Fall. The season of perpetual coziness and tranquility. As the nights get increasingly colder and darker, what better way to pass the time than to submerge yourself in some witchy horror novels? This list has a little something for everyone — those interested in the gothic, hardcore scares, socio-political commentary, and even some quick short stories for those short on time this busy season.
Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin
Ira Levin’s disturbing yet masterful novel Rosemary’s Baby (1967) is without a doubt a masterclass in suspense and paranoia. Levin rose to prominence for writing an array of classic, often deemed feminist, novels featuring a female lead dealing with misogyny within a patriarchal landscape in some regard — most notably, The Stepford Wives (1972) — a term now used to describe mindless trad-wives influenced by the far right. His earlier novel, Rosemary’s Baby, was later made into a colossally successful feature film by disgraced director Roman Polanski.
The original novel is ripe with themes of medical and social misogyny, the occult, gaslighting, and issues of female bodily autonomy. The film follows Rosemary Woodhouse and her husband Guy, who move into a gorgeous New York City apartment — befriending an older couple whose interest piques when Rosemary becomes pregnant with her first child. Without spoiling the eyebrow-raising yet infamous climax, the novel deals with themes surrounding the occult, making it a perfect read for the upcoming spooky season.
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Shirley Jackson has established herself as a pioneer of Gothic horror literature. Her 1959 novel The Haunting of Hill House is just one example of her literary expertise. The book follows a paranormal investigator, Dr. John Montague, who invites four guests to Hill House, as they attempt to find evidence of a supernatural presence. The novel has received numerous adaptations — most notably the 1963 film The Haunting and Mike Flannagan’s Netflix miniseries The Haunting of Hill House (2018). Jackson has been universally praised for her deliciously macabre exploration of ghosts and the supernatural, leaving Hill House often cited as one of the greatest horror novels of the twentieth century.
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov is considered to be a twentieth-century Russian masterpiece. Written as a counter-response to censorship and Soviet propaganda, Buglakov wrote his magnum opus over a decade-long period under Stalin’s regime. The novel takes a satirical approach to the Soviet Union, even going so far as to critique and dismantle atheistic propaganda. His book follows the devil upon his arrival in Moscow, causing chaos in a city that denies the existence of God or Satan. The novel takes the reader on a deeply philosophical and intellectually stimulating odyssey, solidifying its placement on this witchy-horror-esque list.
The Dreams in the Witch House by H. P. Lovecraft
Universally considered one of the greatest horror writers of all time, H.P. Lovecraft has an entire subgenre of Lovecraftian horror based on his style for good reason. Considered a master of cosmic horror, Lovecraft’s works know no bounds — from delving into sci-fi, supernatural elements, and absurdism — there is no surefire way of categorizing his work. His short story The Dreams in the Witch House is no different. It blends the genres of horror and fantasy to create a spellbinding tale of witchcraft, academia, and astral projection. The story’s themes and its writers’ status as one of the greats solidify it as an essential witchy read for this coming fall season.
Gramma in Skeleton Crew by Stephen King
Stephen King is perhaps one of the most influential and widely respected horror writers in recent memory. From The Shining (1977) to Pet Sematary (1983) to ‘Salem’s Lot (1975) to It (1986), he has delivered no shortage of great horror narratives to his wide audience with ravenous horror appetites. While he certainly leaves no stone unturned in the wide variety of topics and themes to explore, his short story Gramma depicts conventional yet monstrous witchcraft in the form of George Bruckner, our protagonist’s grandmother. The story unfolds through a series of childhood memories, leading George to suspect that his grandmother is, in fact, a witch with nefarious intentions.
The Well in The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez
Mariana Enriquez has solidified herself as one of the greatest voices in contemporary horror literature with her collection of horror short stories and a full-length novel translated to English from the original Spanish, making it widely accessible to Western readers. Enriquez’s worked closely with English translator Megan McDowell on her accessible works — Things We Lost in the Fire (2016), Our Share of Night (2019), The Dangers of Smoking in Bed (2021), and her most recent collection, A Sunny Place for Shady People (2024). Her horror works typically delve into themes of magical realism whilst providing socio-political critique of her Buenos Aires hometown.
Her short story The Well delivers rich themes of witchcraft, misogyny, and marginalization. All of Mariana Enriquez’s stories, in some way, deal with morbid femininity, unconventional desires, the occult, and many more deliciously macabre themes. Any one of Enriquez’s works translated to English by McDowell could fit into the category of witchy horror, and for that reason, makes her the ideal read for October.
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice
Visionary author Anne Rice’s The Witching Hour is a stirring fantasy book ideal for anyone transitioning into the horror genre. Rice is best known for her book Interview with the Vampire, which was later adapted into a film starring industry legends Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and a young Kirsten Dunst. Rice’s affinity with fantasy elements has solidified her as a quintessential writer in the horror and fantasy genres. The Witching Hour, spanning over four centuries, follows a powerful dynasty of witches that are intrinsically linked to a demon.
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Gerald Brom
Gerald Brom’s Slewfoot is a delightfully addictive read that blends themes of horror, patriarchy, and identity. Set against the backdrop of Colonial New England, Slewfoot tells the tale of a widow who meets an ambiguous spirit named Slewfoot. Together, they face the threat of witch-hunts and executions, as they are both acquainted with the dark arts. Slewfoot is a twisted dark fantasy that will delight any fans of folklore and historical fiction.
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian
Chris Bohjalian’s Hour of the Witch is an impeccably written, thrilling read that any fans of contemporary gothic literature will be sure to enjoy. The novel dapples in themes of domestic abuse, patriarchal culture, and women’s liberation. The story takes place in 1662 Boston and follows a woman seeking a divorce from her husband, which sets her on a quest for freedom and autonomy in a society where women are perceived as evil for defying rules and patriarchal values.
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
Rachel Harrison’s Cackle is a pleasantly funny dark comedy that uses horror as a vehicle to elevate its themes of women’s companionship and the female experience. The novel follows a people-pleasing woman named Annie, recently single, who seeks a new beginning. She befriends the ethereal Sophie — a woman who mysteriously lives alone and defies aging. Harrison’s novel is a delightful read from start to finish and is an essential read for the fall season.
There is no shortage of great horror reads on this list for just about any taste. Whether you’re searching for a gory romp, a social satire, a gothic novel, or just something spooky to fill the dark and lonely nights, this handpicked list of books is perfect for thirsty genre fans!
Next, why not read 5 Spicy Vampire Romance Books to Read This Fall for more spooky horror and fantasy recommendations?
For an endless library of recommendations for your TBR, check out Bookstr on Bookshop.
