I’m much more into stories that make you feel uneasy, rather than plain terrified. The Apparition Phase by Will MacLean is a good page turner. I love the classic Turn of the Screw by Henry James and The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - both about so much more than just spookiness.
I very much enjoyed Turn of the Screw when I read it. I sadly wasn't a fan of The Little Stranger, it lacked something for me (odd due to its size), I felt the story needed something a little bit extra. Will look up The Apparition Phase, thanks for the recommendation.
Oooh good to hear, I really liked The Manningtree Witches (which I almost mentioned in this video) when I read it for the Desmond Elliott Prize when I was a judge. It won ;)
How about slightly chilled like a chocolate mousse? Thank you for all the great recommendations - some of them were new to me. I agree Christmas is one of the best times for a ghost story.🙂
Great recommendations :) Laura Purcell is my go to author for spooky books. I found Tell me I'm Worthless utterly terrifying and utterly brilliant. I've not read anything like it. Where I end by Sophie White also really creeped me out. I've just read The Glutton and it's my book of the year so far
That's the second rave review for The Glutton on this post. I have it, I loved The Manningtree Witches, so need to get to it sooner rather than later. I read The Bone China by Purcell and liked it but didn't love it as much as I wanted to. Looking forward to Tell Me I'm Worthless.
I'm partial to The Legend of Sleepy Hallow by Washington Irving. I grew up in the Hudson River Valley not far from Terrytown (Sleepy Hallow) so it was a yearly read either in school or at home.
Another recommendation for The Glutton. It was wonderful. I also got disturbing and dark fairy tale type of vibes from Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein and plan a re-read.
I am a big fan of Shirley Jackson. The Lottery is one of my favourite short stories of all time, though it is super messed up. We read Shirley's debut for Book Club this year, wasn't her best but could see the shades of all the things to come. I want to read her books in order.
I'll keep "The Lottery" in mind for future reading. The only other Shirley Jackson novel I've read is "We Have Always Lived in the Castle."@@SavidgeReads
Love your show. Have purchased several books on your recommendations. They never disappoint. And OMG you where born in my home town of chesterfield. I live in newold and work at the local hospital. Small world!! Love a spooky, creepy, sinister read.Excellant show, your hard work is much appreciated😻😻😻😻
I really enjoyed Leave the World Behind it was spooky enough for me. I’m still enjoying the Rivers of London books are they have spooky stuff and believable police procedural with good plots. There is some gruesome stuff but it’s not too upsetting. Oh love the Baskervilles. We watched the Sherlock version on a computer sitting in our garden which is very wooded in the dark. That was great. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with De Maurier, can you? The Upstairs Room looks interesting Good stuff.
Banana pudding, made the new way, no need to make meringue when non-diary Cool Whip will do, yum vanilla wafers, super video. I look forward to your thoughts on the Jess Kidd book, Night Ship was terrific.😮
Hahahaha I am not allowed bananas sadly, I miss banana spilts soooo badly. I have already read all the Jess Kidd books, need another one from her soon.
I am primarily a horror and mystery reader, so this is my favourite season, even though I read it all year. I agree that there are different moods of horror. Some are slightly unsettling and have a happy ending, and some will haunt you for years. Both are awesome 🎃🐈⬛ I loved The Woman in Black play. It was one of only 2 that has given me a jump scare. The other was Ghost Story by Jeremy Dyson. I was lucky enough to see it just outside London when we were visiting from Canada. I do love the UK tradition of ghost stories for Christmas, so you can really keep it going to the New Year :-) I also loved Leave the World Behind. If you haven’t read them I always recommend The Books of Blood by Clive Barker. There are 5, but you can often get a combined edition. I am excited to finally read Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt.
Wowsers, a five strong collection of books might be a bit much for me initially, but I shall definitely look them up and note them if I don't hey to them this year. I love the word Hex, not sure why but I do.
Ooh I just read ‘The other side of Mrs Wood’ and loved it, deliciously wicked. I’m reading ‘The last seance’ a short story collection by Agatha Christie right now, so far so good.
That was such a fab book, I almost mentioned it, though as was the Desmond Elliott Prize winner the year I judged I felt I had maybe mentioned it too much. Maybe I need to do a witchy reads video.
