We know that the "creepy" genre is not for everyone, but there are those (of all ages) who love the thrill of a spine-chilling story. What better day to highlight books that will have you "on the edge of your seat" than Friday the 13th? Need we mention that Fall is the perfect season for the mystifying, suspense and frightful? It's such a perfect combination we couldn't resist diving into the mysterious.
Friday 13th Adult Fiction Terror Books
I think most of us avid adult readers are familiar with Stephen King (The King of Horror). As librarians we appreciate his claim on terrifying tales. However, we would like to bring some much due attention to other note worthy authors that have their own corner of the thrilling and scary story market.
The Midnight Feast: New to our library The Midnight Feast is Editor's Pick for the "Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense". Along with author, Lucy Foley, being hailed by the Guardian as the "Agatha Kristi of the Instagram age." This book checks of all the boxes to a great "who done it?" Guests at a lavish manor attend a grand feast only to stumble upon a 15 year old secret tragedy. The book's exploration of wealth, power, and hidden motives, along with its slow building suspense, makes it a capitating read. Multiple narrators and atmospheric tension are prevalent throughout keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
A Discovery of Witches Trilogy: If you are a fan of fantasy, thrillers and history, then this trilogy is for you! Filled with vampires, daemons and witches this story takes you on a journey of a ancient missing manuscript that is accidentally discovered by a witch who is desperately trying to forget she is, in fact, a witch. Unfortunately for her, the manuscript contains secrets about the origins of all the dark world species--each one wanting to control the manuscripts knowledge. No longer able to suppress her powers and remain unscathed by the underworld, this young witch becomes intertwined with a vampire geneticist. A forbidden alliance grows between the two as their story unravels around historical events.
Young Adult Fright
As a teenager my favorite genre was mystery! A story that had you in its grips of the unknown--making you wonder what was going on. Mystery, in and of itself, can have a scary factor through intrigue and fear of the unknown.
The Lie Tree: This book has plenty of mystery, and a bit of magic, wrapped in a unique idea of a lie tree for a story plot. Taking place in the early 1800s young Faith Sunderly sets off to uncover her father's sudden strange behavior, and ultimately figure out what brought about his final demise. This is no-easy-feat in an era where a young woman asking too many questions is highly frowned upon by society. But don't just take our say so this book is also, the winner of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Young Adult Literature and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction.
Along with a Young Adults Top Ten selection
You'll be the Death of Me:
Three estranged friends reconnect when they decide to skip school together to recreate an adventure-filled day from their past. Instead they stumble upon the body of a fellow student. The trio begins to dig into what happened. As they do, they uncover secrets about themselves, their peers, and the victim. Along the way they must navigate suspicion, betrayal, and hidden dangers as they try to solve the murder...and remain alive themselves.
Junior Fiction Goosebumps
As adolescents who didn't like scary stories by the campfire, in a clubhouse, or at a sleepover? As parents we can understand the intrigue but prefer stories that fit the bill without the nightmares and requests of kids sleeping on their bedroom floor. The two books below are that perfect balance.
Shark Night: Alone in a giant water tank, Liam, holding a camera, watches as a twenty-foot-long hammerhead shark is about to be lowered in with him. This is not where he thought his day was going.
Liam is helping his mom film a documentary for the Danger Channel.
A twelve-year-old battling a shark! It'll be a sensation! But don't worry, the hammerhead is the gentlest of sharks.
And this one is old and nearly toothless, so Liam will be fine. But Liam is paralyzed with fear. And as the shark is lowered into the tank, he realizes something's not right...!
City of Ghosts: Cassidy Blake, a young girl who can see ghosts after a near-death experience becomes best friends with a ghost named, Jacob, and together they navigate Cassidy's new strange ability. When her parents, who happen to be TV show hosts about haunted places, take her to Edinburgh, Scotland-a city filled with restless spirits-Cassidy's powers intensifies. She must face her fears and confront a powerful ghost who threatens to trap her in the afterlife forever.
Children's Fiction Scary Fun
Still in the creepy genre, these books are more on the endearing side. Kids who love a bit of a spooky factor will love these books because...who doesn't love zombies right? The best part is they will tickle their funny bone too!
Zombie Love: a lonely zombie named Mortimer is searching for love. He tries everything to meet the girl of his dreams-placing ads in the newspaper, giving unconventional gifts like worms and dead flowers, and even attending a dance. But nothing seems to work because most people are scared of him due to his zombie nature.
Frank was a Monster who wanted to Dance: A quirky and amusing monster named Frank has an unusual dream--he wants to be a dancer. Even though he's a green, spooky creature with a brain that occasionally falls out, Frank is determined to perform on stage. He loves ballet and tap dancing and decides to follow his passion, despite what others may think.
If these picks don't quite budge your "creepy" meter, come visit us at the library and we will help you find one that will. Whether it be fiction or Non-fiction (because there are plenty of chilling stories there too) or for the old or young...we are happy to help you find the perfect "hair-raising" book!
Don't forget, you can also use our library system Destiny Discover, NoveList/NoveList K-8 (remember to use our login - Username: snakeriver, password: Library@123 for access), or our online library Libby (login with your library number and last name in all lowercase) to search more books from the comfort of your own home. Happy hunting!
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