I’m actually surprised by how many I loved this year from this genre. I’m notoriously cranky about reading them. BUT HEY. That means that these truly are top notch. I hope you find a book for your TBR next year.
Scroll down to see which books are open, closed or sweet romances!
Happy Halloween Y’all! I hope everyone has the plans to look forward to tonight. Whether that’s getting dressed up and going out or shutting your porch light off to watch a spooky movie.
We’re going to a Halloween party tonight and my family is dressing up as pirates this year!
I wanted to write a special little post about what spooky reads I’ve enjoyed this year, and a few from some of my Bookstagram friends. Spooky is a very broad term for this post. Anything that has fall vibes, freaked someone out, had a creepy moment or two, maybe some witches? It all goes! I wanted to give some options for all to add to your TBR! My only rule was that you had to read it in 2019, whether or not it came out then doesn’t matter!
These responses were from my friends on Instagram. I’ve included a link to their Insta’s and a little blurb about why the enjoyed this read. I’ll include my thoughts if I’ve read them!
“If you leave a door half open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken. If you play outside alone, soon you won’t be going home. If you window’s left unlatched, you’ll hear him tapping at the glass. If you’re lonely, sad, and blue, the Whisper Man will come for you.”
Lindsay says: Just this quote alone from The Whisper Man gives me the chills! This book has just the right amount of spookiness to have you on edge while you are reading it. The alternating points of view keep the story interesting as you try to solve the case of the disappearing children. Fans of Law and Order will love this book!
Taylor says: I loved The Wicked Deep because it was so creepy and enjoyable. Even though parts were predictable, I was sucked into the story. Rooting for the boys, rooting for the witches at times, rooting for Penny. It was a perfect read for this time of year!
Cait says: I’ve read this one too! I definitely loved the creepy vibes it gave off. The story of the Swan sisters and the witchy vibes. Perfect for October. Find my full review here.
caro.library – House of Salt & Sorrows by Erin A. Craig,Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin, and The Whisper Man by Alex North
Caroline says:
House of Salt & Sorrows: Is there anything better than a spooky fairy tale retelling? This atmospheric retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses is equal parts dark fantasy, mystery, and Gothic horror. It’s creepy and magical, and it kept me guessing until the end.
Serpent & Dove: This book has the best cast of characters! It’s a great witchy story, but also hilarious and heartfelt.
The Whisper Man: One of the best thrillers I’ve read this year! It was so well done with great pacing, a ghost story feel, and some downright chilling moments!
Cait says: I’ve read the first two of her suggestions. House of Salt & Sorrows was a buddy I read I actually did with Caroline! It was great and this book is DEFINITELY creepy. It’s a dark take on the Twelve Dancing Princesses. Full review here!
Serpent & Dove. ONE OF MY FAVS OF 2019. I usually don’t love books with witches. THIS IS THE BEST EXCEPTION. Seriously. Read it. Full review here!
This second section will include books I’ve enjoyed from this year (some might overlap).
Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Probably the best thriller I read this year. It had the creepy factor and a lot of unknowns. Some twists were easy to see, but others left me shocked.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
OH MY GOODNESS. I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH. Really. Top 10 from this year. Without a doubt. I’m going to link my review again because you must get this on your TBR ASAP.
The Lady Rogue by Jenn Bennett
This one is all about Dracula! No actual vampires, but a lot of spooky vibes as the MCs run across Romania. See my full review here!
Stalking Jack the Ripper Series by Kerri Maniscalco
I’m waiting on a library hold for the very last book, but this are perfect for a good spooky time. There’s murder, romance, mystery, a great mix of YA historical fiction goodness. And of course, there’s Thomas Cresswell.
I hope you enjoyed this post and maybe found a new book or two to consider for your TBR. Have you read any of these? What was one of your favorite spooky reads this year? Lets talk in the comments!
For the past few months whenever I have posted my monthly wrap-ups I get a few comments and DMs (through Instagram) asking and exclaiming about how many books I read a month. I honestly don’t realize how many books I get through until the end of the month. I *try* to not let numbers be the forefront of the reason I read. I see people read more than I do so I always think I’m somewhere in the middle.
Thinking about all of this had me pondering a post about some tips and tricks that help me reach higher monthly totals.
But first, I will acknowledge I’m a medium-fast reader. This alone helps on it’s own and is not what I’m addressing here. Everyone reads at their own pace and there is nothing wrong with that. I also am blessed to be able to stay home with my child. This definitely influences how much I can read.
Always a book in my hand.
