Almost everyone has some Halloween habits – for me, it’s watching John Carpenter’s excellent movie The Thing and reading a good horror book. If you are looking for chilling experience, you can always play it safe and put your trust into, for instance, short stories by H.P. Lovecraft. Well, in the list below, I would like to propose some less obvious titles, which will undoubtedly make your Halloween unforgettable. Let’s start then – 10 horror books to read this Halloween.

1. The Agents of Dreamland – Caitlin R. Kiernan

Caitlin R. Kiernan’s short novel The Agents of Dreamland, in my opinion, is the perfect mix of The X-Files and H.P. Lovecraft’s short stories. If you are looking for an enjoyable, scary book for Halloween’s evening – that’s a sure choice.

2. The Secret of Ventriloquism – Jon Padgett

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Even today, I remember the sheer fear I felt when I was watching The Child’s Play for the first time. In his short story collection, Jon Padgett also uses themes such as dummies and ventriloquists, but he does it in a surprising way – chills during the read are guaranteed.

3. Aickman’s Heirs – anthology edited by Simon Strantzas

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If you have ever read Robert Aickman’s short stories, often referred to as strange, you know this unsettling, eerie atmosphere dominating in his texts. Simon Strantzas managed to put together an interesting anthology paying tribute to this weird fiction classic. Great idea for Halloween’s evening.

4. The Grimscribe’s Puppets – anthology edited by Joseph S. Pulver Sr.

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A real treat for all Thomas Ligotti’s fans. The anthology is a tribute to Teatro Grottesco’s author, and some of the stories, like, for instance, 20 Simple Steps to Ventriloquism by Jon Padgett, are simply weird fiction gems. It is highly recommended for any reader who likes Ligottian horror.

5. Greener Pastures – Michael Wehunt

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Michael Wehunt’s debut anthology Greener Pastures is a versified one. It deals with many different subjects and makes it in an impressive fashion. The author is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of the genre, and his book, in my opinion, offers precisely the kind of read you would be interested in for Halloween.

6. Experimental Film – Gemma Files

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Experimental Film is no doubt one of the most interesting novels I’ve read recently. In the book, we get to know a film history teacher, who decides to investigate a creepy mystery surrounding the disappearance of an experimental filmmaker. Unsettling and beautifully written novel.

7. Alice – Chronicles of Alice 1 – Christina Henry

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The novel is an original, creepy take on the story presented in Alices Adventures in Wonderland. While the book, of course, brings up to mind associations with famous game American McGee’s Alice, Christina Henry managed to find her unique voice and tells us a truly disturbing story. If you are looking for a good horror book for Halloween – you won’t be disappointed with this one.

8. What October Brings – A Lovecraftian Celebration of Halloween

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I have already mentioned an anthology ideal for Thomas Ligotti’s fan; now, it’s the time for a book more suited for another horror classic – H.P. Lovecraft. The stories are fascinating and full of dark, unsettling atmosphere. If you like Lovecraftian horror – don’t look any further and give What October Brings a chance.

9. Shadows of Carcosa

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If you would like to read some proven classics from the best horror authors in the history of the genre, Shadows of Carcosa might be just what you need. It contains stories by Bram Stoker, Ambrose Bierce, and Algernon Blackwood, among the others. Excellent choice for anyone not wanting to experiment and just read some scary horror masterpieces.

10. Peace – Gene Wolfe

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Peace by Gene Wolfe is one of the most unique and chilling ghost stories I have ever read. Fully appreciating this masterpiece takes time end effort, but if you are willing to accept the challenge, the history of Alden Weer will stay with you long after finishing the book. Excellent read, especially if you are looking for an ambitious ghost story.

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So, that’s it – my list of horror books to read this Halloween. Have you read any of those titles? What do you think of them? What are your favorites book to read during Halloween? Please let me know in the comments.

PS. If you are looking for some more good horror books, check out our list.