13 Creepy Books to Read This Halloween

How perfect is it that a Friday the 13th falls in October? Now if we’d only had a full moon on Halloween, this month would have been complete!

I have a confession: I’m a total weenie when it comes to scary things. I avoid horror movies and can only read the occasional scary book. Chalk it up to having an overactive imagination, but if I watch or read anything scary, I spend days looking over my shoulder and wondering what’s lurking in the dark. That being said, I have a lifelong love of Halloween, and in October I tend to venture into the territory of creepy, spooky, sometimes even downright scary books (and TV shows). I know a lot of other people do the same, so I figured what better day than Friday the 13th to share some book recommendations.

1. Servants of the Storm by Delilah S Dawson

Hands down the scariest book I’ve ever read. This book was put-it-in-the-freezer scary (if you get that reference, we need to be friends). Set a year after a devastating hurricane sweeps through Savannah, Georgia, leaving a path of destruction and death, the main character begins to realize the hurricane was more than a force of nature, and there are all kinds of horrifying, sinister things lurking in her city...including her best friend, who died the night of the storm.

2. Sweet Madness by Trisha Leaver and Lindsay Currie

A wonderfully creepy retelling of the Lizzie Borden story, told from the perspective of their maid. This book had me wound so tightly from all the tension and mystery; it was like a ghost story, except the things lurking in the shadows were real people and an aura of madness that permeated the entire house.

3. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

If you like ghost stories, this is a must read. It’s spooky, exciting, suspenseful, and gruesome.

4. The Archived by Victoria Schwab

“Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.” Yes, this is absolutely as creepy as it sounds. This book is a unique, haunting story with lots of mystery and action, plus if you’ve ever read a book by Victoria Schwab, you’ll know you’re in for something beautifully and compellingly written.

5. Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

When I first heard of this book, I didn’t need any other details besides the title. I’m one of those people with a sick fascination of the Jack the Ripper and that time period in London. This book put a different spin on it in many ways; it’s usually men (police, Sherlock Holmes, hapless wannabe detectives) who are on the hunt for the elusive killer, but in this case, it’s a teenage girl who has an intense interest - and knowledge - of the ‘gruesome practice’ of forensic medicine. And the ending! Completely horrifying, shocking, and amazing.

6. Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough

We all know about Jack the Ripper and how he terrorized London in the late 1800s, right? But did you know during the same time, there was another serial killer on the loose, one who chopped women into bits and threw their torsos in the Thames? As gruesome as these murders were, they were overshadowed by the media sensation caused by the Ripper. This book, though, focuses on the Thames Torso Killer. It's dark, gritty, and fast-paced, and weaves together the supernatural with horror and mystery, all with a backdrop of the shadowy, gaslit streets of London.

7. Apparition by Gail Gallant

Some books are more spooky and creepy than they are scary, but this book is all those things. There’s a dark, sinister vibe to the mystery in this book, and it’ll keep you flipping pages to find out what happens.

8. Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

This list so far has ghosts, demons, various monsters, plus evil people, but it's lacking a classic horror creature: the werewolf. Hemlock isn’t your typical werewolf story; lupine syndrome, aka the werewolf virus, is sweeping through the nation. Many people who are infected try to hide their symptoms, but an extremist group called the Trackers are on the hunt, and lupine syndrome comes with a healthy dose of bloodlust that’s difficult to control. Dark, suspenseful, and compelling, Hemlock is perfect for fans of urban fantasy.

9. The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong

I couldn’t have a list of creepy books without including one by the Queen of Urban Fantasy, Kelley Armstrong. The Gathering is a unique spin on shapeshifters. This thrilling, action-packed book is full of secrets and mystery, plus plenty of supernatural creatures.

10. As I Descended by Robin Talley

A modern-day retelling of Macbeth with queer characters, As I Descended is a dark, suspenseful, often disturbing story about revenge, jealousy, and the lengths people will go to for what they want. This is a very atmospheric horror story with a hint of the paranormal.

