Every year on October 1, I get a certain ghoulish glee in knowing my favorite Halloween and creepy movies will be playing non-stop. Whether it be a selection of Tim Burton’s finest, The Craft, Hocus Pocus, Interview with the Vampire or The Addams Family, there is nothing better than getting comfy and settling in to watch a creeptastic film. Because of my love for these types of movies, it might not be the biggest shock that I do love a spooky read. Here are my top bookish recommendations you might want to check out if you enjoy a good fright. This is what she reads if she loves horror movies.
Interview with the Vampire and more by Anne Rice
All hail the Queen! Rice’s books deliver the chills, thrills and complex (sometimes lust-worthy) characters that horror junkies love. Depending on your supernatural preferences, you can start with The Vampire Chronicles, The Mayfair Witches, Ramses the Damned series or The Wolf Gift Chronicles. I am partial to my vamps and revisit Interview with the Vampire and Queen of the Damned every year.
Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel by A.W. Jantha
For all those who play this ’90s classic on a loop around Halloween season, this new book is the perfect addition to your reading list. Simply stated, there is nothing I don’t love about the Sanderson sisters.
The Devil Crept In by Ania Ahlborn
Ahlborn’s books are downright creepy in the best way. I first fell down the thorny rabbit hole when I read The Devil Crept In and just kept going. What is so great about all of her stories is the fear, tension and darkness woven into these well-developed tales. If you are looking for a new author to read, pick up one of Ahlborn’s books. You can start where I did or give some novellas a chance in Apart in the Dark.
The Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
Who among us doesn’t love watching the Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman quintessential Halloween movie Practical Magic? If you are like me, then it is imperative you check out The Rules of Magic. It is the prequel to Practical Magic and just as amazing as the first.
The Classics:
There is nothing better than classic horror stories. They are the origins of so many of the movies we love and the tales that continue to creep us out today. I cannot tell you how many years I have gravitated to my favorites for a bit of a scare.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a classic British literature novel about what happens when a scientist goes a bit too far with his experiment. Dr. Frankenstein never thought he’d create an ominous creature when he put together his monster but as soon as he’s brought to life, he realizes that bringing something back from the dead is never a good idea.
The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allan Poe
Fans of Edgar Allan Poe, rejoice! You can now get all of his short stories and poems in one book. From his most terrifying and dark stories to his elegant poems, this book is the ultimate page-turner for those who love a spooky tale.
Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson
These short stories from Shirley Jackson are some of the best. If you’re looking for a plethora of monsters, villainous human beings or even the evils of the daily commute, this collection brings all of that together in one book.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The idea of vampires comes alive in this classic novel from Bram Stoker. Young Jonathan Harker arrives at Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania where terror thrives. He is attacked by phantoms, mysteriously bitten, and watches in horror as the Count transforms into a vampire. When Jonathan returns home, he will do what he can to figure out the mysterious of Count Dracula.
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