Spooky season is upon us and the Bellingham Public Library staff are once again serving up a bubbling cauldron full of horror story recommendations for all ages.
In an article titled “Why do we enjoy horror?” Associate Professor Haiyang Yang, a behavioral scientist at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, explains that “stimulation is one of the driving forces behind the consumption of horror. Exposure to terrifying stories can be stimulating both mentally and physically. These experiences can give rise to both negative feelings, such as fear or anxiety, and positive feelings, such as excitement or joy. And we tend to feel the most positive emotions when something makes us feel the most negative ones.”
“Horror entertainment can also provide a novel experience, like a zombie apocalypse, that doesn’t necessarily happen in the real world. At the same time, horror entertainment is a safe way to satisfy a curiosity about the dark side of humanity through storylines and characters facing the darkest parts of the human condition,” says Yang.
One thing is certain, horror books and movies are not for everyone, but many readers will be surprised by the wide range of stories presented here. Read on if you dare!
Adult Fiction
Horror Fiction Booklist
Staff Recommend…
Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by Patrick Horvath
“Imagine Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood drenched in blood and harboring a serial killer. Or a thoroughly corrupt Richard Scarry Busytown book. I was both horrified and delighted, and please do not give this to a child.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
“Not for the faint of heart! This is perhaps the most disturbing book I’ve ever read, in large part because it is told mainly through the journal entries of a twisted medical practitioner who is certain of his own genius and benevolence (both decidedly false). Inspired by the true history of gynecology and mental institutionalization in 1800s America, this book will both sicken and enlighten you.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
A House with Good Bones by T Kingfisher
“Kingfisher, as usual, manages to gleefully embody both humor and horror in this new-style haunted house tale tackling generational trauma and the undying evil of the monoculture lawn. A House with Good Bones is a great southern gothic that focuses not on the old plantations and mansions and the ghosts they carry, but instead on the darkness that can lie in the cradle of our grandparents’ perfect, nuclear-family-style suburbia.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
The Nice House by the Sea by James Tynion IV
“I read this one all in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. Like a great horror film, it grabs you immediately with the visuals but the story unfolds slowly. There are a lot of characters introduced initially but I also discovered a character key on the back page (after I had finished). I am a fan of cosmic horror and this one delivers. Beautiful, gruesome in parts, I want to live in The Nice House by the Sea.”
– James, Public Services Clerk
“Evoking the style of the art nouveau era, Woolley’s short and dreamlike graphic novel focuses on the dark, romantic push and pull between club dancers Soña and Mareike as their off-stage friendship evolves into something more. Something, perhaps, with teeth.”
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
The Spite House by Johnny Compton
“My recommendation for a creepy read is ‘The Spite House’ by Johnny Compton. This tale follows a family on the run, who take a chance by becoming caretakers of a ‘spite house’ in Texas. The owner of the house is looking for proof of paranormal activity, so you already know that this house is probably going to be full of nasty surprises. The family has mysteries of their own though, and you get to learn more about them from chapters told in different perspectives. You worry about the sanity of the family, as the house and past haunt them.
While not a terrifying read, it was a solid debut novel, and one that kept me intrigued until the end.”
– Michelle, Supervisor of Public Services
Subdivision by J. Robert Lennon
“This book felt like a bad dream. Surrealistic and winding, I was fully invested in trying to unravel the mystery of The Subdivision. Careful, the bakemono is following you.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
“A family with three kids shows up at Eve’s door, asking for a quick tour of her house. This situation terrifies me all on its own, but it becomes so much worse. A+++ for fans of tricky horror.”
– Karen, Public Services Clerk
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
“This was an agonizing read. This dark fantasy explores the inner worlds of several young girls sent away to a house for unwed mothers in the 1970s, and asks the question of what one might be willing to sacrifice to gain some semblance of power over their own stories.”
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Film
Stream films for free on Kanopy!
Warning: Watching after dark may result in chills, thrills, and unexpected nightmares. Kanopy
Fright Fest is here with a killer collection of horror favorites. Stream for free now with your Bellingham Public Library card.
Staff Recommend…
The Host (Gwoemul) directed by Bong Joon Ho
“A Korean monster movie by the maker of Parasite and Mickey 17. The American miliary dumps toxic chemicals into the Han river and several years later a creature like no other emerges and takes a young girl hostage. Now her family must save her and their town. Monsters, suspense, horror & dark comedy this movie has it all!”
