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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Review: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Fateful by Claudia Gray
Series: Standalone
Published: August 29th, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
325 pages (hardcover)
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction/Paranormal Romance
Acquired this book: Bought
Warning: May contain spoilers
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Eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, troubled family she serves. It's 1912, and Tess has been trapped in the employ of the Lisles for years, amid painful memories and twisted secrets. But now the Lisle family is headed to America, with Tess in tow. Once the ship they're sailing on—the RMS Titanic—reaches its destination, Tess plans to strike out and create a new life for herself.

Her single-minded focus shatters when she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets of his own. He's in a hurry to leave Europe, and whispers aboard the ship say it's because of the tragic end of his last affair with the French actress who died so gruesomely and so mysteriously. . . .

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec's past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves exist and are stalking him—and now her, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

In Fateful, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray delivers paranormal adventure, dark suspense, and alluring romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic's first—and last—voyage.

I have four words for you: Werewolves on the Titanic. Intrigued? I sure was when I first heard of Fateful. Having been obsessed with the Titanic since the movie came out (20 years ago - ugh I feel so old!), I’ve always been curious about this book, but never picked it up until recently. I want to read more paranormal books this year as well as more backlist books, so I thought I’d start with Fateful. I’m glad I did.

Tess is eager to escape to America when the family she works for boards the Titanic. She plans to leave their service as soon as they arrive in New York and strike out on her own with the money she’s been squirreling away. One of the things I love most about books like this (as well as TV shows and movies) is seeing how differently people lived - in general, as well as between classes. The family Tess works for stays in first class, with all its luxury and opulence, while Tess is relegated to third class. It was interesting to get a glimpse of what things were like between the classes, as well as see the Titanic through Tess’s eyes. Most people know at least a bit about the Titanic tragedy, so throw in the concept of being trapped on this massive ship with deadly werewolves, and it makes for a fun story with great underlying tension and an added sense of danger. You know things aren’t going to end well, but how will the characters fare? It was tense and exciting, and the added element of romance made it that much better.

If this book had a different setting, I might have found the romance between Tess and Alec less believable. Between their proximity and being forced together for various reasons, it made it easier to accept the instalove, and even root for it as things developed. I loved how down-to-earth and humble Alec was despite being the heir to a great fortune. He’d been through a lot and was haunted by personal demons, but he opened himself up to Tess. The other characters in this book were great too. I love stories with meaningful side characters, and I think Gray did a fantastic job of making me care about the side characters as much as the main ones, especially Myriam and Irene. 

If you’re looking for a paranormal romance with a setting that’s as unique as the story itself, Fateful is a must read.

Have you read Fateful? What did you think? If you haven't read it, do you plan to? Have you ever read a book about a well-known event with a unique spin? Do you have any recommendations for books set on the Titanic?

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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: RoseBlood by AG Howard

RoseBlood by AG Howard
Series: Standalone
Published: January 10th, 2017
Publisher: Amulet Books
432 pages (ARC)
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Paranormal/Horror
Acquired this book: From the author in exchange for honest consideration
Warning: May contain spoilers
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In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French arts conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.

At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn—an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.

I’ve been obsessed with Phantom of the Opera since I was a little girl. When I found out AG Howard had written a modern-day retelling/continuation, I was thrilled. Howard is the mistress of dark and twisty writing, lush settings, and memorable characters. While inspired by Gaston Leroux’s Phantom of the Opera, RoseBlood is a completely unique story. Despite having ties to the original story, it’s set in a different time and place with an original overall plot, fresh characters, and a new setting.

RoseBlood was a mixture of many things: romance, fantasy, horror, mystery. Rune’s and Thorn’s pasts are unraveled slowly, giving the reader time to connect with them and root for them, separately and together. There’s so much intrigue surrounding their histories and their connection, and I love how it all played out. Besides the intense and swoonworthy romance, there was also emphasis on familial love, which I appreciated. The battling loyalties, fear, and sense of duty tied into the threads of intrigue that ran through the story. There were undercurrents of darkness and gray morality similar to the original Phantom story, which I enjoyed. I read a lot of contemporary, ranging from fluffy to heavy on the emotional side, and sometimes it’s nice to read something like this, that pushes the boundaries of the real world and veers heavily into dark territory. You can always count on AG Howard for that!

