Author
Reading Adviser Sally
Published Date
Duration of Read
7 min

Spooky season is finally here! As we put on our sweaters, make cups of hot chocolate and pumpkin spice lattes and pick apples, we also look for something to read that fits the fall vibes. As someone who adores horror, I feel like this time of year provides a glorious bounty of books to read that will match the seasonal vibes around me. I think there is a story within the broad genre of horror for everyone.

If you are questioning, “Why would I ever read horror?” check out this previous blog post: Why Horror Is Comforting.

I have felt the comfort of horror for a long time, and I encourage anyone who is even somewhat interested to investigate and ask library staff for help finding the perfect fit. I could go on forever about the fun of a shiver down your spine or the excitement of a squeaky floorboard at night, so I thought I would offer some spooky-themed books that may be the perfect fit for you this Halloween.
 

Clearbrook Library staff dress up in costumes for Halloween.

Library staff take Halloween seriously! Whether you like cosy vibes or serious scares, we can help you find the right book for the spooky season. 

For Kids: The Doll House

The first book is a children’s novel aimed at middle-grade readers. A lot of kids love horror, and some of the best scary books out there are written for kids. As an adult, I still find them entertaining, engrossing and goosebump-inducing, as well as quite well written. 

This fall, I read a new book called The Doll House by D.W. Gillespie. The front cover of this book alone is terrifying, and I knew right away it was going to be so good and so creepy. Garrett and his mother have just inherited his grandfather’s home. It's an old mansion filled with spell books, creepy dolls and lots of unnerving noises. There is one particular puppet-like doll named Marion who Garrett is sure is watching him… how much creepier could it get! This is a great book for fans of Goosebumps.

 

A Graphic Novel: Moan

The next book is an adult graphic novel. Yes, graphic novels are for all ages, and adult graphic novels have given me more horror content than I could have imagined. Some of the best horror I have ever consumed has been in graphic novel format. 

The title I want to highlight today is by a true master of horror — author Junji Ito. Moan is a collection of stories that will make your skin crawl (in a good way). Each story has such an unsettling ending that you'll be left with chills. Expect body horror, supernatural encounters and even the horrors of never unclogging drains! I enjoyed each story on its own and the collection as a whole.

 

Cosy Horror: Gallows Hill

Maybe you would rather dip your toes into horror with a gentler title to start. There is a whole subgenre of horror called "cosy horror," and it is perfect for this season and all year round. I categorize things as cosy horror when the story involves something supernatural, like a haunting or ghosts or spirits, but the descriptions never get too gory or gross, and you can still go to sleep with the lights out when you’re done reading. 

My go-to author for cosy horror is Darcy Coates. One of her novels you could try is called Gallows Hill. A haunted winery? Sign me up! Margaret inherits the family winery business but wants nothing to do with it. Before she can sell it off, she must go home and face the cursed land she grew up on. 

If you end up enjoying this title, check out my list of other cosy horror novels.

The Classics: Frankenstein and Beloved

Another great way to enjoy horror without the slash and gore is to read a few classics. You can try Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, or, if you want a novel with immense depth and impact, try Beloved by Toni Morrison. This novel is so beautifully written and will challenge readers to face the horrors of slavery with a spellbinding story of a haunting unlike any other. 

Contemporary Horror: Pictures of You and Other Titles by Josh Malerman

I will finish my book suggestions by sharing my most anticipated horror novel of 2026 — Pictures of You by Josh Malerman. I have not read it yet (I have it on hold and I can’t wait!), but I have been such a fan of this author for so long that I just can’t wait to jump in. 

The last novel I read by Malerman was Incidents Around the House, and even though I love to say nothing scares me, I made sure my closet was closed nice and tight while I was reading it. 

My favourite Josh Malerman novel to date is Pearl, the story of a murderous, psychotic pig with telekinetic powers. If you want to hear more about that one, check me out in a pig costume on Instagram or listen to my podcast on FVRL ReadRadio. 
 

 

FVRL Reading Adviser Sally poses with the book The Doll House by D.W. Gillespie.

Happy Halloween!

