If you’re looking for a read to send chills down your spine and set the eerie tone for Halloween here are four of my favorites that cover everything from classic monsters to psychological mind games. Whether you want old school horror or something that hits a little closer to home, each of these stories brings its own fright.
“Carrie” by Stephen King
Photo courtesy of Doubleday & Company
It’s hard to talk about horror without mentioning Stephen King, and “Carrie” is one of his most iconic works for a reason. The story builds an atmosphere of dread from the start, slowly pulling you into the psychological torment of its main character. It’s striking, emotional and ends with one of the most unforgettable climaxes in horror fiction. A classic King experiences unsettling and deeply human all at once. I am not the biggest fan of Stephen King’s writing, but I was captivated throughout the entire story and seeing Carrie’s decent and eventual undoing was thrilling at every step.
“And suddenly it didn’t seem to matter any more, nothing would matter if she could turn over, turn over and see the stars, turn over and look once and die.”
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
Before modern horror, there was “Frankenstein.” Mary Shelley’s masterpiece remains one of the most important novels in the genre, blending gothic atmosphere with philosophical depth. It explores themes of abandonment, prejudice and the dangers of unchecked ambition, raising questions about what it means to be human. Both the scientist and the monster linger long after you turn the last page, proving that true horror often lies in the consequences of our own creations. Especially upon the recent release of Gullermo Del Toro’s new Frankenstein film, this is a perfect novel to pick up and read one of the greatest classics of horror.
“I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.”
“The Intruder” by Frieda McFadden
Photo courtesy of Poisoned Pen Press
For a taste of the newer novels and authors within horror, Frieda McFadden’s “The Intruder” delivers masterfully crafted suspense and mystery, leaving you questioning the characters and your own eyes while reading between its covers(?). Released earlier this month, it’s the kind of story that makes you think you’ve solved the mystery, until it flips everything upside down in the last 50 pages. McFadden has a talent for suspense that feels modern, fast-paced and perfectly suited for a late-night reading session.
“I probably won’t die tonight. And if I do, the good news is that nobody will miss me.”
“I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” by Harlem Ellison
Last but not least is my favorite short story of all time. Ellison’s post-apocalyptic short story, written in 1967, is to this day one of the most famous examples of dystopian horror. The tale follows remnants of humanity trapped and tortured by a supercomputer with godlike control of the world they live in. Beneath the science fiction, body horror and psychological thrills lies something much deeper: an exploration of existential dread, human resilience and the dangers of technology without mortality or regulations. It’s bone-chilling, brilliant and lingers with the terrifying thought of what if eternal suffering is worse than death?
“Surrounded by madness, surrounded by hunger, surrounded by everything but death, I knew death was our only way out.”
Whether you’re looking for classic monsters, mind games or philosophical nightmares, these reads are perfect for finishing out the Halloween season.