Somewhat Spooky

October is a great time to seek out spooky reads or craft some creepy fun.

I enjoy books that give me a little shiver, so tales of the supernatural and paranormal really draw me in. I'm not a fan of blood and guts, though!

Fortunately, our library has plenty of great reads that are uncanny or eerie, without being gross or truly terrifying. Check out these reads or ask a librarian for recommendations to get you into the Halloween mood--without the nightmares.

Short Stories

Short stories are a great way to ease into spooky fiction if you haven't read much in the genre, and they also give you an opportunity to find out what writing style and authors you enjoy. If you love a story, we can help you look for a longer work by that author.

Novels

Have you read The Haunting of Hill House, or The Turn of the Screw? These novels are classics of eerie fiction that work their magic by unsettling the reader with gradually building tension. Or try The Woman in Black, by Susan Hill, for a contemporary take on the classic ghost novel.

Creepy, Cozy Mysteries

Have you ever tried out paranormal mystery? Our library has a great selection of fun mysteries that feature ghosts or supernatural abilities.

Spooky Fiction for Kids

I love juvenile fiction!  Check out Coraline, by Neil Gaiman, or the work of Mary Downing Hahn. They're spooky enough to give you the shivers, but don't cross the line into nightmare land.

Our library recently published our first Community Novel Project for younger readers, Spirits of Oz. Nico and Lola Espiritu have all the usual problems of 12 year olds—spelling tests, parents, sibling rivalry.  Their parents are paranormal investigators who star in a struggling reality TV show, so for the most part the twins take the supernatural in stride.  Then things really get spooky.  The Spirits of Oz reach out for help to prevent an impending disaster, and it’s the kids they contact, not the adults.  Are they brave enough to take on an otherworldly quest? Can they save the show, and maybe even the world?

Check out tspl.org/novel for more information on the Community Novel Project, or to read Spirits of Oz online.

Get Crafty or Cook Some Spooky Treats

Find books that combine crafting, decoration, costumes and cooking, or pick up a cookbook from juvenile nonfiction that features basic recipes to make with young chefs.

Folklore and History

Our library has a great selection of books on the history of Halloween, urban legends, and folklore.

Check out HUSH podcast episode #64 for a fun book talk on Somewhat Spooky reads.

What are you favorite eerie reads?  Let us know in the comments!