Happy October! To get you ready for Halloween, here are six new spooky books to read! All of them are available to check out at the Magdalena Public Library.

Hardly Haunted by Jessie Sima (Elementary/Pre-K)

“House has a problem. At least she thinks she does. Her hinges are squeaky. And her floorboards are creaky. And when the wind howls, her shutters go clack, clack, clack. Could she be … haunted?”

This brand new, delightful picture book is perfect for bedtime read-aloud. The illustrations are soft and richly colored. Fun sound words move across the page with you, bringing life to the story.

The Undrowned by K.R. Alexander (Middle)

“Former best friends Samantha and Rachel fight by a lake. Samantha pushed Rachel into the water. No way to save her. No way she could be alive. But the next day, Rachel shows up at school as nothing happened. Now she wants to make Samantha’s life a living nightmare.”

If you liked The Collector or The Fear Zone, you’ll love this new title by K.R. Alexander. A suspenseful page-turner, you won’t be able to put it down. Filled with vivid imagery and crisp prose to make your heart pound with each line.

The Ghoul Next Door by Cullen Bunn and Cat Farris (Middle)

“When odd, gruesome presents are left for him, 11-year-old Grey discovers Lavinia, a ghoul, an eater of the dead! Their unlikely friendship breaks traditions—and the punishment is a fate worse than death.”

This graphic novel is perfect for middle school. Amazing, vivid watercolor images with expressive lines bring the characters to life. The story is a great blend of humor and horror that’s more spooky than scary.

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus (Teen/YA)

“Receiving invitations from their estranged grandmother, three cousins travel to her island resort for the summer. But when they get there, not all is as it seems. What pulled their family apart years ago isn’t over—and this summer, they will learn everything. If they can survive the season.”

Despite being set during summer, this mystery thriller is perfect for the Halloween season. Shifting perspectives, gasp-inducing twists, and an ending that will have you yearning for more. This is a story worth pulling an all-nighter to read.

The Forbidden by Heather Graham (Adult)

“When a real dead body is discovered on a movie set, actress Avalon Morgan finds evidence on the dark web. When it disappears, no one believes her—except FBI agent Finley Stirling. With no one to trust, they are determined to unbury the truth at any cost. But it could be the last thing they do.”

If you’re looking for a bit of romance with your frights and more suspense than outright terror, this is a great pick for you. With a focus on plot and setting, Graham brings you to the heart of the action in the luscious, haunting New Orleans.

Billy Summers by Stephen King (Adult)

“Billy Summers is a killer for hire and the best in the business. And now Billy wants out. But first, there is one last hit. Billy is among the best snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, a Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done. So what could possibly go wrong? How about everything.”

Of course, I had to include the master of horror, Stephen King, on this list. His latest novel is another worthy page-turner, filled with “Murder most foul and mayhem most entertaining.” -Kirkus Reviews.

We also have several other Stephen King books at the library, including Pet Sematary, ranked the scariest horror novel ever by Barnes & Noble and Buzzfeed.

 

 

 

 

Ivy Stover, Librarian, Magdalena Public Library