I’ll be hosting a Halloween themed read-a-thon from the 10th-31st of October. I tried to make it as chill and lowkey as possible. It’s just a way for us to all embrace the best holiday ever and to read spooky books together. You can join in at ANY TIME and the challenges are totally optional. If you’d like to join in then check out my announcement post here for more information.
You all know how I am with TBRs so this is again really tentative. I plan on reading spooky books ALL this month so.
Covers = Goodreads
The Girl from the Well by Rin Chupeco
A dead girl walks the streets.
She hunts murderers. Child killers, much like the man who threw her body down a well three hundred years ago.
And when a strange boy bearing stranger tattoos moves into the neighborhood so, she discovers, does something else. And soon both will be drawn into the world of eerie doll rituals and dark Shinto exorcisms that will take them from American suburbia to the remote valleys and shrines of Aomori, Japan.
The girl on the cover reminds me of Samara from The Ring, especially during that scene where she crawls out of the TV and all the well scenes. Just thinking about that terrifies me. Whilst books rarely scare me, I’m a wuss when it comes to movies especially when people are possessed and/or do that weird disjointed crawling. Ughhh. The Ring was one of the first horror movies I ever watched and it will never not creep me out.
The Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige McKenzie
Something freaky’s going on with Sunshine’s new house . . . there’s the chill that wraps itself around her bones, the giggling she can hear in the dead of night, and then the strange shadows that lurk in her photographs. But the more weird stuff that happens, the less her mom believes her. Sunshine’s always had a quirky affiliation with the past, but this time, history is getting much too close for comfort . . .
If there is something, or someone, haunting her house, what do they want? And what will they do if Sunshine can’t help them?
I’ve always been intrigued by haunted houses after having my own experiences and even more so after becoming a paranormal investigator. This book is based on a YouTube series that Paige created. It creeped me out a lot and whilst I don’t think the book will scare me it’ll be really fun to read!!
Black by Fleur Ferris
Everyone says Black Marshall is cursed.
Three of her best friends have died in tragic accidents. After Oscar, the whispers started. Now she’s used to being on her own. It’s easier that way.
But when her date for the formal ends up in intensive care, something in quiet little Dainsfield starts to stir. Old secrets are revealed and terrifying new dangers emerge.
There’s been some mixed reviews for this, but I’m still really excited to read it. This is a YA thriller and Oz YA so I’m really hoping I love it. I’m normally a fan of YA thrillers no matter what so fingers crossed. I love anything involving small towns too.
The Harrowing by Alexandra Sokoloff
Baird College’s Mendenhall echoes with the footsteps of the last home-bound students heading off for Thanksgiving break, and Robin Stone swears she can feel the creepy, hundred-year-old residence hall breathe a sigh of relief for its long-awaited solitude. Or perhaps it’s only gathering itself for the coming weekend.
As a massive storm dumps rain on the isolated campus, four other lonely students reveal themselves. Each has forsaken a long weekend at home for their own secret reasons.
The five unlikely companions establish a tentative rapport, but they soon become aware of a sixth presence disturbing the ominous silence that pervades the building. Are they the victims of a simple college prank taken way too far, or is the unusual energy evidence of something genuine—and intent on using the five students for its own terrifying ends? It’s only Thursday afternoon, and they have three long days and dark nights before the rest of the world returns to find out what’s become of them. But for now it’s just the darkness keeping company with five students nobody wants and no one will miss.
Okay, firstly: YES. Secondly: YES. This sounds like the kind of horror movie that I am so incredibly week for. I love that there’s a group of ragtag characters and that there’s a psychological aspect. I have an ebook of this so I can not wait to read it in bed in the dark. It seems like it’s going to be so fun!! (Yeah, that’s my idea of fun)
Carrie by Stephen King
Carrie knew she should not use the terrifying power she possessed… But one night at her senior prom, Carrie was scorned and humiliated just one time too many, and in a fit of uncontrollable fury she turned her clandestine game into a weapon of horror and destruction…
Because I like to suffer I’m obviously choosing TRICK. Sometimes I feel like I can’t call myself a horror fan because confession (or not because I’ve said it before): I have NEVER read a Stephen King book. There’s no excuse for this because my mum is a huge fan of his books and movie and I’ve grown up around them. The Shining film truly terrified me as a kid to the point where I wouldn’t let my parents watch it if I was ANYWHERE in the house. I still haven’t watched it now as an adult. I think the reason why I haven’t read a King novel is because I don’t want to lose the fear I associate with it? Like I said I don’t find books scary and I’m worried I’ll read it and be like “oh is that all….” and I’ll lose that? I really, really wish I could be one of those people who could get scared by books. However, I’ve decided that I’ve been putting it off for way too long. Carrie has been on my shelf since the adaptation with Chloe Grace Moretz was released.
