8 books that are perfect for spooky season
If you’re a seasonal mood reader like me, spooky season officially began on the very first day of October. This most autumnal of months is the perfect time to curl up with tales of witchy spells, supernatural beasties and psychological chills. Whether you like straight up horror or something a little cosier, here’s a selection of books to enjoy in the run up to Halloween.
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
Belladonna Blackthorn is suffering from a serious case of burn out. The last thing she needs is to undergo a trial to prove herself as a witch. But with the arrival of her thirtieth birthday comes a summons from her coven to demonstrate her worthiness. Now with only the month of October to fix things or risk losing her magic forever, Belle must accept all the help she can get – whether that’s from her friends, her family, her unlikely mentor or the coven watchman who’s sworn to protect her. The debut novel from Youtube favourite Lucy Jane Wood is the epitome of an immersive autumnal novel complete with enchanting magic, slow-burn romance, a sweet message of self-love and all the cosy, nostalgic vibes you could possibly ask for. (Macmillan)
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
When her sister June disappears, orphaned heiress Kidan is convinced a vampire stole her. But not just any vampire—she’s certain it was the cruel yet captivating Susenyos Sagad who’s bound to Kidan’s family. To discover the truth and find June, Kidan must infiltrate the elite Uxlay University, where students study to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires. Venturing further into the ruthless underworld of vampires, Kidan is determined to kill Susenyos and bring Uxlay to its knees – an act that risks her very soul. Inspired by Girma’s passion for weaving Black stories with the fantastical, this dangerously dark and romantic YA debut puts a fresh spin on the vampire story. (Hachette Children’s)
Heads Will Roll by Josh Winning
After being publicly shamed for posting something online she really shouldn’t have, former sitcom star Willow checks in to Camp Castaway, an adults-only retreat based at an old campground in the woods. As the campers gather round the fire on the first night to tell ghost stories, Willow learns of Knock Knock Nancy – a local urban legend about a witch who was brutally beheaded in those same woods. They say her restless spirit knocks on doors at night and if you answer, she’ll take your head. Willow doesn’t believe in ghosts but when a camper vanishes under mysterious circumstances, terror and paranoia grips the campers. Winning utilises the best jump-scare slasher tropes to create a thrilling and fun classic horror story with a modern touch. (Michael Joseph)
The Wedding Witch by Erin Sterling
Bowen Penhallow has always been a loner, studying dark magic on a mountaintop in Wales. But when his friend – who happens to be a ghost – asks him to attend a Yuletide wedding at a grand estate, Bowen reluctantly agrees. As a procurer of magical items, Tamsyn Bligh knows it’s not the wisest idea to get involved with a witch, but there’s a priceless artifact she wants to get her hands on and that means attending the Witchy Wedding of the Century. When a supernatural mishap transports the pair into the past, to the Yuletide Celebration of 1958, they must work together to get back to the present whilst navigating their growing feelings for each other. Erin Sterling’s latest spooky rom-com delivers on the Halloween vibes but it also adds in a sweet Christmassy time-travel twist, letting readers enjoy two seasonal holidays in one book. (Headline Eternal)
Dearest by Jacquie Walters
New mother Flora is enamoured with her baby girl but with her husband on deployment, she’s handling the early stages of motherhood alone. As the sleepless nights and loneliness begin to take their toll, Flora’s own estranged mother shows up to help. But in opening her door to the past, Flora unwittingly invites something much darker inside. Exploring the complexities of motherhood and mental health with a deft touch, Dearest will keep you on the edge of your seat with its blend of domestic horror, haunting psychological thrills and sinister threats. (Zaffre)
Where the Dead Brides Gather by Nuzo Onoh
Fans of Paul Tremblay’s chilling horror stories will devour this powerful Nigeria-set tale of ghosts, long-held secrets and murder. It centres around Bata, an 11-year-old girl tormented by nightmares who becomes supernaturally possessed in order to vanquish a vengeful ghost bride hell-bent on murdering Bata’s cousin. But when a botched exorcism leads to Bata’s death, she’s transported to the realm of dead brides and given secret powers to fight malevolent entities – something she must learn to harness if she wants to protect the ones she loves. Full of folklore and family tensions, Where the Dead Brides Gather is one of the most original horrors you’ll read this year. (Titan Books)
Let’s Split Up by Bill Wood
Billed as Scooby Doo meets Pretty Little Liars, Bill Wood’s tribute to the tv shows and pop culture of his childhood is a love letter to 90s/00s spooky mysteries wrapped up in a fun YA thriller package for the BookTok generation. Set in a small community in California, it follows a group of friends who set out to investigate the brutal murder of the town’s ‘it-couple’. As the teenagers enter the supposedly haunted manor house where Brad and Shelley died, the idea to split up to investigate could prove to be either the best or worst decision of their lives. Full of twists and turns, this is an entertaining read-in-a-single-sitting debut that will keep you guessing right up to the end. (Scholastic)
Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
If you prefer your spooky season reads to be more spicy than scary, then you’ll find plenty to enjoy with Best Hex Ever – a cosy fantasy romance about a kitchen witch cursed to hurt anyone who falls for her. Dina Whitlock runs a successful London café serving magic-infused treats, yet her love life is a disaster, owing to the fact that everyone she falls for is destined for a terrible fate. When she meets a museum curator with his own unlucky romantic past, sparks fly. But can Dina break her hex before it breaks both their hearts? Sweet, steamy and spellbinding, this book is perfect for fans of whimsical magic and force-proximity romance. (Del Rey)
