Recommended Reads
October 2026
The United States Cryptids by J.W. Ocker, Libby audio and ebook
It's that time of year again when ghouls, goblins, monsters, and legends step out of the shadows and capture our imaginations. But what exactly are 鈥渃ryptids鈥�? Are they undiscovered animals, creatures thought to be extinct, prehistoric dinosaurs hiding in remote corners of the world, or something a little more supernatural? If questions like these spark your curiosity, then United States Cryptids is the perfect October read.
If you enjoy the spooky season but find that horror authors like Stephen King are not quite your style, this book offers all the mystery and intrigue of Halloween without the nightmares. The author travels across the United States exploring the fascinating stories and legends that have become part of each state's folklore. While well-known cryptids such as Bigfoot make an appearance, she digs deeper into lesser-known creatures that are unique to different regions. Michigan readers will recognize the infamous Dog Man, while New York and Vermont share stories of Champ, the legendary Lake Champlain monster.
What makes this book so much fun is the variety of creatures it introduces. Some cryptids have been reported for generations, with sightings occurring year after year, while others are connected to a single strange encounter. You'll find yourself stopping to wonder, "Did she really just describe a creature with a horse's head and bat wings?" The stories range from curious to bizarre, making every chapter an entertaining surprise.
Lighthearted, fascinating, and filled with local legends, United States Cryptids is a great choice for anyone looking to celebrate Halloween without diving into graphic horror. It is the kind of audiobook that sends you down rabbit holes, encouraging you to look up more details and discover the rich folklore hidden across the country. Whether you listen through Libby or pick up a copy in print, this book captures the spirit of October with just the right blend of mystery, wonder, and spooky fun.
If you're looking for a Halloween read that is more fascinating than frightening, United States Cryptids is a must-read. It proves that every state has its own monsters, legends, and unexplained mysteries just waiting to be discovered.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix, print collection
If you're looking for another great read for the Halloween season, don't miss The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix. This chilling and entertaining novel has just the right amount of the unknown without becoming overly supernatural. Set in a seemingly ordinary Southern town, the story follows a group of women whose book club becomes caught up in a terrifying mystery when a charismatic stranger arrives. As children begin disappearing and unsettling events unfold, suspicions grow. Could there really be a vampire living among them, hiding in plain sight? And if so, what are his intentions?
What makes this book a perfect October pick is the way it combines everything readers look for in a Halloween story. It has a dark and eerie atmosphere, a lurking evil that threatens the community, unsettling mysteries, and enough suspense to keep you turning pages late into the night. The small-town setting adds to the sense of unease, proving that the most frightening things can exist in places that seem safe and familiar. At the same time, the friendships and determination of the book club members bring heart, humor, and strength to the story.
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires delivers all the ingredients of a memorable Halloween read: mystery, danger, secrets, and a monster hiding in the shadows. It's the perfect book to curl up with on a crisp autumn evening when the leaves are falling, the nights are growing longer, and a little scare feels just right鈥 must-read for October and an outstanding choice for any Halloween book club discussion.
And The Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich, Libby ebook
And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich is a haunting psychological horror novel that blends gothic atmosphere with an unsettling exploration of grief, trauma, and mental illness. When Silla flees to the isolated estate where her aunt lives, she finds herself trapped in a decaying mansion seemingly being swallowed by a forest that creeps closer each night. The novel's eerie setting creates a constant sense of dread, making readers question what is real and what exists only in the characters' fractured perceptions. Kurtagich excels at creating an oppressive, claustrophobic mood that mirrors Silla's unraveling mental state. The story gradually reveals layers of family secrets, emotional trauma, and distorted memories, keeping readers off balance throughout. The blurred line between supernatural horror and psychological instability adds depth and complexity to the narrative, encouraging readers to interpret events for themselves. Dark, disturbing, and thought-provoking, And the Trees Crept In is not a conventional horror story filled with jump scares. Instead, it is a chilling examination of how fear, guilt, and grief can consume a person from within. Fans of atmospheric gothic fiction and psychological thrillers will find this novel both unsettling and memorable long after the final page.
How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz, PhD, Libby ebook
How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz offers an insightful exploration of how our mindset shapes our experience of winter. Drawing on psychological research and cultural traditions from around the world, Leibowitz challenges the common belief that winter is simply a season to endure. Instead, she encourages readers to embrace the colder, darker months as a time for rest, connection, and even joy. Part memoir, part science, and part self-help, the book offers practical strategies for cultivating a healthier relationship with winter while highlighting the benefits of reframing seasonal challenges. Warm, optimistic, and thought-provoking, How to Winter is a refreshing read for anyone looking to find beauty and meaning in a season often viewed with dread. Highly recommended for readers seeking both inspiration and practical advice for thriving through winter.