Books to Keep You Up After Dark
written by Lindsay Collier
As the air begins to turn cold and the nights continue to grow longer, you may find yourself searching for a good book to curl up with that will get you prepared for the spooky season. Fall is the perfect season for stories that make you sleep with the lights on. From classic stories that showcase everyday monsters to more contemporary horrors that push ideas of human morality, these readings will keep you captivated. Whether you’re a longtime fan of horror, or just looking for new novels to add to the autumn reading list, here are some of my must-reads for scares.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
…is a psychological thriller that lures readers into an unraveling mystery of a woman who refuses to speak after murdering her husband. This novel serves as a character study between therapist and patient. Michaelides peels back layers of obsession, revealing a shocking twist. The Silent Patient keeps readers questioning everything. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
Here in the Night by Rebecca Turkewitz
…is a debut short story collection that lingers in the mind long after it is finished. The collection feels both unsettling and deeply human. With a collection of ghostly tales, Turkewitz uses the idea of haunting not only to scare but to bring up questions of hidden desires and grief. The collection shows the quiet horror of everyday life. Trigger warning for homophobic violence. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
…is not just a horror novel (and a really well known movie) — it’s a satire showcasing consumer culture and toxic masculinity that follows Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street banker, with a terrifying secret life. It is not an easy read, the violence against people is incredibly graphic. This book brings up questions of misogyny, masculinity and living in excess. This is a novel that forces you to confront the darkness that is hidden underneath a perfect facade, leaving readers incredibly unsettled long past finishing the book. Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.
The Crazed by Ha Jin
…is a novel that blends personal and political, taking place in Tiananmen Square. Through the eyes of Jian, a graduate student, readers witness how one must confront duty and desire. Jin’s writing is both simple and lyrical, creating raw psychological insight on ideas of control. The novel brings up questions about sanity and submission. It is both haunting and thought-provoking to read during the fall months. Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.
Whether you are looking for the suspense of a psychological thriller, or a ghostly short story these books uncover the depths of human darkness. Each of these stories develops questions about morality, obsession and fears. After reading these, don’t forget to sleep with the lights on.
Photo by Gustavo Sánchez on Unsplash.