One of these…. I haven’t decided yet and you can’t make me. There’s too many horror books that I want to read. I’ll probably just pick one randomly or something. These all fit the above categories too so I could swap something out. I’m sure everyone knows that I’m a Distracted Mood Reader™ 😂
Obviously, I won’t be reading ALL of these. I just can not choose and I like to give myself options.
Don’t forget to use the totally originally and creative hashtag #HalloweenWR on social media!
I hope you enjoy the Stephen King novel! I love his books! Some of them are terrifying, you just never know which one it’s going to be, and that’s what makes reading his books so thrilling.
LikeLike
Thanks!! I’m glad to hear you enjoyed them. I think my problem is having hyped myself up too much 😅 but I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you won’t be either. His recent Bill Hodges trilogy is very very creepy and good if you’re looking for something to read after Carrie!
LikeLike
I’ve been hearing a lot about that one! I just added it to my TBR! I really want to try and read a fair few of his books. Except IT. I draw the line at clowns 😂😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, I haven’t read IT yet, it’s on my list, he just has so many novels. Plus I can only read so many at time before my brain melts ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have to say that I really loved “The Girl From The Well” because I too get really terrified when people do the disjointed crawling, it’s the #1 way to scare the shit out of me haha. Therefore I think you’ll really enjoy that one as well (or at least I hope you do!) can’t wait for your review of it!
I also have a lot of these other ones on my TBR as well, I was going to read “Mary: The Summoning” this month but didn’t think I’d have time but if I do I’ll definitely be reading that one. I hope you get a chance to read “Diary of a Haunting” because I know practically NO ONE who has read it and I’m super curious about it so I’d love to hear your thoughts on that one!
This is a great Halloween TBR I’m excited to see how it goes for you this month Lauren! 🙂
LikeLike
Yay! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it. I’ve been meaning to read it for soo long, but I just kept getting distracted by other books haha.
I’ll definitely let you know what I think if I get to them!! I’m super intrigued by Diary of A Haunting because of the mixed media.
Thanks ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Jeez Lauren! just reading this post while alone in my apartment had me opening my curtains to let some light in LOL. Ok 1st things 1st…did I read this correctly? are you a paranormal investigator?!?! I AM BEYOND intrigued lol, I watch these shows with my mom from time 2 time & believe it ALL! lol that is so cool if you are btw. I am NOT a horror fan however I do have Heart Shaped Box, Nightfall, and As I Descended on my TBR…maybe I will also pick up a spooky read this October. I also haven’t read a Stephen King novel, I plan on reading his Bill Hodges trilogy but although some effed up stuff happens in it, I hear it’s more psychological than horror. I need to warm up to these kinds of things hehe, i’ll be following this read-a-thon on Twitter though 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha!!! Sorry, Lilly 🙈 And yesss, I am!! On a much lower scale than the TV ones obviously 😅 but I have a bunch of the same equipment they use and my dad and I go around to a few places in town and run public investigations and check out people’s houses occasionally. It’s so much fun.
I’ll let you know what I think if I get to them! Starting with some more messed up thrillers definitely sounds like the best way to build yourself up haha! I definitely recommend Night Film if you haven’t read that!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s SO innnnnneresting & cool! a bit scary for me so I admire you 😉
I’ve heard of Nightfilm & the format that it’s told in, may have to check it out soon, thanks Lauren! I’ll look out for your read-a-thon reviews 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy all these books!!! Your TBR is great for this month 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great looking list, these all look super creepy.
I’ve got As I decended on my TBR too and I’m planning on reading We Have Always Lived in the Castle for this readathon. I’ve never read a Stephen King book either, probably like you say because there’s been such good adaptions. If I were to read one though, it would probably be Carrie too so I might have to find the Moretz version to watch on Halloween.
LikeLike
Thanks!!!! I’m hoping they manage to creep me out a little haha.
