October is the month for spooky stories, ghosts, goblins, and of course, fall. Whether you’re a fan of Halloween or simply looking to embrace the spirit of the season on your time away from school, I’ve got you covered. Here, I want to share with you my list of 15 must-read spooky, autumn stories and novels that are sure to leave you shivering with excitement.
What are 15 of the Best Spooky Autumn Stories that You Should Read this Fall?
- Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe
- The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes
- The Last Leaf by O. Henry
- The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
- Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
- The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë’s
- The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
- The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
- The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
- Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- Carmilla by Joseph Le Fanu
The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe
There I was slowly pushing the door open…slowly…slowly. I stuck my head slowly…oh, so slowly into the classroom. And, I peeked in on my students who were sitting there tense…watching me. The lights were almost all off, and the spooky sounds of terror were permeating my classroom. What was I doing? I was reading Tell-Tale Heart to with my students, and I was helping to bring the story to life by creating an eerie mood!
No list of spooky, autumn literature would be complete without the master of suspense, Edgar Allan Poe. The Tell-Tale Heart is one of my favorite stories, and it is perfect for the Halloween/fall season. It is a chilling short story that plunges the reader into the dark recesses of a murderer’s mind. It follows his descent into madness from the moment he decides to murder his roommate until the “tell-tale” heart makes it an appearance.
The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes
Alfred Noyes’ poem “The Highwayman” might not be a traditional spooky tale, but it has an undeniable air of romance and adventure that suits the fall season. It is set against a backdrop of moonlit moors. And, it features two star-crossed lovers who risk it all just to be together. This story has it all…mystery, romance, sacrifice, ghost, and a love that never dies. This romantic tragedy should definitely be includes in your list of spooky, autumn stories.
This is another story that I love to share with my class. And, it offers several different learning opportunities for students. One of my favorite activities is to have my students write the story from an alternate perspective. I also like to have them compare and contrast characters.
The Last Leaf by O. Henry
The first time I read this story, I was shocked by the ending. And, I must confess that the first time I read it, it was with my 7th grade class. But, after reading it, it quickly became one of my fall favorites.
As autumn’s chill settles in and the beautiful, vibrant leaves start to fall, friendship and sacrifice take center stage in this short story by O. Henry. In the face of despair and hopelessness, a single leaf becomes a symbol of life’s enduring strength.
The Masque of the Red Death by Edgar Allan Poe
Who can escape Death? No one. And, this haunting tale by Edgar Allan Poe illustrates the uselessness of trying to stop the inevitable. The story begins with Prince Prospero and his nobles attempting to escape a deadly plague by secluding themselves in an abbey. There they lock themselves away from the outside world in the hopes of saving themselves from Death. To prevent boredom, Prince Prospero decides to throw a masquerade ball. Unfortunately for them, the masquerade ball takes a sinister turn when a mysterious figure, dressed as the Red Death, crashes the party. The Masque of the Red Death is packed with suspense, symbolism, and undying truth making it a spooky, autumn must-read.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Daphne du Maurier’s “Rebecca” is a classic novel of gothic romance and suspense. Set in the sprawling Manderley estate, the story follows a young bride who must contend with the shadow of her husband’s deceased first wife, Rebecca. The eerie mansion and mysterious secrets lurking in its corners create an atmosphere perfect for a spooktacular fall read.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Are you out alone this Halloween night? If you are, beware The Headless Horseman. Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow introduces us to Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher who encounters the ghostly rider on a dark, misty night. This classic tale is the quintessential spooky story for the Halloween season.
I have never read this one with my class, but I did take a few of my classes to see this one acted out on stage. It was frightfully good. The students loved it!
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë’s
Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” may not be your classic horror or ghost story, but this gothic romance will leave you breathless. It follows the lives of Catherine Earnshaw and the love of her life, Heathcliff. The haunting story is a tale of love, revenge, and the power of the human will. The brooding and passionate nature of the characters along with the dark and stormy atmosphere help to add it to the list of romantic yet spooky, autumn stories.
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
This story was confusing to me at first. And, I had to stop and do some serious analyzing to grab the just of Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw. This is a classic gothic novella that creates a psychological tension that the reader won’t easily forget. Set in a secluded country mansion during a chilling autumn, the story revolves around a young governess who becomes convinced that the estate is haunted by malevolent spirits. The novella’s ambiguity and sense of dread make it a perfect choice for a spooky, fall evening. This short story slowly walks the line between reality and the supernatural. And, the reader is quickly sucked into this must-read spooky, autumn tragedy.
The Monkey’s Paw by W.W. Jacobs
W.W. Jacobs’ The Monkey’s Paw is a timeless short story that explores the consequences of making wishes. When a family acquires a magical monkey’s paw, they inadvertently unleash a series of tragic events. What makes this story so perfect for fall? It’s the suspenseful moment when the knock comes to the parents’ door. Who could it be? Is it their son? Is it some stranger? Is it some other form of evil? Can a “monkey’s paw” do all of this? You’ll have to read and see.
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
Another haunting masterpiece by Edgar Allan Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher makes the spooky, autumn stories list. This story follows the narrator’s visit to the decaying mansion of the Usher family. During his visit, he becomes entwined in the Usher’s tragic ending.
Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne
What better treat for a spooky Halloween night then Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown. This dark allegorical tale explores the themes of good and evil. And, it leads the reader down through the depths of the human mind. The story begins with Goodman Brown as he embarks on a journey through the forest one fateful night. It is there that he encounters many unsettling figures and scenes that test his own faith.
The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving
Washington Irving’s The Devil and Tom Walker is a classic American short story that weaves a cautionary tale about making deals with the devil. It is set in a gloomy forest where there are several mysterious incidents that will leave you crippling your seat.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Welcome to the world of the “undead”. Bram Stoker’s Dracula takes you into the realm of demonic vampires who feed off of human blood. The story follows the infamous Count Dracula as he makes his way from Transylvania to England to prey upon those unfortunate enough to encounter him. The novel’s eerie, suspenseful atmosphere, and the battle between good and evil are perfect for a spooky, autumn read.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is another iconic gothic tale that is just right for the spooky, autumn reads list. It too is a tale of the “undead”. This novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation. Frankenstein also explores themes of ambition, creation, and the consequences of playing God.
Carmilla by Joseph Le Fanu
Another vampire novella makes the list of spooky, autumn stories list. This one is Carmilla by Joseph Le Fanu. Carmilla is a vampire novella that was penned before Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but it is just as enticing. The story centers around Carmilla, a beautiful young woman who forms a mysterious and seductive relationship with the novel’s narrator, Laura. This novella is probably not suitable for your students. So, do take a care. But, it’s timeless and seductive tale of the immortal vampire make this a perfect addition to your autumn reading list.
Whether you’re in the mood for gothic horror, allegorical tales, or chilling short stories, these 15 stories are perfect for a spooky autumn night in. So, grab your coziest blanket, a cup of warm apple cider, and prepare to be transported to worlds where autumn’s magic and mystery come alive. Happy reading!