Do you love to read? I’ve been a bookworm ever since I can remember and love all genres. From biographies to fiction, and children’s books to horror. My hometown has the best public library and I spent many afternoons wandering around the shelves looking for my next must-read. I’m so excited to share some scary stories for adults with you this month. What better way is there to celebrate the month of October than cuddling up with a spooky story?! Links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.
scary stories for adults and young adults
I’ve been waiting to share this book list for a while! Like I mentioned earlier, I love all genres, so although these are all “scary”, there’s definitely a range of books depending on your personal preference. I’ve included classics and new favorites, because I love both. You’ll also notice a few Young Adult books on this list, so start planning your family book club now!
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10 scary stories
Dracula by Bram Stoker, classic fiction
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, classic fiction
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson, classic fiction
The Shining by Stephen King, horror
It by Stephen King, horror
The Tales of Edgar Allen Poe by Edgar Allen Poe, classic fiction
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs, fiction
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, nonfiction
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark compiled by Alvin Schwartz, YA fiction
Took by Mary Downing Hahn, YA fiction
What’s your favorite scary story? Or do you prefer a lighter read?
Check out more reading ideas on Pinterest!
you may also like these book lists:
12 Picture Books Perfect for October
16 Responses to scary stories for adults to read with the light on
Oh my, I would die! Scary anything is not my preference…I get scared when I watch Care Bears! Haha, what a fun list for this time of year though! 🙂
I love Edgar Allen Poe even if I’m not scary story type of girl!
I don’t usually like scary stories but I loved reading The Devil in the White City. I really like Erik Larson and would recommend In The Garden of Beasts as well.
Oh heck, no freakin’ way! I can’t watch or read anything scary…I’m a total wimp!
Scary anything is definitely not my preference, but I think The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde will forever be my top, because I had to analyze it for a college class haha! Great list!
x Kate
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These look like some awesome reads! I have to get better about remembering to read to myself, too. Spooky stories for October, are a perfect idea.
I so wish that I had more time to sit down with a book that I want to read. School has me reading non stop, but I can’t wait for the next chance to read something I pick out! I’ll keep these in mind for the future!
Ooo- I haven’t read a lot of these. What great ideas! It’s perfect timing for this time of year!
i love these books you listed! especially “Dracula.. i should get some of them.
I wish I didn’t get spooked so easily, because I love reading a good book, and I love the idea of scary ones to read close to Halloween!!!! Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough to try one of the books on your list!
So many of my favourites on this list! Still I few I haven’t read yet, but definitely need to!
Eeek, I can never read scary stories!! Haha I’m such a wimp!!
Oh gosh, I bet these are scary! I don’t know if I can do it!! haha.
Scary books are not my favorite… unless they are scary children’s books!
I remember reading Frankenstein in high school and I think I also read the Tales of Edgar Allen Poe in junior high, but scary is definitely not my first choice when it comes to books, haha
I love all things Edgar Allan Poe! I really do want to read Dracula someday.
-Lauren