Looking for the perfect book to set the mood this Halloween? If you like bone-chilling horror, cozy witchy adventures, or tales that blend magic with mystery, our essential Halloween reading list has something for every reader. These stories promise to enchant, thrill, and spook you in equal measure. Dive in and discover your next favourite fright!
BOOKS FOR ADULTS
TWICE LOST – Phyllis Paul
McNally Editions
During a sunny garden party in a quiet English village, a little girl named Vivian vanishes without a trace. Years later, someone claiming to be her shows up…alive and grown…which throws everyone into a spiral of confusion and dread. The story blends mystery, gothic vibes, and psychological suspense, keeping you guessing whether what’s happening is real, imagined, or something in between.
THE ART OF DEATH’S DOOR
Special Reserve Games
This artbook dives into the visual world of the indie game Death’s Door, showcasing concept sketches, character designs, and behind-the-scenes artwork curated by the game’s art director, Frits Olsen. It’s a beautifully crafted tribute to the game’s moody, mysterious vibe and the little crow who reaps souls for a living. Perfect for fans who want to peek into the creative process behind the game’s hauntingly cool aesthetic.
THE STAND – Stephen King
Penguin Random House
A super-virus called “Captain Trips” wipes out most of humanity, leaving a handful of survivors to pick sides in a battle between good and evil. On one side, there’s the kind-hearted Mother Abagail, and on the other, the creepy and powerful Randall Flagg. As people regroup in a broken world, they face wild dreams, moral choices, and a showdown that could decide the fate of civilization. It’s epic, eerie, and packed with unforgettable characters trying to rebuild…or destroy…what’s left of the world.
AN ANCIENT WITCH’S GUIDE TO MODERN DATING – Cecilia Edward
Simon & Schuster
Thorn Scarhart is a 17th-century witch who’s totally over being single. After a love potion backfires, she’s flung 350 years into the future…straight into the chaos of modern life, complete with smartphones, dating apps, and electric kettles. Her old cottage is now a museum, her broom’s made in China, and her cat familiar is as snarky as ever. As Thorn stumbles through awkward dates and magical mishaps, she discovers that love (and self-acceptance) might be easier to find in the 21st century than she ever imagined.
THE OMEN GIRL – Yueh Yang
Wattpad Webtoon Studios
Sozo was born with a mysterious mark that got her labeled a monster and abandoned by her parents. She’s learned to hide it…and herself…until her mentor ropes her into the deadly Decade Race of Stars, where the prize is one wish that could change everything. As Sozo battles through magical challenges and meets kind-hearted Naqi, she starts questioning who she’s really fighting for. With monsters inside and out, she’ll have to decide if the wish is worth the cost.
TAAQTUMI VOLUME 2: Arctic Horror Stories
Inhabit Media
This chilling collection dives into the dark side of the Arctic, blending modern northern life with ancient monsters and eerie legends. Written by Indigenous authors from across the Canadian Arctic, these stories explore what lurks in the tundra, from haunted blizzards to sci-fi nightmares. If you love horror with a twist of folklore and frozen landscapes, this one’s for you.
AMERICAN VAMPIRE BOOK ONE – Scott Snyder, Stephen King & Rafael Albuquerque
DC Comics
Meet Skinner Sweet, a ruthless outlaw turned into the first American vampire. Unlike the old-school European bloodsuckers, Skinner’s immune to sunlight and way more savage. The story jumps through iconic eras of U.S. history, from the Wild West to 1920s Hollywood, where a young actress named Pearl Jones gets pulled into the vampire world. It’s gritty, fast-paced, and packed with horror, revenge, and a fresh take on vampire lore.
LOVE’S A WITCH – Tricia O’Malley
Simon & Schuster
Sloane MacGregor swore she’d never return to Briarhaven, the magical Scottish town where her family’s curse causes chaos. But with her 25th birthday (the day witches come into their power) looming, her gran calls her and her sisters home to break the centuries-old curse. Enter Knox Douglas, the town’s grumpy mayor who’s not thrilled to see the MacGregors back. Sparks fly, magic misfires, and old grudges bubble up in this cozy, witchy rom-com full of sisterhood, small-town charm, and enemies-to-lovers vibes.
BLOODIED BODIES, BLOODY LANDSCAPES – Laura Hall
University of Regina Press
This book dives into how horror movies from Scream to Halloween reflect the brutal legacy of settler colonialism. Laura Hall explores how Indigenous people are often erased or twisted into scary tropes, and how horror films use these portrayals to reinforce colonial myths. It’s a smart, eye-opening look at how fear on screen connects to real-world oppression, and how horror can both expose and hide those truths.
VICTORIA’S MOST HAUNTED – Ian Gibbs
TouchWood Editions
This spooky collection takes you on a ghost-filled tour of Victoria, BC, Canada’s most haunted city. From creepy encounters at the Empress Hotel to eerie happenings in Fan Tan Alley, Gibbs shares chilling tales of restless spirits, haunted landmarks, and mysterious figures that still linger. Whether it’s a blood-soaked specter or a ghostly child by the pool, these stories will make you see Victoria in a whole new (and haunted) light.