11. Dust and Shadow: An Account of the Ripper Killings by Dr. John H. Watson by Lyndsay Faye

Another Jack the Ripper story? What can I say, I’m obsessed. This one throws in something else I’m obsessed with: Sherlock. Or, more accurately, John Watson, who narrates this dark tale of murder and mayhem on the streets of London. If you’re a fan of Sherlock, this is an absolute must-read; it’s clear Faye did her homework on this dynamic duo, along with the Ripper cases, and late 1800s London.

12. The Hill by Karen Bass

Stuck in the Alberta wilderness after a plane crash, two boys fall into a parallel universe of sorts where they’re hunted by a monster of Cree legend.

13. Ghost Walk by Heather Graham

When I found out this book was set in New Orleans and featured the manager of a haunted tour who began seeing the dead, I was like SIGN ME UP. I read this book years before I started blogger, and I still about it often and plan to reread it this fall. I love Graham's Harrison Investigation series, but Ghost Walk was my first and remains my favourite.

You might also like:

  ☆6 TV Shows to Watch This October to Get in the Halloween Spirit

  ☆10 Books I’m Excited to Read This Fall

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On My TBR: Paranormal

On My TBR is a new feature here at Ramblings of a Daydreamer. One day on Bookstagram I posted a picture of the paranormal books on my TBR, and decided it would make a good blog feature. I have so many books on my shelves that have been there for years, and I'd like to read a bunch of them this year, plus I figured it'd be a good way to spotlight backlist books as well as some newer or upcoming books.

Before I started blogging and even for awhile after, I read a lot of paranormal books. I got away from them when I became obsessed with contemporary, but I'd like to branch out this year, and I have a ton of paranormal books on my shelves. These are some of the many I'd like to read this year. Note: I spaced when I took this picture and included Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock, but I've already read it (and really enjoyed it - great werewolf book).

• Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

• The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

• Royal Street by Suzanne Johnson

• Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

• Hereafter by Tara Hudson   

 

Do you like paranormal books? Have you read any of the ones on my TBR? What are some paranormal books on your TBR?

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Review: Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough

Mayhem by Sarah Pinborough

Series: Mayhem #1

Published: April 25th, 2013

Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books

339 pages (eARC)

Genre: Historic fiction/horror/mytery/supernatural

Acquired this book: From the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review

Warning: May contain spoilers

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A new killer is stalking the streets of London’s East End. Though newspapers have dubbed him ‘the Torso Killer’, this murderer’s work is overshadowed by the hysteria surrounding Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel crimes.

The victims are women too, but their dismembered bodies, wrapped in rags and tied up with string, are pulled out of the Thames – and the heads are missing. The murderer likes to keep them.

Mayhem is a masterwork of narrative suspense: a supernatural thriller set in a shadowy, gaslit London, where monsters stalk the cobbled streets and hide in plain sight.

 

 

For years I’ve had this fascination with Jack the Ripper. I know I’m not alone in this. So whenever I see a book that has anything to do with Jack the Ripper, I get excited. When I saw the cover for Mayhem, I assumed it dealt with Jack because of the man with the cloak and top hat - classic Jack, right? So I was both surprised and pleased when I learned that it did deal with Jack in a way - the fact that it took place during his reign of terror - but it was actually about the Thames Torso Killer, a madman who committed equally heinous crimes at the same time, but who I’d never heard of before.

I loved the dark, gritty feel to this book. I really felt immersed in the seedy, dirty side of late 1800s London - the poverty, the opium dens, the filth and debauchery. People were terrified and yet intrigued over the fact that not one, but two serial killers - two madmen - were on the loose. If you weren’t a prostitute, you knew you were at least safe from Jack, but the Thames Torso killer didn’t seem to follow any set pattern or go after a ‘type’. There were newspaper articles from the time between some of the chapters, and I thought that was a nice touch. The book was obviously well researched and planned, and it showed.

While I enjoyed the characters, I found it hard to keep up at times with the changing POV. Dr. Bond was the pain POV, but then we also got several other points of view, and while it added to the story in some ways, it also made it a bit confusing. There were times when I forgot who certain characters were because there were so many of them I couldn't remember all their names at first.

