Autumn leaves and gusts of crisp air accompany the entrance of the coziest season: fall. In my opinion, there is no better way to honor this season than by curling up with a blanket, warm, steaming mug of apple cider, and, of course, a book. Autumn in particular lends itself to spooky, suspenseful reads that will leave you at the edge of your seat. I’ve made a list of some of my favorite spooky reads to get you in the spirit for this Halloween!
The Picture of Dorian Gray– Anyone who knows me is well aware that I can’t compile a recommendation list without including Oscar Wilde’s one and only novel. It tells the tale of Dorian Gray, a young man whose soul is trapped in a painting, leaving him forever young. Soon, however, he realizes that the more he sins, the uglier the painting becomes.
Dracula- This horror classic written by Bram Stoker delineates the story of the paragon of vampirism: Dracula! The novel employs many perspectives, including the journal entries of lawyer Jonathan Harker, as the characters unravel the infamous count’s deadly secret.
Frankenstein– Authored by queen of horror Mary Shelley, this book describes the triumph of Dr. Victor Frankenstein in his quest to command life and death in his lab- and the unrest that follows.
Rebecca– Perhaps Daphne du Maurier’s most famous work, Rebecca follows an unnamed narrator as she navigates her marriage with recently widowed Maxim de Winter. In her new home, however, she feels the pervasive presence of Maxim’s first wife, who died under mysterious circumstances.
The Phantom of the Opera– This famous novel by Gaston Leroux concerns young opera singer Christine Daaé as she is haunted by her “angel of music,” all while her childhood friend Raoul de Chagny attempts to rescue her and win her heart.
The Secret History– Authored by Donna Tartt, The Secret History follows a tight-knit group of Classics students as they grapple with a deadly secret- even going so far as to kill their fellow classmate to conceal it.
I hope that these reads will help and inspire you as your form your October TBRs! Happy haunting (and reading)!