5 spooky books for Halloween reading that aren't ghost stories

Are you looking for some spooky reads that aren't just the usual ghost stories? Do you like reading stories about witches, vampires, and more? Do you like books based on actual events? Then we have some books for you!

Growing up, Halloween was always the best time of the year. Obviously there was the trick or treating and the Halloween candy, but the real win came in the form of spooky stories. And in New England, we have a lot of spooky stories that are said to be based on actual events that have happened in the region.

While you can never go wrong with ghost stories, the more unique stories were the ones that stood out the most, in particular those about witches, vampires, and other creepy and spooky creatures. So what are five spooky books that are light on the ghost stories that we are recommending for some Halloween reading?

Here are five non-ghost stories to read this spooky season

A History of Vampires in New England by Thomas D'Agostino

This is such a unique look at the spooky history of New England and it is done in a way that focuses on a creature of legend and lore that has captivated our imaginations for years. Do we believe that vampires exist? Well, after reading A History of Vampires in New England
, I just might.

True Witch Stories: Bizarre Trials, Cruel Tests & Scary Encounters of Witches from the Past
by Hector Z. Gregory

There is something to be said about reading about witches when we grew up learning about the horrors of the Salem Witch Trials. And yet, this book is all about more recent witches. Not only that, but these are witches who have embraced who they are and in some cases have even made some deals with the devil in order to have the power they want.

Legends and Lore of the North Shore by Peter Muise

This book seemingly has it all, telling the stories of sea serpents, pirates, and more of what makes the North Shore a spooky place as Fall hits and darkness comes earlier and earlier. Muise gives us a fresh look at what makes this area so spooky, while also touching on any number of paranormal phenomena that have captivated imaginations over the years.

Real Monsters, Gruesome Critters, and Beasts from the Darkside by Brad Steiger

Want to freak yourself out before your next camping trip? Then this is the book for you. It dives into the creepy and spooky, with twisted tales and paranormal happenings that will have you questioning what's real and what's the product of a fanciful imagination. And honestly, if you have even an inkling of belief in these things, this will make every bump in the night a little bit more spooky. Steiger delivers big time with this book and honestly, I love every bit of it.

Werewolf Stories: Shape-Shifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts by Nick Redfern and Brad Steiger

Werewolves and shape-shifters may not be real, but what if they are? This book brings the spooky with stories and lore that feels compellingly real. The amount of research that went into this book is very clear and yet, this doesn't read like a dry history book, but rather a collection of stories that will leave you wanting to keep the door closed and locked when you are home alone on a dark and stormy night.

Spooky stories with the twist of being well-researched and with witness stories to back them up leaves all of these books feeling a little more real than your average ghost story. And that is what makes them perfect for Halloween reading.