31 Chilling and Thrilling Reads For This Halloween

Legal Disclaimer I do not receive commission by your purchase(s). I am not an Amazon affiliate. Images were given permission to share unless otherwise noted. Reading these novels you do so at your own risk. I am not liable for your choices.

For those who like to read something that causes the hair to raise at the back of neck, sends goosebumps down the spine or makes you hold your breath that you didn’t realize you were holding. I composed a list of 31 books to give you chills and thrills for this Halloween. Or a day that ends in -y. Now everyone scare factor is different, so these books are not listed in any particular order. May this be a starting point for your next scare or reading adventure.

31. There’s Something Wrong with Aunty Beth

Written by Mark Towse

This book is a collection of short horror stories that are a little more twisted than the last. Absolutely thrilling roller coaster of a ride. This book required a short break to decompress between reads. It is a Mark Towse guarantee that it will leave an impression on it’s reader. If you are looking for something a little longer and twisted check out his book Mischief Night.

                                                                                                       Mark Towse Novels 

30. The Tasting Menu

Written by Stuart MacBride

A short story that is delightfully delectable. Unique chapter titles and little twisted, left me asking for seconds (more).

29. I Kill Killers

Written by S. T. Ashman

A three-part novel series. A three-person man hunt (pun intended). Is the investigator hypnotized by the sophisticated pianist? How is the serial killer and the lady in red related? Is she his next victim or is there something more?

28. The Mother-In-Law

Written by Kiersten Modglin

A single mother bumps into the man of her dreams. Jack is everything she wanted in a husband loving and supportive of her and her child. A happily ever after until his father dies. Inviting her mother-in-law to grieve seems fitting right? A perfect life becomes trouble in paradise. Is Jack’s mother alright? Is Loren descending into madness when things go into disarray? Find out if Jack’s sweet mother becomes Loren’s monster in law.

27. A Cruel Light

Written by Cyndi MacMillan

A conservator is hired to recover a mural that is thought to be a confession of the murderer. A possible lead in a cold case of a slain girl. The mural is layered in mold weathered from the years, Annora Garde is tasked to discover what lies beneath. Will the truth come out or are some secrets better left buried.

26. The Paris Apartment

Written by Lucy Foley

Jobless, homeless, and broke a woman named Jess needs a fresh start. So she asks help from her bother who happens to live in Paris, France. A new environment in the city of romance sounds like a perfect way to start a new. Upon arrival, her brother is missing. As time passes, she becomes increasing worried about her brother. She takes it upon herself to look into things. They live in an apartment; someone has to have seen something.

25. The Woman in the Library

Written by Sulari Gentill

Four strangers are sitting in a public library, when suddenly a scream is heard. Immediately, the library is placed on lockdown to investigate the scream. Each individual has their own reasons for being at the library that morning. Friendships are forged, eyebrows are raised as they discover one among them is a killer.

24. Stranger in the Lake

Written by Kimberly Belle

As in all small towns gossip is stirred when the wealthy widower Paul remarries Charolotte. Her happily ever after becomes unraveled when a woman is discovered in the lake. An eerily similar death to Paul’s first wife. Charolotte then discovers things of Paul’s past and doesn’t know who to trust. Is her husband a killer or is there something more hidden in the lake?

23. The Vacancy in Room 10

Written by Seraphina Nova Glass

Anna is the wife of an artist named Henry. An odd phone call with Henry and his confession leaves her confused and looking for answers. The man she knew wouldn’t harm a fly or so she thinks. She checks into the motel where Henry kept his art studio. Small gossip of its residents has her questioning everything she knew. Secrets are uncovered and Anna’s life may be in danger when wierd letters appear at her door. Which is more important her life or the truth?

22. The Traitor Beside Her

Written by Mary Anna Evans

This is actually a historical fiction novel and not a psychological thriller. However, I want to know who betrayed who. Was the traitor the person who sat next to Justine? Or was it someone else entirely? Go down the rabbit hole of espionage of the second World War.

21. This is Where it Ends

Written by Marieke Nijkamp

This young adult novel is a school’s worst nightmare. Find out how 4 students are related and how their life unfolds in This Is Where It Ends.

20. Anna O

Written by Matthew Blake

Anna Ogivly known to the public as “Sleeping Beauty”, has a rare psychosomatic disorder known to neurologists as resignation syndrome. Which has left her in a comatose state after stabbing two people. Dr. Price is forensic psychologist tasked to solve the case of Anna O. Can he wake her? Will she be fit to stand trial? Will the details of that night be reveled? Find out the secrets that ties them both together.

19. Best Day Ever

Written by Kaira Rouda

A domestic thriller, Best Day Ever is written in multiple points of view of the perfect couple. Are the narrators relaible? Figuratively watch as their best day ever unfolds.

