Whether or not you consider yourself a fan, paranormal fiction is an incredibly vast genre. It contains everything from ghastly ghost stories to red-hot romance, and this autumn is the perfect time to fall into a great paranormal read.
Spoiler alert: not all paranormal books have to be scary!
If you need help adding some solid paranormal books to your TBR list, look no further. We’ve got your back.
Here are ten of the best paranormal books for adult readers looking for a chill.
10. The Culling by Anthony Hulse
A detective and journalist team up to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances in this genre-blending paranormal book.
As they go deeper into the story, the two realize that the danger goes a lot deeper than they could have ever expected. Can they stop a horrific social experiment before it’s too late?
Why we recommend it: I loved how this gripping paranormal book blended crime elements with horror tropes.
9. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Recently referred to as “the book that once defined a generation,” The Historian is an incredibly rewarding read. It tells the story of a young woman who slowly unravels her deep family connection to Vlad the Impaler.
Deftly combining threads of historical fiction, detective story, and supernatural horror, this paranormal book is a must-read for any fans of the paranormal.
Why we recommend it: I loved the writing style and dark atmosphere in this paranormal book.
8. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
Set in an atmospheric, post-WWII English estate, this gothic paranormal book follows Dr. Faraday, a humble doctor who becomes slowly involved with the Ayres family.
As he makes repeated visits to their dilapidated home, Dr. Faraday witnesses increasingly terrifying paranormal occurrences.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed how this paranormal book used horror elements to make deeper statements about class and society.
Related10 Engaging Paranormal Books for Young Adults
7. We’ve Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson
A master of the haunted house and paranormal books, Shirley Jackson’s legacy has left a huge impact on the world of paranormal fiction.
In this novel, the Blackwood sisters are shunned outcasts in their small New England town following the poisoning deaths of many of their relatives. As the distrust mounts, the sisters’ lives are unraveled by seemingly paranormal forces.
Why we recommend it: I loved the dark psychological elements of this paranormal book.
6. The Shining by Stephen King
The king of spooky, Stephen King’s novels are famously dark and disturbing.
(And perfect for the screen. Doctor Sleep has just found its way back to Prime Video!)
The Shining is a paranormal classic, telling the story of a young family struggling to survive an isolated winter in a haunted hotel. Up against ghosts, evil spirits, and the specter of addiction, they slowly realize that the true enemy may be a lot closer than they realize.
Why we recommend it: I loved the slow-burn horror in this paranormal book, as well as the family characterization.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter5. The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
This paranormal book is absolutely terrifying and perfect for fans of horror romance. Featuring a cast of creepy wooden figures who seem to move on their own throughout a decaying mansion, Laura Purcell’s novel is sure to leave you unsettled.
Why we recommend it: I was very creeped out by the premise and atmosphere of this paranormal book.
4. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
With a premise similar to that of the paranormal classic Ghost Story, this allegorical paranormal book uses horror conventions to make a profound social commentary.
As four Indigenous men face a vengeful spirit from their past, they’re confronted with the consequences of their actions.
Why we recommend it: I loved the themes of identity and guilt woven into this thought-provoking paranormal book.
RelatedIs Paranormal Fiction Always Meant To Be Scary?
3. Affinity by Sarah Waters
This dark paranormal thriller is set in a women’s prison during the Victorian era. As two of the prisoners begin to connect, they fall deeper into the paranormal world of the occult.
Why we recommend it: I loved the exploration of ideas of gender and spirituality in this book.
RelatedSpine-Chilling Secrets: Why Horror Hits Differently In Novels And Cinema
2. The Broken Girls by Simone St. James
True crime is having a cultural moment, with films like Anna Kendrick’s Woman of the Hour making waves on Netflix. Fans of the genre should be sure to check out The Broken Girls, which skillfully blends true crime elements with mystery and paranormal elements through its setting in an old boarding school.
Why we recommend it: I enjoyed how unpredictable it is. I couldn’t put it down!
1. Fighting Destiny by Amelia Hutchins
Other books in the series:
- Taunting Destiny
- Escaping Destiny
- Seducing Destiny
- Unraveling Destiny
- Embracing Destiny
- Crowning Destiny
- Whispers of Fate
This steamy romance novel spirals into the world of murder mysteries and fantastic creatures known as the Fae and the Witches. Perfect for fans of romance and fantasy who are looking for a paranormal read, this book has everything: magic, electric attraction, and supernatural forces.
Why we recommend it: I loved how addictive this book was. I’m glad there’s a whole series!
Just in time for Halloween, those are our ten best paranormal books to keep you spooked this fall. Did we miss any of your favorites? Leave a comment and let us know.
Happy reading!
