CBTB’s Halloween 2020 Reading List
Friends, it’s the most wonderful time of year: spooky season!! Halloween is my favorite time of year (yes, I consider it a time of year—not just a single day!), and it’s the perfect time to cozy up with an extra-chilling crime, suspense, or thriller read. I’m so excited to share with you a blog post that has been quite a while in the making: my Halloween 2020 Reading List! While many (if not most!) of the books I read and cover here on Crime by the Book could fit on a Halloween reading list, the books I’ve chosen for this blog post have that little something extra that will make each of them perfect for Halloween reading (think: ghosts, supernatural sightings, extra-creepy villains, and more!).
To simplify your search for the perfect Halloween book, I’ve divided this blog post into a few key categories:
Haunted Houses, Ghost Stories, & Tales of the Supernatural
Slashers & Serial Killer Thrillers
Folklore, Mythology, & The Occult
Gothic Suspense
Many of the books I’ve included in this blog post could fit into more than one of these categories (for example: one of the books I’ve placed in the “folklore” category also has elements of Gothic suspense!), but I’ve placed books into the category with which I believe they most closely align, to give you the best possible sense of the reading experience in store for you, should you decide to pick that book up. I hope this will help you get a feel for which of these books might be most up your alley! I truly could have kept writing this blog post forever—so many books I’ve read and loved for CBTB would make perfect Halloween reads, but I had to cut myself off somewhere. If you’re looking for additional crime fiction and thriller recommendations for spooky season, but sure to check out my Psychological Thriller and Detective Novel Quick Reviews!
Without further ado, I invite you to check out my recommendations for Halloween 2020 reads. From haunted houses to ghost stories to crime novels laced with the occult and much more, this reading list has a little something to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. Happy reading, and happy haunting! xx A
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while you read this list, may i suggest listening to…
Haunted Houses, Ghost Stories, & Tales of the Supernatural
HOME BEFORE DARK by Riley Sager
Haunted House Story | “Book-Within-a-Book” | Gothic Vibes
This one basically needs no explanation. Riley Sager is one of my favorite authors, and in his newest release, he puts his own unique spin on a classic haunted house story. In HOME BEFORE DARK, a woman reclaims the narrative of her own story. Maggie grew up under the shadow of her father’s infamous book House of Horrors, a (supposedly true!) account of her family’s time spent living in Baneberry Hall, an old estate in the woods. According to House of Horrors, Maggie’s family was terrorized by evil spirits during their time in the house. There’s only one problem… Maggie doesn’t believe a word of what her father wrote. As an adult, she returns to Baneberry Hall, determined to prove to herself that the house is nothing more than a run-down building. But Maggie is about to find out there’s more to Baneberry Hall than meets the eye. Weaving between Maggie’s present and chapters from House of Horrors, HOME BEFORE DARK is an intricate and terrifying read perfect for the Halloween season. HOME BEFORE DARK is part “book-within-a-book”-style mystery, part ghost story, and all kinds of creepy fun to devour.
I REMEMBER YOU by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
Haunted House Story | Icelandic Setting | Mystery
Icelandic Queen of Crime Yrsa Sigurdardottir delivers one of the creepiest ghost stories I’ve ever read in her outstanding novel I REMEMBER YOU. If the idea of an Icelandic haunted house book sounds appealing to you, I REMEMBER YOU will be your perfect Halloween read. In this chilling story, a group of friends decide to renovate an old house in a remote Icelandic village. In order to get the work done in time for the summer tourist season, the friends must venture out to the village as winter sets in. What begins as a fun adventure soon devolves into a terrifying fight for survival against an unseen force lurking in the old house. Woven throughout this terrifying ghost story is another, separate storyline involving a father searching for his missing son—a storyline that will ultimately collide with the ghost story to tragic end. I REMEMBER YOU is my favorite book by Sigurdardottir (which is saying a lot, as she’s one of my favorite authors!). If you love your thrillers slow-burn and Nordic, I REMEMBER YOU will be your perfect Halloween read.
