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Horror for the Holidays: The Best Spooky Stories to Read During Halloween (and Beyond)

Writer's picture: Bryan AlaspaBryan Alaspa

A spooky house with jack o lanterns to represent Halloween

For fans of horror, Halloween is more than just a night of costumes, candy, and jump-scares—it’s a season. And what's better than curling up with a chilling book or collection of spooky short stories to get into the spirit? Whether you're into psychological horror, Gothic classics, or bone-chilling modern tales, we've got your perfect list of reads to take you through the Halloween season and beyond. Turn on that flickering jack-o'-lantern, grab a cozy blanket, and prepare yourself for the most terrifying (and thrilling) reading list of the year.


1. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson


We couldn’t start this list without one of the most iconic haunted house stories ever written. Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House is a masterpiece of psychological horror, focusing on the eerie and unsettling presence of a mysterious mansion. Jackson expertly builds tension as the characters unravel both the house's dark past and their own fragile psyches. You’ll find yourself questioning what’s real and what’s not—and feeling like you’re being watched long after you’ve turned the final page.


Perfect for: Fans of classic Gothic horror and haunted houses with a touch of psychological terror.


2. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

No Halloween reading list is complete without Ray Bradbury. In The Halloween Tree, Bradbury takes readers on a fantastical journey through time, exploring the origins of Halloween traditions. Though more whimsical than frightening, the tale dives into dark themes about death, mortality, and friendship. It’s a love letter to Halloween that’s as beautiful as it is eerie—ideal for those who want a seasonal story without too many nightmares.


Perfect for: Anyone who wants a mix of spookiness and nostalgia with a deep dive into Halloween traditions.


3. The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell


Love historical fiction and Gothic horror? The Silent Companions will send shivers down your spine. Set in a crumbling old mansion (yes, another creepy house!), this eerie tale follows a young widow trying to uncover the mystery behind strange wooden figures known as "silent companions." The sense of dread is palpable as the lines between the supernatural and reality blur. And those companions? Absolutely terrifying.


Perfect for: Readers who love eerie atmospheres, ghostly vibes, and dark historical settings.


4. Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt


For those who love a mix of modern-day settings and ancient curses, Hex is the perfect read. Set in a small town haunted by a 17th-century witch whose eyes and mouth are sewn shut, this book explores what happens when a community tries to live with a supernatural presence while keeping her hidden from the outside world. It’s a blend of folk horror and contemporary issues, with plenty of disturbing moments and twists.


Perfect for: Fans of folklore horror with a modern twist and anyone who thinks witches should stay buried.


5. The October Country by Ray Bradbury


Yes, Bradbury is back on this list because he is the king of Halloween vibes. The October Country is a collection of short stories that perfectly captures the eerie essence of fall. Each tale is a little different, some are spooky, others strange, but all are dripping with atmosphere. From sinister carnival acts to lonely, haunted people, Bradbury’s stories will leave you feeling unsettled—and yearning for more.


Perfect for: Readers who love short, creepy, and atmospheric tales.


6. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill


Looking for something a little more modern and action-packed? Joe Hill’s NOS4A2 is a terrifying ride. This supernatural thriller takes readers to "Christmasland," a place where evil reigns, and it's ruled by the vampiric Charles Manx. The book mixes holiday horror (think "Christmas terror," which makes this perfect for reading after Halloween too!) with chilling suspense and memorable characters. It's a hefty read, but the tension will keep you flipping pages late into the night.


Perfect for: Fans of supernatural thrillers and holiday horror that extends past Halloween.


7. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary by M.R. James


If you want old-school ghost stories to give you a scare, M.R. James is the author to turn to. Ghost Stories of an Antiquary is a collection of eight classic ghost stories that rely on atmosphere, suggestion, and creeping dread rather than gore or jump scares. James was a master of creating subtle, eerie vibes that slowly get under your skin. These are the kinds of stories you’ll want to read by candlelight on a dark, windy night.


Perfect for: Fans of traditional ghost stories that lean more toward creeping terror than shock value.


8. Bird Box by Josh Malerman


You’ve likely seen the movie adaptation on Netflix, but Bird Box the novel is a completely different (and more terrifying) experience. The book follows Malorie, a woman trying to protect her children in a world where unseen creatures drive people to madness and violence. With blindfolds as her only defense, the suspense is relentless. The horror lies in the unseen terror, making it the perfect book for readers who thrive on edge-of-your-seat tension.


Perfect for: Those who love psychological horror and stories where fear of the unknown reigns supreme.


9. Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge


If you're looking for a fast-paced, Halloween-centric horror novel, Dark Harvest is for you. Set in a small Midwestern town, the book follows the legend of the October Boy—a pumpkin-headed figure who rises from the cornfields every Halloween. Teens in the town are tasked with hunting him down, but of course, there’s more to the story than a simple ritual. It’s short, violent, and brimming with the best kind of Halloween atmosphere.


Perfect for: Fans of slasher horror and Halloween mythology.


10. Hell House by Richard Matheson

Richard Matheson’s Hell House is one of the most terrifying haunted house books ever written. The story follows a group of researchers who enter the infamous Belasco House, known as "Hell House," to investigate its paranormal activity. But this is no ordinary haunting—Hell House is malevolent and wants to break its visitors in every way possible. Matheson pulls no punches, making this one of the scariest and most intense books on this list.


Perfect for: Those looking for an intense, supernatural thrill with a classic haunted house setting.


Final Thoughts


Halloween might come just once a year, but the love for spooky stories endures well beyond the holiday. Whether you’re in the mood for haunted houses, witches, psychological horror, or supernatural thrillers, these books offer something for every horror fan. So, grab your favorites and prepare to be haunted, thrilled, and terrified... all year long.


Happy reading!



Please pre-order my new terrifying psychological thriller Newcomers here.


Or visit my entire Amazon store for all of my works of fiction!

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