Right!! I feel like I’ve hyped myself up too much because I love scaring myself and I don’t want to be not scared haha. I really enjoyed the remake with Chloe. I’m not the biggest fan of remakes in general (especially horror ones), but I thought this was done pretty well!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Girl From The Well looks so much like Samara! Gosh I don’t want to watch the movie again, haha! As a huge Naomi Watts fan, I watched it a long time ago, and then I had the brilliant idea to watch the Japanese version. WELL THE JAPANESE KNOW CREEPY AND SCARY. I watched it when I was living in Japan, and I got scared of a house in my neighborhood xD The Haunting of Sunshine Girl sounds so good! I’ll wait for your thoughts on it because I’m a wuss.
LikeLike
Riiiiight. I kinda want to watch it again because I love scaring myself. Ooh I tried watching the Japanese version for that and The Grudge but got waaaay too freaked out and couldn’t do it lmao. Oh my goddd. I can’t even imagine how scary it must have been actually watching it in Japan. You’re braver than I am 😅
I’ll definitely let you know what I think!!
LikeLike
Your TBR will most likely give me nightmares tonight… Thanks Lauren! *so much sarcasm*
LikeLike
Hahahaha 🙈 Sorry, Sara 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great list! Haha, I totally understand the distracted mood readerness 😉 The Girl From The Well sounds super good! I’ve never read a King book before either, OR seen a movie, so that’s definitely still on the bucket list. Hope you’ll enjoy!
LikeLike
Haha, it’s definitely a serious problem 😅. Thanks, Lindsey!!
LikeLike
Great list! I love some of these and I definitely need to read some of them also. I am planning on reading a bunch of horror books this month. Right now I’m reading The Graveyard Apartment and it’s pretty good! 😀
LikeLike
Thank you!! I just added The Graveyard Apartment to my TBR! It sounds really interesting.
LikeLike
These all look so good! I’ll be sure to add your link to my Horror October weekly wrap up post 🙂
LikeLike
I’m hoping they manage to creep me out, haha. And aww, thank you!!!
LikeLike
Your chosen novels sound really interesting! I’m going to check them out right now. Also your banners are so beautiful!
LikeLike
Aw, thank you so much ♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d definitely recommend Bird Box, that book absolutely terrified me! It’s so so creepy and really ratchets up the suspense before dropping you into some horrifying and tense moments. I ended up trying not to read Bird Box before bed otherwise I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep haha and this is coming from someone who reads and watches a fair bit of horror! Great picks! I’m hoping to take part in some of this, I just need to choose my books 😊
LikeLike
Oooh, that sounds so good. I’m definitely going to try and get to Bird Box! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. And yay!! I’m looking forward to seeing what you decide to read 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I highly recommend Bird Box too!!! Great selection of horror books. The Girl from the Well has been on my TBR for ages, it looks totally terrifying!
LikeLike
I’m definitely going to try and get to it!! It sounds so interesting. And right!!! I hope it manages to creep me out, haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They all look amazing!!! Enjoy! 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks!! ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great TBR! I’d like to read Black, too. I’ll probably be switching up my TBR… there are just so many awesome books to choose from! I can’t really decide which ones I wanna read for sure lol.
LikeLike
Thanks!! I know what you mean, hahaha. My TBR’s are always more of a loose guide because I can never stick to them 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! And me neither. I know exactly how you feel 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Horror novels are usually hit or miss to me but The Girl From the Well lived up to it. It scared the batshit out of me and the sequel is scarier.
LikeLike
Ooh that’s so good to hear!! I really hope it has the same affect on me, haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such a great TBR! I thought of The Ring as soon as I saw The Girl from the Well! God that film used to terrify me 😂😂 I haven’t watched it for years but me and my friend used to watch it all the time!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you think of Carrie, I was pleasantly surprised by it. You’re right in saying that his books have so much hype. I’m kind of glad I started reading his books so long ago because of it haha!
LikeLike
Thanks, Amy!! I haven’t watched it in a while either, mostly because I’m too scared 😂 I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!! I think if I was more easily scared by books I wouldn’t be so worried. I just don’t want to lose the childhood fear association I have with them. If they could scare/creep me out though that would be wonderful haha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you enjoy all your books this Halloween!! 🙂 I don’t really read or watch horror since I’m a scaredy-cat but I always love reading reviews from my friends. So I’m looking forward on reading what you think of these books.
