Five Scary Reads for Halloween
Happy Halloween!
This post is dedicated to five of the spookiest books I read this month (although some of the selections were published prior), as I continue in my quest to find the most terrifying books ever written, and give myself novel themed nightmares.
Clown In A Cornfield by Adam Cesare
Rating: 💀💀💀💀/ 5 This is a story about old fashioned parents who want to make a small town great again, and the rebellious teens who've outgrown antiquated ideas in favor of going viral.. Did I mention the town mascot is a super creepy clown?
When Quinn moves to a tiny town, she's eager for a fresh start after the loss of her mother. She hopes for new friends, but rapidly finds herself drawn into a circle of popular, rule breaking students. They make videos, pull pranks and generally create ill will among the older residents. The generational conflict comes to a head at founder's day party.. Has the clown come to life? Are the kids going to be alright? You'll never look at a corn maze the same way again!
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalo
Rating: 💀💀💀💀💀/ 5
This is a story about a girl in search of vengeance, after her beloved twin is murdered. Also, there are dark magic elements and a chilling forbidden romance. What more could I hope for in a Halloween read?
Emilia and her sister are young adults in 19th century Sicily who work in a family restaurant, and listen to their grandmother's spooky bedtime stories... but they have a dark secret. They come from a long line of witches, during a time where witches are hunted by both demons, and prejudiced humans. Despite being wildly different, they are incredibly close.... until Vittoria is murdered and in her desperation, Emilia turns to black magic to help her seek revenge. Will Emilia solve her murder? Will she fall for a literal devil? Will the author end this on a cliff hanger that has me googling to find out how quickly the sequel will be available? Prepare to be enchanted and afraid!
There's Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
Rating: 💀💀💀.☠️/ 5
This is a story about an invasion of personal space..literally and proverbially. You may have seen Nicole's post about this book- which she didn't love. I, on the other hand, thought it was a suspenseful book about... well, someone being inside your house (although a lot of the time, the murders happened other places).
Makani is hoping to move on from her past, with new friends in a new town.. and a new love interest. There are references to her mysterious past woven throughout, and a number of slasher film style murders occurring in the community. Will Makani's crush find out about what she did in Hawaii? Will she be stabbed? Good luck sleeping next time you're home alone!
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Rating: 💀💀💀💀💀/ 5
This is a story about having the courage to face death... because no one is immortal. Jackals, and secret societies, and ghosts.. oh my! If this isn't the perfect book for spooky season, I'm not certain one exists.
Alex Stern is trying to get an education at Yale... But she's also trying to manage her inability to avoid ghosts, monitor the sometimes nefarious activities of the the school's secret eight societies from within the ninth house, and solve the murder of a missing girl. Will Alex catch a killer? Will she learn to harness her gifts before they drive her mad? Will she pass her semester? Prepare to step into this dark, privileged world through the eyes of a survivor!
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
Rating: 💀💀💀💀💀/ 5
This is a story about the power of true friendship.. even against a demon possession. 80's hair, high school friendships, and demons... This book is full of frights.
Abby is friendly, sweet, and brave- and the person she loves the most in the world is her best friend Gretchen. Theirs is a friendship built on roller-skating parties, and slap bracelets... Until one night, when something strange happens to Gretchen. This book is an expertly crafted horror comedy- with sardonic reflections on culture, and surprisingly deep insights into the love possible between best friends. Will Abby save Gretchen? Can a love for E.T. and a very good dog named max see them through a horrifying supernatural attack? Prepare to shiver at this story of friendship conquering all!
Have you read any of these spooky books?
Do you have others you recommend?
Let me know in the comments!
