{"id":15906,"date":"2025-10-21T13:58:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T13:58:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/15906\/"},"modified":"2025-10-21T13:58:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T13:58:08","slug":"45-halloween-book-recommendations-from-southern-california-bookstores-orange-county-register","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/15906\/","title":{"rendered":"45 Halloween book recommendations from Southern California bookstores \u2013 Orange County Register"},"content":{"rendered":"

Halloween<\/a> may seem like the scariest time of year, but you know what\u2019s really frightening?<\/p>\n

Not having the right book for the moment at hand.<\/p>\n

So we reached out to local independent booksellers<\/a> for suggestions and advice on what to read for the spooky season, and we got back a cauldron\u2019s worth of creepy reads for all ages and scare levels. Even better? They seemed to know you already had stocked up on Stephen King and Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and might be looking for some more voices. We\u2019re grateful to all the booksellers who responded.<\/p>\n

So read on, make notes, and then stop by your local bookshop to get in the mood to greet trick-or-treaters (or to pull the curtains, cut the lights and hide out reading a good book).<\/p>\n

Sign up for our free newsletter about books, authors, reading and more<\/a><\/p>\n

The Frugal Frigate & A Room of One\u2019s Own<\/p>\n

9 N. 6th Street, Redlands, 909-793-0740, @frugalfrigate<\/p>\n

\u201cTo Catch A Ghost\u201d by Rachel Michelle Wilson<\/p>\n

\u201cBeverley, Bat Your Service\u201d by Kelly Collier<\/p>\n

Both of these are great read-alouds for a not-so-spooky storytime!<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

I just finished \u201cChloe Vega and the Agents of Magic\u201d by Leslie Adame, and it\u2019s an absolutely wonderful middle-grade fantasy novel that also has real-world relatability. I\u2019m also currently listening to \u201cSeparation of Church and Hate\u201d by John Fugelsang on Libro.fm (your alternative to Audible, and Libro supports Indies!) and I am absolutely enthralled by it.<\/p>\n

More information:<\/p>\n

\u201cFollow us on socials or check out frugalfrigate.com<\/a> for all of our upcoming events for both kids AND adults!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n

Lido Village Books<\/p>\n

3424 via Lido #103, Newport Beach, 949-524-7376, @lvbabookstore<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cCackle\u201d by Rachel Harrison\u00a0is a book I always recommend, even more so during this time of year. It\u2019s \u201cQuirky, witty, witchy, and magical with a good amount of horror. A must read for spooky season!,\u201d says bookseller Laura Lee.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Clockwork Orange\u201d by Anthony Burgess \u2013 \u201cGhouls, ghosts and monsters are certainly scary. However, humans are often the biggest monsters of all. This classic deep dives into the horrors of choice, nature, and nurture,\u201d says bookseller Anthony O\u2019Brien.<\/p>\n

\u201cSomething Wicked This Way Comes\u201d by Ray Bradbury\u201cCan\u2019t wait for Halloween? In Green Town, Illinois, something truly wicked is brewing, and bringing in an early Halloween with it. At the Cooger and Dark\u2019s Pandemonium Shadow Show, dark wishes will be granted, nightmares come to life, and escape is only possible by facing your fears,\u201d says bookseller Emma Hong.<\/p>\n

10 scary books you need to add to your Halloween reading list<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2013<\/p>\n

Malibu Village Books<\/p>\n

23359 E. Pacific Coast Highway #23359, Malibu, 657-757-3619, @mvbabookstore<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lamb\u201d by Lucy Rose\u201cWho doesn\u2019t love a folky, cannibalistic tale of a mother and daughter who live secluded in the woods? A rural, dark author debut about love, grief, family, and growing up. Queer, gothic, and grotesque,\u201d says bookseller Emma Carroll.<\/p>\n

\u201cHouse of Leaves\u201d by Mark Z. Danielewski\u201cIf you like your fiction experimental and your horror ontological, then this is a must-read. At first, I thought it was a bit pretentious. Before I knew it I had spent 8 hours straight reading. It might actually be cursed,\u201d says bookseller Sonny.<\/p>\n

\u201cFantasticland\u201d by Mike Bockoven\u201cGetting stuck in an amusement park after a one-of-a-kind hurricane sounds fun \u2026 until hands are chopped off and clans start forming. This book takes a beloved place for families to vacation and turns it into a nightmare battleground,\u201d says bookseller Christopher Eastman.<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