THE SUN DOWN MOTEL by Simone St. James
Ghost Story | Family Mystery | Small-Town Setting
In Simone St. James’ outstanding 2020 release THE SUN DOWN MOTEL, it’s not a house that’s being haunted, but (you guessed it!) a motel. Set in a small town in upstate New York, THE SUN DOWN MOTEL follows a young woman who travels to the town determined to find out what really happened to her aunt, who was last seen in that same town years prior… and then vanished without a trace. THE SUN DOWN MOTEL is a story about a town where women keep disappearing, and it’s also a story about a young woman determined to expose their killer and get justice for them at any cost. I love Simone St. James’ suspense novels and the way she blends the supernatural into worldly mysteries, and I devoured THE SUN DOWN MOTEL when I read it earlier this year. This book is the most supernatural of the Simone St. James books I’ve read yet—it’s got all kinds of terrifying ghosts and inexplicable events in store for readers. If you haven’t read a Simone St. James book yet, now is the perfect time to dive in!
THE RETURN by Rachel Harrison
Supernatural Thriller | Female Friendship | Movie-Worthy Finale
Friendships can be volatile, but in THE RETURN, they become deadly. Rachel Harrison’s outstanding psychological thriller-meets-horror novel follows a group of college friends who are reuniting for a special girls’ trip. Two years ago, Julie disappeared without a trace, leaving her friends to wonder if they would ever see their dear friend again. Then, on the two-year anniversary of her disappearance, Julie returned with no memory of her time spent away. The friends are overjoyed to have Julie back, and they arrange a trip to a remote inn to celebrate her return. But as the girls’ vacation begins, it quickly becomes apparent that something is wrong with Julie… and this might not be the same person who disappeared two years ago. THE RETURN is an edgy thriller that begins as a psychological suspense story and twists and morphs into an all-out horror showdown by the book’s end. Set against a fantastical and zany backdrop (an inn that you just have to read about to understand!), THE RETURN delves into the complexities of female friendship and delivers a supernatural horror story that will make you think twice about planning your next girls’ trip.
THE HIDING PLACE by C.J. Tudor
Small-Town Setting | Supernatural Thriller | Gritty Atmosphere
Sometimes going home can be deadly. In C.J. Tudor’s THE HIDING PLACE, a man returns to the small, sleepy town where he grew up, determined to confront the terrible secrets lurking there. In his childhood, Joe’s family suffered a terrible tragedy: his younger sister disappeared. But that wasn’t the worst of it, because his sister came back… but she came back changed. Now an adult, Joe returns to the town under the guise of accepting a teaching job at a local school. In reality, Joe is there for one thing, and one thing only: to figure out for himself just what exactly happened to his sister, and to other children in the town like her. C.J. Tudor writes psychological thrillers with major nods to the horror genre, and THE HIDING PLACE is (I think!) her scariest book to date. Infused with the grit and melancholy of its setting, THE HIDING PLACE tells a story of unthinkable horrors lurking in plain sight in an all-too-ordinary town. This creepy thriller will chill readers with touches of local lore and inexplicable supernatural events.
Slashers & Serial Killer Thrillers
KILL CREEK by Scott Thomas
Gory & Violent | Slasher | Haunted House
The ultimate Halloween read for slasher fans who want plenty of blood and guts in their spooky season reading material. KILL CREEK is a horror novel written for fans of the horror genre, and it is so deliciously entertaining. In KILL CREEK, a group of horror writers are invited to participate in what seems like the ultimate publicity opportunity: an overnight stay at a purportedly haunted house, which will be broadcast live over a popular horror website. But what begins as a publicity stunt quickly takes a deadly turn, as the writers discover that the rumors of the house’s haunting are nothing compared to the horrors that actually lurk within its walls. KILL CREEK begins as a claustrophobic haunted house story, and then morphs and twists into an all-out, desperate fight for survival against an unseen enemy much larger than the four walls of the house can contain. This book is very, very bloody, perfect for fans of slasher films.
FINAL GIRLS by Riley Sager
Psychological Thriller | Ode to Slasher Movies | Compelling Female Lead
One of my favorite books ever! Sager’s breakout novel FINAL GIRLS is the perfect Halloween read for fans of classic slasher franchises like Scream, who like their books smart, sharp, and deadly—but not super bloody. In FINAL GIRLS, Sager imagines what happens to a survivor when media attention fades, and she is expected to return to “normal” life. FINAL GIRLS follows Quincy, the sole survivor of a bloody massacre. Quincy is trying her best to get back to “normal”—but the shadows of her past aren’t far behind, and Quincy will have to prove herself a final girl one last time. Inspired by the “final girls” of slasher films (particularly Sidney Prescott from the Scream franchise!), Sager’s FINAL GIRLS is a wildly entertaining psychological thriller that pays homage to the greats of slasher films. If you haven’t read this one yet, add it to your list immediately!
