A is for Aliens
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells: Ah, the original human/extraterrestrial conflict. This story is popularly known for having caused public panic during a 1938 radio broadcast when some listeners mistook the dramatization for news. Something we probably wouldn’t bat an eye at here in 2020 – but that’s a whole other scary story.
B is for Bones
The Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs: In the inspiration for the hit TV series, Bones, protagonist Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who is called in to investigate crime scenes where the human remains are too heavily decomposed, mutilated, burned, or otherwise degraded from which to obtain coroner evidence . She does other things too, in case that description is already too much for you.
C is for Cemetery
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: Written for younger readers but enjoyed by all ages, this is a strangely whimsical story of Nobody (aka Bod) Owens growing up in a cemetery among the ghosts (as one does). So, basically, Neil Gaiman being delightfully Neil Gaimany.
D is for Dracula
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostava: Ok, so the obvious choice here would have actually been the novel Dracula, but the breadth of content created around the historically haunting figure is almost more fascinating than the “real” thing. As evidenced in this extensive take.
E is for Eerie
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson: More of a visceral impression than a quantifiable concept, our pick for overall ‘creep factor’ is the deceptively simple yet expertly crafted story of Mary Katherine “Merricat” Blackwood and her, well, rather unfortunate family who were all but three killed in the very house in which they inhabit. But by whom? F is for Frankenstein Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: So, we should all know by now that this is a beautifully written classic monster tale crafted by Shelley when she was just 18. What people don’t seem/choose not to know is our pet peeve #64,382 - that said monster is unnamed throughout the text and the doctor who made him was the only one known as Frankenstein.
G is for Ghost
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz: This is another one that is intended for younger audiences but holds the same sinister appeal for readers of any age – vengeful ghost and all. To fully immerse yourself in the whole experience, you’ll want to get a copy with the original illustrations by Stephen Gammell. Honorable mention: The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson: Niagara Falls in the 1980s is oddly atmospheric in this brilliant coming-of-age that doesn’t quite qualify for this category (you’ll see why), but is nonetheless worth the read.
H is for Haunted
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson: First published in 1959, this classically crafted ghost story has all the expected scares in perfect harmony. It has been popular throughout its 60 years though even more so after the Netflix series of the same title. I is for Inn An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena: Ok, so inns aren’t inherently Halloweenish . . . buuuuut, aren’t they? Throw in a half dozen murders and it’s certainly not your luxury holiday getaway. Perhaps Lapena’s most richly atmospheric multiple murder mystery to date. J is for Jack-o’-lantern Halloween Murder by Leslie Meier: As series protagonist Lucy Stone bakes some of her signature pumpkin cookies, murder is afoot. It always is. Meier is a master of the cozy holiday mystery genre with additional offerings like Candy Corn Murder and Wicked Witch Murder.
K is for King
Yep, this one’s just Stephen King. We could either do this or have basically every other letter result in a different Stephen King pick. Some of our seasonal faves include The Shining, Bag of Bones, Joyland, The Dead Zone, The Mist . . . the latter of which could sub for
F:
Fog if not for the differentiation in water density. See, virtually every letter.
L is for Lightning
Lightning by Dean Koontz: Strikes of lightning years apart, a mysterious stranger who appears out of nowhere, and a fun dose of sci-fi time travel, makes this arguably one of Koontz’s most popular and accomplished works.
M is for Magic
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern: Consider this the lighter side of our Halloween recommendations. We were, after all, going to originally have E stand for Exorcist and recommend William Peter Blatty’s classic tale. File that under, Yes, it was a book first. Circus, on the other hand, combines a light, almost ethereal feel with a touch of refined illusion.
All books listed are available via TPL or through or Libraries in Niagara Cooperative consortium (broaden your search by selecting LiNC in the drop-down menu at the far right of our catalog).
