Halloween may seem like the scariest time of year, but you know what’s really frightening?
Not having the right book for the moment at hand.
So we reached out to local independent booksellers for suggestions and advice on what to read for the spooky season, and we got back a cauldron’s worth of creepy reads for all ages and scare levels. Even better? They seemed to know you already had stocked up on Stephen King and Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and might be looking for some more voices. We’re grateful to all the booksellers who responded.
So read on, make notes, and then stop by your local bookshop to get in the mood to greet trick-or-treaters (or to pull the curtains, cut the lights and hide out reading a good book).
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The Frugal Frigate & A Room of One’s Own
9 N. 6th Street, Redlands, 909-793-0740, @frugalfrigate
“To Catch A Ghost” by Rachel Michelle Wilson
“Beverley, Bat Your Service” by Kelly Collier
Both of these are great read-alouds for a not-so-spooky storytime!
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
I just finished “Chloe Vega and the Agents of Magic” by Leslie Adame, and it’s an absolutely wonderful middle-grade fantasy novel that also has real-world relatability. I’m also currently listening to “Separation of Church and Hate” by John Fugelsang on Libro.fm (your alternative to Audible, and Libro supports Indies!) and I am absolutely enthralled by it.
More information:
“Follow us on socials or check out frugalfrigate.com for all of our upcoming events for both kids AND adults!”
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Lido Village Books
3424 via Lido #103, Newport Beach, 949-524-7376, @lvbabookstore
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“Cackle” by Rachel Harrison is a book I always recommend, even more so during this time of year. It’s “Quirky, witty, witchy, and magical with a good amount of horror. A must read for spooky season!,” says bookseller Laura Lee.
“A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess – “Ghouls, ghosts and monsters are certainly scary. However, humans are often the biggest monsters of all. This classic deep dives into the horrors of choice, nature, and nurture,” says bookseller Anthony O’Brien.
“Something Wicked This Way Comes” by Ray Bradbury“Can’t wait for Halloween? In Green Town, Illinois, something truly wicked is brewing, and bringing in an early Halloween with it. At the Cooger and Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show, dark wishes will be granted, nightmares come to life, and escape is only possible by facing your fears,” says bookseller Emma Hong.
10 scary books you need to add to your Halloween reading list
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Malibu Village Books
23359 E. Pacific Coast Highway #23359, Malibu, 657-757-3619, @mvbabookstore
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“The Lamb” by Lucy Rose“Who doesn’t love a folky, cannibalistic tale of a mother and daughter who live secluded in the woods? A rural, dark author debut about love, grief, family, and growing up. Queer, gothic, and grotesque,” says bookseller Emma Carroll.
“House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski“If you like your fiction experimental and your horror ontological, then this is a must-read. At first, I thought it was a bit pretentious. Before I knew it I had spent 8 hours straight reading. It might actually be cursed,” says bookseller Sonny.
“Fantasticland” by Mike Bockoven“Getting stuck in an amusement park after a one-of-a-kind hurricane sounds fun … until hands are chopped off and clans start forming. This book takes a beloved place for families to vacation and turns it into a nightmare battleground,” says bookseller Christopher Eastman.
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North Figueroa Books
6040 N Figueroa St., L.A., 213-826-3226, @northfigbookshop
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“Hauntings” by Vernon Lee
I’m obsessed with and in love with Vernon Lee. Her gothic short stories are deeply underappreciated. She fell out of favor for her staunch pacifism leading into WWI and her various relationships with both men and women, but now readers can find an affordable edition of stories full to the brim with deadly queer desire, ghosts, shipwrecks… Italians! – Allison, Editor, Publishing & Publicity Manager at Unnamed Press
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Octavia’s Bookshelf
1353 N Hill Ave., Pasadena, 626-421-6222, @octavias_bookshelf
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“The Reformatory” by Tananarive Due
I recommended this book last year, and it’s still firmly on the list as I read it again to usher in spooky season.
“Psychopomp and Circumstance” by Eden Royce
Southern. Gothic. Historical fiction. Need I say more?
“Listen to Your Sister” by Neena Viel
Both terrifying and funny. Much like real life, right?
More information:
I am currently reading “The New New Me” by Helen Oyeyemi. This book is so weird in the best way possible. It’s the story of one woman and the multiple versions of herself. Some of them are toxic, some funny but which one tied up a man in her apartment and which one is trying to destroy all versions of herself?
We are expecting a shipment of the cutest “I Heart Altadena” socks next week which are sure to be a hit in the community. We also have lots of new fun puzzles and stickers along with some exciting cookbooks that should get you into the holiday season.
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Once Upon a Time
2207 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, 818-248-9668, @onceuponatimebkstore
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“A Little Too Haunted” by Justine Pucella Winans
“This middle-grade funny story is like HGTV flipping spooky houses!,” says Manager Jessica
“Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories” by Max Brallier
“For the early reading set who are just getting into spooky stories, this is an easy chapter book told in five stories, all with mild scares,” says bookseller Iz.