I hope you are inspired to pick up a spooky book this autumn and find the perfect thing to get you in the mood for All Hallow’s Eve. Happy scary reading! 

Sally is an FVRL Reading Adviser and horror enthusiast. View more of Sally's reading suggestions.
 

Topic

More posts like this

A young boy reads a graphic novel at FVRL's Terry Fox Library.
Panels With Power: How Comics Strengthen Your Mind
I love reading graphic novels and comic books, and I’m definitely not alone. From kids just starting their reading experience to adults rediscovering storytelling in a new format, comics have exploded in popularity over the past decade. But despite that, there’s still a lingering misconception that comics aren’t “real reading,” or that they don’t build strong literacy skills. Comics are not only legitimate literature; they’re incredibly powerful for your brain.
A South Asian woman poses for a photo. She holds her granddaughter, a toddler, in her arms. They have just arrived for Storytime at Terry Fox Library.
Building Language Skills and Community
Moving to a new country brings exciting opportunities — and big changes, especially for families with young children. Libraries are often among the first welcoming places newcomers visit, and one of the best ways libraries support these families is through early literacy programs, such as Storytime, Babytime, baby socials and puppet shows.
Book pages close-up with bokeh lights
FVRL Reading Advisers Pick Their Best Reads of 2025
As 2025 wraps up, the FVRL Reading Advisers are taking a moment to look back at all the great books we read this year. Each of us picked one favourite book we couldn’t stop thinking about, and we’re excited to share our top picks with you. Whether you’re looking for something new to read or just curious about what caught our attention, we hope these books spark your interest and inspire your next read.
A ghost flies out of a horror novel.
Why Horror Is Comforting
Some people turn to romance for comfort. Others reach for cosy mysteries or gentle comedies. Me? I curl up with horror. When I think of horror, I feel a mix of excitement, anticipation and a surprising sense of comfort. It might seem strange: how can a genre designed to shock, scare, disturb, and terrify also be soothing?
Pop-art-style illustration of a man and a woman about to kiss.
Why I Love "Trashy" Books
I have a bit of a controversial opinion: I love reading so-called “trashy” novels. For as long as I can remember, I’ve read primarily for escapism. I love sinking into a fast-paced, exciting story — something I can get lost in. Give me strong characters, engaging plots and imaginative settings, and I’m hooked.
A woman sits reading a book at Dean Drysdale Library. A bookshelf with Grab & Go bags can be seen behind her.
How to Get Out of a Reading Slump
I love reading, but even as a library professional, it sometimes takes me months to get back into it. We've all been there: unsure where to start, staring at a pile of unread books and feeling a strange guilt. Whether it’s the business of life or just a string of underwhelming reads, reading slumps happen to the best of us.
FVRL Pride bookmarks with reading suggestions for all ages
Celebrate Pride With FVRL
June is Pride Month, a time to honour the history, achievements and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. At FVRL, Pride is more than just a month-long celebration; it’s part of our ongoing commitment to inclusion, representation and creating a welcoming space for everyone.
A young woman and a young man are looking for books in a library.
Why I Prioritize Diverse Voices in My Reading
I love reading books by authors from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I try to keep an open mind and seek out stories that reflect a wide range of life experiences. For me, this means being intentional about not limiting my reading to authors of a single ethnicity or worldview.
Portrait of a teenage girl on a rooftop. Reading a comic. Enjoying the sunset. Self-time moments.
Free Comic Book Day!
On Saturday, May 3, we will celebrate Free Comic Book Day, an annual outreach initiative of the North American comic book industry. Thanks to the support of Heroes for Sale, one of the Fraser Valley’s amazing comic book shops, we are happy to share a limited selection and quantity of free comic books with our communities.
One eRead Canada logo with Valid ebook cover in English and French.
One eRead Canada 2025: Valid by Chris Bergeron
This month, hundreds of participating Canadian public libraries will offer free, unlimited access to Valid by Chris Bergeron in ebook and Audiobook as part of One eRead Canada. Valid will be available in English and French without holds or waitlists throughout April 2025.