Spooky season is upon us—and what better way to embrace that eerie vibe than with a thrilling read that’s just as perfect for a book club as it is for a night by the fire? These books are making their way to big and small screens—movies and limited series you can’t miss. For those who love a mix of mystery, psychological thrills, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, here are some spooky-season book picks that tick all the boxes: Verity, The Housemaid, Famous, The Girlfriend, The Long Walk, and The Woman in Cabin 10.
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Verity by Colleen Hoover
This psychological thriller gripped me from page one, and I can’t wait for Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson to bring it to life on screen come October 2026. Hoover’s Verity is the kind of story that keeps book clubs buzzing with debate long after the last page—the dark secrets, the blurred lines of love and obsession, all wrapped in a chilling narrative. This book has entire social media groups devoted to it with thousands of followers, hotly debating what will be an epic conversation amongst reading enthusiasts. It’s a perfect blend of romance and suspense, with enough twists to satisfy the most seasoned thriller lovers.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
The Housemaid is now headed toward a 2026 movie adaptation, starring everyone’s favorite viral American Eagle advertisement blonde bombshell, Sydney Sweeney, and the multi-talented Amanda Seyfried. This favorite book sneaks up on you like a whisper in the dark. This psychological thriller dives deep into the shadows of a seemingly perfect household. It’s the kind of book that inspires heated conversation—about trust, deception, and what lies behind closed doors. For book clubs seeking a tense atmosphere to dissect, McFadden delivers an unsettling masterpiece that’s downright addictive. Freida has written over thirty books, and if you end up loving this one.
Famous by Blake Crouch
Zac Efron takes center stage in this upcoming 2025 adaptation of Blake Crouch’s dark and witty thriller. Famous explores identity, mental health, and the elusive nature of celebrity with a uniquely twisted angle. It’s a stellar read for spooky season, and the kind of book club title that sparks discussion on fame’s dark side and what makes us who we are beneath it all. Expect plenty of “I didn’t see that coming” moments.
The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances
Stream this limited series on Amazon Prime this September, and you’ve got a psychological thriller that practically screams spooky season vibes. The story of a mother, played by a Ralph Lauren-clad Robin Wright, entangled in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with her son’s enigmatic girlfriend, this six-episode series—and the Susan Frances novel it’s based on—offers tension, great performances, and that slow-building fear that makes any thriller binge-worthy. It’s perfect for book clubs that enjoy decoding complex characters and motives. You’ll binge this show twice for the iconic fashion alone.
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
If you haven’t read it yet, this classic thriller gets better the more you talk about it. The story of a travel journalist on a luxury cruise who witnesses a disappearance—except no one else believes her—is the epitome of a spooky read. The adaptation, now out on Netflix, starring Keira Knightley, promises that claustrophobic tension and mystery tailor-made for October nights. It’s perfect for book clubs that want to unravel layers of suspicion and paranoia.
The Long Walk by Richard Bachman (aka Stephen King)
The Long Walk is a dystopian novel by Stephen King about 100 teenage boys competing in a brutal walking contest. If a boy slows down too much, he is shot and eliminated. The story follows a 16-year-old boy who endures the physical and psychological challenges while making friendships and fighting for survival. The contest continues until only one winner remains, who can have anything he wants for life. The story feels modern, much like the popular two-season series, “Squid Games,” but this one was Stephen King’s first novel, written while he was a college student in 1979. The 2025 film adaptation closely follows the book’s intense storyline.
Whether curling up with a cozy drink or gathering friends for an unforgettable discussion, these books offer perfect spooky-season chills and book-club-worthy depth. And with the screen versions, your book club nights have never looked more exciting.
Happy spooky reading!
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