SECURITY by Gina Wohlsdorf
Gory & Violent | Literary Fiction | Inventive Plot Structure
Literary fiction readers looking for an inventive and bloody Halloween thriller will love Gina Wohlsdorf’s outstanding book SECURITY. This one is a few years old now, but I still think about what a fantastic read it was. It won’t be for everyone—it’s definitely best suited for fans of literary fiction than for die-hard crime fiction readers—but for the right reader, it will be a smash hit. SECURITY takes readers to beautiful California, where a state-of-the-art resort is about to open. Manderley Resort is a place of opulent beauty and unparalleled security, poised to give its guests a once in a lifetime experience. There’s just one problem. Someone doesn’t want Manderley to ever open, and they are determined to do whatever it takes to stop the hotel from opening its doors. In a single night, that person will pick off every single staff member one by one - a twelve-hour period of bloodshed from which no one will escape. SECURITY is bloody, inventive, and surprisingly emotional. It’s an outstanding read, the perfect Halloween choice for the reader who wants literary fiction that delivers all the gore of a slasher movie, too.
THE SANDMAN by Lars Kepler
Serial Killer Thriller | Violent | Creepy Villain
Kepler, the pen name for a husband-and-wife writing duo, writes utterly addictive and seriously dark serial killer stories set in Sweden. Their best-known book, THE SANDMAN, is a perfect example of their wildly entertaining brand of storytelling. It’s part of a series, but can easily be read on its own. If you love The Silence of the Lambs, this book is your perfect Halloween read! THE SANDMAN begins with a shocking reappearance: one night, a young man is found wandering along the train tracks, emaciated and dazed. His name is Mikael, and he has been missing for thirteen years, presumed dead at the hands of a brutal serial killer who has since been imprisoned in a psychiatric ward. Mikael’s sister is still missing, and the only hope of saving her is for police to get that same serial killer to finally reveal her whereabouts. A police officer goes deep undercover in the psychiatric ward to get the story’s villains to reveal his secrets… but she finds herself up against a villain more terrifying than she could have imagined. This book will keep you furiously turning pages with short, action-packed chapters and a memorable villain.
BIRDMAN by Mo Hayder
Very Gory & Violent | Serial Killer Thriller | British Detective Novel
There are dark serial killer thrillers, and then there’s BIRDMAN by Mo Hayder—undoubtedly one of the most twisted books I’ve read in the past few years. If you want a serial killer story that’s unabashedly gory, disturbing, and shocking, BIRDMAN is the book for you. If you’re not okay with serious levels of gore and disturbing content in your thrillers, please just move right on past the rest of this blurb! BIRDMAN is a British detective novel that finds a detective tackling his first case at his new job… and what a case it is. The basic premise: a serial killer is targeting women and displaying their bodies in horrific ways. But this story is so much more than that. Alternating between the present-day police investigation and chapters tracing the backstory of the villain himself, BIRDMAN is a truly horrific thriller that delves into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Remember the TV show “Hannibal” and how it used some really… inventive… ways of displaying corpses? You’ll get content like that in this book. It’s dark, it’s twisted, and I really enjoyed it. Just don’t read it while you’re eating.
Folklore, Mythology, & The Occult
THE NESTING by C.J. Cooke
Folklore | Gothic Suspense | Norwegian Setting
Gothic suspense and Nordic folklore combine to fantastic effect in THE NESTING. THE NESTING is a tricky book to categorize: this is a suspense novel very much written in the Gothic tradition, and it’s also set in Norway and has significant appeal for fans of Nordic crime fiction. But I’ve chosen to categorize this one here because this story would be nothing without the folklore of Scandinavia, which provides the beating heart—and the creepy, spine-tingling suspense—of this excellent novel. THE NESTING begins with a very Gothic suspense-inspired premise: a young woman accepts a job as the new nanny for a wealthy architect’s two young daughters, a post which finds her packing her bags and leaving London for the dark forests of Norway. As our protagonist settles into her new job, she begins to discover that darkness haunts this family… and something sinister might be closing in on her and her charges. THE NESTING is a thriller that explores the impact of humanity on the natural world, and finds nature itself fighting back. Anyone who loves creepy stories infused with folklore will find C.J. Cooke’s immersive and elegant writing right up their alley.
