16 spooky books to read for a haunted halloween 🕸 witchy, gothic, horror & autumnal reads

[@aaronvelazquez5599]

the sudden appearance of the squirrel is my favorite part

[@juliarosemaryturk]

came to the comment section for this

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

Squirrels don't have stripes on their tails, neither the gray ones nor the black ones. That's a chipmunk. 🐿️ Maybe due to her _Jekyll and Hyde_ reference to _Alvin and the Chipmunks._ And it's brown. Where did you ever see a brown squirrel?

[@blochhead6793]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 wow I’ve never seen someone get so worked up over squirrels😂 I’m glad there’s someone out there defending their honor.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

@@blochhead6793: Chipmunks.

[@blochhead6793]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 You do you guy

[@WilliamsReptiles]

Emma trying to act like a seductive vampire and breaking character every third second is giving me life. It's so endearing lol

[@chantalcastro8394]

I will never get over how you describe and present books… so good, so inviting… so compelling.. just wow 🙌

[@thebasedgodmax1163]

at this point i’d be worried if emma didn’t mention phantom of the opera in some way in these videos also vampire emma is cool as hell

[@rosaliepicard7536]

Love the Deaner pfp.

[@nicolecooper749]

“Carmilla” is another gothic novella that’s good to read during this season. It was written in 1872, it’s about a female vampire🧛‍♀️

[@Ascendant1]

Carmilla is great, I read it every Halloween.

[@tiffanymoton704]

my goal for 2022 is to start a booktube channel (i’m a writer and avid reader) and I find this channel so inspiring. this is the vibe I want, this is the mood I want, and I can only hope I can be even close to as well spoken as you are. you brilliant woman. love you!

[@maanya__742]

Wow! All the best and if you do please let us know I would love to watch!

[@TeeryvelizCurbelo]

Omg, Good luck!!!! :D

[@tiffanymoton704]

@@maanya__742 omg thank you! see that’s why I love this community we’re all just nice people who like to read lol

[@Seddighah]

Good luck 🍀👍🏻

[@ohohnenyeoo2654]

Go ahead

[@savinaking8637]

Perfume is a mind blowing book. So unique. Definitely a book for the dark months.

[@TheSelkie1990]

I couldn't even finish it because it creeped me out so much and I don't really get scared when reading...so, that's saying something!! LOL

[@angierodriguez4729]

The only book that has ever made me gag

[@allisonh2340]

This intro is absolutely incredible 😂 The only book that has ever truly terrified me was The Shining, but the Woman in Black definitely made me very uncomfy 😅

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

Try _Ghost Story_ by Peter Straub.

[@allisonh2340]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 thanks for the recommendation!!

[@starswnames]

may I give a recommendation too: The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Doyle. I reckon the Sherlock Holmes series is pretty well known, but, if you haven't picked up this specific one, I highly recommend you to do so in this spooky season! it has the mist, the woods and a haunted moor = all of the best. thanks for all these lovely recommendations, Emma! wishing you a happy October and a wonderful reading month!

[@monsmontage0607]

I can't agree more!!!

[@maanya__742]

Yes, it's my favorite one of the four original novels!

[@starswnames]

@@maanya__742 mine too! ♡

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

I read that when I was in high school. I loved it.

[@literarysloth9961]

THE OUTFIT you are quite literally killing the game emma

[@MicahCwen]

the into killed me omg

[@ineedtoreadmorebooks6432]

Your entrance..the tone when talking about your salad...putting the necklace on...so good...I'm giggling ❤

[@ileanaaaaa]

You’re the best Emma at recommending all kinds of books 🖤

[@illyrianvines5410]

ooh, I'd definitely recommend A Lesson in Vengeance ... I mean, sapphic, witchy, gothic, dark academia - what else do you need?🖤✨

[@callukcraft]

your intro is gold , and thank you for all the great content. also we need more vampire Emma .

[@klair13]

thank youuu i’m trying to read more horror books right now

[@wiseabay199]

idk if youve already talked about Shirley jackson's "haunting of hill house". It's a MUST during this season. The plot is ok, the signification is existential and depressing, the writting is exquisite. ive read alot of goths before, but this woman got a total uncanny and unforgettable approach.

