The 23 Best Ghost Books: Spooky and Not So Spooky
There is something about ghost books that I love to read in the fall. Colder nights, crunchy leaves, and Halloween all scream ghost stories to me. This year, we read so many great paranormal books that we could not wait to share them with you.
Whether the ghosts in these books are the main characters or make a small appearance, we read and loved every book on this list of paranormal books.
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Our Favorite Ghost Books
On Fire Island by Jane L Rosen
I absolutely adored this magical realism book. It is a delightful magical realism book. Do not let the fact that it is a paranormal book throw you off if this is not your usual genre. The book is narrated by Julia Moore, a book editor who died at thirty-seven.
She follows her husband to Fire Island, her happy place, to spend one last summer with him and their friends on the Island. I absolutely loved this book. This is a powerful story about love, friendship, and happiness. It is one of the best picks for Ultimate Beach Reads 2023. This paranormal book is a heart-warming, feel-good book rather than spooky or creepy.
Night for Day
Author: Roselle Lim
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ward and Camille never got over their relationship and there was never a clear reason why it ended. When they meet again in London while both applying for jobs, they reconnect and decide to give their relationship another try. Camille takes a job working at a strange antique dealer during the night shift and Ward’s job is at a high-end jeweler during the day.
When Camille starts her shift she realizes that the ghostly clientele is not what she had envisioned when she took the job. When her shift is over, she realizes she is stuck inside and cannot leave. Ward, on the other hand, is working with selfish and self-centered Gods. Somehow, he and Camille have found themselves trapped in a godly war with no escape other than the short time between night and day when they can speak with one another
Why Jackie loves it
Roselle Lim Never fails to write a creative and addicting story and this book was no exception. This adult fantasy is emotional as well as the characters come to terms with the people they were, the people they are, and who they want to be if they ever escape. This book was unputdownable and unlike any other book I have read.
Find this book in: Jewelry Novels / Best Ghost Books / Time Loop Books
The Witches of Moonshyne Manor
Author: Bianca Marais
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The magic in this book is woven seamlessly into the story and has non-stop surprises. The book begins with the people of the town descending onto Moonshyne Manor with a wrecking ball to destroy it and the distillery. This will leave the five octagenarian witches who live there, homeless. They are left with less than two weeks to save their house but to do so, they must reveal long-kept secrets.
The cast of characters is fantastic from Queenie, the witch in charge, to Ursula, Jezebel, Ivy, Tabitha, and Ruby (whose return to the manner they are eagerly awaiting), I loved their eccentricities that can only be afforded to a group of eighty-year-olds who have no one to impress.
Why Jackie loves it
I am a huge fan of Ms. Marais’ writing. I read her previous two books and was so excited to read this adult fantasy book because fantasy is my favorite genre. This book did not disappoint. The writing is beautiful and very much Marais’ style and the witches in this book are hilarious. The witches are witty and funny and there is never a dull moment in the Manor.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book made me laugh out loud often and shed a few tears as well. I love the cast of characters and the emphasis on found family.
Find this book in: Family Drama Books / Ultimate List of Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Witch Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
Plot
Cordelia and Eustace are sisters who have inherited a large Victorian mansion. The catch? In order to collect their inheritance, they must live inside the quirky mansion.
With a dash of mystery, a touch of romance, and a sprinkle of spooky ancestors, the sisters must navigate the house, a captivating groundskeeper, and the secrets that have been haunting their family for generations. The sisters will need to embrace the powers that they have been taught to ignore in order to mend their bond, uncover the truth, and save themselves.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the witch books that is not only spooky but completely captivating from the first page. It was a unique story that felt like it was part mystery as the secrets of the mansion were revealed. I love the relationship between the sisters as well.
Find this book in: Best Witch Books / Best Ghost Books
Creepy Ghost Books
Ghost 19 by Simone St. James
This is the first short story by Simone St. James and I loved it. Ginette Cox has moved to a suburb of NY from NYC. Her doctors have told her that she needs a break. Slowly, she becomes obsessed with watching the people in her neighborhood all the while feeling that she cannot leave her house.
