Spooky season is upon us! If you’re looking to reach your Goodreads goal and get in the vibes of the season, look no further – TAG24 has got the books for you.
‘Tis the season of pumpkin spice and everything nice, and there are plenty of new releases that are ready to send a chill down your spine this October.
From a witchy tale by thriller queen Freida McFadden to a new horror story from Riley Sager, there are fresh reads waiting for all bookworms looking to add a little bit of spookiness to their TBR!
So sit back, relax, and beware – these books will have you reaching for the night light this Halloween season.
The House of Gardenias by Isabel Cañas
The House of Gardenias is a young adult gothic horror tale that tells the story of Minerva, a teenager living in a country inspired by colonial Mexico.
After her older brothers run away, Minerva ultimately decides to take the risk and flee herself, and she soon strikes up an unexpected bond with a widow named Encarnación del Valle.
Working as the woman’s maid, Minerva soon discovers that Encarnación’s ancient estate, the Casa de las Gardenias, has a dark history.
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But the secrets lying inside won’t stay buried for much longer.
The Unknown by Riley Sager
Horror star Riley Sager debuted his 10th novel, The Unknown, this summer, and it’s the perfect read for spooky season!
The story features two timelines: In 1926, several women in a commune vanish, leaving behind only a few cryptic clues.
A century later, production has begun on a new movie tackling the cold case. In order to dive into the subject matter, the cast and crew take a trip to the remote island from which the ladies vanished.
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Once there, the cast and crew quickly run into some spooky incidents and begin disappearing one by one – just as had happened back in 1926.
Desperate for answers, the leading actor must turn to a diary left behind by one of the women to prevent a repeat of history.
The Witch by Freida McFadden
The reigning thriller queen Freida McFadden has released her spookiest read yet, just in time for Halloween!
In The Witch, a woman named Julia seeks solace in her family’s secluded 17th-century Massachusetts estate after her life takes a rough turn.
But as she spends more time there, Julia encounters an unsettling and mysterious presence.
This leads her down a rabbit hole of secrets and tragedy tied to her family’s connections to the Salem witch trials.
Looking for some more new reads to dive into this fall? Check out TAG24’s Book Release Radars for September and October 2026.
