Are you ready for a thriller (and I’m not talking Michael Jackson) or 10? Throw on our Halloween playlist and curl up with one of these books to get into the spooky spirit.
10 Books that Will Put You in the Spooky Spirit
1. Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Without this book we would not have the magical musical, Wicked. Also, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the OGs of the musical, are going to headline a special tribute concert on Oct. 29 that will be broadcast on NBC.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5V9KwppMfs
2. The Last Days of Jack Sparks by Jason Arnopp
I haven’t read this one, but it’s been suggested by several of my book clubs and I’m going to order it from Amazon Prime. The book follows the last days of fictional journalist Jack Sparks who thinks he’s a new age Hunter S. Thompson, as he researches the Supernatural.
3. The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson
The book documents the twenty-eight days the Lutz’s lived at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, N.Y.—a home where just thirteen months prior, Ronnie DeFeo murdered his mother, father, and four siblings with a high-powered rifle. If I had to rate this from slightly spooked to keep all the lights on, it would fall somewhere in the middle.
4. Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson
If you’re looking for a suspenseful, thriller this is the book for you.
Kate Priddy has always dealt with anxiety, but following a personal tragedy, she begins experiencing full-blown panic attacks. When her Boston-based cousin reaches out and suggests that the two swap apartments for a while, Kate sets aside her apprehension and agrees—after all, a change might help her overcome her past. Kate leaves her London flat and heads to Boston, moving into her cousin’s stunning apartment. But the morning after she arrives in Boston, tragedy hits close to home yet again: her cousin’s neighbor is found dead, murdered in the apartment next door. Kate’s natural curiosity soon devolves into obsession, and sets in motion a series of events that will threaten Kate’s stability – and possibly her life.
5. Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
I downloaded this as an audiobook and I swear I started making excuses to stay traffic longer to hear more of the book. This suspense-filled murder mystery by the Girl on the Train author, Paula Hawkins, will keep you guessing. Every other chapter I changed by mind about who dunnit and was wrong – EVERY TIME!
6. Beloved by Toni Morrison
While spooky – this book is a masterpiece. It’s on school curriculums across the country. But it is spooky. The haunting that drives the book shows slavery’s impact on the psyche. I was going to include a clip from the movie, but I’m still scarred from watching it when I was younger.
7. The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty
It came down to this or Rosemary’s Baby, but I feel like neither need introductions.
8. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
I stumbled upon this book at a yard sale and I think I’ve since donated it. The Nirvana inspired title is what initially caught my eye, but the creepy factor is on point. P.S. Stephen King is the author’s father.
9. Night Shift by Stephen King
I contemplated adding the The Handmaid’s Tale as #9, but figured this list wouldn’t be complete with a little Stephen King. This is King’s first collection of short stories and if you’ve never read any of his books this is a fantastic introduction.
10. The Witches by Roald Dahl
This is a children’s book, but it is DARK. I also highly recommend the 90’s movie starring Anjelica Huston. Maybe I was a weird kid, but this and Edward Scissorhands were two of my favorite movies as a child.
Are there any books you recommend to get you into the spooky spirit? Leave a comment below!
