It’s October which means a lot of pumpkin-flavored drinks, pumpkin-themed foods, cozy sweaters and most importantly — Halloween! This creepy time of year is the perfect chance to curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea, coffee or an overpriced pumpkin spiced latte (it’s okay, we aren’t judging you) and great books that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. There are the books that keep you entertained and there are the books that stick with you long after you’ve read them. Whether you prefer books of the ghost story variety or the psychological thriller that keeps you turning the page, we’ve got the perfect list of book recommendations for your October reading list!
20. The Haunting of Hill House:
Dr. Mantague, an occult scholar, wants to use science to prove the existence of supernatural activity at the Hill House. The mansion with a scary history will be the setting for his experiment. The subjects, Eleanor Vance and Theodora are the only two who respond to his invitations. Luke, nephew and heir to the Hill fortune are also invited to take part in the experiment. As the guests all settle into the house, they are quickly aware of its powers…
19. Ghost Story:
Four old men gather to share stories in a sleepy town, Milburn, New York. They enjoy sharing their scary stories, both real and made up, as a means of distraction from their quiet lives. One story, a chapter of their lives as young men, is back to haunt them. The mistake, a horrific accident they believe was left buried in the past, will show them not all sins go unpunished.
18. The Woman in Black:
Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming lone lawyer from London sent on an assignment to a far away town to help settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow who resides at the Eel Marsh House. Kipps is unsuspecting of the assignment that will change his life forever–the secrets that lie within the mysterious house will haunt him for the rest of his life.
17. Hell House:
Stephen King has declared this book “the scariest haunted house novel that’s ever been written,” so we have to take his word for it. Belasco House, aka “hell house,” is the Mount Everest of haunted houses. Despite the horrendous events that have occurred at the house, four individuals set out to uncover this evil house’s secrets.Will these brave individuals outlast the evil that resides at the Belasco House?
16. I Remember You:
Three friends make a business venture and purchase an isolated home in hopes of turning it into a bed and breakfast in an Icelandic village. While they work hard to renovate the rundown home, they quickly realize they aren’t alone. A fierce presence lets them know they aren’t welcome. Then there’s a young doctor across town investigating the suicide of an elderly woman who he discovers was obsessed with his son, who vanished. These strangers will soon find out their stories will collide to reveal a terrifying truth.