[@haoyunhong2334]

just started a few days ago

[@wheatieee47]

Marina is incredible, actually they discover something in the graveyard and don't get onto the coach until the end of the book

[@Todoigual1]

Your taste in horror books has influenced me so much

[@ladyfox6705]

Great selection, Emmie! If you're open to Manga horror, I highly recommend anything by Junji Ito. His art is fantastic, and his short stories horrifying. I especially enjoyed his book 'Uzumaki', which is about a small Japanese town which is suddenly haunted by spiral shapes appearing in odd places & hypnotizing the residents. Sounds odd I know, lol, but it's a real creeper of a book!

[@michelleannelynne]

😂 'I don't wanna die like this' 🤣 Delicious intro 😋 I want that cape 😵 Ps I loved perfume! They also made a pretty good movie adaptation in English!

[@cyncla1r]

the cape is so cute

[@Books_Anime_92]

I have the Penguin Classics edition of The Monk and I plan on reading it soon. I have more spoopy books on my TBR that I can't wait to read. I take a lot of my classic books recommendations from you.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

"Spoopy." 😀

[@emilymackin7568]

this came at the right time, been needing some good spooky reads to commit to this month! gothic, spooky literature is just THE BEST and the vibes in this video make me so happy.

[@yasminpaiva4543]

* immediately throws out my entire tbr and replace it with these recommendations * love this channel to death

[@lechoonga]

I love the tone of her voice just realized it reminded me a bit of Dakota Johnson ❤ love you channel Emma❤ you made me fall back in love with reading !!!!

[@morwennaforatenner604]

So true! There's something about her face as well that reminds me of Dakota Johnson. Speaking of DJ, watched the Suspiria remake recently and it was such a good witchy pick for Halloween

[@mimisgarza6196]

My native tongue is Spanish and I’m so excited you recommended books by Hispanic authors!! I’ll definitely check them out

[@annagyorsa8100]

The way I instantly ordered Marina after hearing your description about it without even reading the synopsis... I trust your recommendations more than I trust myself 😫😫😫

[@aliciagarcia8350]

Whenever I click on one of Emmie's videos I also have to open a tab with my storygraph/goodreads to start adding to my shelves all the brilliant recs she gives in her videos 😂❤

[@GabrielLopes-dz6xr]

That's what i always think: one of the best things here is the meticulous creation of the atmosphere. Pure art 😂👏👏👏

[@isa2024]

Ahhhh, qué emoción. Estaba esperando por algo así.

[@puffcinnamoncloud]

Looking forward to trying all these reads. Edit: Emmie liked my comment, yay!

[@goodnightsocialite1064]

As Spanish classic literature doesn't normally reach booktube, I recommend "Rimas y leyendas" (Rhymes and legends) by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer. Specially the legends are SO good for halloween mood.

[@mycobacteriem2540]

def wanna check that out as ive been wanting more books to read in spanish

[@kobykobykoby1]

I'm so glad you found Fernanda Melchor!! Hurricane Season is one of my favorites for this year!

[@Toni-ul7kg]

Yes, we had to read "Perfume" or " Das Parfüm" in school (in Germany)!! It was really mindblowing 🤯

[@nim7953]

That intro was iconic ✨

[@toddbelanger1923]

LOVE all your videos !!!...You are AWESOME !!..Im into books now because of you and Carolynreads...YAHOOOOOOOOOO

[@sourcreams]

You've mentioned "Hurricane Season" twice in your videos lately so I really feel I should warn you. "Hurricane Season" is probably one of my favourite reads of the year, honestly, wonderful, the wall of text can be intimidating but it's absolutely gorgeous and compelling and you won't want to put it down but you will have to, in order to catch your breath. Because it's reaaaally violent and full of hate, misogyny and lots of horrendous crimes. HOWEVER, it's not a spooky book. The witch... is not a witch as you might understand it. It's not a witch trial or people killing a witch because of her curses or whatever. It's not. It's a lot more down-to-earth and grotesque because it's just so violent and yet realistic. Just thought you should know. When I read it I expected a witch story. I was veeeeery disappointed. And shocked. Because... have I mentioned the hate and violence? Yes. Wonderful. Loved it to pieces. Had to find a soothing book to read right after that. Loved it. But beware.

[@lillieblack9702]

Outfit: fabulous 🔥 Books: magical ✨ Vibes: spooky 👻

[@ttoharr]

I love how this is a chill chat where we can just vibe to it and listen to it like a podcast !