18. Home is Where the Bodies Are

Written by Jeneva Rose

The death of Beth’s mother brings her children home to settle out the estate. Beth the oldest, never left to care for her mother. Nicole, the middle child has dealt with her issue of the family with drugs and has been battling addiction. Her brother Micheal left and never looked back. Each family member handling their demons without the support of Dad who left the family years ago. What can go wrong? Emotions are high and the siblings think it would be a good idea to reminisce on better days when they were all one big happy family. A VHS tape is uncovered with secrets their mom took to the grave. Will the siblings hunt for the truth or leave things the way they are.

17. My Best Friend’s Exorcism

Written by Grady Hendrix

I have certainly read a lot of Grady Hendrix’s books. If you a looking for a book with some gross scenes with nostalgia from the 80’s with Phil Collins, E.T and everything wholesome about the era. Look no further than My Best Friend’s Exorcism. Best friends since the 5th grade Abby and Gretchen take on high school and a demonic possession. Can Abby save Gretchen and love conquer all? Find out more in My Best Friend’s Exorcism, readers beware Grady Hendrix’s writing style can be campy and “But wait..theres more!” But that is what I love about it.

16. Possessed: The Infamous Texas Stiletto Murder

Written by Kathryn Casey

While hunting for ghosts (stories and crime) in Texas. I came across this book. This is a true crime novel about Ana Trujillo and Stephan Anderson. An emergency call was place, where the arriving officers found Ana and Stephan in his Houston condo. He was pronounced dead with a stiletto as the weapon. Domestic violence, black magic, and one well written novel. If you are one for true crime. Take a look.

15. Evidence of Love

Written by John Bloom and Jim Atkinson

Another true crime novel I finally got around to purchasing this year. This is the novel written about Candy Montgomery, the woman who was accused of killing her lover’s wife. You may or may not have seen Hulu’s Candy or HBO/ Max Love and Death. I watched the shows and wanted to know more.

14. Hurt for Me

Written by Heather Levy

After surviving trafficking and abuse, Rae is taking control as Mistress V. A client goes missing in this underground world of kink. A detective searching for answer threatens everything she has built and her world may come undone. Finding a similar pattern when others go missing, Rae must work together with Detective Clearwater before more lives are destroyed.

13. How I’ll Kill You

Written by Ren DeStefano

Literally running around the book store riding the up escalator and walking down the other side because it was off for some reason. (Multiple times because it was something fun my toddler wanted to do) This book with its bright pink cover and box of chocolates caught my eye. With further analysis blood drippy design for the nails and a story about murdering triplets? It seemed just the right book to explore. (Did I tell you I generally go in headfirst without reading synopsis so I can enjoy new books? I know that can sound scary by itself…but after The Pagemaster 1994 flim…I really don’t judge.) Anyways…its the youngest triplets turn to find a target, make him fall in love with her, and then kill him. I mean what can go wrong when murder runs in the family…fall in love with the “victim?” I enjoyed the book enough to wait for the narrated audiobook and listen to it.

12. The Summer House

Written by Keri Beevis

I hope you read the dedication, a book dedicated to her cats. I am so glad I borrowed this book. A sister is murdered, a bother jailed, and a love was betrayed. After the death of Kitty (the grandma not a cat) twins Lana and Ollie come home to settle the affairs. During a bickering moment blank decided to take it upon himself to demo a room thinking this is what blank wanted. A notebook was found and now black has gone down the rabbit hole. Questioning everything she knew, did she send an innocent man to jail? Who is the mister G her sister was talking about? I honestly don’t know if the (physical book) chapters are labeled with the character’s name, there are several points a view and it was a little difficult for me to follow along the audiobook. (That’s a me problem) But I do hope you enjoy the story.

11. Spring Harvest

Written by Rektok Ross

This was my second novel read by this author. This is a story of a caravan of kids headed to a Garlic Groove Music Festival in remote little farm town. They stop for gas in which the gas attendant warns them not to head to the town. They write them off as a small-minded country resident and continue on their way. The music festival descends into chaos, can the group survive or is it to late? The book included a playlist which I find adorable, I love when books tie things in for an all-around experience. Described as Coachella meets The Vampire Diaries. I have never seen an episode, but I got The Lost Boys vibes. I love vampire lore. I hope you enjoy this novel.

10. One of Us is Lying

Written by Karen McManus

If you liked the Breakfast Club ( 80’s movie) you may enjoy One of Us is Lying. My teen keeps asking me to add it to the list. So here it is. The ironic thing is that we were both reading the novel and didn’t know it until she asked to borrow the next one from the library. Five kids are in detention and one of them dies. Bronwyn, the brain, is college bound and never breaks a rule. (She is not to be confused with Anthony Michael Hall’s Brian)
Addy, the beauty, is the homecoming princess. (Not to be confused Molly Ringwald character Claire…I want to know how her sushi did not go bad waiting for lunch during detention)
Nate, the criminal, he was a long wrap sheet of his wrong doings. (This probably Judd Nelson Bender inspiration)
Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher. (Not to be confused with the cutie Emilo Estevez, Andrew wrestling champ.)
Finally, Simon, the outcast, and is the creator of school’s gossip app. ( I don’t really see this character as Ally Sheedy’s Allison) They all have a secret to hide, how far will they take things to keep things quiet. Despite my daughter and I reading the same series at the same time. This is the first of the series from Karen McManus and I did enjoy reading them. (Also, don’t ask me who’s cuter in the 80’s flim because I found them all cute in their own way.)

