When you think of Halloween, vampire horrors, skeletons, and magic potions may come to mind. We asked NoVA librarians and booksellers what they would recommend adults read during this spooky season. While some of their picks fall into the “scare and be scared” category, others do not. Grab your hot cider and curl up with these books that are perfect for the Halloween season.
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
“Dina is an ‘Inn Keeper,’ and she is in charge of protecting all those who stay at her inn. The challenge is all her guests are from other planets and don’t always play nice. If you like witches, werewolves, vampires, interstellar travel via doors, or cute little dogs that are truly monstrous, this book is for you!” — Catherine Seavey, Community Outreach Services, Prince William Public Libraries
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
“A fantastic, unsettling retelling and expansion of The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe, with some of the most eerie if not downright terrifying imagery and concepts. I fell in love from the first chapter and I cannot wait for the sequel.” — Christina Kerndt, Fairfax County Public Library
Night’s Edge by Liz Kerin
“Night’s Edge is unique take on the vampire horror and epidemic sub-genres, and it felt like a nightmare I’d had before. Vaguely The Walking Dead meets Buffy meets What We Do In the Shadows, Night’s Edge is a dysfunctional family tale that follows a young woman abiding by the whims of her over-protective vampiric mother. A chance meeting with an eclectic personality, however, spurs her to seek out more from her life. Visceral, haunting, and otherworldly, this is a great read if you’re looking for something nostalgic and atmospheric.” — Mallory Sutton, Bards Alley Bookshop
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
“What’s better for Halloween than lots and lots of skeletons? Seriously, you can’t swing a stick in the Ninth House without hitting some bony undead, which is part of why Gideon is so desperate to leave. But when her initial escape is foiled, she has little choice but to follow the Ninth House’s necromancer, Harrow, in her bid to uncover the secrets of Lyctorhood and become one of the God-Emperor’s immortal lieutenants. Hey, at least the giant ancient castle they’re investigating has some sunshine and fresh air — it’s a welcome change, until would-be Lyctors start showing up murdered. With great characters, writing that moves skillfully between humor and horror, and fascinating twists and turns, this book and its sequels are one of a kind.” — Dana Brown, Hooray for Books!
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
“This book is a creepy, atmospheric book where a main character with mental illness is meeting back up with friends after some time away, getting ready for the ultimate spooky destination wedding: a haunted Heian-era mansion in Japan. As the group settles in, things start to get weirder and weirder, leading up to the most cinematic feeling scene of when things switch from ‘Hey, are things just creepy, or did something just happen?’ to ‘Oh no, things are BAD.’ It’s a delightful little book that makes you wish you had more of these characters.” — Christina Kerndt, Fairfax County Public Library
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
“This novel follows Danny Torrance, the little boy from The Shining. As an adult, Danny struggles due to his experience at the Outlook Hotel. Now, he channels his shine by helping patients in a nursing home. A group of paranormal travelers called the True Knot want to hurt those who have the gift, otherwise known as ‘the shining.’ Abra is their next victim and Danny must protect her. Dan and Abra connect through their gift as Danny forces himself to face ghosts from his past and save Abra. Dark and magical, this novel is a perfect balance of continuing the legacy of The Shining and introducing powerful new characters like Abra.” — Sarah Kirk, Ashburn Branch, Loudoun County Public Library
The Chestnut Man by Soren Sviestrup
“A killer is leaving chestnut dolls made of matchsticks at multiple horrific crime scenes. This killer is on the hunt ready to torment his victims. Detectives Thulin and Hess must put aside their differences and partner to solve the disturbing crimes. This read is spine-chilling with more plot twists than you can imagine.” — Sarah Kirk, Ashburn Branch, Loudoun County Public Library
A Rival Most Vial: Potioneering for Love and Profit (Book 1 of The Side Quest Row Series) by R.K. Ashwick
“Get things bubbling and brewing with this quirky rivalry turning up the heat in more ways than one. A wonderful world is built and stepping into it is delightful and at times dangerous. A cozy fantasy romance to enjoy with your favorite fall treat nearby.” — Megan Bell, Ashburn Branch, Loudoun County Public Library
Feature image courtesy HarperCollins and A.K. Ashwick
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