By: Izabella Engelbrink
Halloween is quickly approaching, for many readers the spooky holidays warrants horror books. However, not every reader has the guts to curl up with a scary book. Below are four books to get readers in the Halloween spirit, with a safe amount of spooky.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
An 1897 Gothic novel, Dracula, is a perfect pick for readers who want to challenge themselves to a horror novel. The novel is not overwhelmingly scary; however, for more timid readers it might be daring enough.
The novel follows various important characters-The Harker’s, Van Helsing, Dr. Seward, and Quincy Moris, as they race to track down and defeat Dracula. Dracula poses the threat of killing Victorian civilization and turning them into vampires.
The novel includes gory elements, and since it deals with a vampire, there is a lot of blood. The violent attacks of Lucy Westinra, Mina Harker, and Johnathan Harker, could be unnerving for squeamish readers.
Outside of Draculas attack, the novel is quite tame. Stokers offers and interesting look into Dracula and Victorians society’s psychology and manner, with a rewarding ending. For readers looking for a complex novel, with just the right amount of horror, then Dracula is a perfect spooky choice!
Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
An 1886 gothic or phycological horror, for readers who dislike gore or jump-scares, then Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is an easy read. The novella is more likely to make readers uncomfortable than scared, for any reader who is interested in psychological horror, then Dr. Jeykyll and Mr. Hyde is a perfect pick.
The novella follows Dr. Jekyll, an accomplished doctor, who creates a chemical mixture that physically turns him into his cruel alter ego Mr. Hyde. Jekyll’s lawyer Mr. Utterson is left to uncover Mr. Hyde after learning of Hydes unforgivable crimes.
Dr. Jekyll is extremely interested in the good and evil of human beings. This leads to the creation of the chemical mixture and the overall takeover of Hyde. Although Hyde serves in the characterization of evil, his character critiques the strict decorum of Victorian society.
The novella is immensely eerie, often taking place in foggy downtown London. The novella is extremely short, and once Mr. Hyde starts to appear, the pace quickens significantly. For readers wanting to spice up their reading but still stay on theme with a spooky read, the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a wonderful eerie choice!
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
A 1959 horror novel, The Haunting of Hill House, blurs the line between reality and the supernatural. The novel is not a frightening horror, instead focuses on the psychological aspects of the characters. For any readers who are intrigued by psychological horror, then The Haunting of Hill House is a thrilling read, with a safe amount of spooky.
The novel begins with Dr. John Montague, who rents out the Hill House, and plans to find paranormal activity. Along with him are three volunteers Theodora, Luke Sanderson, and Eleanor Vance who is the central character. The four are supposed to note any strangeness and aid Montague in his experiment.
Eleanor Vance’s character is extremely unreliable; from the beginning it is unclear if she’s telling the whole truth about her background. While living in the Hill house, Eleanor is wrapped up in the previous owner’s family history, and it seems she’s being haunted. However, in the end, it’s unclear whether the hauntings were real or Eleanor had a psychological breakdown.
The Haunting of Hill House is a thrilling read; that leaves readers questioning the legitimacy of the story. It is perfectly on theme with the scary elements of Halloween; with the ghosts and hauntings. For readers who enjoy psychological horror and ambiguous endings, then The Haunting of Hill House is a creepy read!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
A 2002 dark horror children’s novella, Coraline, perfectly blurs the lines of reality with deception. Since it is a children’s novella, there’s no direct horror, but it will captivate readers of all ages. For those looking for an exhilarating read this October, then Coraline is a perfect choice.
The novella follows young Coraline Jones and her parents as they move into a subdivided old house. Coraline discovers a locked door in the house that leads to an alternate world that seems exactly like hers but is vastly different. In this world, Coraline meets her “Other Parents” with buttons for eyes.
Coraline quickly learns that the Other Mother is wanting to keep her forever and sew buttons in her eye. Coraline challenges the Other Mother to a game for her release. Throughout, Coraline is completely alone in facing the Other Mother, her only campion being a black cat that follows her in between worlds.
Coraline is a riveting read that keeps readers on their toes. The quick pace of the novella will heighten readers’ anxiety for Coraline’s safety, and the ending is extremely satisfying. The novella is a perfect Halloween read, with the horror and uncanniness of The Other World. For readers who enjoy a thrilling read, then Coraline is a spooky choice!
