There are two types of Halloween book lists, books that take place on Halloween and scary books that are fun to read around Halloween. I like the first list better than the second because I read very little horror.
The shortlist below are all books that are slightly spooky but perfect for all ages. I have read all these stories several times.
Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie is a Hercule Poirot mystery, but I found it quite entertaining in a clash-of-the-generations way.
The Spook’s Apprentice by Joseph Delaney is book one of a thirteen book middle grade series. I read them out loud to my hubby, and we think they are great for anyone who likes dark stories. (I was surprised at the path the story took, but if you like spooky stories, it’s a good one.)
I’d rather watch the Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving than read it. Disney’s animated version narrated by Bing Crosby is the best Halloween movie ever.
If I had to pick just one book to read, I would read The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. It explores the history of the holiday and is quite suspenseful.
If you want to be freaked out by a Ray Bradbury book, you could always read Something Wicked This Way Comes. I’m skipping this one, but it could be the perfect Halloween read if you want to be too scared to sleep.