Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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SALT LAKE CITY — October would not be complete without reading a few spooky books. As the weather cools, the leaves die and daylight retreats, it’s the perfect time to read something with a little haunt to it.
This Book Matters list includes creepy choices for everyone in the family.
Little ghosts1. “Runaway Mummy: A Petrifying Parody” by Michael RexFrom the author of the best-selling and hilarious “Goodnight Goon” comes another fun parody of a childhood classic with a Halloween twist.
- “The Gashlycrumb Tinies” by Edward GoreyLoved for his morbid sense of humor and ink-pen drawings, Edward Gorey created many Halloween-worthy picture books. This ABC tale, told in rhyme, will fascinate kids as well as adults.
Young goblins
- “Doll Bones” by Holly BlackThree friends — Zach, Poppy and Alice — must solve the mystery of a china doll haunting Poppy that claims to be made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. A clever and exciting read.
- “The Ghost Prison” by Joseph DelaneyThis book is brand new from Joseph Delaney, the international best-selling author of the “Last Apprentice” series. Young Billy is a new prison guard at an anything-but-ordinary prison. What he discovers will change everything. This short novella includes brilliant illustrations.
Teen terrors
- “Dispirited” by Lousia M. PerkinsGhosts, an enchanted old house, mystery, sweet romance, adventure — this story has it all. The premise feels unique and fresh, and the writing is clean and beautiful. Cathy sees things others don't, including the spirit of a boy who's been kept out of his body by the wicked creature now inhabiting Cathy's step-brother. It's up to her to use her supernatural abilities to make things right.
- “Pitch Green” by The Brothers WashburnWith a quick pace, cool characters and plenty of suspense, this haunted house and creepy creature novel does not disappoint. In the sleepy town of Trona not much happens — except for the occasional missing child. When Cal’s little brother disappears on Halloween night, Camm becomes obsessed with finding him. And she knows the old abandoned house is the place to start.
Old spooks
- “Warm Bodies” by Isaac MarionNot your typical zombie book, this novel’s premise is unique and extremely well executed. R is a zombie — not alive and not really dead. When he meets Julie, things start to change in ways no one ever expected. A beautiful and gruesome read. Content note: A fair amount of foul language including several F-words and deity usage, some sexuality — mildly descriptive, and some gory violence.
- “The Winter Witch” by Paula BrackstonIf you love a good witch tale, pick up witch writer Paula Brackston’s latest novel. Part supernatural thriller, part historical fiction and part romance, this story has everything. Morgana, who cannot speak, marries Cal and is taken away from everything familiar. Soon a powerful witch threatens everything in her new life and she must find the courage to summon her own power to save it all. “The Winter Witch” is atmospheric and enchanting.
What’s your favorite Halloween read? Come share on my Facebook page.
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About the Author: Teri Harman
Teri Harman, author and book enthusiast, writes a biweekly column for ksl.com and contributes book-related segments to Studio 5. Her debut novel, "Blood Moon," is now available in stores and online. Join in the magic and chaos at teriharman.com.*