[@Brutishandshort]

I’m definitely in the one-star Maidens camp. That book was the worst thing I’ve read this year. Just so surface level and contrived.

[@ameliaschulte]

14:36 AHHHH YOU JUST BROUGHT BACK THIS MEMORY I WATCHED THAT SO MUCH

[@7172uuw]

2nd time watching, and that squirrel teleportation still scared the sith out of me

[@_cultclassics]

It’s the coffin ring for me 💀⚰️

[@estadoagridulce]

emma, I was missing your video this morning, I'm glad you updated before this Sunday ends ♥.

[@vehementh-dark]

The best tip for books... Definitely! \m/

[@chase4671]

the humor of this channel is so goofy and so well sprinkled in 😂😂

[@megjshark]

ive been waiting for this one from you!! always the best recs

[@sauwurabh]

I haven't had any chance to watch any of your video since this video. But on the bright side now I've 14 of your videos to binge watch.

[@eonayuki1268]

My favourite book for this time of the year is "The Invisible Man" by H.G. Wells, I think it is so spooky and brilliant at the same time!

[@ScullyPop]

One of my favorite booktubers.

[@teabubbles4ever]

I love that at 00:31 a squirrel/chipmunk appears hahaha

[@ereading512]

‘You can’t snort this baby’ 😂😂

[@denisefreitas6727]

Emma, you look fabulous! Love the recommendations! 👻❤️

[@jessicareadsthings563]

Your coffin ring is SO COOL

[@howstrangehowsmall]

"You can not snort this baby." - emma, 2021

[@ladyfox6705]

Mervyn Peake is fantastic! Glad you're going to read Titus Groan :-) Peake's writing reminds me a lot of Dickens....very odd, very witty, charming, horrifying, eloquent, with an assortment of odd-ball characters you'll just love!

[@BrandonsBookshelf]

Love that you had some of the classics in here. Also I keep hearing about the Iliac crest, gonna have to finally just read it!

[@Sthemingway]

I love this video. So many of us await your daytime videos; I never knew how awesome it would feel to see a new upload after the sun has set (where applicable in certain time zones).

[@allicherryblossom]

oooh! I'm about 70 pages into Marina so far and its so atmospheric!

[@jillianwesselow9867]

The writing style in Hurricane Season is made to feel more claustrophobic than anything. You start reading, and Fernanda won't let you stop to take a break. It really throws you in, and I think anyone (maybe not those who are squeamish) could easily get into it.

[@7172uuw]

Wow i'm early... and now i want that cape😔❤

[@jimmycryz]

That intro has added years to my lifespan.

[@m.e.a.9407]

"It was a great salad" "you look delicious" your vídeos are just so funny and cute lol :)

[@normmansor1313]

Love the cape

[@Nosaj22201]

Thanks Emmie! I love October and the books you presented.

[@JessieJoystick]

I just finished the two books I was reading yesterday and I was debating myself what to read next, but you have convinced me, it's time to pick up Phantom of the opera 😊

[@shepaintshouses]

The Monk is still my favourite book at the moment, what a story! Glad to see it mentioned here. :) I'm currently waiting for Melmoth the Wanderer to arrive on my doorstep. Can't wait to plough my way through that book.

[@vonhammershark]

I cease all action, just quit doing whatever I am doing whenever Emma uploads because priorities🖤

[@maanya__742]

Yesterday was very bad for me... This would comfort me a lot, thank you! And you are looking so beautiful 💛💛🍁

[@Sara-gz1lp]

I ordered perfume for my birthday and you just made me 150% more excited for it

[@jiji-wr3qh]

I am from Germany - but unfortunately I has not the pleasure to read "The Perfume" at school ... but I have read it 3 times. It is amazing. There is also movie-adaptation. I am really curious what you will think about the book. If you think the protagonist and the way he acts is "interesting", then you need to read "The Dumbhouse" by John Burnside. 🤗

[@melaniekemp7550]

what a fantastic video! so vibey and helpful x

[@soniaalmeidadias5794]

I'm reading David Mitchell in publication order, and Slade House is next. You just gave me the right motivation to pick it up. I really liked Perfume, read it many years ago. Thanks for the other recommendations.

[@mattkean1128]

I have a new favorite vampire 😁. Hurricane Season actually gets pretty readable... if you don't mind the subject matter a lot of it takes. I burned through it.