As time goes by, Ginette cannot figure out of she is suffering from severe anxiety or if it is the house that has a hold on her. This short, paranormal book is perfect for Halloween. It is also perfect for isolation books with unreliable narrators- is she agoraphobic or is there something else going on?
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
Casey Fletcher is an actress who is fleeing bad press after the death of her beloved husband. She retreats to the family’s lake house, despite the fact that this is where he husband drowned.
Casey spends her days drinking and spying on the house across the lake. When she saves former supermodel, Katherine Royce from drowning, the two strike up a friendship. It becomes clear that Katherine and her husband are having some serious issues
Some points in the story moved slowly for me and at one point, the story nearly lost me. But, I am so glad that I kept reading it because there were surprises that I did not see coming.
Why I Like It: We LOVE Riley Sager. His books have so many twists and turns and this one is no exception.
Find This Book In The Best Riley Sager Books Ranked / Novels Set on a Lake
Paranormal Romance Books
The Dead Romantics
Author: Ashley Poston
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: GMA Book Club Pick July 2022
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the most successful and well-known romance authors in the industry. The name is apt seeing as how she can also see ghosts. But, after a terrible break-up, she no longer believes in love.
When her new editor will not give her an extension on her deadline, she is in a panic and is on the verge of losing her career. Now, the unthinkable has happened. Her beloved father has died and she must return home to bury him. When she sees the ghost of her editor outside the funeral parlor, she cannot understand why he is there with her, and her life is turned upside down.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was a complete delight to read from the very first page. If you are looking for a book for fall, I love this adorable adult fantasy romance book that is totally unique. It reminds me a little of the 2005 movie starring Reese Witherspoon.
Find this book in: Ghost Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / GMA Book Club Picks
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
I absolutely loved Casey’s first book and had very high hopes for this one.
August moves to NYC and into a house filled with weird roommates. When she meets Jane on the subway, sparks fly immediately, and riding the subway becomes the best part of her day. The twist? Jane is displaced from the 1970s and cannot get off the train. As paranormal romance books go, this one is not to be missed.
I enjoyed this book but, I felt that there were some parts that dragged on a bit. It is very hard to find new ways to talk about a relationship that can only take place on the train. I loved the premise of this time travel romance book.
Haunted Ever After
Author: Jen DeLuca
Year: August 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Nick Royer owns the Hallowed Grounds coffee shop in Boneyard Key, Florida. He has lived there his whole life. In fact, he is a descendant of the founding families so learning to embrace ghost tourism is a must. Cassie just moved into a house and she definitely is not prepared for the fact that not all the ghost stories in the town are made up. The electricity in her new house is temperamental and the magnets on her fridge rearrange themselves when she is not looking.
As Nick and Cassie get to know each other, Nick wonders if Cassie will stay in Boneyard Key, even if her house has a ghost.
Why Jackie loves it
I love the unique storyline and the loveable characters in this book. The story flowed nicely without needless plot twists. Other than a few spicy romance scenes, this is a sweet ghost romance book.
Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Ghost Books / Haunted House Books
Rules for Ghosting
Author: Shelly Jay Shore
Year: 2024
Genre: LGBTQ Paranormal Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Ezra Friedman can see ghosts which is difficult when your family runs a funeral home. When Ezra loses his dream job (away from the family) and his mother decides to run away with the rabbi’s wife, Ezra reluctantly comes home to help his family and their dying business (no pun intended).
Ezra also has the unfortunate luck of having a crush on Jonathan who is a volunteer at the funeral home and whose dead husband Ben is a talking ghost who is haunting him.
