Some of us may love the drama and suspense of a good horror story, but can’t handle the jump scares and visual nightmares of horror movies. Reading a book takes away some of those scarring images, but will still keep you on the edge of your seat with thrill. If you’re looking for some good old-fashioned fright this Halloween season, but would rather find it outside the movie theater, here is a list of books that will scare just as much—if not more than—any movie ever could.
The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston
After watching her mother be hunted and killed for being a witch, Bess must go into hiding and practice her witchcraft in secret. She experiences years of heartbreak and pain that only immortality can bring. Hundreds of years later, she is still being hunted, but now has a new young witch to protect. This book will entrance you in a story based in both the history and magical fantasy of witchcraft.
The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe
What’s Halloween without some psychological horror from Mr. Poe himself? This collection of short stories and poems will leave chills running down your spine. Plus, the leather bound edition will look amazing on your coffee table all season long.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Nothing is creepier than a perfectly placed traveling carnival in a quiet Midwestern town. Two best friends get tangled up in a nightmare experience with a carnival leader Mr. Dark. This novel is just as creepy as it sounds and is guaranteed to leave you feeling a little uneasy next time the carnival comes to town.
In the Woods by Tana French
Everyone loves a good murder mystery and—bonus points—this one take place in the woods. It begins with a mother calling her children home from playing outdoors, but there is no answer. One boy is found by police, but is unable to recount what happened in those woods. Fast-forward twenty years later, the boy is a detective investigating the murder of a 12-year-old girl that appears to be linked to his horrific past. The story that unfolds is shocking to the end.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
We all know the story of Frankenstein, but how many of us have actually read the book that started it all. Surprisingly creepy and wonderfully written to spook even the bravest of readers, Frankenstein is an obvious classic and must-read at least once every Halloween.
White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi
Miranda is the latest in a long line of Silver women to take ownership of her family home. Along with her twin brother, Eliot, Miranda runs her family’s newly converted bed and breakfast. But, soon after her mother dies, she begins to develop unexplained ailments. The mystery of the house, Miranda’s sickness, and the twin’s family lineage will keep you guessing until the bitter end.
This Halloween season be sure to cozy up with a hot cider and one of these scary reads. While these books may take away some of the unnecessary screaming horror movies might cause, you definitely won’t be anything less than creeped out. Unlike the movies, you can’t exactly cover your eyes through the scary parts. So—for the faint of heart—maybe stick to reading these books when your roommate is around.