Spooky season calls for even spookier books. While Halloween-themed books really set the atmosphere with cozy whodunits and trick-or-treaters, sometimes the best books to read as Halloween draws closer are horror novels that keep you awake long after you close the book. Check out our selections of horror novels everyone should read for Halloween, from classics to lesser-known favorites.
6. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
Starting our list of horror novels is Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. The novel follows best friends Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade, who live in a small Midwestern town. The pair discovers a mysterious carnival led by Mr. Dark right before Halloween, and must overcome the carnival’s soul-stealing leader while understanding the true meaning of friendship.
5. Bird Box by Josh Malerman
Fifth on our list of horror novels is Bird Box by Josh Malerman. Now, a movie, go back to where it all started between the pages of a novel that manages to freak people out even on rereads. In the novel, there is something in the world that must not be seen, as one glimpse can drive someone to deadly violence. Five years after the first event, the novel centers on survivors Malorie and her two young children who must embark on a harrowing journey to possible safety.
4. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
Next on our list of horror novels is The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty. Another book that has a film adaptation, it may seem a little obvious to choose this story, but it’s well worth the horror in every chapter. The novel was inspired by a true story of a child’s demonic possession in the 1940s. In the novel, the story centers around young Regan and the people who come together to save her from her unspeakable fate.
3. ‘Salems Lot by Stephen King
Rounding out the top three horror novels is perhaps the King of Horror, Stephen King, and his novel, ‘Salems Lot. While truly any novel of King’s could have been put here, the addition of vampires in a small town really caters to the whole Halloween theme. The novel focuses on writer Ben Mears, who returns to his childhood town of Jerusalem’s Lot, discovering it’s being overrun by a vampire from the local Marsten House. Mears must gather the town to drive out the ancient evil.
2. Dracula by Bram Stoker
Second, our list of horror novels includes another vampire-centered story, Dracula by Bram Stoker. A quintessential Halloween selection, if you haven’t yet dived into Dracula’s story, it might be worth doing now. The 1897 novel is written through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles. While there is no protagonist, it does feature solicitor Jonathan Harker making a business trip to stay at the castle of a Transylvanian nobleman, Count Dracula.
1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Last but not least on our list of horror novels is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Similar to Dracula, when you think about Halloween, Frankenstein’s monster often comes to mind. The gothic novel tells the story of young scientist Victor Frankenstein and his wish to create a sapient creature by putting together different body parts. However, his experiment goes awry when the monster uses his newfound life to destroy everything that Victor loves.