11 Novels for Adults Around Halloween

October is here, and that means it’s time for us to break out our caldrons and start brewing our signature spooky scents. But that’s not all that the hollow moon shall bring, for with the tricks and treats of Halloween comes Halloween-themed books! From terrifying tales to romantic romps, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Halloween books for adults to keep you company on these cold dark autumn nights.

Interview with the Vampire

While you may have seen Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in the hit 1994 adaptation of this classic Anne Rice novel, nothing compares with reading this famous works first-hand. Interview with the Vampire is told from the point of view of Louis as he enters into the vampire world and learns to navigate this new society. Give this old favorite a reread or crack open its pages for the first time this Halloween.

Dracula

A true classic! What screams “Halloween” quite like Dracula, one of the most famous vampire stories of all time? From handmade costumes to home decor, Dracula pops up in many iterations throughout the month of October. If you’ve never read this pillar of terrifying text, then this is the year to correct that oversight.

It

Feel like losing a little sleep this All Hallow’s Eve? Try giving It, the nightmare-inducing tale by Stephen King, a read. Maaaybe steer clear if you’re already scared of clowns and don’t want to die of fright. This wildly popular horror novel is considered a must by fans of the genre. Honestly, you could read just about anything by Stephen King, and you’d be set for some seriously scary reading sessions.

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman, author of popular works such as American Gods and Stardust, has a great selection to choose from when it comes to haunting reads. But The Graveyard Book actually offers up a bit of warmth with its chill. Telling the story of a young boy who is raised by ghosts after the tragic death of this family, some might even go so far as to call this a book perfect for both children and adults! Share this peculiar story with your loved ones this Halloween.

Coraline

Another Neil Gaiman original, Coraline is a well-loved story to some and a beloved film to others. As Neil himself has said, this story is often scarier to adults than kids. It’s truly terrifying at times! But whether you’re discovering the novel behind the movie for the first time, or you’re deciding to finally give in and watch the film adaptation of this classic piece of Halloween history, Coraline is the perfect story to get swept away with on a chilly autumn night.

The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe

Who does creepy and scary better than Edgar Allan Poe? For fans of gothic prose, Poe is as much a part of Halloween as Santa is of Christmas. This Halloween, pay homage to the musings of one of literature's darkest authors by reading his complete works.

The Cottage on Pumpkin and Vine

Are you looking for something a little sweeter than your average horror story? Well, we’ve found the perfect Halloween romance novel that’s sure to put some pumpkin spice in your life. Three unsuspecting visitors find that there’s more than one kind of mischief that goes bump in the night.

Basic Witches: How to Summon Success, Banish Drama, and Raise Hell with Your Coven

Honestly, the only way to describe this quirky, singular publication is to use the description provided by the publisher. “Capitalizing on the rising trend of hipster witchcraft, BASIC WITCHES is a lighthearted and empowering book of spells and lifestyle tips for feisty millennial women.” What more to say?

Basic Witch

This is the first novel in the Witches of Salem: Gemma Bradbury Mystery series, and it’s a hoot. If you love witty female characters who begrudgingly end up as the main character in their own story, then look no further. Basic Witch follows the story of Gemma after she learns she’s a witch and becomes stuck in Salema with her new talking cat and her hot magic professor.

All Hallows’ Eve

If you’re a fan of romance novels, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the 1001 Dark Nights books. These books bring together some of the best romance authors in the world and combine their novellas into a single bound collection. This special edition contains only one novella called All Hallows Eve by Heather Graham. This book lives within the Krewe of Hunters series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. See what’s happening in Salem at Halloween with this quick read.

What Will you be Reading this Halloween?

Are you going to opt for hair-raising or humorous when it comes to your Halloween reads this year? Well, whatever you decide to read, let one of our limited edition fall candles keep you company as you keep the wandering souls away this All Hallows’ Eve. Let us know in the comments down below if you decide to read any of the books from this list, or share your favorite Halloween novel with us on social media!


Written by Roxie Lubanovic

Co-founder of Frostbeard Studio, creator of bookish candles, and avid reader.