Happy Halloween everyone! Nothing says Halloween like a chilling ghost story set in a haunted house! Here’s a lineup of spooky standalones and first-in-series books from queer and POC authors that will immerse you in eerie atmospheres, haunted hallways, and ghostly mysteries. So light a candle, get cozy, and prepare for some shivers!
1. The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
For fans of gothic horror with a supernatural twist, The Hacienda is a fantastic blend of haunted house chills and historical fiction. Set in post-revolutionary Mexico, Beatriz marries a mysterious widower and moves into his beautiful but unsettling hacienda. When strange occurrences begin, Beatriz turns to a young priest with secrets of his own for help. Isabel Cañas brings the eerie landscape to life with vivid descriptions and an unsettling atmosphere that’s bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
2. The Good House by Tananarive Due
If you’re in the mood for a deeply atmospheric ghost story that dives into generational curses, The Good House will leave you haunted. Tananarive Due’s story follows Angela, a woman returning to her family’s home in Washington, where years earlier a tragedy occurred. She soon uncovers dark secrets and the supernatural forces that have cursed her family. Due’s exploration of African American heritage and spirituality adds depth to the chilling narrative, making it a haunting and powerful read.
3. Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
This short but spine-tingling novella will transport you into a haunted Japanese mansion with plenty of sinister surprises. Cassandra Khaw weaves Japanese folklore into this modern ghost story, following a group of friends who decide to hold a wedding in the eerie mansion. The ghostly bride and the dark spirits lurking in the house soon make their presence known, leaving everyone questioning their reality. It’s a quick, intense read that’s equal parts creepy and beautiful, perfect for Halloween night.
4. House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson
If you’re in the mood for something hauntingly atmospheric with a dark twist, House of Hunger is a perfect pick. The story follows Marion, who escapes a life of poverty by becoming a bloodmaid in a strange aristocratic household. The mansion itself feels alive with dark secrets and an insatiable hunger that lingers in every room. Henderson’s gothic world-building and eerie settings make this a spellbinding tale that blends horror with social commentary, ideal for a spine-chilling read on a crisp October evening.
5. The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
This ghostly YA novel blends a haunting small-town atmosphere with paranormal intrigue. Logan and her family move to a remote town where her fathers investigate paranormal occurrences, but when teens start disappearing, Logan realizes there’s a deeper, darker mystery to uncover. Gould brings a beautifully queer, ghostly story to life, diving into themes of grief, identity, and community. With its tense atmosphere and haunted vibes, it’s a perfect pick for readers wanting a bit of romance mixed with eerie chills.
6. Ghost Summer: Stories by Tananarive Due
Ghost Summer is a collection of haunting tales that explore Southern Gothic themes with supernatural flair. From ghosts to family secrets, each story is unique yet connected by a sense of eerie mystery. Tananarive Due brings her talent for atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth to these ghostly tales, blending horror with themes of race, heritage, and survival. This collection is a great option if you’re looking to sample a range of supernatural tales that are both spooky and thought-provoking.
7. When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen
This haunted plantation story is steeped in horror and history. Mira returns to her Southern hometown for a friend’s wedding, which is to be held at a plantation with a gruesome past. As the wedding approaches, Mira finds herself haunted by the spirits of those who suffered there. McQueen’s novel brings a potent blend of horror, history, and social commentary, diving into the legacy of racism and the spirits that refuse to be forgotten. It’s haunting in every sense of the word and will stay with you long after Halloween.
8. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
No Halloween reading list is complete without Mexican Gothic. This is a modern gothic masterpiece set in a creepy mansion in the Mexican countryside. Noemà Taboada, a glamorous socialite, goes to investigate the disturbing letters from her cousin, who claims the house is alive. As she unearths its secrets, she finds herself entangled in a supernatural mystery filled with sinister intentions. Moreno-Garcia’s storytelling and her lush, atmospheric writing make this a haunting tale that will chill you to the bone.
These books deliver haunting tales, eerie settings, and plenty of suspense, all from queer and POC authors who bring fresh perspectives to the genre. Whether you’re drawn to haunted plantations, eerie mansions, or creepy small towns, these ghostly reads will be perfect companions for a spooky Halloween night.
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