Books have become a bit of a comfort item for me. I never like to not have one around because I never know when there might be a chance to read. Purchasing a book sleeve was the best idea because I throw my book in there and can be on the go. I read in lines, waiting for appointments, sitting in the car, etc.
I am hooked on audiobooks.
They’re not for everyone, but if you haven’t given them a chance I would highly recommend them! Maybe try listening to an already favorite book of yours and see if you enjoy hearing stories over reading them.
I am sitting here now listening to The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson). I listen to audio books in the car, while working out, doing chores, writing blog posts, playing with my toddler, anything.
Paying attention to the time I spend on social media and watching TV.
I set a timer on my phone that wont allow me to access Instagram once I’ve spent a certain amount of time on there. BEST DECISION. Another great choice? You can pause notifications from Insta which helps me not pull it up constantly. If I’m not getting a notification, I don’t feel as compelled to scroll.
I don’t have a Twitter account and I don’t really use my Facebook account (I don’t even have the app). Social media can be a big deterrent from picking up a book instead. Lowering the amount I spend on here helps me mentally, but also, I’m able to pick up books more.
Since I have a child I am very aware how much we keep the TV on. We usually don’t even turn it on until the afternoon. I’m able to play audio books or read to them rather than us sitting on the couch watching TV.
Kindle (digital) books are my friend.
I used to NEVER read digital books. Not until I started reading Netgalley’s from time to time. But, I’ve realized that with children I can’t always have a book out. It’s grabbed from my hands, pages ripped, things thrown on it (or the book thrown itself). It drove me crazy, so I got my digital library app and WOW. It’s amazing.
I am devouring digital books like they’re candy. It’s so easy to read because the book is attached to you (we all know our phones are with us pretty much always).
I take what I can get.
Have a few minutes before I leave? Read a few pages.
Toddler playing quietly on their own? Read a few pages.
Quick errand to the store? Listen to a few pages.
There’s a lot more chances to read during the day than you might notice. Over the course of the day I can sometimes get 50+ pages read. By the time the family is asleep and I’m reading on my own I’ve already read a chunk of my book.
I hope you found this helpful, but please take from it what you want! These are purely what I do to help me read more.
What helps you read more? Do you ever feel like you aren’t reading enough? Lets talk in the comments!
Scrolling through the pages I follow I saw that Ally Writes Things had posted about the lowest rated books (on Goodreads) and what she rated them.
Y’all. THIS WAS A BRILLIANT IDEA.
So here I am, definitely doing this. Let’s go. This will be a handful of the lowest rated books based off of Goodreads and then what I ended up rating them. I hope to do one with the highest rated books from my GR as well, future post alert!
Things I’d Rather Do Than Die by Christine Hurley Deriso
Goodreads Rating: 3.25 || My Rating: 2.50
You can actually find my review for this here. Though please pardon the baby blog formatting as it was one of the first Netgalley reviews I ever did. I could not believe this book at all. It tried way too hard to create drama and purpose, but not. Just no.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith (original story from Jane Austen)
Goodreads Rating: 3.29 || My Rating: 4.00
I can’t help it, I thought this book was fun. I even loved the movie (and that never happens!). It’s quirky, ridiculous, but that’s the whole point if you ask me.
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Goodreads Rating: 3.39 || My Rating: 2.00
Granted, I read this in high school so it probably deserves a re-read to get a new rating, but I have NO DESIRE to do this.
The Dysasters (The Dysasters #1) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Goodreads Rating: 3.41 || My Rating: 2.00
If you want to see a rant filled review: click here! My first physical ARC was unfortunately…an absolute dud. Really, a dud. *sigh*
Beowulf by Unknown (Seamus Heaney — Translator)
Goodreads Rating: 3.43 || My Rating: 3.00
This was another read in high school. I remember thinking it was fine overall. Interesting enough.
The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman
Goodreads Rating: 3.45 || My Rating: 3.00
Tried my best to enjoy this because I thought the story was amazing, but unfortunately the way this was portrayed I couldn’t get into the story. I hardly remember it now because I scanned so much of it.
Evenfall (Shadowfire #1) by Gaja J. Kos & Boris Kos
Goodreads Rating: 3.51 || My Rating: 4.00
This was my version of a tale of two books. The first half almost had me DNF but then somehow the second half was astounding enough for me to think highly of it. I’m actually excited for the second book! (AND ALSO SHOUT-OUT TO THIS GORGEOUS COVER Y’ALL)
Have you read any of these? Did you love them more than their average rating? Lets talk in the comments!
GoodeyReads 