TYF’s Top Halloween Reads

It’s that time of the year again! Time for scary movies, Halloween TV specials, and best of all, creepy horror/Halloween novels! It’s probably my favorite time of the year because I love anything and everything spooky. Everyone usually focuses on all of the many great horror movies out there this month, but today we want to focus on some great books that are perfect for satisfying your Halloween reading needs! On the following pages, a few of our TYF book reviewers will be talking about their favorite Halloween reads. Click on any links in the titles to see reviews we have posted about these books so you can learn even more about them. Just click next at the bottom of the page to get started!

[tps_title]Gabrielle Bondi’s Picks:[/tps_title]

As someone who is such a wimp when it comes to horror, I’ve found that I’ve read quite a few books that are perfect for this spooky season. Here are five favorites of mine to curl up with and read as the ghouls, witches and vampires roam the streets.
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter is like The Nightmare Before Christmas of the book world. It’s perfect for Halloween and lasts throughout the season until Christmas. Recently, I’ve run into quite a few people who have yet to discover the magic of J.K. Rowling’s masterful series. If you’ve been thinking of starting HP, now is the perfect time.

2. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson 

Nothing like Jack the Ripper coming back as a ghost and continuing his murder spree to haunt you right before bed time. Maureen Johnson’s modern mystery thriller is quirky, dark and suspenseful.

3. The Diviners by Libba Bray

Travel back in time to the 1920s with this supernatural tale that is totally the bee’s knees. You will love Evie O’Neill as she moves to bustling New York City to live with her odd uncle and discover new people and powers.

4. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Rich and full of history, this epic romantic adventure will sweep you away this Halloween. With characters that include vampires, daemons, and of course, witches, you’ll find yourself quickly drawn into Diana’s world as she discovers who she truly is and the great power within her.

5. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

This is a whimsical and eerie read that has a timeless charm about it. It will creep you out and engage you entirely. Want to meet the Devil? Read this book.

1. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

[tps_title]Camille Espiritu’s Picks:[/tps_title]

1.The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Even though it’s a short story, I’m sure it will give anyone the chills. It has everything that a good Halloween tale needs. From the plot to the creepy villain, it is sure to give anyone the spooks this October. Also, it’s a classic! So if you are in need of a scare, I suggest you read this Halloween tale!

2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The movie has been hitting the box office big time, and who can blame them? It was done so well. From the plot line to the characters, it is one thriller that will leave you at the edge of your seat this Halloween. Even though I have not read the book yet, after watching the movie that will definitely change. I want to know all of the details; like how did Amazing Amy get to be so…”amazing.” I know that the book will give us more facts on this psychological thriller. The twisted and dark elements involved in this work are something that I cannot put into words. But let’s just say that you will definitely cringe. Gone Girl won’t just give you your average goosebumps. I’m excited to start reading the book (with the lights on, of course).

3. Nightmares! by Jason Segel

It’s a book that is both funny and chill-inducing. Jason Segel teamed up with Kirsten Miller to bring the story together. In the book, Charlie and his friends have to face their fears to save their town. The characters in the book are relatable and the book puts you in the Halloween mood. Also, the book sends a positive message about how doing things that scare us is important. It is in those moments that we build our character and break out from our comfort zone.

[tps_title]Leigh-Ann Brodber’s Picks:[/tps_title]

1. Sick by Tom Leveen

For a zombie book that centers around teenagers and their efforts to stay alive when the infection hits their school, I didn’t expect it to be so horribly gruesome and thrilling. This short apocalyptic story easily makes it to #1 in my books.

2. FANGIRL_15 by Aimee Roseland

I was actually tricked into reading this book. The synopsis led me to believe that it was an ordinary paranormal story, but it was far from ordinary. It took me to weird places and back and I enjoyed every minute of it. FANGIRL_15 is a goth book that drags you in and holds you to the end.

[tps_title]Bri Lockart’s Picks:[/tps_title]

1. I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

The son of a serial killer helps the police catch a copycat murderer while being terrified that he is actually a sociopath himself, just like his dear old dad.

2. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke

An atmospheric, gothic tale about a crooked-smiling liar and the girl who has to figure out if he’s the Devil himself.

3. Welcome to the Dark House by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Seven contestants win a chance to be a part of horror director Justin Blake’s latest project and face down their worst nightmares. The catch? They don’t all make it out alive.

 
4. This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Zombie Apocalypse. Enough said.

[tps_title]Jenna Johnson’s Picks:[/tps_title]

1. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

I love this series so much! It was the first creepy series I ever got into, and even now I still think that it is the best. Especially in this first novel in the series, there are so many creepy moments that it was hard for me to sleep at night after reading. It’s psychologically thrilling with a touch of the paranormal, and the main character, Mara Dyer, and her love interest, Noah Shaw, are both such dark and twisty characters. The final book comes out next month and if anyone hasn’t read this series yet I would definitely recommend that you start it now as it is the perfect Halloween read!

2. Nevermore by Kelley Creagh 

This book has TONS of Edgar Allen Poe references and a goth boy who brings a bright cheerleader type into his own creepy dream world. It’s dark and creepy and I really loved it!

3. Six Months Later by Natalie Richards

Chloe falls asleep during study hall in May and somehow wakes up six months later to a totally different life and can’t remember anything that has happened since. Six Months Later was a really great creepy thriller that I just blew through when I read it!

4. The Cure for Dreaming by Cat Winters

The Cure for Dreaming is the perfect Halloween read that has tons of Dracula references, includes loads of creepy hypnotism, and people who truly are monsters on the inside!

5. Amber House by Kelly Moore, Tucker Reed, Larkin Reed

Amber House is essentially a haunted house/ghost story. But it’s not like any other ghost story I’ve ever read.  The house was really the creepiest part of this series. It’s three centuries old and has a hedge maze and secret chambers. If that’s not enough to creep you out, then I’m not sure what is!

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*Header photo courtesy of Paper Anthology

**Novel photos all courtesy of GoodReads.com

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