Currently reading The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson catching up with the characters. A couple of spooky reads I have enjoyed are The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and Bird Box by Josh Malerman (the film is also very good.)
I am looking forward to The Shadow Cabinet very much, will have to head to that soon. Oooh I have read both of those spooky books you mention and they are really good, liked the movie of the Bird Box.
i also connect sensory details with books. every time i order korean rice cakes for dinner, i have a bad habit of saying, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki!
Hahaha. It is weird how certain books have this sensory link with us. I have to say I tried Tteokbokki when I read that book and it was too spicy for me, I couldn't handle it.
My favorites are IT, The Shining, and Misery all by Stephen King. I enjoyed The Curse of Crow Hollow by Billy Coffey, and Horns and NOS4A2 by Joe Hill. I liked The Haunted of Hill House by Shirley Jackson too. Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky is another favorite.
@@SavidgeReads I greatly admire Stephen King as a person, would love to have him over for tea and biscuits and a rollicking chat. However, the only book I’ve really loved of his is the one you’ve already read: On Writing. Otherwise, sadly I’m not a fan of his fiction.
Hi Simone I read most of these books and loved them especially Cursed Bunny. I wonder if you can give recommendations of books similar to Weyward by Emilia Hart. I read this book upon your recommendation and I loved it but I can’t find anything like it.
Simone????!!!! Ha! Oooh any books like Weyward, that is quite a tricky one. Have you read Stacey Halls The Familiars? I thought of that a few times when reading Wayward.
@@SavidgeReadsOOPS!! sorry I unintentionally added an e to your name 😊 I put the Familiars on my TBR for the last two months but I couldn’t get to it. Now it is a priority. In fact I’ve just put it on my nightstand 👍 thanks for the recommendation 🙏
Slightly chilled….a summer red wine? Perhaps you like your ice cream a bit soft and runny? Just wondering. I also do not like to be properly spooked out! Susan Hill is a favorite of mine. She’s such a good writer! That Edith Wharton collection is gorgeous! I’m partial to David Mitchell’s Slade House for something spooky because I heard him read from it at an event and it was a rare treat.
I do like my ice cream quite melted, you are spot on Cindy, hahaha. I need to head to a Susan Hill crime again soon, I love how she uses a gothic atmosphere there too. I have struggled with David Mitchell before, maybe Slade House would change that.
Oops!!! 🥴 I meant I have Leave the Wold Behind! 😂. But yes Cabin at the End of The World was made into a movie, Netflix i believe. An adaptation of a book. The movie is named Knock at the Cabin. It’s by M. Knight Shyamalan. I expect it to be good too! Both in my fall TBR but I mentioned in your other video I have had a reading slump.
Dear Simon, please accept my apologies but I will be unable to watch until further notice. I am taking myself to a darkened room where I will reside until ‘The Head’ becomes a distant memory. It is highly likely that I will never again be able to use a bathroom without the constant fear that I’m creating! Please keep me in your thoughts until my recovery is complete.
Hi Simon 👋🏻👻 I don’t like anything too scary 🙈 I did read last November “Halloween Party” by Agatha Christie, which was rather shocking & chilling in places. Was going to read “The Woman in Black”; but then saw Kate Mosse’s “The Taxidermist’s Daughter” in a charity shop & I am now reading that (‘an atmospheric thriller with gothic overtones’). I’m enjoying the odd Pumpkin Spice Latte - cheers!! 🎃 x
I would say its more uneasy and unsettling than full on horror but he has quite a few short story collections that feature weird and wacky tales, unsettling ones.
Edith Wharton is one of my favourite classic authors thanks to you. Watching this while on holiday in Mexico is making me look forward to getting home and curling up with some of these books. 🏜️🍹🏝️🦇👻
Love the t-shirt!
Thank you, it felt apt hehehe.
I’m much more into stories that make you feel uneasy, rather than plain terrified. The Apparition Phase by Will MacLean is a good page turner. I love the classic Turn of the Screw by Henry James and The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - both about so much more than just spookiness.
I very much enjoyed Turn of the Screw when I read it. I sadly wasn't a fan of The Little Stranger, it lacked something for me (odd due to its size), I felt the story needed something a little bit extra. Will look up The Apparition Phase, thanks for the recommendation.
Oooooh the Land Lady was dramatised as a part of the series Tales of the Unexpected, still gives me the creeps now!
