The long nights are slowly closing in, the trees are shedding their leaves, and the temperature is certainly dropping, so there's no better time to get yourself wrapped up in a good read. This October, why not explore the world of the eerie, the unsettling or the flat-out scary to really get you in the mood for Halloween?
In this article, we take a look at some of the best Halloween reads in the UK. From jaw-dropping slasher novels to educational books for kids, we've ranked the top 10 best paperbacks, eBooks and audiobooks on Amazon and eBay. With creepy works of classic fiction and even freakier true-life tales, we hope you’ve packed your silver cross and string of garlic!
With Halloween on the horizon, you may just be after a spooktacular read to send shivers down your spine! In this buying guide, we go over the most important things to consider when searching online for a terrifyingly good book.
Try to identify exactly what you want from your read. Are you looking for a frightening fantasy world with monstrous creatures? Or do tales of the unexplained give you shivers? Deciding between real and make-believe is only the starting point when it comes to finding the perfect Halloween book.
When we think of Halloween themed books, it's usually going to be fiction that first comes to mind. These could be ghost stories, atmospheric tales, monsters and more! Fiction is generally the better option if you’re looking for a bit of escapism, as it allows for thrilling set pieces, intriguing characters and an exciting plot.
Halloween novels and short stories are also easier to digest as our brains are hard-wired to respond to story-telling due to how we have evolved. This makes them a good choice for both avid bookworms and more casual readers.
For some, there is nothing truly scarier than the real-life horrors of this mortal coil. Non-fiction books with frightening themes are another great pick for Halloween. These could be real-life accounts of hauntings or even the truth behind urban legends.
Not all Halloween books need to be scary, and there are plenty of factual and informative books that delve into terrifying traditions and horrible histories. You might want to learn more about the Salem witch trials or gain an in-depth knowledge of strange and unusual deaths, for example.
Some folk scare easier than others, so it's important that the book you choose hits the right tone. Halloween books encompass a broad range of topics and themes, so you'll want to makes sure to find one that interests you, but won't keep you awake all night. Unless that's exactly what you're after!
Are you someone who likes a good fright? You might want to look for books that delve deep into all the gory and grisly details. On the other hand, if you’re known to be a little squeamish, why not look for compelling reads about the history of Halloween or a more wholesome All Hallows' Eve tale?
Finally, if you’re buying a title for a younger audience, then you might want to pick a book that depicts themes of the season, without the fear factor. Kids will love storybooks about pumpkins, funny skeletons and friendly ghosts, especially ones will colourful illustrations!
It’s vital that you consider the audience the book is aimed at, especially when buying books for youngsters. Halloween books may contain themes that aren't suitable for all ages, and can be far too scary for kids.
Luckily, many children's and YA (young adult) works come with a recommended reading age. We would advise following these guidelines to not only make sure that the book you select is at the right level to keep them entertained, but to guarantee that everybody gets a good night's sleep.
Nowadays, there are many different ways to consume books. The format you pick will depend on your reading habits and what's available to buy.
A lightweight paperback is ideal for throwing in your bag to read on the train. However, if you have an eReader or tablet device, an eBook could be the better choice. Hardback books make for fantastic gifts, and coffee table reads. The right ones may even find their way into your yearly Halloween decorations!
Some books are even available as an audiobook or audio CD. These are great for listening to in the car, at the gym or while doing the dishes. These can also be a great option for those with visual impairments, or who prefer to listen rather than read.
The witching hour will soon be upon us, so let's get right into finding the perfect fright. Without further ado, here are the top 10 best Halloween books in the UK!
£10.75
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Historical |
Age Recommendation | 18 + |
Format | Hardback, eBook |
£5.39
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Educational |
Age Recommendation | 0 - 5 |
Format | Hardback |
£11.52
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Tone | Ghost |
Demographic | 18 + |
Format | Hardback, paperback |
£5.78
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Ficiton |
---|---|
Theme | Scary |
Age Recommendation | 8 - 12 |
Format | Paperback |
£3.94
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Memoir |
Age Recommendation | 18 + |
Format | Hardback, paperback, audio CD |
£11.38
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Wholesome |
Age Recommendation | 8 - 12 |
Format | Hardcover |
£9.99
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Non-fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Spooky, historical, educational |
Age Recommendation | 18 + |
Format | Paperback, eBook |
£7.64
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Slasher, gory |
Age Recommendation | 13 + |
Format | Hardback, paperback |
£4.48
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Spooky, classic |
Age Recommendation | 18 + |
Format | Paperback, audiobook, eBook |
£10.49
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Fiction |
---|---|
Theme | Spooky, fantasy |
Age Recommendation | 13 + |
Format | Hardcover, audiobook, eBook |
Image | 1 ![]() Alexis Henderson | 2 ![]() Bram Stoker | 3 ![]() Gretchen McNeil | 4 ![]() Katherine Howe | 5 ![]() Riel Nason | 6 ![]() Jennifer Finney Boylan | 7 ![]() Alvin Schwartz | 8 ![]() Helen Oyeyemi | 9 ![]() Jared Chapman | 10 ![]() Cecilia Ruiz |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | The Year of the Witching | Dracula | Ten | The Penguin Book of Witches | The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt | I'm Looking Through You: Growing Up Haunted - A Memoir | Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark | White is for Witching | Vegetables in Halloween Costumes | The Book of Extraordinary Deaths – The True Accounts of Ill-Fated Lives |
Features | A Dark and Dazzling Journey That Questions Real World Ideas | There's No School Like the Old School | A Christie-Inspired Thriller You Won't Want to Put Down | A Dark History That Will Disgust and Delight in Equal Measure | Wholesome and Heartfelt Fun for Halloween | A Journey to the Heart of a Haunted House | Scaring the Bejesus Out of Kids Since the 1980s | A Neo-Gothic Story About Witches and So Much More | A Fun and Silly Book to Engage and Entertain Youngsters | A Book With a Style, Aesthetic and Content Like No Other |
Price | £10.49 | £4.48 | £7.64 | £9.99 | £11.38 | £3.94 | £5.78 | £11.52 | £5.39 | £10.75 |
Fiction / Non-Fiction | Fiction | Fiction | Fiction | Non-fiction | Fiction | Non-fiction | Ficiton | Fiction | Fiction | Non-fiction |
Theme | Spooky, fantasy | Spooky, classic | Slasher, gory | Spooky, historical, educational | Wholesome | Memoir | Scary | Ghost | Educational | Historical |
Age Recommendation | 13 + | 18 + | 13 + | 18 + | 8 - 12 | 18 + | 8 - 12 | 18 + | 0 - 5 | 18 + |
Format | Hardcover, audiobook, eBook | Paperback, audiobook, eBook | Hardback, paperback | Paperback, eBook | Hardcover | Hardback, paperback, audio CD | Paperback | Hardback, paperback | Hardback | Hardback, eBook |
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With the 31st fast approaching, you'll likely be wanting to get your Halloween preparations well underway. Whether that's trick or treating with the kids, a murder mystery night, or transforming your home into a witches lair, check out these articles for some more spooky inspiration!
There really is something for everyone when it comes to choosing a suitably spooky read. Whether you're after a terrifying tale or a grim adventure, we hope this article has helped you find the perfect book to see you through this Halloween!
Author: Lewis Clark
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