Lara Murray-Sterzel, Editor-In-Chief
With Halloween far closer than we can imagine, the time has come to get into the spooky spirit.
From scary movies to shopping for costumes, no one can contain Oneonta’s excitement this
season. But what if you’re someone who wants to hold on to your Halloween spirit a little
longer? Someone who wants to savor the feeling even far after the holiday arrives? Luckily there
are many ways to do just that. One of those ways include diving into a horror novel.
From this list, we will be breaking down the five top books you should read this Halloween
season.
1: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Having worked on three movies, Michaelides left his screenwriting career behind and
turned to simply writing. This is Michaelides’ first novel, published in 2019. To
Michaelides’ surprise, his novel became the biggest bestseller in forty-nine countries that
year.
After shooting her husband dead, famous painter Alicia Berenson refuses to speak after
that shocking night. She’s sent to an asylum where she meets curious and determined
psychotherapist: Theo Faber. Taking Berenson as his patient, Faber hopes to uncover the
mystery of why she shot her husband. But little does he realize, Berenson’s secrets will
force Faber to face the cracks in his own life.
With its classic horror setting and suspenseful surprises, the novel explores
the depth of how someone’s misfortune and trauma affects their life to the point where
they finally reach their breaking point.
2: Long Live The Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw
Ernshaw is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestselling author.
The classic returns in another wild adventure! Who doesn’t love The Nightmare Before
Christmas? Not long after the events of the film, Sally and Jack’s life together is disrupted
when a new villian threatens their home. A determined Sally sets off on a quest to the
other holiday worlds to save Halloween Town. Can she do it? And what discoveries of her
own will she make?
This tale is told from Sally’s point of view as readers explore her beginnings as the
Pumpkin Queen. It highlights the coming-of-age, freedom, and togetherness theme in the
most profound way to Sally’s story.
3: The Dark Half by Stephen King
Stephen King’s work has not only impacted our culture, but the direction many horror stories take today. His creations in serious suspense and fantasy have turned his novels into classics, most notably in Carrie (1974) and The Shining (1977).
Having been writing under the alias “George Stark” for years, Thad Beaumont’s secret
identity is in danger when a journalist threatens to expose him. Taking control back in his
life, Beaumont decides to go public with his identity. But in a turn of events, Stark comes
to life and acts on a crime spree to those responsible for his downfall. When the police
suspect Beaumont of his alter ego’s crimes, he must find a way to defeat Stark before he
takes over his life.
In traditional Stephen King fashion, the novel leaves you on the edge of your seat as it
breaks down the psyche behind a person’s loss of control, good vs. evil, and facing the
darker parts of yourself.
4: The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Caleb Carr had an adventurous career from working as a military history professor to
working in show business. Even writing small works in different magazines and
periodicals. In 1995, Carr won the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and was
nominated for the Bram Stoker Award for this novel.
Set in 1896, the story follows an investigative team: New York Times reporter John
Moore, police secretary Sara Howard, and alienist Laszlo Kreizler as they embark on a
hunt through gruesome murders to stop a serial killer from terrorizing New York City.
This scary, historical fiction takes readers back in time to reflect on the treatment and
hardships the neglected in society faced. It’s a dark tale that explores New York City’s
complex history.
5: All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
You probably know Flowers best from her hit true crime podcast, Crime Junkie. In 2022,
after being in podcast for some time, Flowers signed a publishing contract with Bantam
Books. All Good People Here is her first novel, which became a New York Times
bestseller. Flowers is currently working on her second novel with author Alex Kiester
titled The Missing Half.
The story follows journalist Margot Davies, who returns to her small hometown where she
becomes obsessed with solving a two decade old murder case of January Jacobs. But as
she keeps digging, the dark secrets of her town’s past begin to unravel.
For those who don’t seek to be scared, this novel is just for you. The novel follows no
horror aspect in it. But be prepared for the twists and turns Davies’ journey goes on. The
novel explores flush of youth, secrets, lying, and consequences of your actions.
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