It is just which a creepy one. Fabulously creepy.
Finished The Glutton by AK Blakemore a few weeks ago and still can’t stop thinking about it. Deliciously dark!
Oooh good to hear, I really liked The Manningtree Witches (which I almost mentioned in this video) when I read it for the Desmond Elliott Prize when I was a judge. It won ;)
The Exorcist was a pretty good book, but also my old gothic favourite Interview with a Vampire. Oh, and House of Leaves (very creepy).
I have always wanted to try The House of Leaves, never been brave enough, ha.
How about slightly chilled like a chocolate mousse?
Thank you for all the great recommendations - some of them were new to me. I agree Christmas is one of the best times for a ghost story.🙂
Chocolate mousse is one of the only chocolate puddings I like, bang on choice. I think Winter is quite a ghostly time.
Great choices, I feel like I want all of these
Hope you enjoy any that you get to!
Love all things JESS KIDD! Also agree with your assessment of THE HAUNTING OF HARRY TWIST.
Hahaha Henry Twist, maybe Harry Twist is a sequel. Jess Kidd is ace.
Great recommendations :) Laura Purcell is my go to author for spooky books. I found Tell me I'm Worthless utterly terrifying and utterly brilliant. I've not read anything like it. Where I end by Sophie White also really creeped me out. I've just read The Glutton and it's my book of the year so far
That's the second rave review for The Glutton on this post. I have it, I loved The Manningtree Witches, so need to get to it sooner rather than later. I read The Bone China by Purcell and liked it but didn't love it as much as I wanted to. Looking forward to Tell Me I'm Worthless.
Wasn't The Glutton wonderful
Yes! I was waiting for Roald Dahl.
I must read more of his collections.
I'm partial to The Legend of Sleepy Hallow by Washington Irving. I grew up in the Hudson River Valley not far from Terrytown (Sleepy Hallow) so it was a yearly read either in school or at home.
That is a book I can never remember if I’ve read the book of and seen the film, or just seen the film.
Ooh so many good books in this video! Loving spooky season 👻
I need to actually get reading some. I’ve not read a single spooky book so far this season, shame on me, just talked about them lots. Haha.
Thank you for the recommendations! Love your t-shirt!
You are most welcome, I thought the t-shirt was pretty apt ;)
I’m currently reading Leave The World Behind. I’m at the chapter following the knock at the door! 😳
Oooh you have so much ahead!
Another recommendation for The Glutton. It was wonderful. I also got disturbing and dark fairy tale type of vibes from Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein and plan a re-read.
So it looks like The Glutton is a must read then ;) You have also tempted me back to wanting to read Study for Obedience!
Love all the book recommendations but I am distracted by that awesome t-shirt!!
Ha, it felt appropriate.
I've just begun reading "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson. It felt like a good choice for the season.
Shirley Jackson is an amazing atmospheric writer!
I am a big fan of Shirley Jackson. The Lottery is one of my favourite short stories of all time, though it is super messed up. We read Shirley's debut for Book Club this year, wasn't her best but could see the shades of all the things to come. I want to read her books in order.
I'll keep "The Lottery" in mind for future reading. The only other Shirley Jackson novel I've read is "We Have Always Lived in the Castle."@@SavidgeReads
@@MJ-in-Canada Definitely read "The Lottery" - but go in not knowing anything. It'll make more of an impression on you.
Thanks for heads-up about "The Lottery." I'll follow your advice.@@deblawrence8341
I hate being scared but Leave the World Behind creeped me out (in a good way).
Yes, it's a that unusual good kind of creepy way. I need more unsettling reads like that this autumn.
I absolutely loved LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND!
It's a great one.
Love your show. Have purchased several books on your recommendations. They never disappoint. And OMG you where born in my home town of chesterfield. I live in newold and work at the local hospital. Small world!! Love a spooky, creepy, sinister read.Excellant show, your hard work is much appreciated😻😻😻😻
Awww thank you Louise, really pleased you are enjoying the channel and the videos. What a small world re Chesterfield.
I really enjoyed Leave the World Behind it was spooky enough for me. I’m still enjoying the Rivers of London books are they have spooky stuff and believable police procedural with good plots. There is some gruesome stuff but it’s not too upsetting. Oh love the Baskervilles. We watched the Sherlock version on a computer sitting in our garden which is very wooded in the dark. That was great. I don’t think you can ever go wrong with De Maurier, can you? The Upstairs Room looks interesting Good stuff.
