On the moon we wore feathers in our hair, and rubies on our hands. On the moon we had gold spoons.
Shirley Jackson
Welcome to the 31 Days of Halloween Books list!
Whether you’re celebrating Spooky Season or you just really love to be spooked, here is a list for everyone. This list ranges from cult classics to fresh off-the-printers; nostalgic tales from our childhood to hilarious vampiric adventures.
They’re placed in no particular order because it would be really hard to choose a favorite!
This post contains affiliate links that lead you to Amazon and Bookshop.org. I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Bookshop.org carries all of your favorite books you can find from massive retailers, the difference is your order will support and ship from an independent bookstore somewhere in the US.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle, Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson is a personal favorite of mine. She also has this uncanny ability to nonchalantly make things really…off. I read this beautiful book in one sitting and then read it again.
The Graveyard book, Neil Gaiman
Are you even surprised Neil Gaiman is on this list? Will you be even more shocked to know he appears several times on this list?
Night circus, Erin Morgenstern
This was a really unique take on love and magic, which I appreciate. Perfect for a romantic twist on your Halloween this year.
Caraval, Stephanie Garber
Caraval is all about the performance and magic… with a taste of misunderstandings and Stokholm syndrome.
Bunnicula, Deborah & James Howe
Are you really even Halloween-ing right if you haven’t read Bunnicula?
Anno Dracula, Kim Newman
I love how Kim Newman shows Dracula throughout time, and the shenanigans he gets up to in various well-known historical events.
Boneshaker, Cherie Priest
This was recommended to me for the Steampunk value, but it’s such a good Civil War meets Steampunk meets Zombie story. I couldn’t put it down. There are also plenty in the series!
Warren the 13th & The All-Seeing Eye, Tania Del Rio
Warren the 13th is such a vibe of a character, I love recommending this one to cheeky little kids.
Coraline, Neil Gaiman
I told you, Neil Gaiman is on this list several times. Coraline is fabulous for those ungrateful little crotch goblins in your life.
Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark, Alvin Schwartz
Alvin helped shape my childhood. I loved having his books and I have no idea where they disappeared to. But I’m glad they’re making a comeback!
In A Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary stories, Alvin Schwartz
In A Dark, Dark Room was always with me. Always.
The Witches, Roald Dahl
This movie scared me as a child, and the book fascinates me to the core as an adult.
The Stonekeeper, Kazu Kibuishi
SO. GOOD.
A Series of Unfortunate Events, Lemony Snicket
Anything from Lemony Snicket is absolutely wonderful for young readers. My favorite part about his work is his use of more challenging vocabulary, but makes it part of the author’s voice to explain the meaning.
A Dark, Dark Tale, Ruth Brown
Halloween is not complete without following the journey of a black cat.
The stumps of Flattop Hill, Kenneth Kit lamug
This story is about facing fears and town gossip of haunted houses. Perfect for your little heroine!
The Cats of Ulthar, HP Lovecraft
HP Lovecraft is definitely chilling in his own weird way. If you’d like to get creeped out, I recommend him or Franz Kafka.
The Complete Stories, Franz Kafka
As mentioned above, Kafka really knew how to mess with literature. Like saying “WTF”? If you’re looking for something more obscure, Kafka should be in your list of Halloween books.
Tomie, Junji Ito
I love Junji Ito – he just takes it next level. I even have a tattoo on my arm inspired by him. He’s wonderful. And truly the perfect artist to add to your Halloween book collection.
Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Another suggestion for the romantics out there. Witches and coming of age and first loves and the south.
Fledgling, Octavia E. Butler
An absolute classic and must-read if you haven’t yet.
Interview With The Vampire, Anne Rice
The movie started my love of vampires, this book perpetuated that love.
Forbidden Brides of the faceless slaves in the secret house of the night of dread desire, Neil Gaiman
It’s about a writer, and it’s fabulous in so many ways. It’s just as awesomely ridiculous as the title and by far one of my favorite Halloween books.
The Near Witch, VE Schwab
On my TBR this year! Looking forward to it!
Every Heart A Doorway, Seanan McGuire
This is so graceful. Seanan really captured ‘the heart wants what the heart wants’ sort of theme. And the story is just… * le sigh * read it. Just read it.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide To Slaying Vampires, Grady Hendrix
I’ve received mixed reviews on this one, but on the TBR this year!
Revelator, Daryl Gregory
Just released – let’s go!
My Heart Is A Chainsaw, Stephen Graham Jones
Shout out to the Indigenous authors – another new release!
The Patient, Jasper DeWitt
An unknown diagnosis and a trail of crazy people – this can only turn out well for everyone, I’m sure.
Empire of the vampire, Jay Kristoff
I love Jay Kristoff – if you’ve never read his work – He is very violent, and gets kinda sexy. Definitely inspired by Steampunk and Samurai – it’s my cup of tea in so many ways. But absolutely not for everyone.
Bite Me: A Love Story, Christopher Moore
Christopher Moore has such a great sense of humor. If you need the chuckles this year – read this!
What are your favorite Halloween Books?
Find more stories HERE!
Never Miss An Adventure.