Why Jackie likes it
I enjoyed the plot and thought it was a fun read. There were a few parts of the story that were left unanswered for me, but I liked the characters and their development
Find this book in: August 2024 Book Releases / Ghost Books
Award-Winning Ghost Books
Beloved by Toni Morrison
HOW HAVE I NEVER READ TONI MORRISON BEFORE? I swear I thought I had read this book, but after reading The Toni Morrison Book Club, I realized I hadn’t. When my library hold finally came up for this one, I realized I was so excited to read it.
Morrison is easily one of the most gifted writers I’ve ever read. Beloved, which is based on the true story of a runaway slave, haunted me while I was reading it. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Find this book in Magical Realism Books / Best Classic Books / Books about Motherhood / Ghost Books
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
This book is an award winner and the writing is undeniably wonderful. The story itself has elements of magic that add to the difficult subject matter. It deals with drugs, violence, and poverty- all of which are completely relevant in today’s society.
Why We Like It: The characters did not develop throughout the story as much as I would have liked, but this ghost book is a worthwhile read when considering the wonderful writing. The paranormal aspect makes this a great book for fall.
Find this book in Fall Books / Jazz Age Books / Ghost Books
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Strange, but probably one of the most imaginative novels I have ever experienced. It’s about the night that Abraham Lincoln buried his son and takes place entirely in the cemetery.
I listened to this full cast audiobook which was great because it used 166 voices including David Sedaris, Lena Dunham, Ben Stiller, Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, Kat Dennings, and Don Cheadle among others. As ghost books go, this one is not to be missed! it’s truly one of the best fantasy audiobooks ever! If you are looking for a book for fall, this pick is fantastic.
Under the Whispering Door by T.J Klune
How many stars can I give? T.J Klune has done it again with the wonderful book. House on the Cerulean Sea was my favorite book last year and I am not sure that anything will top it. I read this paranormal book in a day and loved every minute of this wonderful family drama book that is truly about found family.
Wallace is dead. When the reaper collects him at his funeral and brings him to a strange tea shop, Hugo is waiting with the promise of helping him cross over. This light fantasy will make you smile until the last page.
Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri Yu
This book was incredibly well-written, utterly captivating, and rather depressing. Kazu is dead, but he can’t find peace in the afterlife so he haunts Tokyo’s Ueno Station.
We learn about his life, his family, and how they faired during some of Japan’s most important moments in modern history from the Tokyo Olympics to the recent tsunami.
Christmas Books with Ghosts
Just Like Magic
Author: Sarah Hogle
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info:
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
If you only read one Christmas book this holiday season, let it be Just Like Magic. I adored this funny paranormal romance book! The premise is amazing. Down-on-her-luck Bettie Hughes accidentally summons the magical Holiday Spirit, who can’t leave her until he raises her spirit level. So going by the name of Hal, he poses as her boyfriend for her week-long family Christmas vacation.
Why Kirsten loves it
Hal’s use of magic throughout the week is hysterical. It also helps that the chemistry between Hal and Bettie crackles. It’s unlike any other Christmas story I’ve read in the best way possible! #gifted by Putnam
Find this book in: Fantasy Christmas Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Christmas Books for 2022 / Ghost Books / Best Books of 2022 / Best Holiday Books
Plot
This YA book was quite clever as a modern retelling of Dicken’s classic. 17-year-old Holly was visited by the ghosts of Christmas because she was a total scrooge. But she woke up unaffected by the visit and died shortly thereafter. Now she has to work for Operation Scrooge as she tries to help other poor scrooges like herself.
She’s been the ghost of Christmas past for 5 years now but this year is different…this year something changes…and it might just be her!Â
Why Kirsten loves it
This paranormal book is such a great read for teens looking to be exposed to Dicken’s classic in a more modern setting.
Find this book in: Classic Book Retellings / Ghost Books / YA Christmas Books / Fantasy Christmas Books
More Ghost Books
The Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand
This is my favorite Elin Hilderbrand EVER. As usual, Elin’s storytelling revolves around a large cast of characters, this time employees of The Hotel Nantucket.
As we spend a summer with the staff and select hotel guests, we get to see what goes on behind the scenes of a luxury hotel. We see romances unfold and fall apart multiple scandals, demanding guests, and a ghost story!