I have yet to go wrong with a Du Maurier, that said I have not read her for a while, maybe it is time to be reunited.
Was also scarred by / fell in love with “The Landlady” at school.
Plus “Alma Fielding” was INCREDIBLE. Wish it had got more love.
Hahahaha that fine line between being terrified and smitten, that I think is my sweet spot with horror, you have got me spot on.
Banana pudding, made the new way, no need to make meringue when non-diary Cool Whip will do, yum vanilla wafers, super video. I look forward to your thoughts on the Jess Kidd book, Night Ship was terrific.😮
Hahahaha I am not allowed bananas sadly, I miss banana spilts soooo badly. I have already read all the Jess Kidd books, need another one from her soon.
I am primarily a horror and mystery reader, so this is my favourite season, even though I read it all year. I agree that there are different moods of horror. Some are slightly unsettling and have a happy ending, and some will haunt you for years. Both are awesome 🎃🐈⬛
I loved The Woman in Black play. It was one of only 2 that has given me a jump scare. The other was Ghost Story by Jeremy Dyson. I was lucky enough to see it just outside London when we were visiting from Canada.
I do love the UK tradition of ghost stories for Christmas, so you can really keep it going to the New Year :-)
I also loved Leave the World Behind. If you haven’t read them I always recommend The Books of Blood by Clive Barker. There are 5, but you can often get a combined edition. I am excited to finally read Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt.
Wowsers, a five strong collection of books might be a bit much for me initially, but I shall definitely look them up and note them if I don't hey to them this year. I love the word Hex, not sure why but I do.
@@SavidgeReads the cover art on the originals is amazing, if you get a chance to see it. I have signed first editions, which I treasure.
I’ve just finished The North Shore which is not entirely spooky but leaves you with a feeling of unease! It’s a really good read.
Oooh I have that on the shelves so maybe I will have to read that in due course, though me and books with boats aren't always the best.
Ooh I just read ‘The other side of Mrs Wood’ and loved it, deliciously wicked. I’m reading ‘The last seance’ a short story collection by Agatha Christie right now, so far so good.
Deliciously wicked sounds like JUST my kind of thing. Ooh I haven't heard of that Agatha collection so will have to look that one up, thank you.
Currently reading The Manningtree Witches and loving it!
That was such a fab book, I almost mentioned it, though as was the Desmond Elliott Prize winner the year I judged I felt I had maybe mentioned it too much. Maybe I need to do a witchy reads video.
@@SavidgeReads Oh I think you absolutely must!! 🤗
Chlorine was one of my favourite reads of this year! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it ❤
I am looking forward to getting to it in the coming weeks, I have a good feeling about it.
@@SavidgeReads I just saw that Jen DNFed it, so fingers crossed!
THE WOMAN IN BLACK- I agree it’s threat!
I love a revenge based book, not sure what that says about me.
Definitely keen to get to Leave the World Behind before I see the movie. Julia Roberts! Mahershala Ali! Very excited.
Would definitely recommend. I need to get to more of Rumen's books too, they all seem very different to this one.
Currently reading The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson catching up with the characters. A couple of spooky reads I have enjoyed are The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and Bird Box by Josh Malerman (the film is also very good.)
I am looking forward to The Shadow Cabinet very much, will have to head to that soon. Oooh I have read both of those spooky books you mention and they are really good, liked the movie of the Bird Box.
Really enjoyed ‘Leave The World Behind’ even though my expectations were slightly off.
Sign of a good book that you still enjoyed it though.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid was the last thing I read that gave me the heebie jeebies. Short, weird, and a mind bender
I have that and Foe on my shelves, need to get to his books... and then watch both the adaptations.
i also connect sensory details with books. every time i order korean rice cakes for dinner, i have a bad habit of saying, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki!
Hahaha. It is weird how certain books have this sensory link with us. I have to say I tried Tteokbokki when I read that book and it was too spicy for me, I couldn't handle it.
My favorites are IT, The Shining, and Misery all by Stephen King. I enjoyed The Curse of Crow Hollow by Billy Coffey, and Horns and NOS4A2 by Joe Hill. I liked The Haunted of Hill House by Shirley Jackson too. Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky is another favorite.
