A Discovery Of Witches

by Deborah Harkness

This witch and vampire romance is the perfect book to snuggle up with during this spooky season! The novel follows a historian and reluctant witch, who accidentally summons a long-lost, bewitched alchemical manuscript while doing research at Oxford University. She forms an unlikely and forbidden alliance with a mysterious geneticist vampire, which will pique the interest of any forbidden romance lovers out there. Witches and vampires are the classic Halloween creatures, and this will definitely get you in the spooky spirit.

One Dark Window

by Rachel Gillig

Mist envelops the kingdom of Blunder, epitomising the quintessential Halloween season weather. Danger lies where magic is present, while a dark secret is carried by the main character, risking her mind to be controlled by someone other than her. She is propelled into a perilous quest alongside the King's nephew, aiming to liberate the kingdom from its misty captivity. This dark, twisted fairytale will align perfectly with this year’s Halloween season.

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

Set in a mysterious, elaborate black-and-white circus called Le Cirque des Rêves, the book focuses on a deadly magical duel between young proteges. They have been trained since childhood to compete in a game that will end in one of their demise. However, love complicates the challenge that they prepared their whole lives for. Things are not always as they seem, especially at night. This book feels like a haunted house with deadly consequences and will definitely make you glad you are safe in bed while reading it.

Ninth House

by Leigh Bardugo

Alex Stern is the sole survivor of a horrific multiple homicide, with a unique ability to see ghosts. She joins the Ninth House, which is tasked with monitoring the occult activities of Yale's eight secret societies. Investigating a murder on campus that appears to be supernatural in nature, but not by the authorities, obviously, Alex must navigate the treacherous, privileged world of old money and dark magic. All of this while struggling with her past and the sudden disappearance of her mentor. Keep the lights on when you read this one!

Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley

We all know the classic story of monster and scientist, but why not read where it all started! An ambitious scientist creates a monster, the monster rebels and is unleashed upon the world and creating havoc in the town, making the scientist face up to the consequences of playing with life and death. Classic. Also, I might have added this one because of the new Oscar Issac movie adaptation :)

Dracula

by Bram Stoker

I mean, I couldn’t not add this one after our special guest announced spooky week! This classic story tells the tale of the most infamous vampire, Count Dracula and his tragic life that led to his name becoming a household one. The Count travels from the iconic vampiric Transylvania to England to spread the curse of being one of the undead. As always, these dark tales always seem to have some romance, so if someone searching for the reincarnation of their long-lost lover tickles your fancy, then this one might be for you after all!

Mary is a 20 year old student studying BA Journalism at UAL. She loves reading so much she is even a bookseller at Waterstones!

Spooky Book Recommendations