The narrator of this book is the ghost that haunts the hotel. This is one of the most original paranormal books we have ever read!
Girls of Brackenhill by Kate Moretti
Holy gothic thriller, batman. This haunted house book is literally the stuff of paranormal legend.
Missing girls, ghosts, murder, and a legit creepy castle where it all goes down? Cue images of me staying up past my bedtime as I tried to get over the scary things happening in this book. I had chills a few times while reading and is one of the scarier books on this list of ghost books.
I wish I had a few more answers at the end, but I think that’s part of the point, to leave the reader to decide what they think happens next in this paranormal book.
Broken Girls by Simone St. James
The story moves back and forth between Vermont in the 1950s and 2014. Idlewild Hall is a school where girls were sent to be forgotten. It was shut down decades ago and is rumored to be haunted but, is suddenly bought by an unknown benefactor who intends to restore it and reopen it.
Fiona Sheridan is a journalist, whose sister died on the property of Idlewild in the 90s. She cannot let go of the past and decides to write a story about the school and its history.
What they discover on the property of Idlewild takes the reader on a thrilling mystery and Idlewild slowly gives up its dark secrets. I loved the mystery and could not put the book down. The paranormal component wasn’t over the top which made it readable with just the right amount of fear factor. There is something about ghost books that take place at schools that are extra creepy.
Ghost Books for Teens
House of Yesterday by Deeba Zargarpur
In this paranormal book, Sara is the descendant of Afghan-Uzbek refugees dealing with the impact immigration has had on her family for generations.
Whilst experiencing the divorce of her parents, she begins helping her mother flip a home. But whenever Sara goes into that home, she is literally confronted by the ghosts of her past.
She can’t stop searching for answers from the ghost she realizes is a much younger version of her grandmother, Bibi Jan. But as she tries to untangle the secrets her grandmother has held tight to her chest, her own grib on familial relationships starts to unravel.
While I was frustrated at Sara numerous times for acting like a teenager (which she is as is the audience for this book) I found the story to be a lovely tribute to the bonds of family and the traditions we never leave behind.
Storm and Fury
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Year: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
More info: Harbinger book 1 of 3
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It’s actually a spin-off of one of Armentrout’s other YA fantasy book series, which I didn’t know until after I read the story. I didn’t feel like I missed anything having read this first. Gargoyles are Wardens out to fight demons and protect humans, and one special human in particular. This urban fantasy is as much romance as fantasy.
Trinity can see and communicate with ghosts. This is the reason she has had to have protection from the wardens. Demons will want to absorb her powers! Trinity will have to learn to trust herself and Zayne who has a secret of his own
Why Kirsten loves it
I loved the Disney cartoon Gargoyles when I was a little girl, so when I saw a YA Fantasy book that is also a paranormal romance book, I knew I needed it. I read this to help ease me out of my House of Earth and Blood book hangover and it was a perfect read.
Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Series / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Best YA Romance Books
Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas
I loved this unique Peter Pan story that had me thinking about the true meaning of Neverland and the stories of the lost boys. Wendy Darling and her parents have never been able to move on after her brothers disappeared mysteriously five years ago.
Wendy has no memories of the 6 months she was gone and no explanation for why she came home and her brothers didn’t. Now, as children start to go missing again, it feels too similar to be a coincidence.
This is a smart, well-written, well-thought-out, twisted Peter Pan fairy tale retelling. This pick is perfect for a list of the best teen fantasy books and it is also one of the best paranormal books for teens.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
This book started so strong for me, I was completely enraptured with this world. As the story continued, I found the story changed tones. What was once a hopeful story, slowly became a story of unreachable love.
200 years ago Weep was cut off from the world, so much so that nobody can even remember the city’s real name. When Lazio starts dreaming of a blue-skinned woman, he cannot forget her.
This YA fantasy book has warriors and magic, but is it also a completely original paranormal book. It is unlike any other.