LikeLike
Thanks so much ♥♥!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lauren!!! Can you come and investigate my work place?? I found out recently that before we came here, there were tons of abortions here and I swear it all makes sense as to why I get so much anxiety in this place. Super cool that you’re a paranormal investigator. I loved all your choices. I haven’t read any of them but I did hear pretty good things. Enjoy all the books. I want to read The Haunting of Sunshine Girl so bad.
LikeLike
Oh man, I WISH!!! That definitely sounds like it could be a source for a lot of mixed energy. I’m not sure what your beliefs are regarding things like crystals, but you could try getting some Black Tourmaline or Black Onyx and it can help repel any negativity.
And thank you!! I’ll definitely try and get a review up for The Haunting of Sunshine Girl if I get to it (because this is me so who knows what will be read 😂😂).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have really weird beliefs, I would consider myself a Spiritual person. I believe in energy and the universe, etc. I’ll check that out though! Thank you =)
I cannot wait for your review!
LikeLike
Haha, same!! I’m not religious, but I’m definitely spiritual in the sense of the universe/energy ect. I’d also say to do a cleanse with sage, but I’m not sure how your work place would feel about that 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol I wouldn’t be able to do that. My parents are Christians so I told them about this place and they want to pray with oil. I was like “mmmm no”
LikeLike
Aww yeah, it’s hard when it’s not your place or when there’s different beliefs involved. Hopefully it won’t get worse and is just residual energy and nothing intelligent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think it’s residual. Been here for over 6 months and nothing major has happened!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie is amazing and the perfect book to start you on your King journey! If The Shining scared you as a kid you NEED to read the book, it’s a bit wordy and slow in some places but all together its one of THE best horror books I’ve read.
Carrie is a fave of mine and I’ve re-read more times then I can count, I hope you love it! I was thinking about reading Heart Shaped Box and Black but there’s only so many days XD My Halloween may have to be extended into November 😀
LikeLike
Yay, I’m glad you enjoyed it!! I’ve honestly heard so many great things about The Shining. If I was scared by books easier I think I’d be less hesitant to read it. I really, really want it to scare me 😂😂 Hopefully it will because I do plan on reading it!! Soon-ish.
Haha, If I had my way Halloween would be all year long 😈
LikeLike
All of these look super creepy, I can imagine how much fun your going to have reading them. I’m excited to see what you think of Carrie, I have never read a Stephen King book either but I have seen bits of the film and I wonder how the book compares to that. I think I deserve a medal for even seeing bits of the film because you know me with creepy stuff – nuh uh no go.
LikeLike
I’m hoping they get the job done and creep me out 😀 I’m really excited to finally read a Stephen King book! I’ll definitely be posting a review for it. Haha, yes!! Well done!!! I actually get so scared when I watch horror movies especially when there’s jump scares. Or like anything. 😅
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jump scenes are horrendous! aha Once in my science class (god knows why) my teacher made us watch a horrible scene from the Human Centipede and I was sat their with my eyes covered like also heaving because I could still hear it.I left the room like ‘ Why would you do that to us’ – ruined my whole day aha!
LikeLike
Oh my god! The Human Centipede was so fucked up. I watched the whole thing and I don’t know how ahaha. I feel slightly disturbed. Once in my tech classes one of our lecturers thought it’d be a good idea to put a jump scare on our computers (bc they have remote access) and I honestly almost started crying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I would off been crying right alongside of you! That sounds awful!
LikeLike
I actually kind of liked this book! But your review is hilarious and I totally agree about the love square situation. Why does every guy instantly fall for her?! Great review
LikeLike
So I totally somehow posted this comment on the wrong page… can’t delete it so will now go and post it on the right one… sigh
LikeLike
I loved The Girl from the Well; I hope you do too! I love the Carrie movie and really want to read the book sometime! Happy haunted reading, good luck, and thanks a bunch for hosting the read-a-thon! 😀
LikeLike
You’re so right about The Girl from the Well! She looks exactly like Samara from The Ring 😳 I’ve had Bird Box and As I Descended on my TBR for months now, they sound like very good reads. I’m really looking forward to see which books you can knock off of this list and hope you enjoy them all 😃 ❤️
LikeLike
Don’t think I can do any Halloween reads..,but I’m going to catch up on my galleys!
Good luck with your challenge! 🙌
LikeLike