“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.” ~ William Shakespeare, Macbeth
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, and whether you enjoy heart-pounding horror or prefer something a bit tamer, there are plenty of classic and contemporary tales to get you in the Halloween spirit — without keeping you up all night (though some might!).
One of the all-time classics is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818). While often seen as horror, it’s also a story of empathy, loneliness, and the consequences of playing God. Similarly, Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1897) continues to captivate readers with its gothic atmosphere and darkly romantic portrayal of the world’s most famous vampire.
For something lighter, try Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820), the eerie yet charming tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. It captures the spirit of early American life and autumn. Or consider Oscar Wilde’s The Canterville Ghost (1887), which blends humor with ghostly antics as a family moves into a haunted mansion, much to the frustration of the poor ghost!
A more recent classic, Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962), is perfect for Halloween. This coming-of-age tale is filled with magic, mystery, and a dark carnival. And no Halloween would be complete without Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting short stories, such as The Tell-Tale Heart or The Raven, perfect for a quick dive into the macabre.
For fans of contemporary horror, Stephen King reigns supreme with twisted worlds like Carrie (1974), It (1986), The Shining (1977), and Doctor Sleep (2013). Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire (1976) explores love, death, and immortality in her iconic Vampire Chronicles series.
Whether you’re looking for a classic or a newer spine-tingling read, your library is the perfect place to find them. All are free with your library card.
Happy Halloween, and happy reading!
“Where there is no imagination, there is no horror.” ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle