Halloween is almost upon us, but fear not if you’re without a scary story to read this year. I’ve got some suggestions for you to binge read while applying fake blood and consuming copious amounts of candy. Here are 5 YA books to read for Halloween.
I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
What if the world’s worst serial killer…was your dad?
Jasper “Jazz” Dent is a likable teenager. A charmer, one might say.
But he’s also the son of the world’s most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, Take Your Son to Work Day was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could—from the criminal’s point of view.
And now bodies are piling up in Lobo’s Nod.
In an effort to clear his name, Jazz joins the police in a hunt for a new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret—could he be more like his father than anyone knows?
Horror Level: The first in a trilogy, this book contains descriptive gore, mystery, murder, and psychological dysfunction. It is not for the squeamish due to graphic depictions of some of the murders.
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
It could happen tomorrow . . .
An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.
Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.
For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.
Horror Level: The first in a trilogy about an apocalypse that turns people into cannibal zombies, this book is genuinely disgusting and terrifying. Well written and thrilling but do not read if you cannot handle incredibly long and gross descriptions of cannibalism.
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Meet Skulduggery Pleasant
Ace Detective
Snappy Dresser
Razor–tongued Wit
Crackerjack Sorcerer
and
Walking, Talking,
Fire-throwing Skeleton
—as well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old.
These two alone must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil.
The end of the world?
Over his dead body.
Horror Level: Although this book (the first in a nine part series) is about a walking Skeleton detective, the actual gore is low and the campy fun of the dialogue and plot are high. Perfect book for those who enjoy their Halloween adventures witty and wacky.
The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle 
Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers can get a taste of the real world. But the real world comes to her in this dystopian tale with a philosophical bent. Rumors of massive unrest on the “Outside” abound. Something murderous is out there. Amish elders make a rule: No one goes outside, and no outsiders come in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man, she can’t leave him to die. She smuggles him into her family’s barn—at what cost to her community? The suspense of this vividly told, truly horrific thriller will keep the pages turning.
Horror Level: This two book series is for those who like a little romance and a little Amish in their vampire horror. Does contain disturbing murder scenes.
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
Jack the Ripper is back, and he’s coming for Rory next….
Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London to start a new life at boarding school just as a series of brutal murders mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper killing spree of more than a century ago has broken out across the city. The police are left with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory spotted the man believed to be the prime suspect. But she is the only one who saw him – the only one who can see him. And now Rory has become his next target…unless she can tap her previously unknown abilities to turn the tables.
Horror Level: This four (or more, it’s not yet finished) part series has everything you could ask of a horror novel. There’s mystery, murder, ghosts, a smidge of romance, surprise humor, and a delightful and unique heroine. Not for those who can’t handle some blood and gore.
*please note I did link to affiliate products through Amazon, though I *only* linked to items I have personally purchased/read 