For the most part, the book was quite fast-paced and held my interest, while also keeping me guessing. There were times I was so immersed in the story, I could hardly turn the pages fast enough, and if something distracted me I’d practically jump out of my skin. I found the paranormal twist interesting and strangely believable, and thought the author did a great job with the execution.

Any element of horror isn’t usually my first choice in books (I’m a total wuss), but I thoroughly enjoyed Mayhem. It encompassed the best of horror, historic fiction, supernatural, and mystery.

Gruesome and thrilling, Mayhem is a must-read for fans of historic fiction set in 1800s London, and fans of Jack the Ripper and other mysterious serial killers.

 

Have you read Mayhem? What did you think? If you haven't read it, does it sound like something you'd be interested in? Had you ever heard of the Thames Torso Killer?

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Author Event Recap - Kelley Armstrong - Ontario Public Library Month

At the end of September, I was in the library when I saw this…

I couldn’t believe it. I thought it must be a mistake. When I got home I checked the library website and even Kelley Armstrong’s list of appearances on her website, and discovered it wasn’t a mistake. *cue all the squeeing and fangirling*

I’ve been reading Kelley’s books since before I started this blog in 2010. Besides loving paranormal books, I had a fascination with Kelley because she’s Canadian. So, you can imagine my excitement when I found out she was coming to my small city, to the library that I basically consider my second home because I spend so much time there.

As soon as I found out about Kelley’s appearance at the library, I posted about it on Facebook and tagged several local friends so they’d know about it (and so I’d have someone to go with). I made plans to go with Michelle, a friend I’ve known since preschool but hadn’t seen in 7-8 years, and meet up with JaimeKristal, a friend from high school, who also happens to be my editor, and who I hadn’t seen in 11 years. I was so psyched because not only would I get to meet one of my favourite authors, it would also be a reunion!

Michelle and I arrived around 10:45 for the event, which was scheduled to start at 11:30. We snagged the last of the seats, and as we waited for JK, the event planners added a bunch more chairs, which filled up quickly. By the time the event started, the room was packed and there was standing room only.

Cheryl, the librarian who coordinated the event, introduced Kelley and I was glad to see I wasn’t the only one who was almost overwhelmed with excitement. She said that people had started arriving to the event at 9:30 (when the library opens), and that there had never been an event with a turnout like that one.

Kelley talked to us about how she got started writing, talked about her current and upcoming books, and then did a reading from The Summoning. After that she did a question and answer period where she ‘bribed’ people to ask questions by giving out goodies like books and Omens tote bags. She was so smart and funny and just plain incredible. She’s the Queen of Paranormal, but she’s so humble and down to earth. She joked with us, told us stories, and was so open.

Some interesting tidbits we learned from Kelley:

• Have you ever wondered how Kelley got into writing paranormal? Was it because her parents loved it? Or maybe because they were against it and an interest grew out of a sense of rebellion? Neither. It was a love of Scooby Doo!

• Her first published novel, and the first book in the Women of the Otherworld series, Bitten, has been made into a 13-episode TV series. It was picked up by the Space network in Canada and was supposed to start airing early 2014, but now the Sci-Fi station in the States wants to pick it up (!!!) so they’re trying to coincide air dates.

• Someone asked her if she’d done a cameo in Bitten, and she said no. When asked if she would if asked, it was a definite NO. She said the idea terrified her.

• Even though the Women of the Otherworld series ended last year with the publication of Thirteen, Kelley says she still plans to release a novella a year from that world.

• When her daughter got old enough to become interested in Kelley’s books and asked if she could read Bitten, Kelley said no…and from there, the Darkest Powers trilogy was born. She wanted to write something her daughter could read.

• Later on, her sons wanted to read her books, and Kelley told them the Darkest Powers trilogy was suitable for kids 11 and up. Their response: ‘But there’s a girl on the cover’. She tried to convince them to read it by assuring them there were werewolves and zombies and no kissing. Their response: ‘But there’s a girl on the cover holding a necklace’. From there, Loki’s Wolves, which she co-wrote with Marissa Marr, was born.

• When asked about advice on writing, her response was simple (and something I’ve said a number of times to people who have asked me for writing advice): write. If you want to write, write. Don’t talk about it, don’t over think it, just write. She also recommended that people who want to write should read widely.