– Briana, Library Assistant
“An atypical coming-of-age, slow-burn, atmospheric thriller that dwells on both isolation and belonging.” Recommended for ages 18 and up
– Kate, Staff Development Coordinator
“Lisa is a new favorite character of mine! This film gets what its like to be a teen girl just trying to get by. This dark fantasy is a perfect blend of biting commentary and uproarious fun! And the costumes…” Recommended for ages 16 and up.
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Teen
Horror for Young Adults
Staff Recommend…
“This psychological and body horror heavy thriller examines the price a teen athlete will pay to achieve excellence. Biting in its commentary on systemic power imbalances (coach vs student athlete, teen boys vs teen girls), this twisted mermaid tale testifies to the fact that high school can be hell.” Recommended for ages 16 and up
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
“In the early 1900s, Emery Botwright and Neeta Pandley live a life many would only dream of: sailing the world on the passenger ship, the SS Lark, captained by Emery’s father. But things change as the Lark comes under the ownership of American businessman Mr. Honeycutt. Staff and crew alike are worked to the bone at all hours; rich patrons grow vicious and entitled; and something monstrous stalks the ship in secret, all caught in the greedy shadow of Mr. Honeycutt—who may, himself, be not quite what he seems.” Recommended for teens
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
“Teen girls have got to stick together in order to survive. Yet how far will this squad go to claim a little power?” Recommended for ages 14 and up
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Children
Spooky Stories for Kids Booklist
Staff Recommend…
“When her aunt runs afoul of the ghost of a serial killer, twelve-year-old Evie makes a dangerous bargain with an ancient creature known as the Clackity. To save her aunt, Evie must venture through a strange, nightmarish world and somehow make it out again, before the Clackity comes to collect.” Recommended for ages 10 – 12
– Rosalie, Public Services Clerk
“Do you want to learn about the amazing creatures who populate the earth’s subterranean kingdoms? Of course you do! Extra points if you read this book with a flashlight in the dark!” Recommended for ages 6 and up
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
La Llorona: Counting Down = Contando Hacia Atrás by Patty Rodríguez
“Did you think the eerie legend of La Llorona couldn’t be used to teach kids to count? Well this book proves you and me both wrong!” Recommended for ages 3 and up
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Secrets of the Vampire by Julie Légère
“A beautifully illustrated history of vampires in lore and pop culture across continents and centuries.” Recommended for ages 8 and up
– Siena, Public Services Clerk
Local Events
For kids…
Spooktacular! with Gabriel’s Art Kids and Bellingham Parks and Rec
Thursday October 23rd – Saturday, October 25th, 2025 (click link below for details)
Woodstock Farm
Spine-tingling adventures, ghostly games, hair-raising haunts, and chilling live performers! For ages 4 and up, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Click HERE for more information and a full list of events!
Boo at Bloedel & Sensory Friendly Hour
October 25, 2025, 1:30 – 4:30pm
Bloedel Donovan Park Community Building
This candy-free event is for children Preschool through 2nd grade! Wear your costumes, make crafts, and win prizes playing games. From 1:30-2:30 pm there will be a Sensory Friendly experience for youth ages 16 and younger accompanied by an adult. During this time, there will be a limited supply of headphones at the door for families to use while visiting Boo. Click HERE for more information!
Ghostbusters Galore at the Mount Baker Theatre
Sunday, October 26, 1:00 pm
Mount Baker Theatre
“There’s something strange in the neighborhood: a Ghostbusters Double Feature at the Mount Baker Theatre! Suit up for a hauntingly funny time with one ticket, two films, and double the ghost-busting.” Click HERE for more information and tickets!
For mature audiences…
70’s Classic Horror at the Pickford Film Center in October
Dates, times, and locations may vary – click link below for full details.
Spattered throughout the month of October you’ll find screenings of 70’s classic horror films. Click HERE for a full listing, locations, and tickets!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Mount Baker Theatre
October 31, 8:00 pm
Mount Baker Theatre
Come one, come all to the Mount Baker Theatre on Halloween night and see Dr. Frank-N-Furter and crew on screen, once again doing the Time Warp! Click HERE for more information and tickets.
Bleedingham – a Northwestern Horror Short Film Fest
Dates, times, locations to be announced – click link below for full details.
Submissions are open for Bleedingham 2025 and while the film screening dates have yet to be announced, this ultra-spooky local film fest is always a very creepy, very fun time. Click HERE for more information and updates!