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Halloween

Scary books and horror novels for Halloween

Scary book recommendations

Reading lists
An illustration of a horror scale of spooky books, from 'ghost emoji' to 'skull and crossbones' emoji.

The best horror stories told in novels, ranked from scary to terrifying

Fancy reading something scary this year, but not sure which level of creepiness to go for? Here are the best ghoulish reads, ranked in order of thrill.

Reading lists
A collage of book covers against a red background, with large, spooky illustrated hands reaching to grab the book covers.

Books you’ll love based on your favourite horror film

We find a book to match the movie – from Midsommar to Get Out to Nightmare on Elm Street – to give you your Halloween fix this year.

Features

The 50 greatest horror villains in fiction

A list of blood-curdling book antagonists, from bloodsuckers to sea-monsters, cannibals to serial killers, vengeful ghosts to politicians.

Costume ideas from books

Features
A cartoonish illustration of a dress-your-doll-style cut-out, with a witch in the centre and jack-o-lanterns and brooms around her

The best Halloween costume ideas from books

Whether you're dressing yourself, your kids or the whole family, we have the easy, literature-inspired idea for you.

Crafts & activities
An image of a school uniform, Deepdean crest and magnifying glass on a bright yellow background

Dress up as a detective from Murder Most Unladylike

Have you always dreamed of being a real-life super sleuth? Then why not use this fun DIY costume to dress up as detectives Daisy or Hazel from Murder Most Unladylike.

Crafts & activities
A photo of the Funnybones costume on a bright yellow background

Make your own Funnybones costume

Dress up as a spooky skeleton using this fun DIY costume, from Allan and Janet Ahlberg's classic tale Funnybones.

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