[@euanfreeman179]

That is an accurate reenactment of me throwing *Titus Groan* into your P.O. Box. XD I'll also always shill Maskerade by Terry Pratchett as the best Phantom retelling. I found Phantom of the Opera for $3 at a Friends of the Library book sale yesterday, so I snapped it up. :D I'm excited to give it a go. I also just finished Bunny by Mona Awad to begin my Spooky Season reads- it was so very weird and intense.

[@alyeska9849]

the squirrel scared me

[@djunaskye6220]

sees title: *high pitched "YEE"*

[@dawnterrizzi2884]

The Monk is CRAZY. Loved it. Highly recommended for gothic Lit fans!!

[@bookishming5771]

The cape, the necklace, the makeup... this is a LOOK to die for *insert Dracula-like laughing here*!

[@mycobacteriem2540]

Marina is one of my favorite books, story is creepy and engaging. i also recommend his other book the prince of mist. it's about a boy who moves with his family to a beach town during the war and gets wrapped up in the history of the house and a strange garden of statues that seems to be covered in mist

[@Kimberton149]

The first book you mentioned by Oyeyemi really put me in mind of Daisy Johnson's short story collection "Fen" which also contains a house which swallows people. Daisy Johnson is one of my favourite writers - if you like dark twistedness and beautiful prose I really recommend. And I gotta say, The Woman in Black is PEAK halloween reading for me! This year though I'm reading one of Hill's other short stories, "The Small Hand". Thanks for sharing your recs with us, I always end up adding loads to my TBR when I watch your videos :)

[@moonstonepearl21]

I love that cape. It's so sophisticated looking. You could walk into a gothic haunted castle with that on ,and you'd fit right in. Also is that a chipmunk plushie? I haven't seen that one before. It's so cute! Perfect for fall too.

[@PaulinaSanchez]

Hurricane season is fantastic! It's actually very easy to read in terms of writing but difficult to stomach.

[@blankadzigerovic6087]

Slade house was great, it was chilling in some parts. I was reading it next to my fiance and he leaned to say something to me and i jumped. The book made me jump to something so normal. It only shows how chilling it is. Love it. ❤️❤️❤️

[@MartinNatgeo]

Jekill and Hyde is the best book of this list that I've ever read. Cool costume and introduction, Saludos!

[@durubaykal6310]

your voice is so soothing, i listen to you while studying 🥰

[@LisaMarieFr]

The moment when you said the movie of "The Woman in Black" "wasn't the scariest". I have watched that movie several times and still s*it my pants every time I watch it 🤣 One of my favourite horror movies and I loved the book as well. Also loved that you included "Wuthering Heights" - it's my favourite book of all time!

[@Kimberton149]

Hahah I thought exactly the same. Have you seen the old version of the film from 1989? Even creepier!

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

Have you heard the song by Kate Bush?

[@morganecachia6501]

Lovely spooky video Emma ♥️ definitely going to pick up some of those ! I was spoiled the ending of the maidens so I didn't want to pick it up , but I've been wondering if it might be interesting to read and see if it holds up even if i already know the plot !! Have a good week 🥰

[@DiaYouKnowWho]

So I've seen this video and got myself the kindle copy of Marina.. it's nothing like described by you, HOWEVER I absolutely adored it. It's such a great, incredible heartbreaking book that is perfect for autumn. Please read it and do a review

[@maeiscompletelyfine]

SPOOKY SEASON BEST SEASON!!! THANK YOU EMMA

[@ReadingNymph]

Perfume is on my tbr and I'm due a reread of Phantom of the Opera, would love to seee a video on retellings of the Phantom!!

[@rayssabrugge2329]

Marina is perfection but will absolutely break your heart

[@martasgreatlibrary]

i'm hoping to read the phantom of the opera this autumn!!! hope you like marina hehhe

[@murroncook5648]

My two younger brothers watched that Alvin and the chipmunk movie yesterday. It's a Halloween classic for us

[@AnnaShikari]

white is for witching is my favourite book, i really hope you enjoy it!! 🖤

[@jamesduggan7200]

Happy Halloween, Emma, ciao

[@theeconstantreader]

I still haven't recovered from the Jekyll and Hyde song from "Arthur"

[@ronaldowilliams7456]

She looks so gorgeous on this video

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

She reminds me of Suzanne Vega.

[@Fabian-ty2iv]

Yes, "Perfume"! I loved this one