RoseBlood is a must-read for fans of Phanton of the Opera. I’d also recommend it to fans of Howard’s Splintered trilogy, and anyone who enjoy stories that are familiar in a way, but with special, unique, often-dark twists that make them completely unique. RoseBlood has a wonderfully strange and otherworldly quality to it that entices and captivates even as it haunts. Lush and atmospheric, as well as thrilling and intense, RoseBlood is yet another winner from AG Howard. 

Have you read RoseBlood? What did you think? If you haven't read it, do you plan to? Have you read any of AG Howard's other books? Are you a fan of Phantom of the Opera?

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Review: Beastly Bones by William Ritter

Beastly Bones by William Ritter 
Series: Jackaby #2
Published: September 22nd, 2016
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
296 pages (ebook)
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction/Fantasy/Mystery
Acquired this book: Won
Warning: May contain spoilers
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 In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R. F. Jackaby, are called upon to investigate the supernatural. First, members of a particularly vicious species of shape-shifters disguise themselves as a litter of kittens. A day later, their owner is found murdered, with a single mysterious puncture wound to her neck. Then, in nearby Gad's Valley, dinosaur bones from a recent dig go missing, and an unidentifiable beast attacks animals and people, leaving their mangled bodies behind. Policeman Charlie Cane, exiled from New Fiddleham to the valley, calls on Abigail for help, and soon Abigail and Jackaby are on the hunt for a thief, a monster, and a murderer.

 

Two years ago when Jackaby came out, it was being promoted as 'Sherlock meets Doctor Who'. Now, for someone who loves both those things, that was setting the bar pretty high. From my experience, comparing a book to another book/TV show/movie is rarely a good idea because it often sets impossibly high expectations for diehard fans. I was relieved and thrilled when I read Jackaby and discovered it was very much Sherlock meets Doctor Who, with its own unique and fun premise and characters. I was excited to carry on with the series and went into Beastly Bones with high hopes. While the book was mostly entertaining and had quite a bit going for it, I was disappointed.

Where Jackaby was fun, quirky, and fast paced, I found Beastly Bones dragged quite a bit. It started out well; the story picked up right where the last one left off, and we’re thrown into a world - Jackaby’s world - where paranormal happenings are commonplace. Abigail was getting used to her boss’s peculiarities and to the fact the world holds much more than most people are aware of. I still enjoyed Abigail’s voice and her observations, and thought she was a great match for Jackaby. There were some new character additions too, and they added a lot to the story.

There was nothing ‘wrong’ with Beastly Bones. The characters, plot, and premise were all great. There was just something about it that was underwhelming. The entire middle of the book dragged. Things happened at a very...slow...rate. There was too much technical talk. I kept thinking of it as ‘dino talk’ or ‘science talk’ - either way, it had my eyes glazing over more than once. There was also something lacking when it came to Jackaby himself. As I said before, as a huge fan of both Sherlock and Doctor Who, Jackaby appealed to me because he was a mixture of the two, with his own special, unique quirks thrown in. His social awkwardness and chaotic energy made for some hilarious dialogue, and I liked that he was a bit of a mystery. Those things were still the same, and while he did have some amusing remarks and observations, I didn’t find myself laughing as much or feeling as engaged or curious.

Overall, Beastly Bones was good but not great. With a bit more action, the book could have been great, but the sluggish pace affected my overall enjoyment. This could be solely a ‘me’ thing though, so I’d recommend reading it if you enjoyed Jackaby, and I’ll definitely be reading the third book, Ghostly Echoes. There was fantastic set-up for the third book throughout Beastly Bones, so I’m hopeful that it’ll have the magic and that special something that made me love Jackaby.  

 

{My review of Jackaby by William Ritter}

Have you read Jackaby or Beastly Bones? What did you think? If you haven't read them, do you plan to? How do you feel about books being compared to other books/movies/TV shows? Can you think of any examples where the comparisons were warranted?

