As Halloween approaches and the nights grow longer, it’s the perfect time to explore captivating books that embrace the spirit of the season. This list features 15 must-read Halloween books that offer everything from spooky mysteries to enchanting tales of magic and adventure. Whether you’re seeking witchy reads, haunting narratives, or heartwarming stories, these selections will transport you to enchanting worlds filled with thrills and chills.
Cozy up with a warm drink, and prepare to be captivated by these unforgettable Halloween reads that are sure to delight book lovers of all ages!
must-read Halloween books
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
As a long-time admirer of the All Souls series, diving into The Black Bird Oracle felt like coming home. This fifth instalment beautifully intertwines the themes of family legacy and personal growth as Diana Bishop confronts her fears and the shadows of her past. When the Congregation demands that her twins undergo a magical assessment, Diana's journey back to Ravenswood is both thrilling and emotionally charged. Under the guidance of her great-aunt Gwyneth, she discovers not only her family's hidden secrets but also the depths of her own magical potential. Harkness masterfully balances suspense with heartfelt moments, making this a compelling read that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Read this book if you loved A Discovery of Witches and The Night Circus.
Read the Full Review here.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
For a Halloween read that’s both cozy and enchanting, Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman is a must! This novel follows the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally, who navigate a complicated relationship not just with each other but also with magic itself. Bound by a family curse that makes falling in love dangerous, they also share a fierce sisterly bond that feels wonderfully relatable. Hoffman's writing captures a magical realism that evokes the charm found in Sarah Addison Allen's novels, seamlessly blending the everyday with the extraordinary.
Practical Magic is a classic for a reason, featuring rich family dynamics, a hint of romance, and a hauntingly beautiful sense of nostalgia. The story explores familiar themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with Hoffman's evocative prose drawing you into a world of moonlit spells and family secrets. Perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and letting the magic unfold. Plus, if you loved the 1998 film starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, you’ll find even more depth and charm in the original novel!
Read this book if you like sisterly bonds, magical realism, and stories that celebrate the power of love!
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo is a dark and mesmerizing dive into the secretive world of Yale’s elite societies and their connections to the occult. The story follows Alex Stern, a troubled freshman with a mysterious past, who is recruited to oversee the arcane activities of the university's secret societies. As she uncovers the sinister magic that lurks within the campus, she must navigate a world filled with privilege, danger, and dark rituals.
Bardugo’s writing is rich and atmospheric, pulling you into a labyrinth of secrets and intrigue that keeps you guessing at every turn.
Read this book if you like dark academia, urban fantasy, and stories that explore the complexities of friendship and survival in a world steeped in darkness!
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
If you're in the mood for a charming story that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a delightful choice. This enchanting tale follows Mika, a witch who has spent her life hiding her magical abilities. When she learns about a secret society of witches in need of her help, she discovers a world filled with quirky characters, magic, and unexpected friendships. The cozy setting and heartfelt themes of found family and acceptance will have you feeling right at home, reminiscent of the warmth found in The House in the Cerulean Sea. It's a perfect read for anyone who loves stories where the ordinary meets the extraordinary and where belonging is just a spell away.
Read this book if you like found family, magical realism, and the cozy charm of unexpected adventures!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is a heartwarming gem that you won’t want to miss! This enchanting story follows Linus Baker, a by-the-book caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, as he embarks on a life-changing assignment. Tasked with evaluating an orphanage for magical children, Linus finds himself drawn into a whimsical world filled with lovable, quirky characters who challenge his perceptions of what it means to belong.
Klune’s writing is beautifully tender, filled with warmth and humor that makes you feel right at home. The book touches on themes of acceptance, found family, and the importance of love and understanding in a world that often fears what’s different. With its captivating storytelling and delightful cast, The House in the Cerulean Sea is perfect for curling up with a cozy blanket and letting your heart swell with joy.
Read this book if you like stories about found family, Harry Potter, magical adventures, and the transformative power of love!
Read the full review here.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In Mexican Gothic, Silvia Moreno-Garcia weaves a chilling tale set in the eerie backdrop of 1950s Mexico. When Noemí Taboada receives a desperate letter from her cousin Catalina, pleading for help from her mysterious new husband and the unsettling atmosphere of High Place, she knows she must act. Armed with her glamour and determination, Noemí ventures into the heart of a decaying mansion steeped in dark secrets and family curses. As she unravels the sinister truths hidden within its walls, she confronts not only the oppressive nature of her cousin's new life but also the pervasive threat of an ancient evil.
For a chilling tale set in a dark and mysterious mansion, look no further than Mexican Gothic .
Read this book if you like gothic horror, folklore, suspense, and a touch of supernatural.
The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks
The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks is a thrilling romantic fantasy that will sweep you off your feet! Set against the backdrop of a hauntingly beautiful valley, the story follows Raina Bloodgood, who’s determined to avenge her sister's disappearance by killing the Frost King and the mysterious Witch Collector, Alexus Thibault. However, when a greater threat emerges, Raina must team up with the very man she vowed to slay. Their journey through a world filled with ancient gods, fire, and ice will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Sarah J. Maas, this book invites you into a story where magic and passion intertwine.
Read this book if you like fierce heroines, enemies-to-lovers dynamics, and tales of revenge that lead to unexpected alliances!
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling is a delightful romp through love, magic, and a bit of mayhem! This charming tale follows Vivienne, a witch who accidentally casts a curse on her ex-boyfriend Rhys after a heartbreak, leading to a hilarious chain of events that will keep you laughing and swooning.
The small-town setting is filled with quirky characters, and Sterling’s witty prose makes it a cozy read you won’t want to put down. If you enjoyed the light-hearted charm of Hocus Pocus or the sisterly bond in Practical Magic, this book will feel like a warm hug.
