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Woman's World
10 Spine-Tingling Scary Books That Are Perfect For Spooky Season
By Courtney Shapiro,
3 hours ago
If you’re like us at Woman’s World , you might shy away from truly creepy horror tales that will keep you up at night. Instead, we gravitate toward spooky books that aren’t quite as scary but will still have you on the edge of your seat. Think more along the lines of black cats, flickering candles, slightly macabre settings and unpredictable twists and turns. And with Friday the 13 looming, followed by Halloween, what better way to get into the spooky spirit than with these novels—that will make the perfect September or October read? Want a spine-chilling, hair-raising read without the nightmares? Keep scrolling for our list of spooky books you won’t want to put down.
When their mother is brutally murdered, Ophelia and her sister have no time to grieve, since Ophelia has inherited her mom’s powerful death magic as well as an enormous debt on their home. Things go from bad to worse when Ophelia’s sister decides to pay off the loan by entering P hantasma — a competition where most contestants don’t make it out alive and the winner is granted a single wish. However, Phantasma is a spooky, cursed manor, and Ophelia has to win nine floors of challenges to survive — and win. When Blackwell, a charming yet arrogant stranger approaches her with ideas of protection and winning, she’s not sure she can trust him. While she can’t turn him away, she must protect herself because the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart.
What readers are saying: “I absolutely devoured this book! The author did a fantastic job creating an edgy, haunting and gothic aesthetic in this novel! Characters are well-developed and engaging and the chemistry between Blackwell and Ophelia is sinfully lethal. Highly recommend readers give this novel a try! You will not be sorry you opened this book!”
From demon courts and magic to hexes and sinners, Kerri Maniscalco’s Throne of the Fallen has all the spooky elements to make your skin crawl. Camilla is an artist in the mortal realm, and Envy is a Prince of Hell. But when a deadly game begins in the underworld where Envy resides, he and Camilla get caught up in a whirlwind of intrigue, danger and passion. Will they ultimately save Envy’s kingdom from peril or will they fall into the worst trap of all: love?
What readers are saying: “ Kerri Maniscalco knows exactly how to pull you into her fantasy worlds, and I couldn’t wait to read this one — the first in her Princes of Sin series. I was rooting for these characters and actually shouting at the plot twists!”
Beatriz’s father was executed and her home was destroyed during the overthrow of the Mexican government. So when Don Rodolfo Solórzano proposes, Beatriz casts aside the rumors about his first wife’s demise due to the comfort and security of his estate. However, Hacienda San Isidro isn’t what it seems, and spooky visions and dreams start to overtake Beatriz’s mind. Why doesn’t she enter the house at night and why does the cook burn incense and mark the doorway with strange symbols? No one believes Beatriz’s fears are valid, but she knows something is off. She finds support in the young priest, Padre Andrés. But Andrés is no regular priest — he’s a witch. With his help, Beatriz may be able to battle the looming darkness… If not the house could be her doom.
What readers are saying: “ This debut novel was such a great read. Once you're introduced to the characters the story really takes off. It was hard to stop reading. San Isidro is a character all its own. Talk about a haunted house. There is nothing subtle about the scares. There are plenty of them, many quite horrifying. If you like gothic horror this book is for you.”
Bestselling author Christina Henry is well-known for her eerie, otherworldly tales — and this spooky page-turner follows suit! Everyone in Sleepy Hollow knows the legend of the Horseman, but no one believes it…not even Ben Van Brunt’s grandfather, Brom, who was there when it allegedly happened. Now, 30 years later, Ben finds the body of a headless person in the woods and starts questioning everything he was ever told.
What readers are saying: “ I’ve read and enjoyed all of Christina Henry’s books — this one was no exception, great story, loved the twist on the original, Henry is a master at recreating classic tales.”
