5 scary reads that’ll give you goosebumps galore this Halloween

Halloween is knocking at our door, and we’ve curated a list of the best horror books you need to get in the mood for fright night. From classics that include The Haunting of Hill House to latest ones like All the White Spaces, you’re in for a spooky ride!

Pet Sematary by Stephen King

This one is only for those who can really stomach horror—it is considered to be one of Stephen King’s scariest books (the author said so himself)! A family of four along with their cat, Winston Churchill (referred to as Church throughout the novel), moves into a non-descript house near a small town in Maine. The house happens to be located behind a pet cemetery. What follows is a grotesque, bone-chilling series of events—from dead children, reincarnated pets, and evil forces beyond the grave. You’ve been warned: Pet Sematary might give you sleepless nights and make you feel jumpy for days. But is the thrill worth it? Absolutely! 

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

While most gothic stories have a moody and misty English countryside as the backdrop, the hot and humid countryside of Mexico serves as the setting for Cañas’ debut novel. Beatriz, the protagonist, shifts into her new husband’s house after her own is destroyed and her father is executed. While she’s hoping for some stability and security in her life, she’s in for a rude shock at Hacienda San Isidro. It has all the elements of a classic horror—a sprawling and remote estate, spine-tingling visions and dreams, and a mysterious husband. If you like your horror with a side of romance, then this one will be right up your alley! 

All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes

In her bombastic debut novel, Wilkes paints a survival-horror story that will have you on the edge of your seat. Set in the wake of World War I, it follows Jonathan Morgan who’s on an Antarctic expedition with his hero and famous explorer James Randall. While it’s smooth sailing initially, soon disaster strikes—their ship sinks and the members of the expedition must try to survive the region’s deadly winter on ice with no one to rescue them. To make matters worse, something eerie awaits them on the frozen plains—the supernatural force takes the shape of their loved ones and feeds on their deepest, darkest fear. Will Morgan make it out alive? This one sent shivers down our spine! 

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

If you binge-watched The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix, then the novel from which the show takes inspiration from is a must on your reading list this season. Jackson takes advantage of the fear of the unknown, letting her readers imagine the worst-case scenario. The story follows researcher Dr John Montague who chooses an extremely creepy manor called Hill House to set up his social experiment at. Then the haunted mansion does the rest­—with a series of supernatural activities. Is it Dr Montague or something else in charge? Participants are in for a ghostly awakening. 

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison

Werewolf transformations never get old, and this witty dark comedy is proof. Our lead Rory Morris isn’t too keen about moving back to her hometown that has been anything but nice to her, but pressing family matters force her to. While on her drive home after a night out, she hits a large animal and steps out to investigate. Instead, she is attacked. Even though she survives, her life seems to have gone through quite a few changes—unexplainable strength, a hatred for silver, and a sudden affinity for the moon seem to be some of them. We absolutely loved this story of self-exploration and vulnerability in the guise of a Halloween read!