Although I don’t really celebrate Halloween as a holiday (if I was in America I definitely would!), I love anything spooky. The spookier the better. And I definitely use this time of year to delve into more horror related content.
But whilst scary movies and even scary YouTube videos are pretty easy to come by, I find it harder to discover truly creepy books that leave me with goosebumps.
But today I wanted to share 6 creepy book recommendations that I have read (and loved) for this time of year. These books are definitely all creepy in their own unique ways; from Thriller to dystopian, even a classic and a children’s book.
That’s what I love about horror – it can certain show up in all different variations!
The Prestige by Christopher Priest
The Prestige is a dark, Gothic and eerie book set in 1878, where two magicians clash and begin a long journey of deceit and manipulation. But the magic takes them both to dark corners of their craft, whilst they use misdirection and the darkest science to outdo and expose the other.
I didn’t think I would love The Prestige as much as I did but I was hooked. The Gothic atmosphere, the elements of magic, the gritty setting; it’s just perfect for a dark and drizzly Autumn night.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Coraline is one of my favourite books and definitely my favourite film. Whilst this is considered a children’s horror, adults can definitely enjoy and take a lot from it. Coraline is a young girl who’s just moved into a new house with her parents.
But she finds a small door which leads magically to another realm, identical to her own – almost. She learns to be careful what you wish for and that the grass isn’t ALWAYS greener, when she meets her Other Mother, who’s ready to do anything to keep her.
Photo by Roman Denisenko on Unsplash
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
This is the most recent read on this list and actually at the time of writing, I’m just coming to the end of this book and it is FANTASTIC. I typically struggle with classics but this is one you can really get your teeth into and enjoy.
The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only novel by Oscar Wilde and follows Dorian, a young and beautiful man who’s learning about life, passion and sin after he sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty.
Pet Sematary by Stephen King
This one is definitely not for the faint hearted! I wouldn’t recommend either of the movies of this book; if you want to read this story then you need to go in with the book. The detail and descriptions and scene building is extraordinary.
This book follows the Creed family who move into a beautiful new house. They soon discover a nearby wood, housing a chilling secret that the family come all the familiar with as they learn that sometimes, dead is better.
The Shadow Man by Helen Fields
I read The Shadow Man this year and it’s definitely a stand out Thriller for me. It’s super creepy and one of those books that leaves you feeling a bit uncomfortable for the poor characters within it!
The Shadow Man is about three victims, who are locked in a flat with no idea why they’re there or where they are. The Shadow Man is to blame for their kidnap but they don’t know who he is, either. Only that he’s always there and always watching.
Photo by Allison Christine on Unsplash
Bird Box by Josh Malerman
And finally, Bird Box. I absolutely flew through this novel when I read it. It’s a really easy read so you can effortlessly get sucked in to this one. Bird Box is heart-pounding at times, leaving you holding your breath.
If you like Dystopian, this one is for you. Malorie and her two children and dreaming of finding refuge in a safe place but in order to get there, they need to be blindfolded. Because the world is full of something that if glimpsed at, a person is driven to deadly violence.
I also noticed after writing this that all but one of these book recommendations are movies as well, so if reading isn’t your thing and you’d rather settle down with a scary movie, a cozy blanket and a takeaway this Halloween, then I’d recommend checking out the movie alternatives instead!
I hope this has given you some ideas of creepy books to read this Halloween!
About the author: Jenny is a full-time blogger and content creator from Essex, writing about self care, personal growth and well-being whilst touching on other topics she’s passionate about, like books, Yoga and food. You can find Jenny on the following links:
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Great recommendations. I would love to read The Prestige and Dorian Grey. 👌
Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope you get to read them!
Great lost, Birdbox is one I want to check out
I hope you get to give it a read. Thank you for reading and commenting.
It’s hard for me to read full length books with over 200 pages, can you write a blog on best horror short story….😅😅
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Dorian Grey has been on my list forever! This season is the perfect time to read this Oscar Wilde classic!xxx
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I loved Dorian Gray! So the other two will go to my reading list. I have seen Bird box movie and it gave the chills few times so the book gotta be better 🙂 Thanks for recommendations!
I am glad you have got some suggestions from this post. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are great recommendations by Jenny! I’ve read Coraline and Bird Box and they’re both great books! Bird Box is especially creepy because the characters cannot see the creatures. I’ve also heard a lot about The Picture of Dorian Gray and I want to read it!
