As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, October is the perfect month to dive into a spooky read. Whether you’re a fan of classic horror or eerie ghost stories, the right book can set the perfect Halloween mood. Even better? You can enjoy many of these spine-tingling tales through free Halloween audiobooks. that let you experience the thrill without spending a dime.

Here are 7 must-read Halloween books that will send shivers down your spine—available for free as audiobooks to add to your spooky season reading list!

1. Frankenstein

Listening Time: 9 hours

No Halloween reading list is complete without Frankenstein. Mary Shelley’s gothic novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein and his monstrous creation, exploring the dark consequences of human ambition. Shelley's timeless themes of isolation, responsibility, and the desire for power are the foundation of modern horror, making Frankenstein a must-read every October.

Why It’s Spooky: The haunting presence of the creature and the moral dilemmas that arise from his creation create an eerie and chilling atmosphere.

2. Dracula

Listening Time: 16 hours

For a vampire tale that defined a genre, look no further than Dracula. Bram Stoker’s classic horror novel tells the story of the terrifying Count Dracula and his plan to spread his vampiric curse from Transylvania to England. With its gothic atmosphere, dark castles, and sinister undertones, Dracula remains a Halloween favorite.

Why It’s Spooky: Stoker’s detailed description of Dracula’s chilling encounters, coupled with his unique ability to instill fear in both the characters and readers, ensures a spine-tingling experience.

3. The Hound of the Baskervilles

Listening Time: 7 hours

Combining elements of mystery and gothic horror, The Hound of the Baskervilles is one of Sherlock Holmes’ most famous cases. Set on the foggy moors of Devonshire, Holmes and Watson investigate the death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the terrifying legend of a ghostly hound that haunts the Baskerville family. The novel’s eerie atmosphere and suspenseful pacing make it a perfect October read.

Why It’s Spooky: The chilling descriptions of the moors and the legendary hound create an ominous setting, blending mystery and fear in a captivating way.

4. Sredni Vashtar

Listening Time: 13 minutes

For a shorter but equally creepy read, Sredni Vashtar by Saki (H.H. Munro) is a disturbing tale about a boy named Conradin who finds solace in worshiping a ferret he names Sredni Vashtar. The boy’s imagination—and the darkness within it—lead to a chilling, yet subtle horror. Saki's sharp wit and mastery of psychological tension make this short story unforgettable.

Why It’s Spooky: The story’s eerie tone, combined with Saki’s understated yet powerful style, creates a sense of dread that lingers long after the final page.

5. Carmilla

Listening Time: 5 hours

Predating Dracula, Carmilla is one of the earliest and most influential vampire stories in gothic literature. The novella follows the story of Laura, a young woman who becomes enchanted by the mysterious Carmilla, a vampire with a hidden agenda. Filled with gothic suspense and eerie tension, Carmilla has influenced countless vampire tales that followed.

Why It’s Spooky: Carmilla’s seductive and chilling presence, combined with the gothic settings and gradual revelation of her true nature, makes this a haunting vampire tale.

6. The Wendigo

If you enjoy atmospheric tales of terror in the wilderness, The Wendigo is the perfect read. Set in the vast Canadian wilderness, Blackwood’s short story follows a group of men on a hunting expedition who encounter a legendary creature known as the Wendigo—a malevolent spirit that preys on those who venture too far into the wild. The slow-building tension and the terrifying transformation make this a gripping horror story.

Why It’s Spooky: The Wendigo is one of the most terrifying mythical creatures in North American folklore, and Blackwood’s skillful storytelling makes it all the more horrifying.

7. The Canterville Ghost

If you’re in the mood for something spooky but light-hearted, The Canterville Ghost is a fun yet eerie read. This story follows the Otis family, who move into a haunted mansion in England and are confronted by the ghost of Sir Simon. However, the ghost quickly realizes that this American family is not easily frightened. Wilde’s wit and humor balance out the supernatural elements, making this a perfect Halloween tale for those who like a mix of spooky and funny.

Why It’s Spooky: While not terrifying, Wilde’s ghost story has a playful eeriness to it, and Sir Simon’s failed haunting attempts provide both laughs and shivers.

Why Listen to Spooky Audiobooks in October?

Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy these chilling tales while going about your Halloween festivities. Whether you’re decorating your home, commuting, or just cozying up on a dark evening, audiobooks allow you to experience the suspense and terror of these stories with the added effect of haunting narration and atmosphere.

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better way to get into the spooky spirit than by diving into some thrilling reads. With these seven classic horror and ghost stories, you’ll be sure to find something that gives you chills. Even better, they’re all available as free Halloween audiobooks, so you can enjoy them anywhere, anytime.

Happy haunting, and enjoy your spooky listening experience!