I’ve still yet to read a Stephen King novel. I’ve read his On Writing but that’s it.
Please, give King a shot. He’s a good writer.
@@SavidgeReads I greatly admire Stephen King as a person, would love to have him over for tea and biscuits and a rollicking chat. However, the only book I’ve really loved of his is the one you’ve already read: On Writing. Otherwise, sadly I’m not a fan of his fiction.
Hi Simone I read most of these books and loved them especially Cursed Bunny. I wonder if you can give recommendations of books similar to Weyward by Emilia Hart. I read this book upon your recommendation and I loved it but I can’t find anything like it.
Simone????!!!! Ha! Oooh any books like Weyward, that is quite a tricky one. Have you read Stacey Halls The Familiars? I thought of that a few times when reading Wayward.
@@SavidgeReadsOOPS!! sorry I unintentionally added an e to your name 😊 I put the Familiars on my TBR for the last two months but I couldn’t get to it. Now it is a priority. In fact I’ve just put it on my nightstand 👍 thanks for the recommendation 🙏
@@SavidgeReadsOoo bonjour Simone!!😂
Slightly chilled….a summer red wine? Perhaps you like your ice cream a bit soft and runny? Just wondering. I also do not like to be properly spooked out! Susan Hill is a favorite of mine. She’s such a good writer! That Edith Wharton collection is gorgeous! I’m partial to David Mitchell’s Slade House for something spooky because I heard him read from it at an event and it was a rare treat.
I do like my ice cream quite melted, you are spot on Cindy, hahaha. I need to head to a Susan Hill crime again soon, I love how she uses a gothic atmosphere there too. I have struggled with David Mitchell before, maybe Slade House would change that.
@@SavidgeReads Slade House is quite short so it might be worth a look. It’s certainly spooky!
I have cabin at the end of the world. I haven’t read it yet!
Oooh is that the one that became the film recently? (I watched it and liked it, it was super weird!)
Oops!!! 🥴 I meant I have Leave the Wold Behind! 😂. But yes Cabin at the End of The World was made into a movie, Netflix i believe. An adaptation of a book. The movie is named Knock at the Cabin. It’s by M. Knight Shyamalan. I expect it to be good too! Both in my fall TBR but I mentioned in your other video I have had a reading slump.
Dear Simon, please accept my apologies but I will be unable to watch until further notice. I am taking myself to a darkened room where I will reside until ‘The Head’ becomes a distant memory. It is highly likely that I will never again be able to use a bathroom without the constant fear that I’m creating! Please keep me in your thoughts until my recovery is complete.
Hahahahahahahaha, this just made me (aptly) cackle!
How about a chilled martini glass instead of chilled pork?🍸
Hahaha well I don't like martini's. I think chocolate mousse is the new chilled winner.
Right. I'll just help myself to your martini then while you switch to chocolate mousse.😀@@SavidgeReads
Hi Simon 👋🏻👻
I don’t like anything too scary 🙈 I did read last November “Halloween Party” by Agatha Christie, which was rather shocking & chilling in places. Was going to read “The Woman in Black”; but then saw Kate Mosse’s “The Taxidermist’s Daughter” in a charity shop & I am now reading that (‘an atmospheric thriller with gothic overtones’).
I’m enjoying the odd Pumpkin Spice Latte - cheers!! 🎃 x
Oooh spookily (see what I did there) I talk about some of Kate Mosse’s other spooky books in my end of year tag video!
We’re on the same 🧙♀️ wavelength 🐈⬛ 😉 x
Sorry Roald Dahl wrote a horror!? How have I never known this!
I would say its more uneasy and unsettling than full on horror but he has quite a few short story collections that feature weird and wacky tales, unsettling ones.
Briefly a delicious life was beautiful
Looking forward to it!
Edith Wharton is one of my favourite classic authors thanks to you. Watching this while on holiday in Mexico is making me look forward to getting home and curling up with some of these books. 🏜️🍹🏝️🦇👻
Oooh hope you have a fab time in Mexico, I went earlier in the year and enjoyed it very much.
I remember you saying that you enjoyed it there. I'm feeling "slightly chilled" here but not like a piece of old pork 😂
🍑🏺 makes me giggle every time 😋
Hahaha glad to hear it.