Must Know Tips to Conquer Your Spooky TBR Before Halloween
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October is here, and with it, that irresistible pull to dive into a reading list filled with all things spooky and atmospheric. Whether you’re flipping through a well-loved paperback of Practical Magic. Or holding a freshly published hardcover of Mexican Gothic, the race to finish those spine-chilling reads before Halloween begins! From classic Shirley Jackson novels to modern masterpieces like The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna. This is the time to immerse yourself in haunted houses, eerie mysteries, and spellbinding stories.
But if you’re anything like me, you might be staring at that towering TBR wondering, âWill I really get through all these books?â Fear not! Inside, Iâm sharing practical tips to help you blaze through your spooky reading list, whether itâs for your next book club or to finally rate that five-star novel you’ve been meaning to read. Ready to conquer your October TBR? Letâs dive in!

1. Prioritize Shorter, Atmospheric Reads
If you’re staring at a massive stack of spooky books, start with the shorter ones (or alternate the sizes). Not only will you feel accomplished faster, but shorter horror or thriller reads can be just as chilling. Look for novellas, short story collections, or standalones with eerie vibes to get through more titles before the big day.
Recommendations for Atmospheric Reads
- “The Haunting of Rookward House” by Darcy Coates
A classic haunted house novella with atmospheric tension that builds to an eerie climax. Perfect for when you want all the chills in under 250 pages. - “The Ballad of Black Tom” by Victor LaValle
A fresh and sinister reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft’s mythos, this novella blends horror, historical elements, and a bite-sized but powerful story. - “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson
Jackson is a master of unsettling atmosphere, and this short novel delivers eerie, slow-burn tension with an unforgettable gothic feel.

2. Mix Up the Spooky Genres
Balance your TBR with a variety of spooky sub-genres: mix horror with paranormal romance, or pair a cozy mystery with a gothic tale. Switching up your reads can keep you from feeling burnt out by one genre and helps you stay motivated to read more.
Recommendations for Spooky Reads
- “A Witch in Time” by Constance Sayers
A time-traveling romance with dark magic and cursed love stories, perfect for mixing the paranormal with historical fiction. - “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This gothic horror novel delivers chilling family secrets, ghostly encounters, and an atmospheric mansion setting that feels haunted by more than just ghosts. - “Home Before Dark” by Riley Sager
A twisty psychological thriller with a haunted house theme, mixing both mystery and horror to keep you on your toes.
Bonus Tip
Create a Spooky Reading Nook: Set up a cozy, Halloween-themed reading nook with candles, fall blankets, and maybe even some fake cobwebs. Itâll make the experience feel more festive and keep you motivated to stay in your spooky world.
Recommendations to help get spooky in your new nook
- “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
A gothic classic with a haunting atmosphereâreading this in a cozy, candle-lit corner will fully immerse you in the eerie world of Manderley. - “The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters
This supernatural historical novel set in a crumbling mansion is perfect for curling up in your spooky nook with a warm drink on a dark autumn evening. - “The House on Abigail Lane” by Kealan Patrick Burke
A quick, creepy novella about a house where strange disappearances occurâideal for a cozy and spooky reading session when youâre tucked away in your haunted nook.

3. Set Mini Reading Goals (and Rewards!)
Break your TBR down into manageable chunks. Aim to read one spooky book a week or set a goal to finish a certain number of pages per day. To stay motivated, treat yourself to something fun after each bookâwhether itâs a Halloween treat or a cozy movie night.
Perfect reads for beating your goals
- “The Cabin at the End of the World” by Paul Tremblay
A high-stakes, apocalyptic thriller thatâll keep you glued to the pages, making it perfect for setting small, action-packed reading goals. - “The Girl from the Well” by Rin Chupeco
A gripping YA horror with a ghostly revenge plotâthis oneâs short, intense, and ideal for fast reading goals and mini rewards along the way. - “The Sundown Motel” by Simone St. James
A paranormal mystery with dual timelines and a creepy motel settingâitâs an engrossing read that keeps you motivated to hit your reading goals.

4. Switch Between Audiobooks and Physical Books
Audiobooks can help you sneak in extra reading time while multitasking (perfect for spooky reads while youâre getting ready for Halloween parties!). When you’re too tired to physically read, audiobooks are a great way to keep moving through your list without feeling like youâre falling behind.
The perfect books to read on audio
- “The Only Good Indians” by Stephen Graham Jones
This atmospheric horror audiobook explores the haunting consequences of a hunting trip gone wrong. Its eerie tone enhances every chilling moment. - “The Southern Book Clubâs Guide to Slaying Vampires” by Grady Hendrix
A perfect blend of Southern charm and vampire horror, this audiobook is laced with humor and tension, keeping the pacing just right for multitasking. - “The Drowning Kind” by Jennifer McMahon
A haunting supernatural thriller with dark family secretsâthis one is filled with twists that are even more engaging in audiobook form.

5. Read During Peak Spooky Hours
Maximize your Halloween vibes by reading at night or during overcast, stormy weather. If you can’t get in the right mood to read, turn off the lights, grab a blanket, and dive into your horror novel under a single lamp or candlelight. The atmosphere will enhance the chills and make the reading experience immersive.
Books to set the Halloween mood!
- “The Silent Companions” by Laura Purcell
A slow-burn gothic horror set in a crumbling mansion with eerie wooden figures that come to life. Perfect for reading by candlelight on a stormy night. - “The Winter People” by Jennifer McMahon
This haunting thriller about ghosts and missing persons is best read at night for a fully immersive, spine-chilling experience. - “The Hunger” by Alma Katsu
A dark historical horror that reimagines the Donner Partyâs ill-fated journeyâitâs an unsettling read thatâs even more terrifying when read in the dark.
Bonus Tip
Curate Your Spooky Playlist: Create a playlist of eerie soundtracks or horror movie scores to set the perfect atmosphere while reading. A background of haunting music can enhance the creep factor of your spooky reads.
The playlist will be a vibe!
- “The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield
This eerie, gothic mystery is perfect for reading with a haunting piano score in the backgroundâitâs slow, atmospheric, and filled with family secrets. - “Coraline” by Neil Gaiman
With its unsettling whimsy and creepy alternate worlds, this childrenâs horror book feels even more sinister when paired with an eerie instrumental soundtrack. - “House of Leaves” by Mark Z. Danielewski
A mind-bending, labyrinthine horror novel thatâs perfect to read with disorienting, otherworldly music that matches its trippy, terrifying tone.
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