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Happy FIRST day of October! It’s officially spooky season, witches! If you haven’t seen my previous post (Spooky Books for Fall: For Every Type of Reader) this month I’m rounding up all of the spooky books for you. I’ve been reading like a madwoman and picking some favorites for you. This week’s book round up is all ‘classics’. Maybe just cult classics. But, classics nonetheless….
You can’t talk classic or gothic suspense without mentioning Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier, you just can’t! I have been recommended this book over and over, and seen it mentioned countless times. So- at the end of last year, I picked it up. I read it all in one day. I kept turning the pages- waiting and waiting for something really creepy to happen. Did it? Not exactly. But, I kept turning. This book isn’t scary or thrilling in that sense…but it’s all about that slow build. The unknown, and the “what happened?”. Why is your new Husband so quiet about his wife? Why is the maid so strange? What secrets does your new home hold? It’s a slow to get started story- but I kept going because I had to unravel the mystery. If you can’t handle scary- this is a good classic pick for you.
The Queen of Classic Horror
Shirley Jackson is kinda the queen of classic horror. Of that eerie, spooky, keep you looking over your shoulder feeling. I’ve always been a fan of the movie The Haunting, and the Netflix show The Haunting of Hill House gave me the major heebie jeebies. So, I finally decided to pick up a copy of the book to see if I got the same chilling feeling. While it is much different than it’s big screen counterparts- it is still just as tension building and spine tingling. It’s different than I expected, but still spooky enough to warrant being on this list. If you want a popular classic from the queen herself- pick this one up. It’s made me want to pick up more of Shirley Jackson’s works ASAP. Tis the season!
The King of Classic Horror
I asked my Mom what one of the scariest books she ever read was and she said it was definitely Pet Semetary. Stephen King, the actual King of horror could be on every spooky reads list from here on out- but this one stands out. She said it kept her up at night, and actually really freaked her out. Which is what you’re looking for when you want a scary read, amiright? I honestly cannot remember if I’ve ever read this one! Sacrilege I know…but I’ll have to give it a go and see. In case you’re wondering though, my favorite King novel is Tommyknockers. I’ve read it at least 4x.
No Sparkly Vampires…
I don’t think you can ever make a classic horror anything list- whether it’s books, movies, haunting characters, etc…without including Dracula himself. I mean, he’s DRACULA. The vampire supreme. He’s made an appearance on more than one occasion in my personal nightmares. While I can’t vouch for the novel- the movie Dracula with Gary Oldman and Keanu Reeves is one of my all time faves. I started watching this film at my Grandma’s at a WAY too young age…but it’s one of the reasons I love horror so much. (Everyone is always SO surprised when I share with them how much I love horror movies. We all have our vices, I guess?)
Ahh, back when Vampires were vampires (sorry, Twilight, I just can’t with you)- Interview with the Vampire is my favorite rendition of a classic vampire story. I love the movie as equally as the book which is rare- but I mean, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt?! I’ve watched it at least 50x. At least! It’s probably tied with Dracula, honestly… But, the book is good too. Chronicling the life of vampires and the search for the meaning of life,etc. But, it is also a little slow. So if you don’t have too much time, skip it and watch the movie. I won’t tell…
I thought for a long, long, long time on what to include as the last book in this series. But, then I was watching Gilmore Girls (as usual…) and this book was mentioned and I was like, “oh yeah!”. Rosemary’s Baby is ultra creepy and slightly terrifying- just for its content alone. I mean, spoiler—devil baby. Yikes! It’s another one that also has an accompanying movie, that is- you guessed it, also super creepy!
Okay, okay- after revisiting this list, I think we’re going to have to have a Book Club/Movie Watching Club type situation going on. Who’s in? Let’s just read all the classic horror novels, then rent all the movies! Boom, October is booked!
Leave me a comment and let me know what your favorite classic horror novel is!
