As the temperature starts to drop, the leaves begin to descend, and when it starts to get darker earlier, you start to yearn for a chilling horror or thriller book to keep you company– well at least I do. I am a certified “mood reader,” which typically means if I’m in the mood to read a certain genre I read it with no questions asked. However, my mood reading turned into me picking my books based on the season. During the summer? I gravitated towards a spicy romance. Spring? Emotional books all day long– I need to cry. Winter? I read fluffy romance novels to keep me warm during the cold weather. But fall? Spooky Scary Skeletons is my go-to.
I’m talking Horror, Thriller, and Mystery. I usually associate the fall with Halloween which ultimately translates to reading books that may or may not give me nightmares. Reading Horror and thriller successfully sets the spooky season scene for me. Looking for recommendations? Look no further because I have a few for you!
- There’s No Way I’d die first by Lisa Springer
There’s No Way I’d Die First by Lisa Springer is a YA Horror Novel that follows a horror movie buff who gets surprised by an unexpected visitor at her highly anticipated halloween party. This book successfully grasps the teenage slasher movie tropes we all know and love. I 100% recommend this book if you enjoyed the scary movie franchise because it definitely brings the comedy and the terror!
- My best friend’s exorcism by Grady Hendrix
If you like Paranormal Horror like The Conjuring or Exorcism, this book is for you! My Best Friend’s Exorcism takes us back into the 80s and follows the story of two friends and one gets possessed after some frivolous skinny dipping. In this book, it battles with the power of friendship in order to beat evil. But, what I love about it the most is
- Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
Have you ever had to fight to the death in order to have a high status in society? No? Fine, but Adina Walker in Their Vicious Games has. After one mess up, Adina lost her admittance into Yale University and now has to enter this brutal competition to win power granted by the name of an elite family in the town. But, these games aren’t as innocent as they seem. This fast-paced thriller is perfect for those who love a book that doesn’t slow down with the action, has insane plot twists, and graphic imagery. Great for fans of the Hunger Games Series!
- Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica
In this book, all animal meat is deemed as poisonous and now eating human or “special” meat is legal– thus, having humans not seen as human anymore and as well, a piece of meat. However, a special meat manufacturer then comes across a specimen that he treats as human which causes him to uncover the industry he works for. This book is a bit crazy and very outlandish in comparison to the other books on this list. So, if you’re not that sensitive to gore and creepy things, I highly recommend it. Always Check Content Warnings.
- White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
Last but certainly not least, White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson! This one is one of my faves; it combines the movie Get Out with Haunted House on the Hill. The main character Mari and her family move into this pristine house that sits in an abandoned neighborhood in a small town. The only thing is after a while, items start moving and footsteps can be heard at night. But what makes things creepier is that Mari’s younger stepsister starts acting creepy and says that a “friend wants her gone”. This book was super duper chilling and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
Enjoy the changing weather and the spooky season!