The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore
This romantic, paranormal book is a great YA debut. Este Logano has enrolled in Radcliffe Prep, the third spookiest school around, on a mission to uncover the truth about her deceased father.
Along the way, she encounters Mateo, a charmingly annoying ghost, and together they embark on a wild journey through trapdoors, hidden passages, and ghost-filled halls to solve a mystery that started decades before.
If you love books set in a library, we have an entire list for you as well! Some of this young adult fantasy novel was definitely creepy and I could not stop turning the pages.
Middle-Grade Ghost Books
Winterhouse
Author: Ben Guterson
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery / Fantasy
Age: 9 – 13
More info: Edgar Award Finalist, Agatha Award Finalist
Plot
Elizabeth is an orphan whose aunt and uncle have shipped her to Winterhouse for the Christmas holiday. There, she meets the owner, Norbridge Falls, and learns secrets about his slightly evil family. Along the way, she meets another child guest – Freddy – and becomes fast friends with him. Together, they unlock codes and solve puzzles. The best part is that the first page of each chapter has a mini puzzle for readers to complete.
Why Kirsten loves it
My boys and I like to listen to books together in the car or when doing a puzzle. The standout book for me this month was Winterhouse. This middle grade mystery was as enthralling to me as it was to my children. I loved the slight bits of magic in the story and the captivating setting of an expansive ski hotel on a snowy mountain at Christmas time.
Find this book in: Paranormal Books / Books for a 10-Year-Old / Books About Puzzles / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Hotel Novels / Christmas Chapter Books
City of Ghosts
Author: Victoria Schwab
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 13
More info: Cassidy Blake #1
Plot
When Cass is rescued from drowning, she suddenly becomes able to maneuver between the land of the living and the other side of the veil. The boy who rescued her is a ghost, and he becomes her best friend.
Her parents are ghost hunters and then they get a job filming a TV show in Scotland, they all pack up and go, including Cass’s ghost. What they find is scary and creepy, and makes for a fabulously fun novel.
Why Jackie loves it
While this is technically a middle-grade book, this paranormal book was SCARY. I absolutely loved it, but it should not be read by anyone afraid of ghost stories or ghost books.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Books Set in Scotland / Ghost Books / Middle Grade Fantasy Books / Best Books for 12-year-olds
Greenglass House
Author: Kate Milford
Year: 2016
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Greenglass House #1
Plot
The Greenglass House is an inn for smugglers and the winter season means it’s supposed to be quiet for Milo, the owner’s child. But instead, guest after guest checks in for the holidays, and items go missing around the inn. Soon, Milo and the chef’s daughter, Meddy, are off searching for the guests’ connection to the inn, uncovering secret after secret along the way.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery reminded me of Harry Potter in some ways. A child is trying to uncover the secrets of Greenglass House, a hotel for smugglers and spies before the adults do. I chose this as a family read-aloud and it was wonderful.
Find this book in: Best Ghost Books / Best Winter Books / Terrific Hotel Novels / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Family Audiobooks / Books With Colors in the Title / Christmas Chapter Books
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #1 of 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio. We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Harry Potter Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Magic School Books / Jackie’s Favorite Books / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Books to Read Aloud
Plot
Raina Telgemeier has a unique way of incorporating sensitive subjects into her books without making them overwhelming or scary. In Ghosts, Cat’s younger sister, Maya, has Cystic Fibrosis. They have just moved to a new city where the air is easier for Maya to breathe.
Cat has given herself the role of protector of her younger sister and as the festival of Dia De Lost Meurtos draws closer, the two sisters each confront the idea of death in very different ways.
Trigger Warnings
Terminal Illness
Why Jackie loves it
At its heart, Ghosts is a story about family connection. Any of Raina Telegemeier’s books can be considered incredible graphic novels for tweens. She’s won numerous awards and after reading this one, it’s clear why!
Find this book in: Best Books for 13-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Ghost Books / Graphic Novels
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