10 Chilling Reads for Adults to Celebrate October
October is the kind of month that is begging for a good scare. The nights get longer, the wind feels that little bit colder, and there’s a certain thrill in curling up with a book that makes you glance twice at the shadows in the corner.
It’s the perfect time to build your Chilling TBR List packed with horrors, thrillers, and gothic tales that feel like they were written just for Halloween Season.
As you know, we’re all about bringing books to life, and our Adult Book Subscription Boxes are renowned for doing just that! You will definitely want to check out some of our ready-to-ship thrilling book boxes, like The Bone Garden or our 2024 Mischief Halloween Box (sadly, our 2025 box has flown off the shelves and is sold out).
Sit back and relax while you can, as we go through our top ten chilling reads that belong on every October bookshelf.
10 Chilling Reads Perfect for October Nights
A Gothic Classic That Still Haunts Readers
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
First published in 1959, this gothic masterpiece follows four seekers who arrive at the sinister Hill House: a scholar, his assistant, a fragile young woman, and the heir to the estate. At first, their stay seems eerie but manageable, until the house itself begins to exert its terrifying influence.
Why it’s perfect for October: With its eerie atmosphere and psychological tension, this remains one of the greatest haunted house books ever written, perfect for dimly lit October nights.
A Chilling Domestic Thriller with Twists
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Libby Jones inherits a sprawling Chelsea mansion on her twenty-fifth birthday, but her windfall comes with dark secrets. Years earlier, three bodies were discovered in the house, the children vanished, and the truth was never uncovered. As Libby digs into her past, she realizes she isn’t the only one searching for answers.
Why it’s perfect for October: Packed with suspense and gothic undertones, this is one of those psychological thriller books you’ll want to devour in a single weekend.
A Haunted House Story That Gets Under Your Skin
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
Twenty-five years ago, Maggie Holt’s family fled Baneberry Hall after just three weeks. Her father’s bestselling memoir described terrifying supernatural events, but Maggie never believed it—until she inherits the house as an adult. When she returns, she discovers the truth may be darker than fiction.
Why it’s perfect for October: With its ghostly twists and eerie setting, this modern haunted house novel is tailor-made for fall reading.
A Creepy Psychological Puzzle
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
This unconventional novel tells the story of a house that defies the laws of physics, being larger inside than out. What starts as curiosity becomes a descent into madness, complete with footnotes, fragments, and shifting narratives.
Why it’s perfect for October: If you’re in the mood for a challenging, atmospheric horror novel that makes you question reality, this is the one.
A Modern Horror That Keeps You Awake
An exploration crew on an abandoned planet uncovers why the first settlers left in such haste. When one of their own is found murdered, psychologist Dr. Ophelia Bray must unravel the mystery before more lives are lost.
Why it’s perfect for October: A chilling blend of space survival and psychological horror, it proves you don’t need ghosts for a terrifying October read.
A Historical Mystery with a Dark Edge
After her father’s execution, Beatriz marries into security only to discover her new home, Hacienda San Isidro, is haunted by something sinister. With no one willing to believe her, she turns to a young priest whose skills in witchcraft may be her only hope.
Why it’s perfect for October: Equal parts gothic romance and supernatural horror, this book is dripping with atmosphere and is ideal for fans looking for haunting gothic novels this October.
A Paranormal Tale of Ghosts and Secrets
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
In 1977, Beth Greer was acquitted of the Lady Killer Murders. Decades later, true crime blogger Shea Collins interviews her at her eerie mansion, only to realize some mysteries refuse to stay buried.
Why it’s perfect for October: Mixing murder mystery with ghostly suspense, this one will keep you second-guessing late into the night.
A Spine-Tingling Short Story Collection
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology
This anthology, introduced by Stephen Graham Jones, gathers chilling stories rooted in Indigenous traditions and warnings, such as the belief that whistling at night can summon spirits. From curses to creatures to haunted legacies, each story unsettles in its own way.
Why it’s perfect for October: Short horror stories are ideal for busy nights, and this collection offers fresh, original scares you won’t find anywhere else.
A Witchy Read Just Right for Fall
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
In the rigid society of Bethel, Immanuelle Moore’s very existence is considered blasphemous. But when she ventures into the forbidden Darkwood, she uncovers secrets, witches, and truths that could change everything.
Why it’s perfect for October: With its witchy themes and dark feminist edge, it’s one of the most atmospheric witchy fall reads for adults.
A Page-Turner That Blends Romance and the Macabre
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
Constanta, transformed by Dracula into his immortal bride, begins to see the dark truth behind her husband’s charm and cruelty. As she bonds with his other consorts, she must decide whether to break free or remain bound in blood.
Why it’s perfect for October: Gothic, romantic, and chilling, it’s a fresh reimagining of vampire lore that feels tailor-made for a Halloween reading list.
How to Make Your Halloween Reading More Immersive
October reading is more than just picking up the right book; it’s about creating the mood. Light a candle, cue up some haunting music, and cozy up with your next chilling favorite. Why not try one of our book boxes, like the Seaside Suspicions Box? Our world-famous surprise gifts are just what you need to bring this fantastic novel to life!
Remember, the devil is in the details; even small touches make all the difference to your reading experience. Think fluffy blankets, dimmed lights, and the scent of our Greek Gods and Vampires Candle can make your October reads unforgettable.
Eerie Pages, Perfect Nights
There’s no denying it: October is the season when books come alive in the shadows. Whether you’re paging through gothic novels, fast-paced thrillers, or ghost story books, the right story can turn any fall evening into something special.
Remember, horror books give us permission to reconnect with that fear and to face it head-on through the safety of a story curled up on our couches! If you’re looking for more inspiration, then check out our blog, 5 Psychological Thrillers to Get You Ready for Halloween!
Build your own Halloween reading list with these chilling picks, and don’t forget you can make it even better by subscribing to our Adult Book Box or choosing from our Ready-to-Ship Boxes. With OUABC, October isn’t just about reading; it’s about experiencing the story in every possible way.
Sources
Flood, A. (2021, October 29). Chapter and curse: Is the horror novel entering a golden age? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/oct/29/chapter-and-curse-is-the-horror-novel-entering-a-golden-age
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