Get your hands on the best books for Halloween. Discover eerie, ghastly stories and classic tales to cozy up to with our curated list.

Are you searching for the best books for Halloween for the entire family? If you’re up for the good, the bad, and the spookily read-aloud, you’ll surely enjoy our article.

With 148 million Americans celebrating Allhallows Eve, it’s unsurprising that you may feel an itch to reach for a hauntingly good Halloween book. Whether it’s to match the spine-tingling atmosphere of the season or just get in the mood for some trick-or-treating, reading a scary book is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween. Moreover, you get to discover the best horror authors for the next year’s reading bucket list. So, grab your pumpkin spice latte and cozy up with our list of best books for Halloween.

What’s the Scariest Book Ever Written?

Some candidates for the scariest book ever written include The Exorcist published by William Petter Blatty in 1971, The Road by Cormac Mc Cathy, published in 2006, and The Stand by Stephen King, published in 1978. The 2020 novel Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is also a popular scary read.

Best Books for Halloween for Adults

1. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Mexican Gothic blends psychological horror and suspense. All with the magnetic backdrop of 1950s Mexico. It follows the story of Noemí Taboada, a young socialite who travels to the Mexican countryside to check on her newlywed cousin. There, she’s greeted by mysteries and ominous occurrences. This book’s infusion of traditional horror elements and Mexican culture offers a fresh, unique spin on Halloween narratives.

The vivid and atmospheric setting and intricate plot make Mexican Gothic an engrossing read. Its sophisticated narrative and complex themes also make it a great choice for those who enjoy getting into the Halloween spirit with a touch of intellectual stimulation.

“It was easy to kiss someone when it didn’t matter; it was more difficult when it might be meaningful.”

Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Mexican Gothic

2. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Home Before Dark is a nail-biting thriller seemingly made for Hollywood with twists. The book follows Maggie Holt, who returns to her childhood home. It’s a place filled with haunting memories from her past and eerie events happening in the present. She’s there to renovate the house. Instead, she uncovers the truth behind her father’s infamous book.

Sager’s masterful storytelling and knack for suspense pull readers into Maggie’s unnerving journey. Home Before Dark is a perfect read for those who love a good scare. Its blend of supernatural elements and real-world stakes makes it an engaging book.

“Grief is tricky like that. It can lie low for hours, long enough for magical thinking to take hold. Then, when you’re good and vulnerable, it will leap out at you like a fun-house skeleton, and all the pain you thought was gone comes roaring back”

Riley Sager, Home Before Dark

3. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

Pumpkinheads is a graphic novel that perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween without the traditional scare factor. The story revolves around Deja and Josiah, two seasonal best friends. They decide to make their last night working at a pumpkin patch an unforgettable adventure. Despite it being a lighter and more humorous read, Pumpkinheads still encapsulates the essence of Halloween, making it a great choice for adults looking for a feel-good book to celebrate the season.

The beautiful illustrations by Hicks and Rowell’s charming storytelling make the book a joy to read. The vibrant autumn colors and the fun-filled journey make it visually stunning and add to its charm. It’s a reminder that Halloween isn’t just about the scares; it’s also about friendship, adventure, and the season’s magic.

“…I’m your friend. And friends don’t let friends live small lives.”

Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks, Pumpkinheads

4. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The Haunting of Hill House is one of the most prominent gothic horror tales of the 20th century. It’s about four main characters: Eleanor Vance, Theodora, Luke Sanderson, and Dr. John Montague. The latter, an investigator of the supernatural, invites the other three to Hill House. It’s a place notorious for its disturbing occurrences. What follows is a chilling exploration of the supernatural and the psychological intertwined in two timelines with a haunting narrative.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to instill a sense of dread and unease. It does it not through explicit horror but through suspense and suggestion. Jackson’s nuanced exploration of her characters’ psyches amidst the backdrop of the ghostly Hill House makes this a compelling Halloween read.

“Am I walking toward something I should be running away from?”

Shirley Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House

5. Dracula by Bram Stoker

Perhaps Dracula will be a forever classic novel as it endured the test of time. The story revolves around Count Dracula, who, evidently, became a legendary horror symbol in literature. The story unfolds through newspaper contents and letters. These entries document the terrifying experiences of a group of people who encounter the Count.

While Dracula might be seen as a conventional Halloween read, it’s the book’s exploration of fear, superstition, and the unknown that makes it to this list. Stoker writes a plot that not only thrills. His writing also compels readers to reflect on identity, mortality, and humanity.

“I am all in a sea of wonders. I doubt; I fear; I think strange things, which I dare not confess to my own soul.”

Bram Stoker, Dracula

6. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein is recognized as one of the pioneering works of science fiction and horror. The book follows Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who invents a creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Though initially, his creation desires affection, tragic consequences follow.

