As the days grow shorter and the evenings get colder, autumn is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and lose yourself in a world of mystery, suspense and horror.
From supernatural nightmares and legendary monsters to dark secrets and psychological twists, these unforgettable reads bring the perfect atmosphere for the spooky season. With recommendations from Soloneion Bookshop in Nicosia, discover the classics that will keep you turning the pages long after the sun goes down.
IT, by Stephen King
First published in 1986, IT follows a group of seven children in the town of Derry, Maine, who encounter a terrifying supernatural entity that often takes the form of Pennywise the Dancing Clown.
When the mysterious evil returns decades later, the now-grown friends must confront the traumatic memories they thought they had left behind. Blending supernatural horror with themes of childhood, friendship and fear, Stephen King’s novel explores how some nightmares never truly disappear.
Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
First published anonymously in 1818, Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who becomes obsessed with discovering the secret of life. After successfully bringing a creature to life through a scientific experiment, he is horrified by his creation and abandons it.
Left alone and rejected by society, the creature seeks acceptance, setting off a tragic chain of events. More than a horror story, Mary Shelley’s novel explores ambition, isolation, responsibility and the ethical consequences of scientific discovery.
Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson
Published in 1886, this gothic novella follows the respected Dr Henry Jekyll, a London physician who develops a potion that allows him to separate the darker side of his personality from his respectable public identity.
However, his experiments lead to the emergence of the increasingly dangerous Edward Hyde. As Hyde’s actions become more disturbing, Jekyll struggles to control the consequences of his discovery. The story examines the conflict between good and evil, human nature and the hidden sides of personality.
Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
Published in 1976, Interview with the Vampire presents the story of Louis de Pointe du Lac, a vampire who recounts his extraordinary life to a journalist. From his transformation into a vampire by the charismatic Lestat to his centuries-long struggle with immortality, Louis reflects on love, loss, violence and the burden of living forever.
Anne Rice offers a different perspective on vampire fiction, focusing not only on supernatural horror but also on loneliness, morality and the emotional complexity of immortal existence.
Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier
First published in 1938, Rebecca is a psychological gothic novel about a young, unnamed woman who marries the wealthy widower Maxim de Winter and moves into his grand estate, Manderley. However, she soon finds herself living in the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, whose presence seems to linger throughout the house.
As unsettling secrets begin to emerge, the new Mrs de Winter becomes increasingly determined to uncover the truth about the woman who came before her. Combining suspense, jealousy, mystery and psychological tension, Daphne du Maurier’s novel remains one of the most celebrated works of gothic fiction.
The Secret History, by Donna Tartt
First published in 1992, The Secret History follows Richard Papen, a young man who enrols at an elite college in Vermont and becomes part of a mysterious group of five students studying ancient Greek under an eccentric professor.
Drawn into their exclusive world of intellectual obsession, privilege and secrecy, Richard soon discovers that his new friends are hiding something far darker than he could have imagined. When a murder shatters their seemingly perfect circle, guilt, paranoia and betrayal begin to unravel their lives. Blending psychological suspense, dark academia and mystery, Donna Tartt’s novel is an atmospheric choice for autumn reading.
The Discomfort of Evening, by Marieke Lucas Rijneveld
First published in 2018, The Discomfort of Evening tells the unsettling story of Jas, a young girl growing up in a deeply religious farming family in the Netherlands. After the sudden death of her brother, the family struggles to cope with grief, while Jas becomes increasingly isolated and retreats into her own disturbing thoughts and imagination.
Narrated through a child’s perspective, the novel explores loss, guilt, family relationships and the unsettling ways in which trauma can shape childhood. Dark, haunting and emotionally intense, Marieke Lucas Rijneveld’s award-winning debut is a powerful choice for readers looking for something thought-provoking and deeply atmospheric this autumn.
Also read: A page of one’s own
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