Irini Mihas is a senior majoring in English and minoring in journalism. Irini is an LAS Copywriting Intern, where she contribues digital media content for the College of LAS Office of Marketing & Communications team. In her free time, Irini loves to read, take care of her dog, and bake.
Whether you are an English major already familiar with the wide range of dark academia novels or you are an actuarial sciences major curious about the Halloween books of Ray Bradbury, this time of year is the perfect time to cuddle up in the covers with a cozy or spooky book for Halloween.
"The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson
A scholar, his assistant, the inheritor of the estate, and a loner venture to the old Hill House manor. All there for different reasons, they soon discover that there is something horrifying about the house—something beyond their control that is soon to result in chaos and tragedy. "The Haunting of Hill House" is regarded as the classic haunted house novel which was turned into a critically acclaimed Netflix series in 2018. This book is perfect for both fans entering the horror genre and experienced horror fans looking for one of the genre-establishing haunted house novels.
"Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween" by Lisa Morton
More for history fanatics, "Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween" details the history of Halloween by looking at previously celebrated holidays that shaped this one, the start of costumes and candy, the impact of events such as 9/11, and more. "Trick or Treat" provides a thorough history of the celebration in the United States while also looking at international traditions. This book is a great read for anyone interested in Halloween and its history and is a not-so-spooky Halloween book.
"The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" by Sangu Mandanna
If you are looking for a lighter and comfier novel for Halloween, "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" is the pick for you. Mika Moon is a witch who hides her magic in every aspect of her life except online where she thinks no one will actually believe her. All of that changes when she receives a message to travel to Nowhere House, where she meets an interesting group of people—with one handsome librarian—and she is put in a position to protect her found family.
"Desperation" by Stephen King
Needing to mention the king of horror at least once, "Desperation" by Stephen King is regarded to be one of King’s scariest and darkest novels. While traveling across Nevada, a group of people get abducted by a corrupted town deputy. The group of people realize that the deputy has much more sinister plans than they first realized, and they must fight to escape an inescapable town. This book would be great for more experienced horror fans and Stephen King admirers.
"Trust Fall" by Lynn Painter
After inheriting an immense sum of wealth from her neighbor, Julia moves to New York City to attend an elite private school where she does not fit in. Her tutor, Damion, is secretly the neighbor's great-nephew and is determined to figure out why his great-uncle gave the money to Julia. He plans to earn Julia’s trust, but what happens when they both start to fall for each other? This book is perfect for romance lovers who want a cozy fall read—nothing spooky!
"The Secret History" by Donna Tart
"The Secret History" is an essential read for the ultimate dark academia vibes. A group of mischievous students at a preppy New England college explore the limits of morality under the influence of their professor. The students eventually slip beneath normal ethical limits and fall into obsession, corruption, betrayal, and finally—evil.
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury
A fantasy-horror novel taking place in a fictionalized Illinois, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" features Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show—an evil carnival show—that visits Green Town. Two best friends, Jim and William, explore the secrets of the carnival and start to experience a reality of nightmares. This book is considered a Halloween classic and would be great for those looking to get into horror.