With Friday the 13th creeping up just as we enter the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to whip up a list of books that sprinkle a little spookiness into the festive fun! So, grab your cocoa, turn on your favorite holiday playlist and cozy up under those covers—but whatever you do, don’t turn off the lights!
The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson
A concise yet powerful book that carries the impact of a much longer read. I finished it in just two days, though it could easily be completed in one. The narrative grows increasingly dark and shocking as it unfolds, culminating in a twist that will challenge your perspective on everything you’ve encountered in the story.
The Haunting Season: Eight Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights
Winter, characterized by its intriguing mix of comfort and eeriness, has traditionally been a favored season for gathering around the glow of a candle or the comforting crackle of a fire, sharing tales of ghosts and mysterious events. In this enchanting collection, eight bestselling, award-winning authors—masters of the eerie and the macabre—revive this cherished tradition with a captivating array of new and original haunted stories.
Christmas and Other Horrors: A winter solstice anthology
The winter solstice is a time of joy but also evokes darker traditions of ghouls and hauntings. This anthology features new stories that explore the horrific aspects of the season when families gather. It includes tales of eerie figures like the Austrian Schnabelperchten and the Welsh Mari Lwyd, alongside ravenous golems and unsettling visitors, showcasing the blend of festivity and horror.
Eight Very Bad Nights: A Collection of Hanukkah Noir
Get ready to light up your Hanukkah with this fabulous collection of eleven quirky and crafty capers! These stories will keep you chuckling and gasping through all eight nights of the Festival of Lights. With a mix of classic slapstick, gritty noir, and heartfelt reflections on the true spirit of Hanukkah, there’s a delightful tale waiting for every adventurous reader eager to dive into these twisted yarns!
Krampus and Friends by Gerald Cole
Get ready to jingle all the way around the globe! These stories unwrap Christmas through the eyes of thirteen unique characters. From the mischief of Krampus to the charm of Santa Lucia, each tale features a festive cast that includes Belsnickle, Hans Trapp, Baba Yaga, and a whole sleigh-full more!
By Jenn Garner
Jenn is a Senior Editor at Technica Editorial