“Under the Surface” by Diana Urban
“YA fast-paced thriller set in the Paris catacombs filled with ghoulish hunters, long dead bodies and murder. It will tingle your spine and keep you guessing,” says owner Maureen.
“Departure 37” by Scott Carson
Heh, it’s not a traditional scary story but with a premise of every airline pilot in the world having their Mother leave them the same voicemail message – DO NOT LIFT OFF – including dead Mothers, this is a special techno-thriller that could be in our near future,” says owner Maureen.
“The Confessions” by Paul Bradley Carr
California-based horror of an AI story that will make you question every Google search you do from now on,” says Maureen (who loved it).
More information:
Even the youngest pumpkin hunters can find cute, fall-themed books that feature interactive cut-outs, friendly-faced witches and smiling ghosties. We love to be able to offer seasonal books for families of all ages.
Stephen Graham Jones finishes off horror trilogy with ‘The Angel of Indian Lake’
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Skylight Books
1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, 323-660-1175, @skylightbooks
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“Somebody Is Walking on Your Grave” by Mariana Enriquez
Like “A Field Guide to Getting Lost” for sickos and goths. -Rene Franco
“More Weight: A Salem Story” by Ben Wickey
Beautifully illustrated graphic novel about the long lingering consequences of the Salem witch trials – Alex
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Underdog Bookstore
312 S. Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, 626-415-1031, @underdogbookstore
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“The Lone Wolf Cafe” by Sydney Wilder
“If you like your spooky reads on the cozy side with some sapphic werewolf-witch romance, this one’s for you,” says Board President Kealie Mardell-Carrera
“Monster” by Christopher Pike
“A classic YA creature spooky read – just remember, don’t drink the water!” says Vice President Jen Venegas
“The Near Witch” by V.E.Schwab
“An endearing and haunting book that has an old-timey feel and is the perfect spooky night read,” says Board Member Amber Castelallanos
“These Bodies Ain’t Broken” edited by Madeline Dyer
“I love a good anthology and this new YA horror collection is the first I’ve ever read that showcases disabled characters, written by disabled authors, who are winning against all the odds,” says Board President Kealie Mardell-Carrera.
More information:
Our October event schedule is packed at Underdog and there really is something for everyone! We are also fundraising for our nonprofit with the Witches & Whimsy Howl-O-Ween Auction, which will go live online on October 25 and end with a celebration in-store November 1.
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Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-449-5320, @vromansbookstore
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“The Thief of Always” by Clive Barker, “The Troop” by Nick Cutter, “This Skin Was Once Mine” by Eric LaRocca, says bookseller Angela.
“The Wax Child” by Olga Ravn.”The perfect book for witchy, freak weirdos,” says bookseller Chloe.
“The Tower of Love” by Rachilde.”The perfect book for the lighthouse keeper in your life,” says bookseller Chloe.
What you’re reading and recommending:
“The Lottery & Other Stories” by Shirley Jackson.
“No one does it like my girl Shirley,” says bookseller Chloe.
“The Houseguest” by Amparo Davila.“Scary stories about someone coming over to your house,” says bookseller Chloe.
“I’m currently reading “The Knight & The Moth” by Rachel Gillig and “Eldritch” by Keri Lake. “Eldritch” is the second book in the Eating Woods Series after “Anathema,” which is one of the best gothic fantasy novels I’ve ever read, with horrifying creatures and an eerie setting. Perfect for spooky season!
“Other novels on my TBR for spooky season are: “Tender is the Flesh” by Agustina Bazterrica, “The Turn of the Screw” by Henry James, “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, “Head Full of Ghosts” by Paul Tremblay and “Only One Left” by Riley Sager. Also, if you haven’t read “Carmilla” by Sheridan Le Fanu, PLEASE do yourself a favor and read it, it’s super short and a must-read vampire novel! – bookseller Angela
13 terrifying books to haunt your dreams as Halloween approaches
Zibby’s Bookshop
1113 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, 424-387-1744, @zibbysbookshop
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“O Caledonia” by Elspeth Barker
Our store book club is reading this classic gothic horror novel this month, and we’re so excited to discuss it in person!
“Horrid” by Katrina Leno
“This is the perfect spooky haunted house store for Halloween! So fun and not TOO scary,” says bookseller Mike
What you’re reading and recommending:
“Dungeon Crawler Carl” by Matt Dinniman
“I was late to jump on the Dungeon Crawler train, but I’ve read all 7 books that are out so far, and absolutely love them!” says bookseller Katrina
Statement:
Halloween is our favorite time of year for books! We have a ton of fun, spooky reads and are ready to help you find your next favorite!