Magic, mysteries, true love — this enthralling novel has it all, plus it’s perfect for spooky season. When Emery Blackwood’s best friend was found dead, the love of her life, August Salt, was shockingly accused of murdering her. Years later, Emery is running Blackwood’s Tea Shoppe on Saoirse Island, and on the day of August’s return, she wakes up to find every tree in town eerily turned color in the night. Now, Emery must face the past she’s tried to forget.
What readers are saying: “ I wasn't sure what to expect going into the book, but I absolutely loved it. There was a savoriness about the story that I really valued. A lot of genre elements came into play here, including magical realism, romance and a bit of thriller/mystery. The remote island vibe was just the right amount of spooky without being overt and I thought it was the perfect setting. I was on the edge of my seat and felt the tension that just kept pulling me back in!”
Bestselling author Simone St. James is known for her sagas of heart-racing drama and mystery, and this eerie tale doesn’t disappoint! In 1919, Kitty Weekes takes a position as a nurse at Portis House, a remote hospital for soldiers with trauma from the Great War. But something spooky is happening at Portis House, and Kitty teams up with an inmate, Jack Yates, to explore the bone-chilling truths of the hospital.
What readers are saying: “ “ There were times while reading this book I had to put it down, close my eyes and tell myself "No one is watching you" That's the feeling you get while reading this. Chills, suspense, intrigue! You'll thoroughly enjoy this book, as well as the rest of Simone St James’ stories. I highly recommend it!”
After a disastrous first date that goes up in flames (literally), Marlowe Wexler, desperate to escape her singed reputation, takes a summer job as a tour guide at the historic Morning House, which is wrapped up in layers of secrets and a dark, storied past. Marlowe becomes obsessed with the place, its eccentric staff of troubled teens and the grand mystery of Morning House.
What readers are saying: “I was drawn to this title after the overwhelming success of Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious books,” says Sienna Sullivan , Woman’s World Editorial Assistant. “Marlowe’s narration was neurotic in the best way and I found myself chuckling in the midst of the book’s thrilling suspense.”
It’s no surprise that the king of horror and suspense earns a spot on our spooky books list. Late in the night, in a house on a quiet suburban street, Luke Ellis’ parents are silently murdered while he’s put into a black SUV. When he wakes up he’s at The Institute, a room that’s spookily similar to his own except that it has no window. Outside his room are doors where kids with telekinesis and other special abilities are being held, some in the Front Half and others in the Back Half. Mrs. Sigsby, the director of the Institute, and her staff, are determined to extract the children's gifts. If you go along with their plans, you get rewarded; if you don’t, brutal punishment awaits. Luke becomes more and more desperate to leave as he learns that more children are getting sent to the back half, but no one ever escapes The Institute.
What readers are saying: “ I absolutely loved The Institute . King’s writing style is what truly captivated my attention. He has a way of structuring sentences and creating ambiguity around events that leave you hanging yet intrigued. He also built a cast of characters that I absolutely adored, especially Luke and Avery.”
Jack and Grace seem like the perfect couple: He’s a lawyer who helps victims of domestic violence; she’s a stay-at-home wife who is extremely close with her disabled sister. But friends start to wonder why Grace never answers the phone or leaves the house without Jack, and why the bedroom windows have bars on them.
What readers are saying: “I downloaded this book to read while I waited for a doctor’s appointment, and I was so sucked in by the story that — for once! — the time flew by,” says Patty Bontekoe , Woman’s World Executive Editor. “This book was a page-turner in every sense. From page one, it’s clear that something is terribly wrong, and I didn’t stop reading until I figured it out. Even after I finished, my heart was pounding for what seemed like days!”
After marrying the wealthy Maxim de Winter, a man she barely knew, the second Mrs. de Winter becomes determined to uncover the secrets behind the death of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca. However, Rebecca’s influence still rules the house in more ways than one, so how will the new Mrs. DeWinter ever escape her shadow?
What readers are saying: “The creepy housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, gave me chills. And the ending reminded me that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”
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