THE HAUNTED SCREEN – JM Tyree
Deep Vellum Publishing
A film scholar moves to Germany with his wife to work on a book about Hitchcock’s Vertigo, but things get weird fast. He starts feeling watched, haunted by his ex (or maybe her ghost?), and tangled in a mystery involving creepy caves, old horror films, and a possibly supernatural camera. When his wife vanishes and the cops come knocking, he’s pulled into a surreal thriller that blurs the line between movies and real life.
THE BLACK COMPANY – Glen Cook
MidWorld Press
This gritty fantasy kicks off the epic saga of a mercenary crew called the Black Company. Told through the eyes of Croaker, their medic and historian, the story follows the squad as they sign on with the Lady…a powerful sorceress with a dark past…and get swept into a brutal war full of magic, betrayal, and moral gray zones. The team faces deadly enemies, shady allies, and supernatural chaos, all while trying to survive and stay loyal to each other. It’s dark, intense, and packed with action, sarcasm, and soul-searching moments.
BLOODTHIRSTY & BEWITCHED: AN ACTIVITY BOOK FOR ADULTS
BoredWalk
This spooky activity book is made for adults who love all things weird, witchy, and a little bit dark. Packed with word searches, coloring pages, puzzles, trivia, and creative writing prompts, it’s perfect for a cozy night in, whether you’re chilling in your crypt or just avoiding screen time. With supernatural humor and gothic flair, it’s a fun way to flex your brain and embrace your inner oddball.
GWELF: THE SURVIVAL GUIDE – Larry MacDougall
Eye of Newt Press
Welcome to Gwelf, a magical, mysterious land full of charm, danger, and anthropomorphic creatures. This beautifully illustrated survival guide walks you through everything you need to know to explore safely: what gear to pack, who to trust, and where to rest. But be warned…some visitors never leave (and not always by choice). With lush artwork and rich worldbuilding, it’s like stepping into a cozy fantasy realm you’ll wish was real…just maybe don’t wander alone after dark.
THE VINTAGE HALLOWEEN PARTY BOOK – Robert S. Pandis
Imperial House Antiques
This book is a nostalgic throwback to old-school Halloween celebrations. Packed with vintage photos, costume ideas, spooky decorations, themed menus, and party games, it’s basically your one-stop guide to throwing a classic Halloween bash with serious retro flair. Think jack-o’-lantern carrots, eerie table setups, and recipes straight out of the 1950s, all wrapped up in a beautifully designed hardcover.
BOOKS FOR KIDS
THE BOOK WITCH, THE WEE WHITE DOG & THE LITTLE FREE LIBRARY – Lana Shupe & Tegan Thomas
Nimbus Publishing
The Book Witch, the Wee White Dog and the Little Free Library is a sweet story about a book-loving witch and her tiny dog who decide to share their massive book collection with the neighborhood. After a little accident involving a toppled stack of books, they build a Little Free Library to spread the joy of reading. It’s cozy, whimsical, and all about the magic of sharing stories.
HOOKY: VOLUME 1 – Miriam Bonastre Tur
Harper Collins
Twin witches Dani and Dorian miss the bus to magic school and suddenly find themselves on the run, accused of being traitors. With a dragon egg mishap, a broken broom, and a prophecy in the mix, things get wild fast. Luckily, they’ve got a crew, including a princess and a future-seeing teacher, to help clear their names and maybe even fix a broken kingdom. It’s a fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure packed with magic, mischief, and heart.
CRIMSON TWILL: WITCH IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Kallie George & Birgitta Sif
Candlewick Press
Crimson Twill is a quirky little witch who loves sparkles, polka dots, and sweet apples, not exactly your typical spooky vibe. She’s finally got her full-length wand and heads to New Wart City for wand lessons with her besties. But when a famous witch named Miserabella steals the spotlight, Crimson tries to copy her, and everything goes hilariously wrong. Think sunbeams instead of rain and donuts instead of burned bagels. When a spell goes haywire, Crimson has to step up and do magic her own way. It’s a fun, magical story about being yourself and finding your own kind of sparkle.
BLOOD LETTERS – Ariel Gordon & GMB Chomichuk
Great Plains Press
In a future torn apart by war, siblings Kris, Albany, and Millie are caught in the chaos…one’s in special ops, one’s cannon fodder, and one’s stuck behind the lines in codework. The enemy? A terrifying fog called FOG that turns people into monsters. Through letters, poems, and sketches, they try to stay connected while everything around them falls apart. It’s gritty, emotional, and full of body horror, but also shows how art and love can survive even the worst of times.
MR. FLOATS PRESENTS CARNEVIL OF SOULS – Hrodebert Kasparov Grau
PCB Entertainment
This delightfully creepy children’s book dives into a twisted carnival world haunted by lost souls and eerie characters. Inspired by a real 1711 carnival disaster, it’s a spooky tale that even claims to have sparked the song “Row Row Row Your Boat.” With narration by legendary actor Keith David and a vibe straight out of a Tim Burton or Edward Gorey dream, it’s a macabre ride through a haunted version of New Orleans that’s perfect for fans of dark whimsy.
