Finish up what you’re reading and get ready for some October Halloween Scary Creepy Reading Fun.
I read very few (ok practically none) vampire books. But I do like a good horror story, scary story, ghost story). So in honor of my favorite month, I am putting together several lists of stories, books, movies and other tall tales for young and old having to do with Creepy things, ghosts, werewolves, vampires, nasty yucky things, good and evil and all things that go bump in the night.
I’m even going to share my favorite Halloween books for kids. Plus coming soon with be a BIG announcement for a most excellent horror anthology coming out in October called “Creepies” (don’t forget that name).
Drum roll please:
The First Annual Vampire Maman
October Reading List PART ONE
The Turn of the Screw
By Henry James
Published first in 1898 this classic ghost story that will scare the jeebers out of you.
A governess is sent to watch little Miles and Flora. All is not as it seems, because ghosts, being the scary creatures they are, want more than just a nice quiet after life.
The best screen adaptation of this is the chilling The Innocents (1961) directed by Jack Clayton and featuring Deborah Kerr. Don’t watch it alone and make sure you keep at least one light on in the house (and keep away from the pond).
Dracula
By Bram Stoker
First published in 1897
This is the original tale of Count Dracula who relocates from his musty home in Transylvania to England. Of course it is full of sex, violence, crazy people, romance, bugs, a passionate Professor Van Helsing and Jonathan Harker and dear sweet dumber than a rock Mina, darling Lucy and of course the crazy Reinfield. And don’t forget Dracula’s seductive “brides. Of course Dracula is sort of a jerk of a Vampire but hey, it’s fiction! You’ll love it. This is such a good book. None of it true of course but enjoy the ride!
This book is such an easy read and seems quite modern in a lot of ways. Just imagine if they had email, blogs and facebook! The entire thing is written in the form of letters and journal entries.
In my humble opinion there has NEVER been film version of this that follows the book.
Last year (2011) the Sacramento Ballet did a fantastic original ballet of this that was so much fun! In fact, we went for my birthday. Nutcracker move over! Wish they’d do it again.
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
By Mary Shelley
First published anonymously in 1818 by the 21-year-old author. It was published in her name in 1823.
You know the story. A brilliant and fun book about science, morality and love. You have to read it (again, not like any of the movie versions).
And yes, I do love the movie “Young Frankenstein.” Thank you Mel Brooks!
And of course thank you Boris Karloff.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
By Patrick Süskind.
1985
This has got to be one of the creepiest most disturbing books I’ve ever read.
Jean-Baptiste, a perfume maker in the 18th century finds he has no scent of his own. So what’s a guy to do? Stalk and murder virgins to steal their scent. But it isn’t that easy…he is looking for the perfect scent. He runs across a lovely young woman named Laura and…well I won’t tell you anymore. You have to read it yourself. Spoiler – nobody lives happily ever in this one. I can honestly say that I will NEVER read this one again.
Pet Sematary
By Stephen King
1983
I’m not giving anything away on this one. You’ll just have to read it. The classic “cat came back story” with a really sick and twisted turn. You guessed it, not just cats come back…
This will scare the wits out of you. And as always with King’s books there are great characters, descriptions and you never know what will happen next.
Also recommended by Stephen King for October reading is “IT”. Don’t read this one alone or in the dark or near a gutter.
Come back soon for more October Halloween Books!
And don’t forget to watch for the new anthology “Creepies”.
FYI: I’ll cover Paranormal Romance in February.
Links to other Vampire Maman Reading Lists:
There are dozens of other pages of poetry, book reviews and short stories on this blog. Just take a few minutes and explore around. If you’re looking for something and can’t find it let me know. And as always, I’m open for suggestions!!!! Feel free to share your favorites in the comments below!!!
“For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives that may be lived, for fiction, biography, and history offer an inexhaustible number of lives in many parts of the world, in all periods of time.”
-Louis L’Amour
~ Juliette
Vampire Maman 
I’ve read all but one of your suggestions. I’ll have to hunt down Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer. The others I can honestly say were brilliant. I may also recommend the Penguin Book of Vampires, a great collection of vampire stories from various authors starting from before Dracula and up into the 1980’s I believe. Tanith Lee, Bram Stoker, August Derleth, Lord Byron, are just a few of the authors I remember being in this collection.
Thank you for the suggestions! I’ve heard of the Penguin Book of Vampires. I need to check it out! Perfume was first written in German and translated into English. Creepy nasty book but work mentioning on this list.