One of the best is 'Locke & Key'. It's filled with mystery and horror elements that are perfect for Halloween. The story is set in a spooky old house with keys that unlock various supernatural powers and secrets. Another great one is 'The Walking Dead'. It has a post - apocalyptic Halloween - like atmosphere all the time, with zombies and the struggle for survival. And 'Sandman' also has some really dark and eerie story arcs that are great for the Halloween mood.
For beginners, 'Scary Godmother' is a great start. It has a lighter take on Halloween themes compared to some of the darker ones. The art is colorful and the stories are fun and spooky at the same time. Another good one is 'Bone'. While not strictly a Halloween - only graphic novel, it has some spooky parts and the unique art style and engaging story will draw in new readers. 'Little Vampire' is also suitable. It's about a young vampire and has a charming and somewhat spooky story that is easy to follow.
A really cool halloween themed graphic novel is 'Batman: The Long Halloween'. It features Batman facing off against some of his most iconic villains during the Halloween season in Gotham. The art style and the moody atmosphere of Gotham at that time really capture the essence of Halloween. And there's also 'Hellboy', which often has spooky and occult - related stories that are perfect for a halloween read.
Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. This novel introduced the world to the iconic vampire, Count Dracula. With its Gothic atmosphere, dark castles, and the horror of the vampire's attacks, it's a must - read for Halloween. The slow - building tension as the characters discover the truth about Dracula is truly gripping.
Some people might recommend 'From Hell'. It's a dark and gritty graphic novel that delves into the Jack the Ripper story. The detailed art and the disturbing narrative really capture the essence of a spooky halloween tale. Additionally, 'Black Orchid' by Neil Gaiman has a certain halloween - ish feel. It has elements of mystery, the supernatural, and a unique art style that adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.
One popular one is 'Scary Stories for Young Foxes'. It has spooky tales and great illustrations that are suitable for kids during Halloween. The stories are engaging and can give kids a bit of a thrill without being too terrifying.
Some excellent halloween horror novels include 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin. It's a slow - burning horror that focuses on a woman's pregnancy that seems to be more than it appears. The paranoia and the sense of the unknown build up throughout the story. 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson is another top pick. It creates an atmosphere of unease with its descriptions of the haunted house and the strange events that occur within it. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris can also be considered. While it's more of a crime - horror hybrid, the character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the most chilling in horror literature.
I highly recommend 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. It's a spooky mystery about a group of people staying in a haunted house. The atmosphere is really creepy. Another good one is 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. The mystery of the ghosts and what they want from the governess is really interesting. And 'Midnight Dreary' by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is also great for Halloween, with its mystery and horror elements.
For kids, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' by Tim Burton (even though it's also for Christmas, it has a great Halloween feel). It has unique and spooky characters like Jack Skellington. For teens, 'The Diviners' by Libba Bray. It's set in the 1920s and has a lot of supernatural elements and a mystery to solve. For adults, 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia is a great Halloween - themed novel. It has a spooky old house, family secrets, and a touch of the supernatural.
One of the top ones is 'The Haunting of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson. Although it's a horror classic, there are undertones of a different kind of relationship that can be seen as a form of romance. The psychological aspect of the story combined with the spooky setting of the haunted house makes it a great choice for Halloween. 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern also has elements of romance within its magical circus setting. The two main characters' relationship develops in a very dreamy and mysterious way that fits the Halloween aesthetic.