Halloween Books For Adults: 11 Spooky Stories

Spooky and creepy Halloween books for adults to read this season!

This book list of Halloween books for adults includes both creepy stories and less scary novels featuring magic, witches, and more! 

When the season changes and the weather gets cooler, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a selection of Halloween books for adults! Whether you like to be spooked or just want to dive into the world of witches, this Halloween book list has you covered.

 

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Halloween Books For Adults

 

the sun down motel The Sun Down Motel by Simone St James

If you want to be spooked, this ghostly tale is your ticket to nightmares. A back and forth tale about a niece and her aunt and their experience at the Sun Down Motel. 35 years after her aunt disappeared from this spot, Carly returns to discover the truth. | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

invisible life of addieThe Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab

A 2020 new release that blew me away! Addie LaRue makes a deal with an evil god to break free from her suffocating life and live forever. But the cost is high. She is immediately forgotten by everyone she meets. The story jumps back and forth between present day and the 1700’s as she learns to live with her new life.

This was a five star read and easily one of my favorite books of 2020! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

The Shining by Stephen King

I first attempted to read this in high school and literally could not finish because I got too scared! I finally picked it up again as an adult and successfully made it through. It is a fascinating story about the relationship between a flawed father and his son. Of course, with a few terrifying elements thrown in… If you want more Stephen King recommendations, check out my husband and my Top 5 Stephen King books! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Stepping away from the scary, Garden Spells follows two sisters with unique powers who reconnect in their New England hometown. Magical realism at its finest! This is a story about love and families and includes just a touch of thrill! I adored the magical elements in this one. | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This reads like a scholarly tale of witches and vampires, with both history and suspense. I was completely hooked after a few chapters and flew through the lengthy novel. It’s part of a trilogy as well, for those who want to continue the story! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

When Coraline steps through a door in her home, she finds herself in a marvelous version of her life. However, she soon realizes her new mother and father won’t just let her leave without a fight. I listened to Gaiman’s narration of the audiobook and he does an incredible job reading his own stories. This novella is a perfect quick read addition to this list of Halloween books! | Amazon | Coraline

 

 

 

 

Bones by Kathy Reichs

Did you know this popular TV show is based on a book series?? Bones follows Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist as she uses science to solve vicious crimes. This series will keep you busy for a long time since there are over 20 books to read! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

Dracula by Bram Stoker

No list of Halloween books is complete without this classic novel! A young man encounters Count Dracula on a business trip to his castle and experiences a series of horrifying events. Then, comes home to find a friend exhibiting similar vampire-like tendencies. | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and uncle Julian. Not long ago, there were seven Blackwoods – until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers. Their days pass in happy isolation until Cousin Charles appears. Only Merricat can see the danger and must keep Constance from his grasp. | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

Easily my favorite Dennis Lehane novel! A man investigates a mental institution on an island after one of the patients goes missing. The twists and turns in this psychological thriller will keep you constantly guessing what’s real. I’d highly recommend watching the movie after you finish reading, too! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

This story features the legendary town of Sleepy Hollow and the late night ride of Ichabod Crane. After Ichabod encounters a headless cloaked figure, he disappears without a trace. | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

 

Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

Ok while technically not considered Halloween books for adults, I can’t forget the classic scary stories we go up with in the 90’s! Admittedly, I’ve never read a single Goosebumps book. I was a very cautious child haha. I’m sure it’d be fun to go back and read them now or read with your kids! | Amazon | Bookshop.org

 

 

 

 

Share your favorite Halloween books for adults in the comments!

 

halloween books for adults

10 Comments

  1. Is it just me, or is Goosebumps having a real resurgence right now?? I feel like I hadn’t seen or thought about those books for years, since I was a young kid doing weekly trips to the library, but all of a sudden this Halloween they’re EVERYWHERE! It’s so great, so much nostalgia!! And this list is perfection, it strikes just the right balance – happy reading!!

  2. Garden Spells!!! I love, LOVE the Waverley Sisters novels!!! The best in magical realism. 🙂 And, yes, a good choice for readers who want a little bit of something supernatural without any sort of scare. 🙂

  3. I usually can’t do scary books either, but The Shining is a favorite! Honestly, though, some of the Goosebumps books seriously freaked me out when I was little

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