Read this book if you like lighthearted romance, quirky small-town charm, banter, and heartwarming tales of second chances that celebrate embracing your true self!
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
If you're in the mood for a cozy escape, The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst is a delightful choice that feels like a warm hug. This enchanting tale follows Kiela, a bookish librarian who flees a revolution, taking with her a stash of magical spellbooks. Returning to her childhood home on a quaint island, she finds herself navigating new friendships and the charming quirks of her community, all while secretly running an illicit spell shop disguised as a jam business. With its whimsical setting and engaging characters, this story is sure to charm anyone looking for a lighthearted adventure filled with magic and heart.
Read this book if you like stories about found family, cottagecore, romantasy, and cozy fantasies that blend adventure with heartwarming moments, reminiscent of Howl's Moving Castle or Legends & Lattes.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
In The Familiar, Leigh Bardugo transports readers to the vibrant yet perilous world of 16th-century Spain, where Luzia Cotado, a humble scullion, discovers her hidden talent for magic. As she navigates the treacherous waters of nobility and intrigue, her small miracles catch the eye of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to the king, who sees her as a pawn in his quest for redemption. Luzia must decide whether to seize this opportunity to change her fate or risk everything to protect her true identity from the looming threat of the Inquisition. With the enigmatic immortal familiar, Guillén Santángel, by her side, Luzia embarks on a dangerous journey filled with alchemy, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.
Read this book if you like gothic fantasies with a historical twist, complex characters grappling with their pasts, and stories that explore the intricacies of friendship and betrayal.
The Night House by Jo Nesbo
In The Night House, Jo Nesbo delivers a haunting coming-of-age tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Fourteen-year-old Richard Elauved finds himself in the isolated town of Ballantyne after the tragic loss of his parents. Struggling to fit in, he quickly becomes an outcast, especially when a classmate goes missing under mysterious circumstances. Richard's wild claim that a telephone booth has the power to suck people into its depths is met with disbelief—except by the intriguing Karen, who urges him to dig deeper.As they uncover clues leading to an abandoned house in the woods, Richard is drawn into a chilling world of dark magic and eerie whispers. With each revelation, the stakes rise, and he must confront not only the dangers lurking in Ballantyne but also the shadows within himself.
Read this book if you enjoy atmospheric horror, Stephen King, supernatural mysteries, and stories that delve into the complexities of grief and friendship!
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields is an enchanting debut that whisks you away to the idyllic Isle of Innisfree, where magic, romance, and a touch of whimsy intertwine beautifully. Meet Marigold Claude, the Honey Witch, who carries the heavy burden of a curse that prevents her from finding true love. When she’s sent to her family cottage to train as the next Honey Witch, she discovers a world of vibrant magic and the intoxicating scent of honey.
Everything changes when Lottie Burke, a skeptical visitor with a knack for grumpiness, arrives at her doorstep. Their fiery banter soon transforms into something deeper, as Marigold is determined to prove that magic is real—despite the risks it poses. With delightful characters and a lush, cottagecore atmosphere, this novel is a heartfelt exploration of love conquering all, even the darkest of spells.
Read this book if you enjoy queer romances, found family, the Ex Hex and stories where love blooms amidst enchanting gardens!
Graveyard Shift by M. L. Rio
In The Graveyard Shift, M.L. Rio invites readers into the hauntingly atmospheric world of a college town where five misfits gather nightly in an ancient cemetery. On one fateful October evening, they stumble upon a fresh grave that shouldn't exist, igniting their curiosity and setting them on a path of eerie discovery. As they follow the mysterious gravedigger, they uncover connections to a string of unsettling events plaguing their community. With each character bringing their own struggles and secrets to the mix, this modern Gothic tale blends suspense with dark humor, reminiscent of a grown-up Scooby-Doo adventure. As the night unfolds, the group must confront not only the mysteries of the grave but also their own fears and desires.
Read this book if you enjoy dark academia, quirky friendships, intrigue, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca is the perfect blend of romance and spooky charm that will sweep you off your feet! Set in the enchanting coastal town of Boneyard Key, this delightful read follows Cassie Rutherford as she embarks on a fresh start, only to discover that her new home comes with more than just character—it’s haunted!
As Cassie navigates the quirks of her charming cottage, including fridge magnets that seem to have a mind of their own, she finds herself drawn to the grumpy but irresistibly charming coffee shop owner, Nick. Their chemistry sparks as they team up to unravel the mysteries of the former owners, creating a slow-burn romance that’s both sweet and relatable.
Read this book if you love slow-burn romances, small-town settings, and stories where love and the paranormal collide!
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
In The Full Moon Coffee Shop, the enchanting world of Kyoto comes alive under a shimmering full moon, where a mystical coffee shop appears only when needed. Run by wise, talking cats, this haven serves not just delicious brews and desserts, but also age-old astrological wisdom. Each night, the shop welcomes lost souls—like a struggling screenwriter and a disheartened game developer—who seek guidance to rediscover their purpose.
As the feline baristas brew their magic, they help patrons navigate their paths and embrace their destinies. Heartwarming and whimsical, this tale reminds us that it’s never too late to find our way in life.
Read this book if you like cozy settings, astrology, animal companions and tales that celebrate the bonds between people over a cup of coffee!
As you explore these 15 best Halloween books, may you find stories that spark your imagination and add a touch of magic to your season. Whether you prefer cozy tales of witchcraft, thrilling mysteries, or haunting adventures, there’s something here for every reader. So grab your favorite blanket, brew a cup of something warm, and dive into these enchanting reads that celebrate the spirit of Halloween.
Happy reading, and don’t forget to share your thoughts on these books in the comments!
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