• When asked what kind of education you need to be a writer, she said none. Then she amended that by saying you didn’t need any specific sort of education, but the more education you had, the better, so you’d be knowledgeable about a lot of things. She said she’s always taking courses and learning things that could come in handy in her books - sword fighting and bartending being among them.
• She loves Steven King’s books.

After the Q&A came the signing. This is what I looked forward to and dreaded most. For someone who’s an avid reader, a book blogger, and an author, meeting one of your favourite authors is like meeting a rock star. I was nervous that I’d dissolve into a squeeing fangirl and totally embarrass myself. Luckily Michelle and JK were awesome and kept me talking and laughing so I didn’t have too much of a chance to get nervous…although my hands were shaking by the time it was our turn to meet Kelley! She signed my two books (The Gathering and Exit Strategy), and I got to talk to her for a minute. I told her I was a book blogger and that she had donated signed copies of her books for my Canadian Author Spotlight last July, and I wanted to thank her in person. I got a picture with her, and then I got extra time with her while JK got her books signed and then…well, then Michelle brought out her ginormous bag of books. She had to drive two hours to get to my city, and she brought every Kelley Armstrong book she owned. No joke. Kelley was so gracious and signed each one while chatting with us. 

Kelley and me

Kelley and Michelle

Kelley and JK

Signing the mountain of books Michelle brought

It was an amazing day. It’s been a few days and I still can’t believe I met Kelley Armstrong. I MET KELLEY ARMSTRONG! :-D 

Have you ever been to an author event? Have you met Kelley? Do you enjoy her books? What are some of your favourites?

 

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Review: At Grave’s End by Jeaniene Frost

At Grave’s End by Jeaniene Frost

Series: Night Huntress, Book #3

Published: January 21st, 2009

Publisher: Avon

342 pages (paperback)

Genre: Paranormal romance

Acquired this book: From the library

Warning: May contain spoilers

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{Read my review of Halfway to the Grave || Read my review of One Foot in the Grave}

 

It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

As if that wasn’t enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the grave.

In this third installment of the Night Huntress series, there are more deadly enemies than you can shake a stake at. Cat, Bones, and the team are always right smack in the middle of the action and danger, and I love it.

It’s funny - I went from not really caring for the characters in book one to loving them in book 2 to being totally invested in their lives by book 3. I adore Cat and Bones - separately and as a couple - and I love being reunited with familiar characters each time I pick up one of these books. I also liked being introduced to new characters, some of whom I know will become favourites if they make return appearances.

A lot changed in book 3. The dynamics of the group are changing, and it’s interesting to see how different people react to the changes. There were so many twists, turns, and surprises, it was hard to know who to trust at times, but it made it that much more exiting.

Even though I love the action in these books - and there was a lot of it in this one, with most of it being wonderfully frightening and gruesome - I also love that there’s a lot of heart. I genuinely feel like I know these characters now, so when they’re in pain, you really feel it. Whether it’s heartache, anger, fear, or something else, it’s easy to get drawn in and get emotional over what’s going on. You don’t really expect to get teary-eyed in a paranormal book, but I sure did, and more than once!

Funny, action-packed, sexy, and surprising, At Grave’s End is a great third installment of what’s quickly becoming one of my favourite series. 

  

Have you read At Grave's End? Are you a Night Huntress fan? If so, which is your favourite book in the series, and what (or who) do you love most about the series?

 

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Review: One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Series: Night Huntress, Book #2

Published: April 29th, 2008

Publisher: Avon

357 pages (paperback)

Genre: Paranormal romance

Acquired this book: From the library

Warning: May contain spoilers

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{Read my review of Halfway to the Grave}

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around Bones awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline rush of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard Cat tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever…and Bones won’t let her get away again.

 Halfway to the Grave, the first book in the Night Huntress series was on my radar for a really long time. I kept hearing a lot of things about Cat and Bones and how amazing they were, so I was curious. When I finally got around to reading it earlier this year, I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. I didn’t see what so great about the pair, and I didn’t get why girls obsessed and swooned over Bones. I decided to give the series a fair shot and read One Foot in the Grave…and I am so glad I did.

