9 New Horror Releases Just In Time For Halloween

It’s a new month, which also means new releases! This October, celebrate Halloween with these nine spine-chilling horror reads.

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It’s officially October, which means cooler days, pumpkin spice, falling leaves, and of course, Halloween. Spooky season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time of year to curl up with a good horror novel. These nine spine-tingling, goosebump-inducing new releases will definitely keep you up at night.

1. Malice House by Megan Shepherd

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Release Date: October 4th

Synopsis: Following the death of her father, who was a Pulitzer-winning author, Haven Marbury visits his remote seaside home to clean it out. Prior to this, Haven’s father had always cautioned her that the house is haunted, but that’s just his dementia speaking—right? While going through his things, she finds a secret handwritten manuscript. Inside, there are short stories with graphic depictions of monsters and tales of special humans who exist between this world and another realm. As an artist, Haven feels compelled to illustrate these stories.

However, trouble soon follows Haven’s attempt at a father-daughter collaboration. Seemingly, everyone in town wants a piece of the manuscript. In fact, someone wants it so badly that they keep trying to break into Haven’s house. Further, reports start spreading of horrifying deaths in the woods, and Haven even encounters a monstrous creature herself. In order to save everyone, Haven must race against time to uncover dark family secrets.

2. A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

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Release Date: October 4th

Synopsis: After a mysterious stranger rescues her from the brink of death, Constanta decides to marry them. However, she soon comes to the realization that her beloved Dracula is capable of terrible things. In need of comfort, Constanta turns to her rival consorts. In return, she also unintentionally discovers her husband’s darkest secrets. Now, Constanta is faced with an impossible choice: freedom or love. But bonds forged by blood can only be broken by one thing: death.

3. Lute by Jennifer Thorne

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Release Date: October 4th

Synopsis: Lute is an idyllic island. Free from war, its inhabitants are blessed with good weather, perfect health, and fortune. But of course, as with every utopia, there’s a catch—every seventh summer, seven people die. Originally from Florida, Nina Treadway has never experienced The Day. New to the island, Nina has only ever heard stories, brushing them off as silly superstitions. However, The Day begins, and it’s filled with nightmares. One thing is clear: once it ends, Nina—and Lute—will never be the same.

4. Jackal by Erin E. Adams

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Release Date: October 4th

Synopsis: Reluctantly, Liz Rocher is returning to Johnstown, Pennsylvania. As a Black woman from a predominantly white town, Liz does not have many fond memories from her childhood. However, her best friend is getting married, and she wouldn’t miss it for the world. Even if that means having to brave a weekend of awkward, passive-aggressive reunions. Weddings are supposed to be happy occasions, but unfortunately, tragedy strikes. The couple’s daughter, Caroline, vanishes, with only a blood-stained piece of fabric left behind.

Seemingly, Liz is the only one who notices a pattern: a summer night, a missing girl, and a party in the woods. When Liz was still in high school, Keisha Woodson—the only other Black girl in her grade—disappeared. Later, they found her ripped open with her heart removed. As Liz digs through the town’s history, she discovers even more cases of children disappearing in the woods. All of them Black. All of them girls. With time ticking, Liz knows what she must do: find Caroline, or become consumed by the darkness.

5. When the Night Bells Ring by Jo Kaplan

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Release Date: October 11th

Synopsis: Set in the future, where fire and drought have ravaged the world. In the Western wasteland of the United States, two climate refugees come across an old silver mine. There, they find Lavinia Cain’s diary. Upon reading it, they learn that Cain was a settler who brought her family to Nevada in the late 1800s. However, Cain and the other members of the Western town discovered something monstrous that dwells in the depths of the cave. Now, over 150 years later, the women discover that they’re not alone in the mine… and that there’s no easy way out.

6. Little Eve by Catriona Ward

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Release Date: October 11th

Synopsis: The isle of Altnaharra is situated off the windiest coast of Scotland. There, a clan is preparing to bring about the end of the world, as well as its imminent rebirth. Further, the Adder is coming, meaning that one of the clan’s members will inherit its powers. In particular, young Eve is willing to do anything for this honor. This all changes when Chief Inspector Black begins investigating a brutal murder on the isle, causing their sacred ceremony to go horribly wrong. Clearly, it is only a matter of time before all of the secrets of Altnaharra will be unveiled.

7. The Hollow Kind by Andy Davidson

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Release Date: October 11th

Synopsis: Trapped in an abusive marriage, Nellie Gardner is desperate for a way out for her and her eleven-year old son, Max. After learning that her long-lost grandfather, August Redfern, left her his estate, Nellie immediately jumps at the chance to flee there. However, upon their arrival, it becomes clear that the estate is actually a decrepit farmhouse surrounded by forest. Even so, Nellie is thrilled about the chance at a fresh start.

As a result, Nellie overlooks some things—the strange scratching in the walls, the soft whispering at night, how the forest is eerily silent. Unlike his mother, Max notices everything, including how they’re no safer here than they were back home. In fact, their new home might be worse. There’s something wrong with Redfern Hill— beneath the soil, something lurks, ancient and hungry with the power to corrupt.

8. If This Book Exists, You’re in the Wrong Universe by Jason Pargin

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Release Date: October 18th

Synopsis: Broken neon signs, sub-standard housing, and shuttered storefronts. All of these things characterize the city of “Undisclosed.” While most wouldn’t want to be caught dead here, tourists still flock to the city due to its unusual phenomena. In fact, some of the most popular attractions include paranormal cults, interdimensional parasites, demonic entities, and sorcerers. Best of all, the city has a possessed toy that entices youth to commit murder in exchange for stuffed birds. On the contrary, we have Dave, John, and Amy—a trio of heroes paid to face supernatural threats. However, they soon realize that this apocalypse may just be above their pay grade.

9. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

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Release Date: October 18th

Synopsis: Living in the eerie, mist-covered kingdom of Blunder, Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe—she needs a monster. Elspeth calls her monster the Nightmare because he is an ancient, mercurial spirit within her mind. More importantly, he protects her and keeps all her secrets. Nevertheless, nothing comes for free, especially magic.

Later, when Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life changes. Suddenly, she enters a world of shadow and deceit, deciding to attempt to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. The highwayman just so happens to be the King’s nephew… and guilty of high treason. Together, they join forces to collect the twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the solution. However, the Nightmare is slowly consuming Elspeth’s mind, and she might not be able to stop him.

For some new horror film recommendations, click here.

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