Halloween is kind of a big deal in my family. Or, I should say, my husband loves Halloween, my kids have caught the bug and I’m basically along for the ride. (And maybe for the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, but I digress.)
But while dreaming up the perfect costume is not my strong suit, I love reading anything that’s spooky. So if you’re looking for a good read that’s holiday appropriate, here’s a trio of choices:
“The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova – Vlad Tepes, the bloodthirsty prince of Wallachia who ultimately influenced Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”, is a historical figure. But Kostova’s book goes beyond that and imagines a world where a group of scholars are tracking the historical Dracula, who just happens to still be alive.
“‘Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King – My love for Stephen King is pretty well documented, but this is a book that I revisit on a yearly basis. Again, a story that’s told in the vampire tradition, but this 1975 novel only hints at King’s brilliance in storytelling.
“Wait Till Helen Comes” by Mary Downing Hahn – OK, so disclosure on this one. When I dropped my eldest off at preschool this AM, I had three books all lined up in my head for suggestions. When I sat down to write this blog post, the third choice disappeared into the ether. So, I went to Goodreads and looked through some of their suggestions. And I’m glad I did – I had forgotten about Ms. Hahn’s book for middle schoolers. This book terrified me when I was a kid (it was published in 1986.) I think I’m going to need to dig up my copy again.
Happy reading! And Happy Halloween!
michellekubitz 
The Historian sounds fascinating! Definitely one to add to my TBR list.
I adored Wait Till Helen Comes when I was younger and reread it once several years ago. It is the only book I’ve ever encountered that disappointed me upon rereading, and I blame life for that.
Have you read the “All Souls Trilogy” by Deborah Harkness? That’s another witchy read that I should have included in this list.
I think I recently acquired a copy of “Wait Till Helen Comes.” I need to re-read, I really think that’s part of what made me want to write when I was younger. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it’s as spooky as I remember!
No, I haven’t – I’ll have to check it out! 🙂
Wait Till Helen Comes held up for me in terms of spookiness, but the parents drove me crazy. It’s one of those things that seemed completely natural to me as a kid, but as an adult in a blended family, I just wanted to wring the parents’ necks. I really hate it when life ruins otherwise awesome books/movies/TV shows.