This weekend’s weather forecast looks to be dark, cold, and rainy, which makes it tailor-made for reading. And since it’s Halloween weekend, it is tailor-made specifically for reading something terrifying.
For thrills and chills, we recommend these five books; of course, these are just a few of the dozens of scary stories we have in the library (including the iconic, for anyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s, Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark books by Alvin Schwartz, some of which we remember practically–and regrettably–verbatim all these years later)–if you’re looking for more suggestions, our staff would be happy to give you recommendations.
A Good and Happy Child, by Justin Evans–when he’s physically unable to hold his newborn son, George must make peace with the bizarre and disturbing memories of his past and wonders if his erratic behavior and strange visions were a byproduct of grief from losing his father or something much more dangerous and supernatural.
The Haunting of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson–a terrifying story that has a whole new audience, thanks to the Netflix adaptation currently streaming, Jackson’s classic tale features a foreboding mansion and a doctor desperate for proof of the supernatural.
IT, by Stephen King–Pennywise. Enough said.
Lovecraft Country, by Matt Ruff–soon to be an HBO series directed by Jordan Peele, this is the tale of Atticus, who goes searching for his missing father and find malevolent spirits and a terrifying secret cabal.
Night Film, by Marisha Pessl–a woman is found dead and an investigation leads to her notorious and reclusive father, director of cult horror films.