So as I promised I’ve done up a post for those of you who want to read some spooky books for Halloween but don’t necessarily like horror or want your pants scared off! These are mostly all thrillers or have a paranormal factor present.
If you want to see my Halloween Horror Recommendations you can check that out here.
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
A great diverse read featuring a Latino family of brujas (witches) and when Alex tries to rid herself of her powers her entire family vanishes. This is a very magical adventure full of family love and who doesn’t love a good witch book?
The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas
This is a thriller about a girl who lied about who murdered their babysitter when they were younger and must now hunt for the true killer. This doesn’t have much for Halloween vibes but it is a very dark and twisted story full of surprises. It definitely gets gritty and you’ll get chills reading through it!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Who doesn’t think “Coraline” is a Halloween classic now? Because I sure do! It’s subtly creepy and just absolutely perfect for reading this time of year.
The Hanging Girl by Eileen Cook
Another thriller but this one has some psychics involved making it all the more perfect for some Halloween reading. A girl who fakes being psychic must now help the police find a missing girl but she may just have some insider information….
Black Bird of the Gallows by Meg Kassel
Harbingers of Death? That screams Halloween in my opinion! A mysterious boy shows up in town accompanied by flocks of strange crows and when he saves Angie from something supernatural she realizes he may not be human either. Paranormal elements and a slightly creepy atmosphere makes this another great read for non-horror fans!
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Another book that shouldn’t surprise many of you but “The Graveyard Book” is about a boy who is raised by the supernatural residents of a graveyard. It’s full of adventure and just straight up adorableness.
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
A mystery thriller revolving around Jasper Dent the son of the most infamous serial killers in the world. Jasper was being groomed to take over the “family business” and therefore can see crime scenes from a criminal’s POV so when a new serial killer shows up in his small town he’s determined to prove it’s not him.
So, so, sooooo many twists and turns with this one it’s especially great if you have a morbid curiosity about serial killers, like me.
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn
I could honestly recommend any of Flynn’s books but this short story fits the best in my opinon. It’s about a woman who fakes psychic readings and help from the beyond for money. When a woman wants her help ridding her house of something evil our main character may just start believing in ghosts….
Super quick read and open ended so if open endings aren’t your thing I’d skip it.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
Psychics, ancient sleeping kings, ley lines, and magic trees I think it’s safe to say this isn’t your run of the mill paranormal romance or urban fantasy. It’s full of magic and sets a very fast pace not to mention you will definitely fall in love with the characters!
The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney
This is more Middle Grade than YA but it’s still super interesting and full of supernatural spirits and creatures and there’s more than a few creepy moments too as Thomas learns about how to be a Spook.
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
This one is filled with monsters, demons, undead, and spirits and while it has a few dark moments it mostly follows a girl named Tea learning to control her powers of necromancy.
This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
This book fits into a kind of neat genre but it’s about a girl who wants to hunt monsters and boy who is one of those monsters in a city torn into two sects. The monsters are very unique and fun to read about and the characters are a bit morally grey, definitely a fun read though and the monsters aren’t TOO creepy either!
Bad Blood by Demitria Lunetta
Another witch book makes the list! This one is about a girl who visits Scotland and learns a bit more about her family’s past as she continues having visions of two women and a bit more about witchcraft and blood magic. Honestly the background of Scotland makes this book worth the read as well!
Have you read any of this books? What did you think?
Will you give any of these books a try?
What are some of your favorite non-horror Halloween reads?
Let me know in the comments!
I am not a fan of horror so this is great. I just read and really enjoyed The Hanging Girl! Great recommendations!
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Thank you! Glad you enjoyed The Hanging Girl too, it’s a great book! 🙂
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Labyrinth Lost is SUCH a great read for this time of year!! Great list 🙂
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It really is! Everything from the subject matter to the cover screams Halloween! Thanks Kourtni! 🙂
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oh yes, definitely recommend “this savage song” too! it’s amazing! 🙂
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It really is! That’s why V.E. Schwab is pretty much a goddess among authors haha! 🙂
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oh she is!
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Coraline is a great choice, definitely a Halloween classic and The Raven Cycle is a great read for Halloween too. I also think that Maggie Stiefvater’s Wolves of Mercy Falls series and Ballad and Lament (which are about faeries) are good choices because they’re about the supernatural which is very fitting for this time of year!! 🙂
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Thank you, glad you agree with some of these! If I’d have read Shiver I definitely would have included it with this post but I haven’t yet, I also haven’t heard of Ballad and Lament but I’ll have to go check that out now! 🙂
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Great recommendations, Heather! Totally agree with The Graveyard Book and This Savage Song! I’ve been seeing Black Bird of the Gallows a lot lately and am so intrigued by it.
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Thank you Larkin! Black Bird of the Gallows was definitely a lot more hyped up than I expected but it really is a unique story, would love to see what you think of it though! 🙂
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I definitely have it on my TBR, so hopefully one of these days I’ll pick it up.
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Great List, Heather 🌸
I’m intrigued by The Hanging Girl, loads of people have been talking about it recently. I’m also hoping to read The Bone Witch and This Savage Song before the end of the year; I’ve heard they’re both pretty good reads!
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Thanks Michelle!
Those are all great reads (otherwise I wouldn’t be recommending them, haha) and I hope you can get to it The Bone Witch and This Savage Song still this year I would love to see what you think of them! 🙂
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