List

Summer Chills

By Skokie Staff Advisory Services

In the mood for horror and spooky stories? Enjoy these books this summer and beyond.

  • Island Witch

    2024 by Jayatissa, Amanda

    In 19th century Sri Lanka, Amara’s village was plagued by a series of vicious attacks. When her father is blamed, Amara seeks to uncover the truth. A tense, creepy, and supernatural read based on the folklore of the region. Suggested by Brenna.

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  • Indian Burial Ground

    2024 by Medina, Nick

    As suspicious deaths mount on a reservation in Louisiana, Noemi begins to uncover secrets about what is menacing the tribal lands. Medina cleverly combines horror, mystery, and Indigenous mythology to create a compelling story that keeps readers flipping through the pages and thinking about generational trauma experienced by marginalized people. Suggested by Rummanah.

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  • Forgotten Sisters

    2024 by Pelayo, Cynthia

    Pelayo’s latest takes the classic horror trope of moving into a haunted house and makes it completely original by incorporating dark fairy tales, mystery, psychological suspense, and the Chicago River’s often-tragic past. For fans of Simone St. James, Jennifer McMahon, and Helen Oyeyemi. Suggested by Rummanah.

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  • Womb City

    2024 by Tsamaase, Tlotlo

    In a dystopian near future surveillance state, the bodies of minor criminals are “recycled” to allow old souls to reincarnate. Because of their past infractions, however, these former criminal bodies are microchipped, linking them to an AI server that monitors their every move. Tsamaase weaves Afrofuturist science fiction and horror into a thought-provoking and haunting read. Recommended for fans of Philip K. Dick, Margaret Atwood, and Blake Crouch. Suggested by Rummanah.

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  • Lone Women

    2023 by LaValle, Victor

    This atmospheric historical horror novel is rich with strange characters and unpredictable twists. As Adelaide heads out West, I was immersed in the mystery of what she's carrying around--both emotionally and physically. Suggested by Elise.

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  • A House with Good Bones

    2023 by Kingfisher, T.

    I really enjoyed this fast-paced, extremely witty, suspenseful Southern horror novel about buried family secrets and complicated family relationships. Suggested by Rummanah.

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  • The Salt Grows Heavy

    2023 by Khaw, Cassandra

    I was dazzled by the intense imagery conjured in so few pages in this story. Definitely a great read for folks who love fairy tales. Suggested by Susanne.

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  • Black Sheep

    2023 by Harrison, Rachel

    Vesper Wright must confront the truth about her estranged family in this creepy and unsettling horror novel that is perfect for fans of snarky, dark humor. Suggested by Elise.

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  • The September House

    2023 by Orlando, Carissa

    Imagine if ghosts were real and a pack of them filled your home with their annoying antics. That’s the premise of this debut horror novel that starts off silly, gradually becomes darker and more frightful, and ends explosively. This is a unique book, and its message of survival makes it unforgettable. Suggested by Amber H. and Steven.

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