THE CRAFTSMAN by Sharon Bolton
Police Procedural | Elements of the Occult | Creepy & Sinister
One of my personal favorite Halloween book recommendations, Sharon Bolton’s excellent novel THE CRAFTSMAN provides an unexpected pairing: a crime novel that blends police procedure with touches of the otherworldly. In THE CRAFTSMAN, a police officer returns to her former hometown, a place she swore never to revisit. Years ago, this police officer solved a case that came to define her career: a series of child murders, for which she arrested the local coffin maker. Now, 30 years later, the coffin maker has passed away… but these horrific murders are happening again. When our protagonist’s son goes missing, she knows it is up to her to solve the case once and for all. I don’t want to say too much about how exactly the category I’ve placed this book in factors into this story (so much of the fun in this read is figuring it out for yourself!), but if you are a reader who is open to a procedural laced with the uncanny and the otherworldly, THE CRAFTSMAN will be the perfect Halloween read for you.
SIX STORIES by Matt Wesolowski
Local Lore | Supernatural Elements | Podcast-Inspired
Any true crime podcast fans here? Matt Wesolowski’s outstanding novel SIX STORIES is the Halloween read for you. SIX STORIES is a supernatural thriller involving local folklore, told through “interviews” for a podcast called - you guessed it! - Six Stories. Protagonist Scott King is the podcast’s host, and the mystery he is investigating in his podcast involves the disappearance of a teenager in England, at a place called Scarclaw Fell. Through interviews with individuals who knew the teen before he went missing, King reconstructs what really happened on that fateful night… and catches wind of terrifying local legends that might have something to do with the story he is investigating. A creative plot structure and plenty of creepy local lore make Matt Wesolowski’s SIX STORIES an excellent, and creepy, read.
THE SILENCE OF THE WHITE CITY by Eva Garcia Saenz
Local Lore & Mythology | Serial Killer Thriller | Intricate Plot
If you’re not sold on the supernatural but still want a crime novel that will give you a little something extra to sink your teeth into this fall, try Eva Garcia Saenz’s outstanding trilogy launch THE SILENCE OF THE WHITE CITY. This intricate procedural is set in the Basque Country, and it will have huge appeal for fans of both The Silence of the White City and The Davinci Code. In THE SILENCE OF THE WHITE CITY, an investigator and his partner are on the heels of a killer who seems to be mimicking ritualistic murders that plagued the city of Vitoria years prior. There’s just one problem: the archaeologist arrested for these original crimes is still in prison. Does the archaeologist have an accomplice on the outside? Or was the wrong person arrested for these crimes years ago? Weaving local mythology and lore into an utterly gripping detective story, THE SILENCE OF THE WHITE CITY is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. Pick this one up if you prefer detective novels that don’t rely on the supernatural, but still have plenty of thrills and intrigue in store.
Gothic Suspense
CATHERINE HOUSE by Elisabeth Thomas
Gothic Suspense | Mind-Bending Elements | Compelling Protagonist
A stunning debut novel with Edgar Allan Poe vibes and plenty of flair all its own, CATHERINE HOUSE will make the perfect Hallowen read for any Gothic suspense reader who wants a decidedly modern take on the genre without sacrificing intrigue and sinister appeal. CATHERINE HOUSE tells the mind-bending, almost dark-fantasy-inspired tale of Catherine House, an elite boarding school that promises the world to its students… and takes just as much from them. When Ines is accepted to Catherine House, she can hardly believe her luck: the school is one of the most exclusive in the country, and it provides its students with a one-of-a-kind undergraduate education. Students promise not to leave Catherine House for the duration of their time there, and in exchange, they are welcomed into a world of academic rigor, revelry, and exploration. But as Ines settles into her new life, she begins to sense a darkness at the heart of Catherine House. And when a tragedy strikes within the school, Ines becomes more convinced than ever that she and her classmates are in grave danger. Dripping with Gothic atmosphere and laced with elements of dark fantasy, Elisabeth Thomas’ superb debut novel invites readers into the alluring world of Catherine House… and once you’re there, you might never want to leave.
