Gore movies don’t put me in a festive mood, they stress me out. If you’re like me, you’ll prefer to settle into the spirit of Halloween with a good book. 

As an English literature major, I’m no stranger to reading mystery and suspense year-round. 

Here are some novels I like to revisit during the spooky season, plus some recommendations from professors in the English department.

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“Carrie” by Stephen King

The movie adaptation of this novel had 8-year-old me sleeping with the light on for years. I finally faced my fears over the spring semester and read Stephen King’s original novel.

“Carrie” follows the life of a high-school girl who is an outcast ridiculed by her classmates. As Carrie discovers her telekinetic powers, she is able to get revenge on her bullies (which ultimately is a satisfying ending).

If you’re also haunted by your high-school experience, this novel is a great go-to for the season.

“Dracula” by Bram Stoker

Gothic novels are great for this time of year, as the genre blends horror and the supernatural. 

“Dracula” follows an English lawyer who encounters Count Dracula, a vampire who has moved to London to feast on the local community.

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“As an avid lover of ‘spooky but not scary’ stories, I have an affection for 19th century gothic novels in particular, such as Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula,’” said Jessica Cook, associate professor of instruction for English. 

“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley

I would imagine this story haunts people with commitment issues the most, because who wants a horrendous monster hunting you down after your first attempt to abandon him?

“Frankenstein” is about a mad scientist who creates a monster that spends his life tormenting his creator as revenge for his abandonment.

This one is a staple of the Halloween season, from inspired costumes and home decorations, it seems Frankenstein’s monster is around every corner.

If you aren’t a fan of Mary Shelley’s original work, there are many adaptations of this classic story, such as “Monster” by Dave Zeltserman and “Dr. Frankenstein’s Daughters” by Suzanne Weyn.

“Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s “Mexican Gothic” is another favorite of Cook’s, who taught the novel as part of her 19th Century British Literature course.

“Mexican Gothic” is about a woman who has been tipped off that her husband is trying to kill her. The novel follows her as she investigates these claims.

“This one is almost like horror-lite for people like me who scare easily,” Cook said. “It features a smart and strong heroine, a creepy house and some truly gross body horror. It still manages to be a lot of fun. I highly recommend it.” 

“The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson

Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting of Hill House” is about a family who revists their old manor after experiencing paranormal activity within its walls.

“While I was reading it I often thought that it wasn’t that scary,” English professor Michelle Taylor said. “It has stuck with me and demonstrated how effective psychological horror can be.”

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Taylor taught the novel in a Literature and the Occult class two years ago. She said the story is a quick read, but also recommends checking out the Netflix TV show adaptation of the book.

“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer

This series isn’t necessarily scary, but who doesn’t love vampires and werewolves?

“Twilight” is about a love triangle between an ordinary girl and her supernatural counterparts.

Because of the dreary weather of Forks, both the books and the movies are great to return to during the fall. 

If you consider the fact that Edward is 104-years-old when he meets 16-year-old Bella, the story of “Twilight” might actually just be the scariest novel on this list.

I’ve always been team Jacob and no one can change my mind.