North Figueroa Books<\/p>\n

6040 N Figueroa St., L.A., 213-826-3226, @northfigbookshop<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cHauntings\u201d by Vernon Lee\u00a0<\/p>\n

I\u2019m obsessed with and in love with Vernon Lee. Her gothic short stories are deeply underappreciated. She fell out of favor for her staunch pacifism leading into WWI and her various relationships with both men and women, but now readers can find an affordable edition of stories full to the brim with deadly queer desire, ghosts, shipwrecks\u2026 Italians! \u2013 Allison, Editor, Publishing & Publicity Manager at Unnamed Press<\/p>\n

20 scary books and horror novels to read this Halloween<\/a><\/p>\n

__<\/p>\n

Octavia\u2019s Bookshelf<\/p>\n

1353 N Hill Ave., Pasadena, 626-421-6222, @octavias_bookshelf<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Reformatory\u201d by Tananarive Due<\/p>\n

I recommended this book last year, and it\u2019s still firmly on the list as I read it again to usher in spooky season.<\/p>\n

\u201cPsychopomp and Circumstance\u201d by Eden Royce<\/p>\n

Southern. Gothic. Historical fiction. Need I say more?\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cListen to Your Sister\u201d by Neena Viel<\/p>\n

Both terrifying and funny. Much like real life, right?<\/p>\n

More information:<\/p>\n

I am currently reading \u201cThe New New Me\u201d by Helen Oyeyemi. This book is so weird in the best way possible. It\u2019s the story of one woman and the multiple versions of herself. Some of them are toxic, some funny but which one tied up a man in her apartment and which one is trying to destroy all versions of herself?<\/p>\n

We are expecting a shipment of the cutest \u201cI Heart Altadena\u201d socks next week which are sure to be a hit in the community. We also have lots of new fun puzzles and stickers along with some exciting cookbooks that should get you into the holiday season.<\/p>\n

__<\/p>\n

Once Upon a Time<\/p>\n

2207 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, 818-248-9668, @onceuponatimebkstore<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cA Little Too Haunted\u201d by Justine Pucella Winans<\/p>\n

\u201cThis middle-grade funny story is like HGTV flipping spooky houses!,\u201d says Manager Jessica<\/p>\n

\u201cBeneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories\u201d by Max Brallier<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the early reading set who are just getting into spooky stories, this is an easy chapter book told in five stories, all with mild scares,\u201d says bookseller Iz.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnder the Surface\u201d by Diana Urban<\/p>\n

\u201cYA fast-paced thriller set in the Paris catacombs filled with ghoulish hunters, long dead bodies and murder.\u00a0 It will tingle your spine and keep you guessing,\u201d says owner Maureen.<\/p>\n

\u201cDeparture 37\u201d by Scott Carson<\/p>\n

Heh, it\u2019s not a traditional scary story but with a premise of every airline pilot in the world having their Mother leave them the same voicemail message \u2013 DO NOT LIFT OFF \u2013 including dead Mothers, this is a special techno-thriller that could be in our near future,\u201d says owner Maureen.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Confessions\u201d by Paul Bradley Carr<\/p>\n

California-based horror of an AI story that will make you question every Google search you do from now on,\u201d says Maureen (who loved it).<\/p>\n

More information:<\/p>\n

Even the youngest pumpkin hunters can find cute, fall-themed books that feature interactive cut-outs, friendly-faced witches and smiling ghosties.\u00a0 We love to be able to offer seasonal books for families of all ages.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Stephen Graham Jones finishes off horror trilogy with \u2018The Angel of Indian Lake\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2013<\/p>\n

Skylight Books<\/p>\n

1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, 323-660-1175, @skylightbooks<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cSomebody Is Walking on Your Grave\u201d by Mariana Enriquez<\/p>\n

Like \u201cA Field Guide to Getting Lost\u201d for sickos and goths. -Rene Franco<\/p>\n

\u201cMore Weight: A Salem Story\u201d by Ben Wickey<\/p>\n

Beautifully illustrated graphic novel about the long lingering consequences of the Salem witch trials \u2013 Alex<\/p>\n

