Spooktacular stories: part three

Oct 2016
Spooky stories for the whole family this Halloween
In keeping with our Halloween tradition, we've compiled a list of spooky books for your spine-tingling delights.

It is Halloween! Tradition dictates an evening of dressing up in ghoulish attire, trick-or-treating and carving pumpkins.

In keeping with our Halloween tradition, we've compiled a list of spooky books for your spine-tingling delights.

Dracula by Bram Stoker
In this classic novel, Jonathan Harker heads to Transylvania to help Count Dracula buy a house in London. Whilst there he makes terrifying discoveries about Dracula and his current abode.

Soon after there are a number of peculiar incidents back in England, including puncture marks in a young lady's neck and a shipwreck in Whitby of an unmanned vessel.

This novel is perfect for those of you who enjoy nail-biting books full of shock and horror.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Coraline has spent much of her time wondering what is behind the locked door in the drawing room. When she finally decides to open it, it seems that there is only a brick wall; however, when she tries again later, a mysterious passageway appears instead.

At the other end of the dark passageway Coraline comes across a flat decorated exactly like hers, but strangely different. There she meets her "other" parents who are much more interesting, even though they have creepy black eyes that look like buttons.

When Coraline realises that they plan to trap her in this alternate world forever, she begins a monstrous task to rescue her real parents and siblings, with the help of an aloof cat.

For those of you who enjoy the peculiar and paranormal, Coraline is sure to tickle your fancy this Halloween.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
This is a case of multiple personality disorder - there is Dr. Jekyll, a mild-mannered individual who is battling an inner turmoil of good versus evil.

In trying to develop a potion to suppress the evil side of his personality, Jekyll accidentally releases it, involuntarily unleashing the sinister Mr. Hyde. The results of his sudden and surprising transformation are devastating.

This novella is a wonderful Halloween read for those who enjoy a book full of suspense and shock.

Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine
A series of 62 children's fiction books published between 1992 and 1997, Goosebumps is a much-loved collection of horror novellas written by American author, R. L. Stine. Often based in a remote, secluded location, the scary stories follow child characters who find themselves face-to-face with monsters and other supernatural creatures.

If you're a fan of surreal horror that has twists and turns, any of the Goosebumps novellas would be a great, ghoulish read on the spookiest day of the year.

This is just a small selection of some classic books to read this Halloween. If you need more inspiration, have a look at the Kumon Recommended Reading List. Happy Halloween!