October Reads To Sink Your Teeth Into
- MegTheGhoul
- Oct 8, 2023
- 6 min read
As the days become short and the dark nights extend their welcome, as the leaves fall gently from their perch and the morning air feels crisp inside your lungs; you may find yourself yearning to embrace the all-consuming darkness. For many of us, this is routine during the Autumn months. Each of us has our go to haunts, whether that be a cheeky trip to the Halloween aisle in any supermarket; curling up on your favourite chair and filling your mind with tales of ghosts and goblins; or paying a visit to slime encased monsters that dwell in deep swamps (mainly because they owe you money). You name it and this Ghoul has done it in the name of invoking the spirit of spooky season! But no matter how many graveyards I haunt, how many damp cellars I dwell in or how many times I hide under my neighbour’s bed and grab his ankles with my manicured claws- You can just never beat a good scary story. So, that is my gift to you, as we celebrate my favourite time of year. Below you will find this Ghoul's favourite October reads to prepare you for All Hallows' Eve...
1.) Carmilla ( Sheridan Le Fanu)
This tale is GOTHIC in excess. Deep within an Austrian forest, a castle lays undisturbed. Inside you will find Laura, a charming girl longing for kinship and connection, as well as her father whose hospitality is unmatched. Laura becomes bored with her predictable days blending into one, that is until the night a mysterious carriage passes through the thick woods. From here we are introduced to the mysterious and seductive Carmilla. This tale left quite the impression upon reviewers during the 1870's, with many finding the content offensive. This may be due to the homoerotic overtone that the story is so well-known for. The legendary Bram Stoker is thought to have drawn inspiration from this classic tale when constructing 'Dracula'(1897), and it is not hard to see why. So many aspects of Carmilla have been used in crafting many literary vampires, from the underlying sexual nature in which the vampire hunts and the idea of this monster being used to explore homosexual desires. With that being said, this novella was released at a time when same-sex relationships were punishable with a life-long prison sentence, so manage your expectations when embarking on this gothic journey. Overall, this is a great gem that is often overlooked in favour for the juggernaut that is 'Dracula'(1897), but this is a much shorter alternative that can be enjoyed in a singular evening. If you pine for gothic atmosphere and forbidden, bloodthirsty desire, then this is the story for you!
2.) Mexican Gothic (Silvia Moreno-Garcia)
Did you love Rebecca? Then you will adore this! Mexican Gothic follows the story of a bright socialite, Noemi Taboada, as she travels to the mountains to comfort her cousin at her time of need. High Place is drastically different from her lavish and carefree lifestyle back home, but alas her cousin needs her. As if the strict rules and isolation couldn't be bad enough, young Noemi finds herself in the middle of a disturbing mystery. A mystery that puts her and her cousin’s life in danger! Mexican Gothic takes all the traditional tropes of a gothic novel and shows you a new way of imagining these classic tales. I love a gothic story just as much as the next Ghoul, but this modern take provides some much-needed criticism of themes previously celebrated in gothic literature. There are many twists and turns to be enjoyed and the drama is masterfully ramped up to boiling point until you are gripping the edge of your seat. If you are looking to fall in love with reading all over again, this is the book to do it. It has romance, gore, mystery and most importantly, characters you want to root for against all odds. A book that makes you love women for being women.
3.) The Exorcist ( William Peter Blatty)
I know... What can I say that hasn't already been said. You have seen the movie, and you recognise why this story became so iconic. You know the characters and all the famous shots that have lingered in your mind to this day. But I am here to tell you that you're wrong. Let’s get one thing clear first, I am NOT claiming that the book is better than the film, or vice versa. What I am claiming is that you will have a completely different experience reading this masterpiece. The atmosphere is so rich throughout, that you can't help but be sucked into the quiet terror that is ‘The Exorcist’. Religion is handled so delicately that it is hard for me to believe that any Church goers had any objection to the film when it was announced. The book depicts the common story of the good triumphs over evil, whilst exploring the Christian fear of God's abandonment. As many horror stories do, this tale is about the human condition and what happens when evil corrupts this narrative. If you have never had the pleasure of reading this book, I am begging you to give it a go. After all, this is how Blatty first decided to present the iconic story we all know and love today. The narrative grips you in its demonic hold and you may never escape, so please read with caution...
4.) Let The Right One In (John Ajvide Lindqvist )
This is no ordinary vampire story, so let’s start there. I have recently finished reading this novel for the first time, so I am still deep within my withdrawal. The story follows a down on his luck young man called Oskar. He is strange as all little kids are, but sometimes his imagination can get the best of him. After all, that is all he has. Until Elle comes along and changes the course of his life forever. Whilst this story is graphic in nature, dealing with topics such as paedophilia, substance abuse, murder, and self-harm, it also deals with friendship as the main driving force for this narrative. A story that contains so much horror manages to have a sweetness at its' core that can't help but push through all the grit and grime on the surface. This would not be possible without the pacing of the story being so spot on. It feels like we know everyone in this small town, their wants, and desires and all their inner most thoughts. Everyone is woven into the main story so effortlessly; it made me feel as though I had passed these people in my everyday life. The tension can sometimes be unbearable, causing you to shift back and forth in your seat with anticipation. All I can say is that it is all worth it in my eyes. Some people may find the subject matter distressing and if you want to give this one a miss I understand. But this story captivated me wholeheartedly and I am sure it would do the same for you.
5.) Terrortome (Garth Marenghi)
How do I even begin to describe Terrortome? Well, I guess I could start by saying the book is technically written by a fictional character. Some of you may be familiar with the Channel 4 show 'Garth Marenghi's Dark Place', but for those who don't it is a tongue-in-cheek, horror schlock experience with a loyal cult following. The main character of this show (Garth) is a macho protagonist ready to defeat any supernatural threat and charm any surrounding damsels if the plot so chooses. From delivering a child with a massive eye as a head to disarming floating handguns controlled by a woman’s pre-menstrual rage, it is no surprise that Garth has decided to grace us with more tales from his colourful lifestyle. This book made me laugh in public many times on my commute, much to my dismay. Thankfully, no-one could see I was actually reading a story about an evil horny typewriter. Sometimes surrounding yourself with the macabre can be all doom and gloom, but this tale reminds us of all the humours of horror. Also, if you read Terrortome soon you will be just in time for the next iteration of the story, 'Incarcerat', due to release on the 31st of October 2023. Bring some fun into your Halloween reading with Terrortome, I promise you won't meet a protagonist like the enigma that is Garth Marenghi anywhere else.
Carmilla Amazon Link
Mexican Gothic Amazon Link
The Exorcist Amazon Link
Let The Right One In Amazon Link
Garth Marenghi's Terrortome Amazon Link
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