9. Look What You Made Me Do

Written by Elaine Murphy

Carrie and her sister Becca have been getting away with murder for a decade. However Carrie wants to live a normal life and Becca wants to keep getting away with murder. Life take an odd turn when a body is found…they discover a serial killer is on the same dumping grounds and Becca isn’t happy. Who will catch who? Find out more in Look What You Made Me Do.

8. The Vacation

Written by John Marrs

Maybe my subconscious is trying to tell me I need a vacation with titles like The Vacation, The Summer House, The Vacancy in room 10. However, The Vacation by John Marrs is about eight strangers coming together in a rundown hostel in Venice Beach California. Off all the places in the world backpackers go, something is drawing these folks together. Can all eight people have a connection? Wanting a change of scenery, a fresh start, the cast will find out no matter how far you run the past has a way of coming back to you when you least expect it. This was a first read from the author that I found to be highly recommended and it did not disappoint. I do have to note that there are multiple points of view and it does have a fluid timeline, which can make it difficult to follow if you are distractable like me.

7. Frankenstein

Written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Mary could be considered the birth mother of science fiction. Frankenstein is a novel about a scientist who creates a monster that terrifies its community. Modern day pop culture makes nods to the scientist and it’s creature. Shelley’s work has been inspiring others for centuries.

6. Ward D

Written by Frieda McFadden

A medical student named Amy Brenner has been assigned to Ward D. Ward D is the hospitals impatient mental health unit and Amy has avoided it at all costs. Reasons unknown, however what can go wrong being in a secure facility. As her shift rounds the clock, strange things begin to happen, and people start to disappear. Will it become clear as to what reasons Amy has avoided this ward? Are their lives in danger or is something wrong with Amy?

5. The New Couple in 5B

Written by Lisa Unger

The Lowen family has been down on their luck…barely making ends meet. Chad Lowen late uncle bestows a luxury apartment in New York called the Windermere. Located in the glamorous part of town called Murray Hill. The apartment building includes a footman and has the lull of old New York charm. Aside from the unique tenants, this seems like the perfect start that the family needs. A neighbor is found dead, the footman is always present, and there are cameras everywhere. Someone must know something. Rosie takes it upon herself to investigate. Will she discover the Windermere dark past or will she fall under its spell?

4. Halloween House Murder

Written by Chris Colmenero

Chris’s newest novel Halloween House Murder is the second stand alone book for Betty the Baker also known as Betty the Butcher. Maybe she isn’t quite aware since Betty has to deal with some irregular mental issues. Can you write a book with a likeable serial killer? Chris Colmenero ties everything nicely up together (only a slight on purpose pun) Betty discovers a man organizing dog fights and takes matters into her own hands. What does she decide to do? Host a Halloween charity event in her haunted mansion. What can go wrong?!

3. Everyone is Watching

Written by Heather Gudenkauf

Five contestants have been chosen to compete on the new reality show One Lucky Winner. These contestants have been invited to a secluded location in Northern California to compete for 10 million dollars. Dubbed The Best Friend, The Confidant, The Senator, The Boyfriend, and The Executive. No one know what or who to expect. The only rule is to not leave the property and do whatever it takes to win. The catch is that it will live streamed. Do they have what it takes to win? Will the contestants do what is necessary to win? Are things more sinister than they appear? I mean how hard is it to follow two rules. Don’t leave the property and do whatever it takes to win.

2. Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places

Written by Claire Kann

This one is a little different from the rest. As you can probably tell there is a love story connected to the book. I blame myself for not reading the story description. However, looking for love in a haunted house sounds interesting. The main character Lucky Hart ( I found this humorous and adorable) loves the supernatural. One can say she has a special connection to the paranormal and no one respects her or her love for it. Lucky applies for the position of caretaker of the supposed haunted Victorian home called the Hennessee House. Each caretaker prior has left under mysterious conditions. Does she survive? Does Lucky fall in love with a “possessed house”? Or does she find something more beyond the grounds of the Hennessee home?

1. R.L Stine

I am fully aware that R.L Stine is in fact the author of over 330 books. Night of the Living Dummy has been etched in my memory for years. Read a book that scares you. Or revisit a classic. I loved you choose the scare Goosebumps. I found out earlier this year that he wrote adult novels. So, Superstitious and Eye Candy are on my to be read piles at some point in the next year. They were published years ago, but in fairness I was reading Goosebumps. Maybe next year’s reading challenge will be to cross off all the books listed on his website.

I hope this list helps you find your next read or inspire you to read something new. Please share this article with your family and friends.

If you prefer to watch your spooky, scary or otherwise please check out blogger Ashey Cakes Movies to watch this Halloween. https://www.asheycakes.com/post/top-13-scariest-horror-movies-to-watch-alone-if-you-dare