Aside from spearheading a new inspiration for gothic fiction, Frankenstein delves into concepts of isolation, ambition, and the moral consequences of playing God. While its gothic and macabre elements make it a classic Halloween read, its deep philosophical underpinnings offer readers much to ponder. 

“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.”

Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

7. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty

The 1971 book The Exorcist unfolds with the strange happenings around young Regan McNeil–eerie voices, levitation, and even physical changes. When medical science fails to explain these phenomena, her mother turns to a local priest. He then suggests an exorcism might be necessary. The story is a thrilling ride that combines the terror of the supernatural with the mystery of faith. Adults who want to dig into these nuances will find the book a very interesting read.

While The Exorcist might be a conventional choice for Halloween, it didn’t become an iconic work of fiction for nothing. Its exploration of fear, faith, and the extent of a mother’s love makes it stand out. The narrative is terrifyingly gripping, with an underlying question of belief and skepticism. Its vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make it worth your while.

“God never talks. But the devil keeps advertising, Father. The devil does a lot of commercials.”

William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist

8. The Shining by Stephen King

As it was born from Stephen King’s reality when he stayed in Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel, it’s unsurprising that The Shining is set in an isolated hotel in the Colorado Rockies. It follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts the position of off-season caretaker. Jack’s son Danny possesses psychic abilities that allow him to see the hotel’s horrifying past. As winter sets in and isolation becomes more prevalent, the hotel’s sinister forces start affecting Jack’s sanity.

Through the book, King inspects the results of prolonged seclusion for some. He masterfully portrays insanity and the thin line between good and evil.

“Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win.”

Stephen King, The Shining

9. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs revolves around a young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling. She’s drawn into a mind game with the imprisoned, sophisticated cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. All while in her pursuit of another serial killer, Buffalo Bill. The conversations between Lecter and Starling are as chilling and intense as the pursuit itself.

Though it’s not a typical pick for Halloween supernatural horror, it’s a top pick for adults who want to plunge into psychological drama and suspense. It pricks the dark side of human ego and mind–something that may be more terrifying than any supernatural antagonist.

“When the Fox hears the Rabbit scream he comes a-runnin’, but not to help”

Thomas Harris, The Silence of the Lambs

10. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

The Turn of the Screw is a ghost tale revolving around a young governess and her desperation to protect her wards. She’s in charge of two children at a remote Essex country house where she becomes convinced that the premises are haunted. The story gradually builds suspense and fear. At the same time, it leads the reader to question whether the apparitions exist or if they are the product of the governess’s imagination. 

James deliberately uses excessive words in his writing to create a vague narrative. This ambiguity adds a unique layer of sophistication that draws readers in. 

“She feels in italics and thinks in CAPITALS.”

Henry James, The Turn of the Screw

11. The Witching Hour by Anne Rice

The Witching Hour is an epic saga of the Mayfair witches. They are a family endowed with supernatural powers, spanning many generations and continents. 

The novel’s storyline is layered with tangled plots, coupled with Anne Rice’s vivid and atmospheric descriptions. Through the setting of New Orleans and the Garden District, readers will realize the author’s fondness for her city. It seamlessly blends supernatural and familial drama with compelling characters.

“It draws its strength, this big secret, from the same root from which I draw my strength, both the good and the bad because, in the end, they cannot be separated.”

Anne Rice, The Witching Hour

12. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is a classic narrative around Ichabod Crane. He’s a superstitious schoolmaster from Connecticut who competes with Abraham “Brom Bones” Van Brunt for the hand of 18-year-old Katrina Van Tassel. The tale concludes with Crane’s encounter with the ghostly headless horseman. 

Be entertained with Washington Irving’s humorous and vivid storytelling, combined with the tale’s supernatural elements. Furthermore, the story offers an insightful look into early American culture and folklore, providing an additional layer of interest for adult readers.

“I profess not to know how women’s hearts are wooed and won. To me, they have always been matters of riddle and admiration.”

Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

13. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray explores hedonism and moral decadence. The story centers around Dorian Gray, a man who retains his youthful appearance while a portrait of him ages and reflects his moral decline. 

Wilde’s sharp wit and incisive social critique make this work intriguing then and now. It also tackles the themes of vanity, corruption, and the supernatural aspects of the immortal Gray versus the aging portrait.

“The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.”

Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

14. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is undeniably a formative work in the genre of horrors. It presents a chilling tale of dual personalities. The book follows the contrast between the reliable, respectable Dr. Jekyll and his opposite, Mr. Hyde. The only problem? They share the same body. It highlights the struggle between good and evil.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s ability to criticize timeless theses about duality, identity, and self-corruption. His introspection is fodder for thought, making it more fitting for a mature audience.

“I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both.”

Robert Louis Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde