*Shockingly* not everyone likes scary reads. Obviously, I don’t fall in that camp as I love me some #WickedGoodReads, but if you just want a little bite-size dose of … uncomfortable feels … these are my 3 recommendations for you – books that might make you squirm a little, but not hide your face in fright or disgust.
A Discovery of Witches, Deborah Harkness
Beautiful story about a scholarly witch who doesn’t want to be a witch, and the vampire who she falls in love with her. It is a big book, and a bit dense at times, but well worth taking the time to read it.
The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman
In the small community of Claysville, the dead walk free unless there their graves are not properly tended. And now that Rebekkah’s grandma is dead – killed by a ghost while she was tending a grave – she must return and take over the family business. Not very scary … and dare I say it … but it’s quite a cute story.
Full Dark No Stars, Stephen King
You didn’t really think this Stephen King fan was going to make a list without him on it … did you?! This short stories in this book are fictional, but the situations that arise are all too possible, and so are the choices that have to be made. King does as an excellent job writing with enough vivid detail to bring the stories to life. As one review that I read put it, “I love how Stephen King can make me squirm, shiver, and laugh out loud all at the same time.” (Source)
What books would you recommend for not-so-scary reads?
// Comments //
Nishita (@nishmvk)
I should try Full Dark, No Stars. Sounds good.
Your other two recommendations are bang-on. They are not scary, but perfect for this season.
Trish @ Between My Lines
I like scary books that are on the thriller side but I don’t really read a lot of horror. I like the sound of The Graveyard Book, Neil Gaiman, I’m not sure that I believe you about it being cute! But I’m willing to give it a go 🙂
Tanya Patrice
@Trish its not scary promise 🙂
Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories
I want to try out A Discovery of Witches. I read The Visitant: A Venetian Ghost Story last week which was a ghost scary and it was scary bit not freak me out scary, perfeperfect for me. I’m giving away a copy now, hope you’ll atststop by and enter to win. Perfect for Halloween and to Travel the World in Books.
Tanya Patrice
@Tanya I think you’d like Discovery too because of the historical fiction aspect.
Sasha
Thanks for visiting my blog! 🙂
Wow, this is a great list of books. Graveminder sounds like a really unique storyline. And I’ve been meaning to read Full Dark, No Stars. I’ve been looking for some new scary books to read. Thanks for sharing! Definitely adding these to my TBR list.
Two Bibliomaniacs
I can’t imagine a top ten Halloween list without something from Stephen King. I really need to get around to Full Dark, No Stars soon!
Toni
Warm Bodies was pretty cool. I’m reading A Discovery of Witches at the moment and more than half way through but I’m not really liking it. The rest of the books you’ve put sound amazing! 🙂
Mimi Valentine
Anna Dressed in Blood is on my list too! And I’m SO SO SO glad I read it, especially in time for Halloween! It was such a thrilling and romantic book! I’m glad you enjoyed it like I did (and I agree completely that the cover is GORGEOUS)!
Awesome Top Ten, Tanya! Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Rummanah
Thanks for stopping by, Tanya. I’ve heard great things about “Warm Bodies” and despite my hesitation towards zombies I thinking of picking it up.
Broche
Graveminder is in my bag as I type – can’t wait for lunchtime to open it up – and Anna Dressed in Blood is definitely on my TBR list. Great recommendations!