As the Halloween season draws near, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in spooks and scares than with books. This curated list details some of the best thriller and horror stories that will keep you on the very edge of your seat the entire read. Whether you enjoy ghost stories, murder mysteries or psychological horrors, there’s something here for all tastes. There are a surplus of chilling novels that deserve a shoutout, but these particular eight are frightfully great reads.

“The Haunting of Hill House”

Written with soul-stirring language and beloved tropes, “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson is the perfect book to read around Halloween. It follows the story of four individuals: an occult scholar, his lively assistant, a young woman begrudgingly familiar with supernatural encounters and the next heir to the notorious Hill House. The unlikely group realize they’re in for more than a spook as Hill House decides which one of them will stay forever. The novel was adapted into a television show by Netflix and released in 2018 to great success, scoring  93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.6/10 on IMDb.

“Frankenstein”

As a classic horror novel, “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley tells the story of a scientist who brings a hideous monster to life. Despite its success, the monster would be the reason for the scientist’s demise. This story is told from multiple perspectives to further delve into the psychological aspects of its characters and meaning. The story of Frankenstein has been told for over two centuries, and was adapted into a movie in 1931.

“The Graveyard Book”

With a mystifying mix of horror and mystery, “The Graveyard Book” by Neil Gaiman follows a young boy who lives in a graveyard. While being raised by ghosts, he encounters the dangers of the supernatural and must uncover the truth of what really happened to his family. This was originally written as a children’s book, but it carries lessons of self-exploration that are relatable to all ages. The novel is set for a movie adaptation with Disney.

“How To Survive Your Murder”

“How to Survive Your Murder,” written by Danielle Valentine, tells the twisted tale of a girl who is the only witness to her sister’s death. On the day of the trial, she’s knocked out and wakes back to the morning her sister died. With the clock ticking, she must find the killer before they strike again. This story is a love letter to the classic horror and slasher films of the ‘’90s and will leave you with a heart-pounding adrenaline rush with every flip of the page.

“Nana”

Brandon Massey successfully tiptoes along the balance of good and evil through his book “Nana.” After a woman is confronted by her supposed birth mother, she believes the pieces of her life have finally fallen into place. That is, until this new woman takes over her home and her husband. The novel is riddled with suspense and wild turns, playing on the reader’s frustration as an outside perspective to the madness happening inside the family’s home. Solely based around the desperation for love and family, this dark tale demonstrates the realities rooted in the horror genre and makes it much more of a scare.

“There’s Someone Inside Your House”

“There’s Someone Inside Your House,” written by Stephanie Perkins, details the dark story of a teenage girl who moves to a new city under the belief she escaped her past, though she finds the students around her dropping like flies to a sequence of killings and realizes she may not have escaped enough. Simultaneously, she forms a new relationship that intensifies alongside the secrets she holds. Perfect for fans of thrilling suspense and raunchy romance, this novel feels right at home with this spooky time of year.

“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark”

Based on American folklore, “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” by Alvin Schwartz is filled with chronicles of eerie horror. There are 29 different tales, split into five chapters, each with a unique fright and angle on horror. The stories are complemented by Stephen Gammell’s creepy drawings. They are perfect for reading alone, though one best watch out, as the novel may just summon something from the shadows!

“Carrie”

As the first published book of Stephen King, “Carrie” has been his top success and the snowball for his notable writing career. The novel tells the story of a young girl as she discovers telekinetic abilities. Due to a combination of her hyper-religious, controlled upbringing and vile classmates, Carrie unleashes her abilities in a dark and bloody rampage. This story is filled with complex layers of emotion and imagination that bring the characters, both good and bad, to life. The novel was adapted into a film twice, once in 1976 and again in 2013.