If there’s one thing that I adore and will get me back into my blogging it’s recommending a variety of different books for all of you in time for Halloween. My favorite holiday and my favorite genre of books! This post is all about books featuring ghosts and other types of creatures and monsters, if you’re interested in even more specific Halloween recommendations I will link all of my previous ones at the end of the post!
I tried to use a couple “new/different” books but you’ll probably see one or two on multiple lists and there are books I didn’t feature that also apply. So definitely check out my other rec links below if you want more.
I will also link each title to its Goodreads page if you want more info as well as include my full reviews if they’re available.
The Sun-Down Motel by Simone St. James
I wasn’t expecting this one to end up being as much of a “ghost story” as it did but it’s a very compelling read. It’s very atmospheric and the setting is creepy, it is more of a mystery wit a supernatural aspect though.
A young woman investigates the old, run down motel where her aunt went missing 35 years before. Something isn’t right at the Sun Down Motel, though, and she’s determined to uncover its secrets.
I can’t reveal too much lest I give the plot away but this is a very intriguing mystery and it really does have that subtle creep factor for those of you who don’t want to be scared pants-less!
The Dark Game by Jonathan Janz
It’s no secret that I really enjoy Janz’s books and this one was no exception. It’s a fast paced read and the set up is really interesting!
Ten writers are selected for a summer writing retreat with a famous, reclusive author. However, they end up pitted against each other in a deadly contest of his twisted making.
I won’t tell you guys what exactly the supernatural element in this story is because of course I don’t want to spoil it for you, but I found it to be very unique and of course creepy.
A book featured on my “scariest reads” list already, deserves to be mentioned once more. It’s just that good of a read! This one features some mysterious creatures where one look at them will drive you mad and ultimately result in your death. Because the characters cannot look at them we never find out what they look like or what they are, adding to the horror. However, it’s safe to say these are some ghastly creatures regardless and it’s definitely a scary read.
Another Janz book! This one doesn’t really hide the fact that it’s more of a creature feature than a ghost story ( I mean look at that ghoulish cover ). It’s pretty gruesome and is definitely a scary read, it’s not for anyone with a weak stomach though that’s for sure.
A group of people working on a score for a new horror movie travel to a remote island called The Sorrows and stay at a castle where they hope to draw inspiration. However, the castle hasn’t been inhabited since a gruesome series of mysterious murders years ago and they’re about to discover just what was behind them.
The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates
Another book you’re going to see me add onto almost every list from here on out. One of my all time favorites, this book is beautifully written and terrifying all at once. It has a Gothic feel to the atmosphere and it has a bit of both (ghost-y stuff, creature-y stuff), so it fits this category perfectly. It’s about a young woman who inherits an old (creepy) house and begins discovering some disturbing secrets within its walls. Plus there’s a cat and who doesn’t love an animal companion in a book?
Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
This book is a little weird but in the best way, its story is extremely unique and creative. It takes place on an amazing (and creepy) island where a dark, evil entity has been making girls disappear for generations. This is also a very badass feminist book that features a diverse POC and LGTBQ+ cast of characters. There are some very chilling moments and the characters and diversity make it well worth the read.
The Girl From The Well by Rin Chupeco
Another book I can’t seem to stop myself from mentioning all the time especially when it’s spooky season! It’s about a 300 year old Japanese ghost who hunts child murderers and when a new boy moves into the neighborhood there’s a dark entity attached to him she finds herself drawn to him as well.
This book is seriously spook, spook. If you’re scared of movies like The Grudge or The Ring (like me) then you’ll probably be terrified while reading this. But hey, that’s what Halloween and reading spooky books is for, right?
Check out my other Halloween Recommendation posts below!
- My All Time Spookiest Reads!
- Scariest Books I’ve Read
- Devils & Demons & Ghosts, Oh My!
- Double, Double Toil and Trouble (Witchy Book Recs)
- The Real Monsters Are Human (Serial Killers, Murderers, & Downright Awful Humans)
- Zombies & Other Infectious Creatures
- Monsters, Horrors, & Other Stuff of Nightmares
Have you read any of these books too? What did you think?
What are some of your favorite ghost stories? Or creature features, so to speak?
Let me know in the comments!
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Oooohhh love this post so much!
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Thank you so much, glad you enjoyed it!
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