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Review: The Hill by Karen Bass

The Hill by Karen Bass
Series: Standalone
Published: March 31st, 2016
Publisher: Pajama Press
250 pages (paperback)
Genre: Young Adult Thriller/Supernatural
Acquired this book: Via Pajama Press in exchange for honest consideration
Warning: May contain spoilers
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Jared's plane has crashed in the Alberta wilderness, and Kyle is first on the scene. When Jared insists on hiking up the highest hill in search of cell phone reception, Kyle hesitates; his Cree grandmother has always forbidden him to go near it. There’s no stopping Jared, though, so Kyle reluctantly follows. After a night spent on the hilltop with no cell service the teens discover something odd: the plane has disappeared. Nothing in the forest surrounding them seems right. In fact, things seem very wrong. And worst of all, something is hunting them. Karen Bass, the multi-award-winning author of Graffiti Knight and Uncertain Soldier, brings her signature action packed style to a chilling new subject: the Cree Wihtiko legend. Inspired by the real story of a remote plane crash and by the legends of her Cree friends and neighbours, Karen brings eerie life or perhaps something other than life to the northern Alberta landscape in The Hill.

 

Jared is used to getting his own way and getting whatever he wants. He’s dependent on technology and would rather relax in comfort in his designer clothes than do anything in the great outdoors. When his private plane crashes in the wilderness, the first person on the scene is a Cree teen named Kyle. Despite the fact Kyle tells Jared there’s no cell service nearby, Jared is determined that if he climbs the nearby hill, he’ll get reception. Kyle has always been warned away from the hill, but when Jared insists on going, Kyle knows he can’t let him go alone. Once they’ve climbed the hill, both boys quickly realize why Kyle was always told to stay away from the hill.

The Hill isn’t a typical story of survival in the wilderness. The boys do need to fend for themselves, but there’s something far more sinister than wild animals and the elements in the forest - Jared and Kyle are being pursued by a Wihtiko, a Cree legend come to terrifying life. The pair need to learn to work together and overcome their differences in order to survive. The dynamics between the two were really interesting - they’re complete opposites and have nothing in common, but in a very short time and under extreme circumstances, they forge a strong bond. Jared especially learns a lot about himself through Kyle, which was interesting to see.

The Hill was different from anything I’ve ever read. I loved that it was written by a Canadian author, set in Canada, and used a real Cree legend. I was also really happy to see a main character who was Native. This is so (unfortunately) rare that it actually made me ridiculously excited! The Hill is a creepy, paranormal twist on a survival story. It has great messages about privilege, stereotypes, and friendship. I’d particularly recommend it to fans of the TV show Supernatural - the Wihtiko is similar to the Wendigo, which Sam and Dean fought in season one.
 

Have you read The Hill? What did you think? If you haven't read it, do you plan to? Are you familiar with the Wihtiko (or even the Wendigo) legend? Do you have a favourite story about survival?

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Mini Review: The Trouble With Werewolves by MB Mulhall

The Trouble With Werewolves by MB Mulhall
Series: Errand Girl of the Undead #1
Published: February 28th, 2016
Publisher: Self-published
73 pages (eARC)
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal
Acquired this book: From the author in exchange for honest consideration
Warning: May contain spoilers
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Ellie Weston may look like a blonde Barbie wanna-be, but call by her full name of Elvira and you’ll find she can take you down with nothing more than a paperclip and a hair tie. Having been raised by an ancient vampire, a faerie and a demon hardly makes her a normal teen. She’s trained in self-defense, with a bit of magic thrown in, but those talents are going to waste as she picks up dry cleaning, walks three-headed dogs and collects grave dust by the light of the full moon.

Her job as an errand girl to the undead--and other paranormal creatures--has kept her busy and relatively safe, until she receives a job to hunt down a rogue werewolf who is brutally butchering norms in her father’s territory. As she tries to track down the bloodthirsty beast, she finds the clues aren’t quite adding up. Will her wiles be enough to keep her safe and solve the mystery, or will she become the next victim of these ghastly crimes?

Vampires, demons, and werewolves oh my! The Trouble With Werewolves is a fun, fast-paced story with an original premise. The adopted daughter of a powerful vampire, Ellie is an errand girl to all manner of supernatural creatures.

