10 Supernatural Reads for Halloween

When I think of October, I can’t help but think of grey skies, foggy weather, and damp leaves crushed underfoot. The days are shorter, the weather is colder, and Halloween is just around the corner. Basically, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! October is officially spooky season, and I’ve been excitedly adjusting my reading list accordingly. Naturally, when it comes to October reads, a supernatural book is always at the top of my recommendations list. After all, there is no better time to read a book about ghosts and vampires than in the lead up to Halloween. Of all of the supernatural books I’ve read over the years, there are a special few that live in my mind rent free. Here are 10 Supernatural Reads Perfect for Halloween.

The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett

Theodora’s father is a treasure hunter. He travels the world in search of rare and mystical artifacts, which he writes about in his books. When he goes missing while out looking for Count Dracula’s lost ring, Theo must team up with his apprentice to bring him home. As their search leads them deep into Romania, Theo and Huck soon realize that they’re not the only ones searching for her father, and time is quickly running out.

This is a thrilling YA adventure story that feels very Indiana Jones but with vampires. There’s action, mystery, and romance, all which make this such a fun read. Throw in a few vampires, and you’ve got the perfect October book!

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Diana Bishop is a witch. Spellbound and uninterested in anything to do with the paranormal, she spends her days at Oxford University’s Bodleian Library, where she studies alchemical manuscripts. When she accidentally summons one that’s been missing for centuries, avoiding the supernatural is no longer an option. The manuscript brings with it extraordinary knowledge, danger, and a handsome vampire biologist, setting Diana on a course that extends far beyond academia and into the world of the supernatural.

This is such a wonderful fall read! There’s action, forbidden romance, and a lush library setting guaranteed to have you feeling all of the fall vibes. This also happens to be one of my absolute favorite forbidden romance/paranormal novels!

The Mediator: Shadowland by Meg Cabot

Shadowland is the first in The Mediator series by Meg Cabot and follows Suze, a teenage mediator. Suze has the unique ability to see ghosts. As a mediator, she helps them tie up unfinished business. When her family leaves New York for a new start in California, Suze decides to leave all of her mediator business behind. That is, until she finds the hottest ghost she’s ever seen just hanging out in her bedroom. Turns out leaving the past behind isn’t so simple, and Suze’s mediator business is yet unfinished.

This is a fun, YA series, that features a strong female protagonist, cute ghosts, and classic paranormal action. This is the perfect light-hearted, yet action packed read for a cozy October afternoon.

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh

After Celine Rousseau fled life in Paris, she’s found herself in electric New Orleans living amongst the sisters of the Ursaline Convent. It isn’t long before Celine meets the charismatic Sebastian and gets caught up in the mystery and danger of the city’s underworld. When a serial killer starts picking off women one by one, Celine fears she’s next and that somehow, Sebastian has something to do with it. Sebastian, she discovers, is not what he seems. When the bodies continue to pile up, Celine can’t but help but wonder if anything he’s told her is true.

Set against the backdrop of late nineteenth century New Orleans, this YA novel is full of gothic vibes, mystery, romance, and vampires.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

This is a modern take on Jack the Ripper by Maureen Johnson, the author of the Truly, Devious series. The Name of the Star is the first in a trilogy that follows Rory Deveaux as she arrives in London for boarding school. When her new start is quickly overshadowed by a series of copy-cat Jack the Ripper murders, Rory discovers that the murderer may not be of this world.

I first read this back in high school and immediately fell in love with Maureen Johnson’s writing. She crafts an intricate tale of suspense with foggy London as the backdrop, giving all the spooky vibes.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Misery Lark is the daughter of an influential vampyre councilman, and has often lived her life as a political pawn. When the vampyres are in need of a marriage alliance with their werewolf neighbors, Misery is volunteered for the job. But werewolves and vampyres are natural enemies, and marriage to a powerful werewolf alpha starts off far from idyllic. However, the more time Misery spends in Were territory, the more she begins to wonder if anything she’s learned about them is true.

This is a fun arranged marriage romance novel with vampire/werewolf politics thrown in for added drama. It’s also an Ali Hazelwood novel, so readers can expect many of her usual tropes and characterizations. Overall, it’s a quick read with action, romance, and a festive plot sure to please romance readers this season.

Readers should note, this one is Rated R.

The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith

If you like your supernatural stories to have a historical setting, you will love The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith. This YA novel takes place in 1911 Manhattan and follows Frances Hallowell, a seamstress who discovers that she’s a witch. As she’s whisked away to witch school, Frances learns about her power and longs for more than simple domestic spells. When she meets Finn, a boy with magic, she soon finds herself caught in a magical battle for control over New York City.

There are so many elements to this book that make this the perfect October read. If you enjoy books with gothic vibes, magic, boarding schools and action, you’ll devour The Witch Haven. There are also some pretty big plot twists that had me totally shocked!

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Sixteen year-old Bree Matthews arrives at UNC to begin an exclusive program for high school students. With emotional wounds from her mother’s death still fresh, Bree couldn’t be more ready to leave her past in the rearview. When Bree witnesses something she can’t explain on her first night on campus, she’s pulled into the dangerous world of magic, secret societies, and arthurian legend.

This is a well written, complex YA novel perfect for fans of fantasy, King Arthur, and boarding school settings. There are so many clever, layered elements in this book that had me devouring each chapter. If you love puzzles and secret societies alongside magic, this novel is sure to please.

My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Cassie Greenberg is working two jobs struggling to make ends meet. Recently evicted from her apartment and struggling to find a way to turn her art into a career, Cassie is feeling lost. When she finds a craigslist ad for an affordable apartment in her dream neighborhood, it almost feels too good to be true. Her new roommate, Frederick J. Fitzwilliam, is kind, clean, and works at night, so Cassie basically has the apartment to herself. He also happens to be a vampire.

This is such a cute, cheesy, forced proximity romance that will have you simultaneously smiling and swooning. If you love your supernatural stories to be on the lighter side, you will love this book.

Readers should note that this one is Rated R.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

Bella Swan moves to Washington to live with her dad while her mom and step-dad travel the country. Bella is socially awkward, quiet, and just wants to keep to herself. That is, until she lays eyes on the mysteriously gorgeous Edward Cullen. One thing leads to another, and Bella finds herself desperately in love with Edward. Only, Edward isn’t human. He’s a vampire.

Listen, I don’t recommend Twilight for its literary value. In fact, when it comes to quality of writing, it stacks pretty low on my list. However, this is one of the most iconic/infamous vampire stories out there and I couldn’t not put it on here. When I was thirteen, this was one of the best books I’d ever read. Thankfully over the years, I’ve developed a slightly more sophisticated literary palette. And yet, no matter how old I get, Twilight will always have a special place on my shelf. Team Edward forever!

And there you have it, 10 Supernatural Reads Perfect for Halloween. Did I forget to mention your favorite supernatural read? Let me know in the comments!

Xx, M