A while back, we had a patron who was looking for “unexpectedly spooky” fiction in the realm of science or history that “steps outside the bounds of reality in a ghostly way.” We absolutely loved that description and came up with an amazing list of novels that fit the bill. Check out these perfect October reads for folks who like eerie but aren’t into horror. 

Spooky History

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders—President Lincoln, in the depths of his grief, visits the grave of his 11-year old son in a novel which blurs the states of reality.

Spooky Science

Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer—Four researchers set out to map and understand the quarantined zone Area X, a mission that eleven previous expeditions have failed at. Book 1 of the Southern Reach Trilogy.

Sweet Tooth by Jeff Lemire—A pandemic wipes out vast swaths of humanity, and many who are born after are human/animal hybrids. Gus is rescued by a man who he isn’t sure whether he can trust, but he has no other options.

           

Vaguely Ghostly Fiction

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward —Characters are both literally and figuratively haunted by their pasts in this moving story about racism, incarceration, loss, and complicated families.

Hotel World by Ali Smith—This novel centers around the death of a young chambermaid at a hotel and four women whose lives were touched by hers.

She Weeps Each Time You're Born by Quan Barry—A young girl in Vietnam realizes she can hear voices of the dead. As she flees her homeland, we learn of the history of her country and her family through the voices of ghosts that speak to her.

Ghosts of Bergen County by Dana Cann—What if the regret that haunts you becomes inexplicably embodied? The death of Gil’s young daughter brings him to a dark place, full of characters driven by their own regret and uncertainty.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold—14-year-old Susie watches from the afterlife as her family copes with the aftermath of her rape and murder.

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!