The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

This is the story of Nobody Owens (Bod, for short), whose family was killed when he was an infant.  After that early tragedy, Bod spends a relatively happy childhood in a neighboring graveyard with his new family of ghosts and other paranormal creatures.  They teach him the things he will need to function in the world of the living, as well as many of their own secrets.  Bod has many adventures and a few brushes with the danger; after all, not everything that lurks in the graveyard is friendly.  As he approaches adulthood, he will have to confront a very human threat-- the man that murdered his first family is still stalking him, and he will need the help of the graveyard denizens to defeat him.

Bod’s story is both scary and heartwarming, as his found family helps him to grow into a good man.  Neil Gaiman has said that he got the idea for the story while walking in a cemetery and wondering how Kipling’s classic, The Jungle Book, would have been different if set in a graveyard.  Winner of the Newbery Medal in 2009, this is a perfect tale for the Halloween season.

Absolute Carnage by Donny Cates

Someone is going around looking exactly like Eddie Brock, with a Venom-like suit, on a killing spree, taking out anyone who has ever called any of the various symbiotes their host. Though troubling for the world, it’s especially troubling for Eddie Brock, now wanted as a serial killer. Knowing well that the real perpetrator is Kleetus Cassidy, aka Carnage, Brock must team up with Spiderman and what few other heroes will believe he’s innocent, and put a stop to Carnage.

Though DC has more been known to utilize dark and gritty elements in their stories than Marvel, few characters get as twisted as Carnage, and his appearance here is no different. Absolute Carnage is a horror story; that much is obvious from its reliance on the literal dark, along with plenty of violent imagery, overwhelming odds, and a plot to summon an otherworldly abomination to Earth: the source of all of the symbiotes in the universe. Carnage’s ability to take over people’s minds and twist them to his goals adds to the overall sense that Absolute Carnage might have at least partially been inspired by the likes of H.P. Lovecraft, creator of the Cthulhu mythos. The story does suffer from relying on previous storylines, which causes it to lose some of its accessibility, but fans of Venom (and especially of his recent film) will enjoy this tale to thrill.

Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur

Witches Lizzie and Belle have been best friends since childhood, but now they are on the run from Lizzie’s family, who are considered witch royalty. They currently own a cafe on the Faelan Werewolf Reservation and perform psychic readings on the side.

During the adventures of the first book, some people in town learned that Lizzie and Belle may be more than they led the reservation council to believe, including Lizzie’s new love interest, ranger Aiden O’Connor. They thought they were still safe, until Lizzie is awakened by church bells during the witching hour and can sense the evil, vengeful presence of a soul eater on the hunt. As the body count climbs, Lizzie’s life and business are put in peril. But the biggest threat is an outside witch brought in to hunt the soul eater. He views Lizzie and Belle as a puzzle he needs to unscramble, which may lead her family right to their doorstep.

The Lizzie Grace series takes place in Australia, which is also where the author and narrator live. As such, there are some phrases that the average American wouldn’t hear on a daily basis, but Littrell says them so smoothly that you don’t have to stop and ponder the meaning. Littrell gives the narration of the book a more personal feel, like you're really listening to the story from Lizzie herself, which is something that I often feel is missing from audiobooks.

Bird Box by Josh Malerman

Malorie didn't believe there was something out there at first. Her sister tried to warn her. Incidents of suicide and madness were popping up around the world but nothing close to home. Until their parents stopped answering the phone. Then there were cases occurring in their city. Finally, pregnant and scared, Malorie finds her sister in the bathroom in a pool of blood. Thus starts a frightening tale of unknowns and survival. In an attempt to find civilization with two young children in her care, Malorie takes to the the river to find a group who is self sustaining, and waiting for their arrival. But will they be able to make it, completely blind to the elements? Will the children be able to keep their blindfolds on? Or will the creatures get to them?

Bird Box is an atmospheric horror novel written in a quiet way that instantly gives the reader goosebumps. Malerman creates a dystopian world full of uncertainties that is completely original and addictive. Cassandra Campbell narrates the audiobook with hushed tones and a perfectly timed voice. This is a perfect book for readers looking for a subdued horror novel.