\u2013<\/p>\n

Underdog Bookstore<\/p>\n

312 S. Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, 626-415-1031, @underdogbookstore<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lone Wolf Cafe\u201d by Sydney Wilder\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you like your spooky reads on the cozy side with some sapphic werewolf-witch romance, this one\u2019s for you,\u201d says Board President Kealie Mardell-Carrera<\/p>\n

\u201cMonster\u201d by Christopher Pike\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cA classic YA creature spooky read \u2013 just remember, don\u2019t drink the water!\u201d says Vice President Jen Venegas\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Near Witch\u201d by V.E.Schwab\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAn endearing and haunting book that has an old-timey feel and is the perfect spooky night read,\u201d says Board Member Amber Castelallanos<\/p>\n

\u201cThese Bodies Ain\u2019t Broken\u201d edited by Madeline Dyer\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI love a good anthology and this new YA horror collection is the first I\u2019ve ever read that showcases disabled characters, written by disabled authors, who are winning against all the odds,\u201d says Board President Kealie Mardell-Carrera.<\/p>\n

More information:<\/p>\n

Our October event schedule is packed at Underdog and there really is something for everyone! We are also fundraising for our nonprofit with the Witches & Whimsy Howl-O-Ween Auction, which will go live online on October 25 and end with a celebration in-store November 1.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u2014<\/p>\n

Vroman\u2019s Bookstore<\/p>\n

695 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-449-5320, @vromansbookstore<\/a><\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Thief of Always\u201d by Clive Barker,\u00a0 \u201cThe Troop\u201d by Nick Cutter, \u201cThis Skin Was Once Mine\u201d by Eric LaRocca, says bookseller Angela.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Wax Child\u201d by Olga Ravn.\u201dThe perfect book for witchy, freak weirdos,\u201d says bookseller Chloe.\u00a0 \u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Tower of Love\u201d by Rachilde.\u201dThe perfect book for the lighthouse keeper in your life,\u201d says bookseller Chloe.<\/p>\n

What you\u2019re reading and recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lottery & Other Stories\u201d by Shirley Jackson.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one does it like my girl Shirley,\u201d says bookseller Chloe. \u00a0 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe Houseguest\u201d by Amparo Davila.\u201cScary stories about someone coming over to your house,\u201d says bookseller Chloe.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m currently reading \u201cThe Knight & The Moth\u201d by Rachel Gillig and \u201cEldritch\u201d by Keri Lake. \u201cEldritch\u201d is the second book in the Eating Woods Series after \u201cAnathema,\u201d which is one of the best gothic fantasy novels I\u2019ve ever read, with horrifying creatures and an eerie setting. Perfect for spooky season!<\/p>\n

\u201cOther novels on my TBR for spooky season are: \u201cTender is the Flesh\u201d by Agustina Bazterrica, \u201cThe Turn of the Screw\u201d by Henry James, \u201cMexican Gothic\u201d by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, \u201cHead Full of Ghosts\u201d by Paul Tremblay and \u201cOnly One Left\u201d by Riley Sager. Also, if you haven\u2019t read \u201cCarmilla\u201d by Sheridan Le Fanu, PLEASE do yourself a favor and read it, it\u2019s super short and a must-read vampire novel! \u2013 bookseller Angela<\/p>\n

13 terrifying books to haunt your dreams as Halloween approaches<\/a><\/p>\n

Zibby\u2019s Bookshop<\/p>\n

1113 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, 424-387-1744, @zibbysbookshop<\/p>\n

What We\u2019re Reading and Recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cO Caledonia\u201d by Elspeth Barker<\/p>\n

Our store book club is reading this classic gothic horror novel this month, and we\u2019re so excited to discuss it in person!\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cHorrid\u201d by Katrina Leno<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the perfect spooky haunted house store for Halloween! So fun and not TOO scary,\u201d says bookseller Mike<\/p>\n

What you\u2019re reading and recommending:<\/p>\n

\u201cDungeon Crawler Carl\u201d by Matt Dinniman\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI was late to jump on the Dungeon Crawler<\/a> train, but I\u2019ve read all 7 books that are out so far, and absolutely love them!\u201d says bookseller Katrina\u00a0<\/p>\n

Statement:<\/p>\n

Halloween is our favorite time of year for books! We have a ton of fun, spooky reads and are ready to help you find your next favorite!<\/p>\n

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