5 Haunting Reads for Halloween - Trick or Treat Your Bookshelf.
As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, it's a sure sign that the spooky season is upon us. Halloween is more than just a single night of outfits and sweets! It's a full cultural tradition and exploration of all things mysterious, magical, and monstrous. This year, why not get into the spirit by jumping into some truly captivating and spine-chilling reads?
From the psychological depths of cinematic villains to ancient grimoires and modern ghost stories, we have selected a list of books for anyone seeking a thrill this Halloween season. Explore the psychology of fictional monsters with Monsters on the Couch, or dive into ancient magical practices with Summa Sacre Magice, or get hands-on with Halloween projects from Best of How to Haunt Your House. Finally, get lost in ghostly tales with Hauntings and Other Fantastic Tales, or go on a ghost-hunting adventure with Haunt and Seek.
We invite you to explore each of these incredible titles in more detail and find the perfect addition to your Halloween reading list
Monsters on the Couch
Interested in the darker side of Halloween? Get a copy of Monsters on the Couch, a spine-chilling exploration of the psychology behind some of literature's most iconic villains. This fascinating book by Dr. Tony Johnston isn't your typical ghost story! It's a deep dive into the minds of characters like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Dr Johnston, a clinical psychologist, brilliantly dissects their inner workings, revealing the fears, traumas, and motivations that drive their monstrous actions. By blending literary analysis with psychological theory, the book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on classic horror tales. It's the perfect read for anyone who wants to understand what makes a monster, and it's a great option for a Halloween reading list for those who crave intellectual thrills.
RRP: £16.99 | Publication Date: 03 October 2023 | ISBN: 9781641607919 | Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Summa Sacre Magice
Summa Sacre Magice – The Compendium of Sacred Magic is a must-read for any true aficionado of the occult this Halloween. This foundational text, which dates back to 1346, is a cornerstone of magical history, serving as the very root for numerous later grimoires. Its pages hold a wealth of practical magic that, over time, has been tragically lost from subsequent works.The book's historical significance is undeniable, having been owned by famous magicians like Abbot Johannes Trithemius and the legendary Dr. John Dee. More than just a relic, the Summa Sacre Magice is a living testament to the evolution of occult practices, providing the essential groundwork for powerful magical systems, including the Shemhamphorash, Solomonic, and Enochian traditions.
RRP: £76.00 | Publication Date: 31 October 2024 | ISBN: 9781912212484 | Publisher: The Compendium of Sacred Magic
Best of How to Haunt Your House: 10 New Projects
When the ghostly hour approaches and you're ready to transform your home into a truly terrifying spectacle, look no further than Best of How to Haunt Your House: 10 New Projects. Ditch the basic pumpkin lantern this season and learn to create your own zombie-inspired tombstones and cemetery, or even turn a loved one into a convincing mummy!
This guide motivates readers to go beyond the usual decorations, offering detailed instructions for homemade cobwebs and Monster Mud that will give your house a unique and eerie feel this Halloween. With a bit of theatrics, clever lighting, and this guide's inspiration, readers can lift the coffin lid on their creativity and deliver an experience of touch, sound, and spooktacular sights!
RRP: £22.99 | Publication Date: 13 August 2021 | ISBN: 9780764361692 | Publisher: Schiffer Craft
Hauntings and Other Fantastic Tales
Step into the chilling world of Hauntings and Other Fantastic Tales, a perfect pick for this year's Halloween reading list. First published in 1890, this collection goes beyond typical ghost stories, offering a sophisticated exploration of the supernatural. Vernon Lee herself notes that her ghosts are "spurious," haunting not houses, but the human mind. The tales masterfully blend psychological obsession with classic gothic themes, presenting a fresh take on the allure of the past and the mysterious figure of the femme fatale.
The book is enhanced by appendices that include excerpts from her contemporaries, such as Algernon Charles Swinburne and Walter Pater, demonstrating how Lee both embraced and transformed the literary preoccupations of her time. It’s a book that doesn't just scare you, but makes you think, making it a truly unique addition to the genre.
RRP: £30.95 | Publication Date: 11 April 2006 | ISBN: 9781551115788 | Publisher: Broadview Press
Haunt and Seek
As the nights grow longer and a spooky chill fills the air, it's the perfect time to curl up with a book that will send shivers down the spine. For a truly eerie adventure, Haunt and Seek is a standout title in the Haunted States of America series. In this chilling tale, Ben Tajima's discovery of a small toy boat on the Chicago Riverwalk seems like a harmless find, but it quickly unlocks a world of supernatural mystery.
Strange occurrences and fleeting glimpses of a ghostly boy soon haunt Ben's every move, leaving him to wonder about the boy's identity and his mysterious quest. What will happen when the ghost finds what he's looking for? The story masterfully blends fictional scares with real-life ghost lore. Haunt and Seek is a captivating read that reminds readers that sometimes, the most terrifying stories are rooted in reality.
RRP: £8.99 | Publication Date: 01 January 2021 | ISBN: 9781631634765 | Publisher: Jolly Fish Press