10 Cosy & Creepy Books to Read in October

There’s just something about October that makes us want to curl up with a good book. The darker evenings, the rustle of leaves outside, the flicker of candlelight — it’s the perfect setting for stories that are a little eerie, a little magical, and just the right amount of spooky.

Whether you’re a teen looking for a good read, a parent hoping to share something with your kids, or just someone who loves seasonal books, these picks strike the balance between cosy and creepy. No nightmares, but plenty of atmosphere.

Here are 10 cosy and creepy books to add to your October reading list.

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1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — J.K. Rowling

The ultimate autumn comfort read. Hogwarts is brimming with pumpkins, feasts, and flickering candles. While not technically a Halloween book, the sense of magic, mystery, and school-year cosiness makes it one of the best October reads. Perfect for a re-read this season.

2. The Graveyard Book — Neil Gaiman

A boy raised in a graveyard by ghosts and mysterious guardians — it sounds eerie, but it’s also full of heart. Gaiman’s writing makes this book both spooky and whimsical, a fantastic October choice for teens who like stories that lean gothic without being too heavy.

3. The Haunting of Aveline Jones — Phil Hickes

One of the best spooky middle-grade reads of recent years. It’s got everything you want in a Halloween story — a mysterious book, ghostly secrets, and autumnal atmosphere in spades. Teens (and adults) will enjoy this one for its mix of chills and charm.

4. The Book of Hallowe’en — Ruth Edna Kelley

For those who love folklore and history, this classic (first published in 1919) explores the origins of Halloween traditions. From Celtic Samhain to modern-day celebrations, it’s fascinating to dip into during October and makes you appreciate the deeper roots of the season.

5. Small Spaces — Katherine Arden

A modern middle-grade favourite, perfect for those who enjoy a creepy but manageable scare. When a school trip goes wrong, Ollie finds herself trapped in a chilling world where scarecrows come to life. It’s suspenseful but still very readable for teens (and adults who love YA).

6. Practical Magic — Alice Hoffman

A little romance, a little witchcraft, a little family drama — this is the ultimate witchy comfort read. Perfect for older teens and adults, it’s atmospheric, magical, and full of heart. Pair it with the film for a cosy Halloween double.

7. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children — Ransom Riggs

This gothic fantasy mixes eerie vintage photography with a strange, haunting story of children with unusual abilities. It’s unsettling at times, but mostly magical and mysterious. A great pick for teens who like something quirky and a little dark.

8. The Witch’s Boy — Kelly Barnhill

An enchanting and atmospheric read about magic, courage, and belonging. Barnhill’s writing is lyrical and perfect for autumn nights. It’s not horror at all, but the themes of witches and folklore give it just the right October feel.

9. Coraline — Neil Gaiman

Short but haunting, Coraline follows a girl who discovers a strange “other world” behind a locked door in her house. It’s unsettling but brilliant — and perfect for an October evening. Gaiman is a master of eerie-but-readable storytelling, and this one is unforgettable.

10. Something Wicked This Way Comes — Ray Bradbury

This is one of the most quintessential Halloween reads. Two boys encounter a sinister travelling carnival that feeds on fear and desire. Atmospheric, poetic, and creepy in just the right way, it’s a must-read for October if you want a book that feels like Halloween itself.

Closing Thoughts

A blanket, a hot drink, a flickering candle, and one of these books — that’s all you need for the perfect October evening.

Reading seasonally is such a lovely way to root yourself in the rhythm of the year, and these stories offer just the right mix of cosiness and creepiness. Whether you’re re-reading an old favourite like Harry Potter, dipping into folklore with The Book of Hallowe’en, or discovering something new like Small Spaces, these books will keep you company all month long.

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Happy reading — and happy Halloween! 🎃

Chat soon,

Ciara x