11 best books for Halloween

If youu2019re a fan of psychologically complex stories, then youu2019ll love this best-seller by Daphne Du Maurier. This gothic tale follows the story of a young, newly wed woman who finds herself living in the shadow of her husband's late wife, long after her death, leaving her to question, does she really know her husband at all? Verified customer review: u201cOne of the best books Iu2019ve had the pleasure of reading this year. This was an absolute joy and Iu2019m so glad I got this copy. So beautiful and classic. Definitely will be reading more books by Du Maurier.u201d

It wouldnu2019t be Halloween without Stephen Kingu2019s creepy classic. When recovering alcoholic and struggling writer, Jack, takes up a job as caretaker at the Overlook Hotel with his young son, Danny, strange occurings start to take place. Danny possesses u2018the shiningu2019, a psychic ability which allows him to witness the hotelu2019s horrifying past. Soon, the ghosts possess Jack, leaving his wife and son in grave danger. Verified customer review: u201cMy first Stephen King read. And I don't think I'll be reading another one anytime soon. Because this book gave me the creeps. There have been so many books that left me disappointed despite being hyped and loved. And only very few that did live upto my expectations. Clearly, THE SHINING falls in the latter category.u201d

Struggle with long novels? Give this collection of short stories a try by storytelling sorceress, Angela Carter, where she spins familiar fairy tales to have a deep and dark twist. Verified customer review: u201cAngela Carteru2019s devilishly descriptive take on classic fairy tales is a macabre delight. Stories are short enough but written with such flair and precision that you end each one wishing there were more. Favorite take was u2018The Company of Wolves' Red Riding Hood story. Menacing and delightful to the degree one can almost hear the cackling of crones in the background. Carteru2019s magic is evident throughout and well worth the read.u201d

A well known novel which follows the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who raids graveyards for materials to create a new being. When he succeeds, his creature becomes fixated on destroying humankind. Verified customer review: u201cThis is one of the most outstanding works of gothic horror fiction ever written. Even more remarkable as the author Mary Shelley wrote this in her late teens. Written with assistance from one Lord Byron and her future husband Percy Shelley Mary Woolstencraft as she was before these nuptials , Mary produced a book which broke new ground.u201d

If you binged the series on Netflix pick up the book, we promise itu2019s just as good! It follows four seekers at the mysterious Hill House who try to investigate if thereu2019s any supernatural activity taking place within its walls. But what soon starts as a light-hearted experiment soon transitions into their worst nightmares. Will all four walk out? Youu2019ll have to read to find out. Verified customer review: u201cHonestly, I read this book because I watched the Netflix series and Iu2019m a firm believer in the book always being better than the movie. Reading this book I realized that the series was VERY loosely based on the novel and Iu2019m so glad I read it!! I loved the characters and the story of what brought the gang there was intriguing. Itu2019s a quick read. I definitely recommend!u201d

This New York Times best-seller is based on the life of Louis, a man-turned-vampire, who tells his tale of what life is like as a vampire to a reporter. A dark and sombre tale. Verified customer review: u201cI saw the film before reading the book, and personally, I prefer the book. There is far more depth to the story as well as the characters. Louis, a rich landowner turned vampire, struggles with the morality of being a vampire and searches for answers to what being an immortal means.u201d

In this feminist fantasy tale, a young woman living in a strict, religious village, discovers dark powers within herself, but the consequences are soon found to be terrifying. Verified customer review: u201cA definite book for witch lovers. A page turner of a book. Dark and thought provoking.u201d

If you donu2019t have the time to read one big book then this haunted novel made up of 23 stories is perfect for you. Theyu2019re horrifying, hilarious, mind-blowing and stomach-churning. Verified customer review: u201cIu2019m not a reader. It takes a lot for a book to u201cgrabu201d me. I prefer movies. That being said I LOVED this book and read it quite quickly then started all over again and read it again. I loved the comical characters with horrific stories intertwined with the comedy. It was just amazing. Chuck you have a way to make a person burst out laughing and gag in one paragraph! Thanks for re-uniting me with a love for books!u201d

This story tells the tale of the famous Count Dracula living in Transylvania who decides to move to England in an attempt to find new blood. But when he arrives at the seaside town of Whitby a battle breaks out. Will Dracula be able to spread his dreaded curse afterall?

When Coraline and her parents move to a new home, she steps through a door to find a house identical to her own and another set of her parents, apart from they have buttons as eyes and they want Coraline to stay foreveru2026 Verified customer review: u201cI've finally gotten round to reading this book after seeing the film when I was younger and loving how utterly creepy and wonderful it was! The book is just as good, only slightly different to the film but as equally imaginative as I hoped it would be.u201d

Oscar Wildeu2019s only published novel follows Dorian Gray, a gentleman who exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty. He slips into a secret life of decadence, with only his haunting portrait showing his true character. Verified customer review: u201cA classic piece of gothic literature, The Picture of Dorian Gray is a chilling tale of greed and vanity that anyone could read and enjoy!u201d