15 Books to Read for Halloween
When it comes to Halloween, I am not one to love creepy or scary stories. I’m more of a Hallweentown kind of girl, ya know? But I know that’s not the case for everyone! So on this list are some atmospheric books that capture all facets of the season.
We’ve got sexy dark romances, sweet rom coms, some thrillers and suspenseful books, and of course, fantasy and YA.
What’s your Halloween vibe? Sweet or Scary?
Romance
Madison Kate/Hades by Tate James
Have I screamed about this series enough yet? These books are the perfect Halloween read because one, the first book begins on Halloween and two the SUSPENSE! Plus, they are spicy. So fun.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
This book is Halloweentown meets Gilmore Girls. It’s a perfect little witchy rom com that is a great Halloween escape!
Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper
I mentioned this book on my Fall Reading Guide and it’s another great Halloween read! Two witches work together to get revenge on a mutual ex, but things start to heat up between them instead.
Truth or Beard by Penny Reid
If you’re looking for the small town Halloween, Fall vibes, look no further than Truth or Beard!
Fantasy
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
I read Serpent & Dove after reading the ACOTAR series when I needed to get my hands on all of the fantasy romance possible. It’s about a witch and a witch hunter who are forced into a marriage. It takes place in France and it’s got a really good magic system!
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
I’ve not read this series but I’ve heard only good things about it! It also takes place at an elite boarding school which is my Fall reads kryptonite!
Thriller/Horror/Suspense
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
If you’re looking for haunted house vibes, this is the one to pick up! For someone who doesn’t like reading scary books, I had a lot of fun reading this book. It’s about a family who fled their home because of supernatural happenings. But years later, their adult daughter returns to see for herself.
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
The Crucible meets The Scarlet Letter in this witchy Puritan tale. We had Alexis Henderson on Read It Or List It and loved talking to her!
When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
This is another book I’m constantly yelling about. It’s suspenseful and important, as it deals with gentrification in New York City.
Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
A sapphic gothic story that I haven’t read but definitely plan on reading this one this spooky season.
Graphic Novels // YA // Middle Grade
Pumpkin Heads by Rainbow Rowell
For the pictures alone, this is the perfect book to get in the mood for Halloween! It’s about two best friends working at a pumpkin patch and it’s the last season they’ll work together before they’re off to college.
Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend
A magical, cursed child is rescued before her prophesied death on her twelfth birthday and taken to the magical land of Nevermoor.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
A trans boy sets out to prove his gender to his traditional Latinx family but accidentally summons a ghost who refuses to leave him alone.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
If you like true crime, podcasts, and feisty heroines, this is the book for you!
The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
A young Black medium at a prep school (!!!) is stuck dealing with racist teachers and classmates and seeing ghosts everywhere he goes, but there may be romance on the horizon for the first time for him.