5 Spooky Books to Dive Into This Halloween

For avid readers, there's always room for more book recommendations, especially when you're hunting for something specific like horror novels. But after a while, the same titles keep popping up. Don’t worry, though—we've got you covered with some eerie, unsettling reads that go beyond the usual Stephen King suggestions, perfect for getting you into the Halloween spirit.

‘The Grip of It’ by Jac Jemc

This psychological thriller delves into the minds of a young couple as they settle into a new house. Their relationship is already on shaky ground, held together by trust that seems increasingly misplaced. As the story unfolds, cracks form not only in their partnership but also in their perception of reality. The house itself appears to play tricks on them, but unlike typical haunted house stories, the real terror comes from within. Jemc masterfully blends eerie moments with psychological tension, making this book an unsettling read you won’t forget.

‘The Deep’ by Nick Cutter

In a world overrun by a devastating plague, hope comes from an unexpected place—the ocean floor. Scientists believe they’ve discovered a miracle cure called "ambrosia" deep within the Mariana Trench. But as the research progresses, strange and terrifying things begin to happen, cutting off communication with the outside world. When the lead researcher's brother is sent to investigate, he descends into a dark, claustrophobic environment where nothing is as it seems. Cutter's ability to combine cosmic horror with psychological dread will keep you on edge throughout this chilling tale.

‘Bird Box’ by Josh Malerman

While most movie adaptations don’t live up to their source material, "Bird Box" stands out as a novel that surpasses its film version. Malorie, the protagonist, finds herself pregnant at the start of an apocalyptic event where an unseen force drives anyone who glimpses it to madness and suicide. The story alternates between Malorie’s life during the initial months of the catastrophe and five years later, where she navigates a perilous journey down a river with her two children. Malerman builds suspense through this non-linear narrative, drawing readers into a world filled with danger and fear of the unknown.

‘Annihilation’ by Jeff VanderMeer