LOCK EVERY DOOR by Riley Sager
Rosemary’s Baby vibes | Psychological Thriller | NYC Setting
Am I recommending too many Riley Sager books on this list…? Trick question - there’s no such thing! Sager is an absolute master of the psychological thriller with a creepy edge, and his book LOCK EVERY DOOR might just be my forever favorite book of his (though his 2020 release HOME BEFORE DARK gave LOCK EVERY DOOR a serious run for its money… depending on the day, I might call either book my favorite Sager read!). In LOCK EVERY DOOR, Sager puts his own unique spin on the Gothic suspense novel. This story follows a millennial woman who is struggling to find her way in life. When she discovers a job opening for an apartment-sitter in one of Manhattan’s most luxurious and exclusive apartment buildings, it’s a dream come true. But as she settles into the building, she begins to discover that it has a dark history. And when another apartment-sitter in the building goes missing, she begins to fear for her life. With hints of Rosemary’s Baby-inspired chills and Sager’s trademark knack for writing truly unputdownable suspense novels, LOCK EVERY DOOR is a creepy read not to be missed. Bonus: for anyone who loves NYC-set reads, this book is a must for you!
THE LINGERING by S.J.I. Holliday
Gothic Suspense | Ghosts | Psychiatric Institution Setting
An underrated psychological thriller with Gothic flair, S.J.I. Holliday’s THE LINGERING invites readers to visit Rosalind House, a self-sufficient commune in the English Fens. Jack and Ali have hit a rough patch in their marriage, and when they learn about Rosalind House, it seems almost too good to be true—a perfect opportunity to get back to basics and reconnect. At first, it’s smooth sailing. Jack and Ali find the commune residents welcoming and warm, and they quickly settle into the routines of their new life. But the longer they stay at Rosalind House, the more they begin to feel unsettled… and when they discover that Rosalind House had a previous life as a psychiatric institution where horrible acts were committed, they begin to fear that some of the things that go bump in the night in the house might not just be their imagination. This Gothic ghost story will keep you turning pages and reading with all the lights on.
THE TURN OF THE KEY by Ruth Ware
Gothic Suspense | “Smart House” Setting | Unreliable Narrator
A no-brainer! Ware is one of my favorite authors, and I absolutely loved her homage to Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw. THE TURN OF THE KEY remains my favorite Ware book. In this chilling Gothic tale, a young woman accepts a job as a nanny for a family who live in a “smart house” in the Scottish highlands. She instantly falls in love with the children in her care and the beauty of the highlands, but the more time she spends in the house, the more she begins to feel unsettled. The house’s “smart” technology means that someone is always watching, but our protagonist has reason to fear it’s not just technology keeping an eye on her at all hours. As she delves into the dark history of the building, she begins to fear for her life, and for the lives of the children in her care. This book is told entirely through letters written by our protagonist as she sits in jail, hoping to convince a lawyer to take her case—so readers know from the story’s outset that things will take a terrible turn. I loved this book’s creepy blend of modern-day technology and dark history; it’s utterly irresistible and spine-tingling.
IN THE VINES by Shannon Kirk
Gothic Thriller | Cinematic Setting | Slow-Burn, Rich Writing
No one writes psychological thrillers quite like Shannon Kirk. If flat-out bonkers in the best possible way describes the kind of books you love, add IN THE VINES to your Halloween reading list immediately. IN THE VINES is a psychological thriller that delves into the secrets of its protagonist’s family, and welcomes readers into the seaside estate that houses them. Protagonist Mary Olivia Pentecost (aka Mop) was born into one of the country’s most wealthy - and most reclusive - families. When a personal tragedy strikes, Mop returns to the seaside estate that her family owns in New England, hoping to find solace with family and find answers about the tragedy itself. But what Mop finds is shocking: the estate has fallen into disrepair, and her aunt is behaving in increasingly disturbing and scary ways. Mop begins to fear that uncovering her family’s secrets might put her own life at risk. This book is wild, and I mean that in the best possible way. Shannon Kirk’s prose is rich and immersive, and the story she tells here will wrap itself around you tighter and tighter… until you, like Mop, might begin to suspect you will never escape.
That’s a wrap on my Halloween 2020 reading list! I’d love to hear from you guys: are any of these books on your TBR list? Any you’ve already read? Happy reading, and happy haunting! Xx A
Home ownership feel like a distant dream? Zillow listings have you convinced you’ll be renting for the rest of your life? The woman at the heart of Carissa Orlando’s debut The September House feels your pain—and she’s prepared to put up with a lot if it means she and her husband can finally have a place to call their own. In this case, that might just mean living in a house that’s haunted. Playful and irreverent, spine-tingling and spooky, The September House puts a fresh spin on the classic haunted house story, delivering an immersive tale about the secrets lurking within one building’s walls, and within the lives of its inhabitants.