With Halloween just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a good book that brings just the right mix of spooky thrills, chills, and adventure. Whether you’re a teen or tween looking for something eerie or simply a fan of supernatural stories, here are five great books to read before Halloween!
The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co.) by Jonathan Stroud
Genre: Supernatural, Mystery
London is plagued by ghosts, and psychic agencies are tasked with containing them. Lockwood & Co. is a small but talented team of ghost hunters led by the charismatic Anthony Lockwood. When Lucy Carlyle joins them, they take on their most dangerous case yet, facing terrifying spirits and uncovering dark secrets. With fast-paced action, witty banter, and eerie hauntings, this series is a thrilling Halloween read. (As a bonus, Netflix made one season based off of this book series. It’s a great series, and a shame Netflix didn’t renew it.)
Perfect for fans of: Ghost hunting, supernatural mysteries, and witty characters.
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Genre: Paranormal, Adventure
Cassidy Blake can see ghosts, and her best friend happens to be one. When her family heads to Edinburgh, one of the world’s most haunted cities, for a paranormal TV show, Cassidy discovers that the city is filled with more than just legends. As she navigates her ability to cross the “Veil” between the living and the dead, she gets entangled in a chilling adventure. This spooky, fast-paced story is a perfect October read.
Perfect for fans of: Ghosts, supernatural adventures, and haunted locations.
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Genre: Fantasy, Dark Adventure
This eerie fantasy novel is perfect for those who like a mix of spooky and magical elements. Sixteen-year-old Jacob stumbles upon an orphanage that houses children with peculiar abilities, and he quickly becomes involved in their strange world. The story, woven with vintage photographs, creates a mysterious and haunting atmosphere that’s bound to get readers in the Halloween spirit.
Perfect for fans of: Mysteries, dark fantasy, and stories with a touch of the supernatural.
The House with a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs
Genre: Gothic Mystery
When orphaned Lewis Barnavelt moves in with his Uncle Jonathan, he expects an ordinary life. But he quickly learns his new home is anything but normal—his uncle and their neighbor, Mrs. Zimmermann, are both witches! Lewis is thrilled to witness their magical abilities and enjoys Mrs. Zimmermann’s delicious cookies. At first, simply watching is enough for Lewis, but his curiosity soon gets the best of him. When he tries magic on his own, he accidentally revives Selenna Izard, the house’s sinister former owner. Selenna and her husband had hidden a deadly clock in the walls—one that could wipe out humanity. With the ominous ticking growing louder, the Barnavelts must race against time to find the clock and stop its destructive power.
Perfect for fans of: Eerie atmospheres, ghost stories, and magical adventures.
The Dark Lord Clementine by Sarah Jean Horwitz
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Clementine Morcerous has grown up as the heir to her father’s dark magic throne. But when her father falls under a curse, Clementine begins to question her life as a future Dark Lord. This whimsical yet spooky story mixes dark humor, magic, and adventure, making it an entertaining Halloween read.
Perfect for fans of: Quirky fantasy, dark humor, and magical adventures.
If you didn’t see anything that inspired you to curl up under a blanket with a cup of cocoa or hot tea, I’d like to offer an extra suggestion. My novella duology is a spooky read for teen readers! Both books are available now.
Two teens discover what they think is a cure for a dangerous parasite that turns humans into mindless husks. However, administering the cure is dangerous and none of the grown-ups in charge want to listen to them. Follow Tyler and Bree as they travel across husk-ravaged lands to test their cure and prove they might be able to save humanity from the threat of husks once a for all!
OLD SCRATCH PRESS 