One Foot in the Grave was funny, scary, sexy, action-packed, gruesome, and just overall amazing. I was finally able to understand the appeal of Bones, and I fell hard for him and Cat as a couple. Picking up four years after where Halfway to the Grave left off, One Foot in the Grave saw Cat as a changed woman. Now leading a team of government paranormal hunters, Cat’s as kick-ass as ever, and she has a great team of guys watching her back and helping her fight the undead.

I found myself really getting attached to not only Cat and Bones, but the secondary characters as well. All the characters were well fleshed out, and it was easy to get invested in their lives. Throughout the book, I laughed, I cried, I cringed (Frost really doesn't shy away from the gory details). There were so many secrets and revelations, twists and turns...and things between Cat and Bones were so sexy it practically had me gasping. *fans self*

It’s hard to believe I ever doubted this series. One Foot in the Grave is a phenomenal second book in a series I can’t wait to devour. I am now proud to call myself a Night Huntress fan!

 

 

Are you a Night Huntress fan? Have you read One Foot in the Grave?

 

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Review: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Series: Chicagoland Vampires, Book #2

Published: September 2nd, 2009

Publisher: NAL Trade

357 pages (paperback)

Genre: Adult paranormal/urban fantasy

Acquired this book: From the library

Warning: May contain spoilers

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 {Read my review of Some Girls Bite}

You’d think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we’re enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite—fending off paparazzi only slightly less dangerous than cross and stake-wielding slayers. Don’t get me wrong, Joe Public isn’t exactly thrilled to be living side-by-side with the undead, but at least they haven’t stormed the castle yet.

But all that will change once they learn about the Raves—mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior, putting mere mortals at ease with their policy of asking a person’s consent before taking a big gulp of the red stuff. However, that doesn’t make good copy for a first time reporter looking to impress his high society family.

So now my “master,” the centuries old, yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan, wants me to reconnect with my own upper class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires—and keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn’t want people and vamps to play nicey-nice—someone with an ancient grudge.

I loved Some Girls Bite, the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series. I thought it was original, funny, and action-packed, and I was eager to see where the series went. I never thought this would be a series that would suffer from second book syndrome, but it was. Friday Night Bites was…meh. It was slow (it took me almost two weeks to read) and lacked so many of the things that made Some Girls Bite so fantastic. I wanted to love this book so badly, but it really fell short.

There wasn’t a whole lot of development in Friday Night Bites. There were some issues with Merit and Mallory’s friendship, and Merit learned a little bit about her vampire side, but it all felt kind of superficial. It could have been fleshed out more and added to the plot, but it felt like it was thrown in halfheartedly, and as a result I was bored and found it hard to get invested in the characters. The romances were also really disappointing. Merit got nowhere with Ethan (who I felt we could have learned a bit more about), and I was beginning to like where things were going with Morgan until he turned into a possessive, jealous, untrusting jerk...mind you, I guess Merit was leading him on, but still. The way he started treating her just didn't sit right with me. At this point I don’t know who Merit should end up with, nor do I particularly care because nothing made me care in this book. 

I found Merit hard to like at times, when I absolutely adored her in Some Girls Bite and thought she was this strong, kickass heroine who was easy to admire and respect. Where did that girl go? I only saw very small glimpses of her in Friday Night Bites.

The plot - what there was of it - was fairly interesting, although similar to the first book. I’m curious to learn more about the Breckinridges, and see how Merit fits back into her family now that she’s a vampire.

Overall, I found Friday Night Bites to be a big disappointment. It lacked in action, romance, and character development, and left me unable to connect with the characters or the story. However, I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to Merit and the gang just yet. Because I loved Some Girls Bite so much, I’m hopeful that Friday Night Bites was just a bump in the road and that the series will pick up. I feel like this series has a lot of potential, and I’m looking forward to reading the third book and hopefully falling back in love with the Chicagoland Vampires.

2.5 stars

Have you read Friday Night Bites or any of the other Chicagoland Vampires series? What did you think?

 

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