There was a nice balance of action, mystery, and humour in this story. Ellie is funny and smart, and while she has lots of personality, I’m hoping we’ll see more depth and growth from her in future books. I’m also looking forward to seeing where things go with the hint of romance, and the questions that arose toward the end.

If you’re looking for a new spin on the supernatural genre and you want something quick and fun with a few twists and surprises, you should check out The Trouble With Werewolves. This was a great start to what promises to be an interesting series, and I’m eager to keep reading!

Have you read The Trouble With Werewolves? What did you think? If you haven't read it, do you plan to?

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Review: The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson

Series: Shades of London #2

Published: February 26th, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

290 pages (hardcover)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal

Acquired this book: From the library

Warning: May contain spoilers

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{Read my review of The Name of the Star}

After her near-fatal run-in with the Jack the Ripper copycat, Rory Deveaux has been living in Bristol under the close watch of her parents. So when her therapist suddenly suggests she return to Wexford, Rory jumps at the chance to get back to her friends. But Rory's brush with the Ripper touched her more than she thought possible: she's become a human terminus, with the power to eliminate ghosts on contact. She soon finds out that the Shades--the city's secret ghost-fighting police--are responsible for her return. The Ripper may be gone, but now there is a string of new inexplicable deaths threatening London. Rory has evidence that the deaths are no coincidence. Something much more sinister is going on, and now she must convince the squad to listen to her before it's too late.

 

I had high hopes for The Name of the Star. It was one of those books I was ridiculously excited about from the moment I saw it, mostly because I have a bizarre fascination with Jack the Ripper. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, but when I finally did, I was slightly disappointed. Not like ‘Nooooooo, whyyyyyyyy?!’ disappointed - the book was good, and I liked the unique concept, but it wasn’t as good as I’d hoped. I went into The Madness Underneath with no expectations. I was curious what would happen to Rory and the squad next, but I didn’t have high hopes like I did when reading the first book…and that’s a good thing, because this book was very meh for me.

It started out well. The initial scene was wonderfully creepy and intriguing, but after that it took forever for anything else to happen. The story had moments of excitement that basically went nowhere and were kind of pointless. Not much happened in the entire book, and when something did happen, it was kind of random, and again, didn’t lead anywhere. It felt like a bunch of things thrown together and tied loosely, but not much actual plot. I wasn’t able to get interested or invested until toward the end, but when I finally got emotionally invested it was because something drastic and awful happened (which I’ll get to in a minute).

As with the first book, I liked Rory for the most part. She had a great voice. She’s funny and kooky, and while some people might not appreciate the almost ‘stream of consciousness’ feel to her thoughts, I found it all believable, plus amusing. There was quite a lot of angst in this book, which was mostly understandable, considering a) Rory went through hell in the first book, and b) she’s a teenager. She was impulsive, self-centred, and made some horrendous mistakes, but it was mostly believable. I keep saying ‘mostly’ and that’s because there were some things she did that seemed really weird and out of character, and went beyond impulsive and into ‘what the hell is wrong with you?’ territory. There wasn’t much development or growth on her part, and the book was basically The Rory Show - all about her and very little about the other characters. In the first book I loved the secondary characters, but with the exception of learning a bit more about Stephen, the secondary characters seemed to just sort of…be there.

Then there was the ending. *sigh* An ending like that should make me absolutely itch to get my hands on the next book, but it doesn’t. I was upset (half sad, half pissed), but it was almost a ‘too little, too late’ situation for me. It took so long for anything interesting to happen, and then when it did it was like a simultaneous punch to the gut and slap to the face. I’ll read the third book, but I’m not dying to get my hands on it like I feel I should be after an ending that dramatic.

Overall, The Madness Underneath was just okay for me. I still like the setting (*goes all heart-eyes over London*) and the unique concept of the ghost police, and it had a few creeptastic moments, but that didn’t make up for the lack of plot or character development, or how the secondary characters, who were wonderfully vivid in the first book, seemed to get shoved aside in this book.
 

Have you read The Name of the Star or The Madness Underneath? What did you think? If you haven't read them, do you plan to? Do you have a favourite story or series about ghosts? Let's talk here or on Twitter!

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