I hope you get to read it. Thank you for reading and commenting.
These are great books to read during Autumn. I love the sound of Prestige and Coraline! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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I love Coraline!! It creeps my mom out so much but I adore it haha 🙂 and yes The Picture of Dorian Gray is excellentttttttttt! Great recommendations!!
Yeah Coraline is creepy ha ha! Thank you for reading and commenting.
I actually didn’t know Birdbox was based on a book! The movie was really interesting, but I’d imagine reading it would be so much better.
You should give it a go! Thank you for reading and commenting. X
I’ve not read any of these before. I love the sound of The Shadow Man though. If I’m reading, I always choose a thriller so this one especially sounds right up my street.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
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Love this list, they’re such classics. The picture of Dorian Grey is such a small book, but it’s a definite winner and one of my favourite stories.
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THe only book on your list that I haven’t read is The Shadow Man. I’ll need to add it to MY list now. Thanks!
I hope you get to read that one! Thank you for reading and commenting.
The Prestige sounds really good. We’re happy you included Dorian Gray.
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Really great picks! And we love your Jack Skellington mug!
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I’ve been wanting a good scary book to read this month! Thanks so much for sharing your suggestions!
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I watched bird box, and I remember really enjoying it! I think I’ll have to check out the book as well. I haven’t heard of many of the other ones, but I love a good spooky book. Great post xx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com
I hope you manage to read some of this list. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Ooh Birdbox, I watched the film of that one a few years back! I’ve heard of a couple of the others too but never read them. x
I hope you manage to read some. Thank you for reading and commenting.
What a great list, Lauren! I love Neil Gaiman, although I admit I haven’t read this one but I like the looks of it! The rest look awesome to thank you for sharing 🙂
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What a great list of fabulous books that are perfect for the season! I love Coraline and Pet Sematary, but Bird Box and Dorian Grey are two books that are new to me that I cannot wait to check out. 🙂
I hope you manage to read some of these. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I’m not into the horror genre. But I’ve read The Picture Of Dorian Grey when I was in high school. It’s a good book. And it’s my Favorite horror novel. Hehehe ^_^
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I love creepy stories and I love Dorian Gray, I even teach in my English classes. It’s always good to have one on my reading bucket list. Thanks for posting!
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I am a huge fan of horror and Scifi movies and will definitely enjoy reading your recommended creep books; they seem like interesting reads. Thanks for sharing.
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Love these reccomendations! I remember reading Pet Sematary and was so creeped out by it. Also, the film makes me uneasy. Just something about kids in stories like this that give me goosebumps.
Thank you for reading and commenting. I haven’t watched that film – I am rubbish with anything scary!
I’ve been wanting some scary book recs for this month! Thanks for sharing your list! Currently, I’m reading IT by Stephen King. But it’s a lot and HUGE so idk if I’ll even be able to finish it before October ends lol
Wow! I hope you manage to finish it and you can read some of Jenny’s suggestions. Thank you for reading and commenting.
The blindfold one reminds me of that Sandra Bullock movie, Bird Box. Great inspiration for scary stories.
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Great recommendations but honestly I never read any of them!! Where I am in this world and can’t even find good books like these.
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Great list Lauren. I love the sound of Coraline and Dorian Gray. I will add these to be TBR list. Thanks for sharing. Jade MumLifeandMe
Jenny has shared a great selection. I hope you get to read all of these. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I don’t tend to go for anything to scary these days. However, one of my favourite films to watch at this time of year is The Lost Boys.
I am not great at scary films or books. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I’ve seen the Birdbox movie – it’s really good. I didn’t realise there was a book too!
Corinne x
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Such a great list! I’m saving it. Although I think I will bypass Stephen King!
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The days are colder and it’s a great time to get cozy. Stay at home and read books! Thanks for the recommendations
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I think I’ve seen the movie of The Prestige, it was really good. I’ve also seen the movie adaptations of Coraline, Pet Sematary, and Bird Box. I had no idea Bird Box was based on a book though. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, a lot of films come from books after all
That’s great you have seen a lot of the movies of these. I hope you get to read the books. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thanks so much for the great suggestions!
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I love Coraline, but I wouldn’t definite it creepy, but oh The Bird Box is totally it! Both the film and the book. But I must say the film didn’t give me the same chill I had when reading the novel
See I think Coraline is creepy certainly the film 😂. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great recommendations on this list! Maybe not creepy but definitley thriller type books by Alice Feeney are great too!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
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