels ever written.

Inspired by a true story, this book delves into the possession of a young girl and the battle to save her soul through an exorcism. The novel’s relentless tension, disturbing imagery, and horrifying themes make it a perfect choice for readers who want to experience pure terror on Halloween night.

“Perhaps evil is the crucible of goodness… and perhaps even Satan—Satan, in spite of himself—somehow serves to work out the will of God.”

7. “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris

For fans of psychological horror and thrillers, The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris is a must-read. This chilling novel follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she consults with imprisoned serial killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to track down a brutal murderer.

The psychological tension, the macabre details, and the unforgettable character of Lecter make this book a gripping and terrifying experience.

“When the fox hears the rabbit scream, he comes running. But not to help.”

8. “Pet Sematary” by Stephen King

It wouldn’t be Halloween without a Stephen King novel, and Pet Sematary is one of his most unsettling works. When Louis Creed and his family move to a rural town, they discover a mysterious burial ground that brings dead things back to life—with terrifying consequences.

King explores themes of grief, death, and the dangers of tampering with forces beyond our control, making this novel a haunting and emotionally intense read for Halloween.

“Sometimes dead is better.”

9. “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters

For those who love slow-burn gothic mysteries, Sarah Waters’ The Little Stranger is a perfect pick. Set in post-World War II England, the novel follows a country doctor who becomes entangled with a once-grand estate and its eccentric inhabitants.

As strange events begin to unfold, the lines between psychological and supernatural horror blur. The Little Stranger is a beautifully written, atmospheric novel that builds suspense in a subtle and chilling way.

“All I could see was the ghost of a better time, a fainter echo of prosperity.”

10. “The Witching Hour” by Anne Rice

Anne Rice’s The Witching Hour introduces readers to the Mayfair witches, a family with a dark and mysterious history. The novel is steeped in gothic atmosphere, blending supernatural elements with family drama, romance, and mystery.

At over 1,000 pages, it’s an immersive and haunting tale that is perfect for those looking to get lost in a sprawling, eerie narrative this Halloween.

“Give me a moment, because I like to cry for joy. It’s so delicious, John; it really is. So delicious to cry for joy.”

11. “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson

Another masterpiece by Shirley Jackson, We Have Always Lived in the Castle is a haunting tale of isolation, family secrets, and paranoia.

The story follows two sisters, Merricat and Constance, who live in their family’s mansion after a tragic poisoning wiped out most of their relatives. The novel is steeped in a sense of unease and gothic charm.

“I can’t help it when people are frightened; I always want to frighten them more.”

12. “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James

This novella is a classic ghost story that plays with the reader’s mind. The Turn of the Screw tells the story of a young governess who is hired to care for two children at a remote estate. As she begins to witness strange and terrifying events, the question arises: Are these ghosts real, or are they the product of her imagination?

“No, no—there are depths, depths! The more I go over it, the more I see in it, and the more I see in it, the more I fear. I don’t know what I don’t see—what I don’t fear!”

13. “The Cabin at the End of the World” by Paul Tremblay

For those who love psychological horror with a modern twist, Paul Tremblay’s The Cabin at the End of the World is a tense and terrifying read. The novel follows a family vacationing in a remote cabin when a group of strangers arrives, claiming that the family must make a horrible choice to prevent the apocalypse. This story is full of suspense, dread, and gut-wrenching moments.

“Too many have been convinced that fear is a weakness, instead of something we have in common, something we can share, even when we are at our most afraid.”

More Halloween Books

These books, ranging from classics to contemporary thrillers, are perfect for setting the mood on Halloween night. Whether you prefer a psychological thriller or a supernatural ghost story, there’s Halloween book here for everyone who wants to experience a good scare.

So grab your favorite cozy blanket, light a candle, and get ready to dive into one of these chilling reads!

Or, for more bookish Halloween inspiration, check out these book Halloween costumes inspired by scary stories, beloved characters and famous writers.

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