The Nights Are Fair Drawing In...Spooky Stories are Back!

It’s October, so we can finally share a ghost story edit, right? From Shirley Jackson to M.R. James, there’s something about autumn’s arrival that just makes ghostly horror stories hit different. Here are some new collections for you to dip into – when you’re feeling brave enough…

(psst....scroll down to the end of this post to see all the books mentioned all together)

Night Side of the River: Ghost Stories by Jeanette Winterson

Always trusted to be innovative and wry, Jeanette Winterson’s collection of ghost stories (out now in paperback) finds spectres creeping into apps and other tech, showing the many ways that we can be haunted. We love the little vignettes from Winterson’s own brushes with the supernatural, too.

The Snow Ghost: Classic Japanese Ghost Stories by Various Authors

Enduring across centuries of folklore, from generation to generation, this anthology of ghost stories was collected at the beginning of the twentieth century, and aims to serve a glimpse of an otherworldly, mysterious Japan. From evil spirits to unrequited love, you might want to keep a light on nearby for some of these.

The Signalman by Charles Dickens The Old Nurse’s Story by Elizabeth Gaskell The Leaf Sweeper by Muriel Spark

Indie publisher Galley Beggar Press have been releasing their delightful ‘Pocket Ghosts’ series for several years, and this year’s trio – Muriel Spark, Mrs Gaskell and Charles Dickens’s last great ghost story – doesn’t disappoint. Think spooky trains, apparitions and gloomy manors. A perfect mini-read over a hot chocolate.

The Eerie Book by Various Authors

A classic anthology (first published in 1898) filled with tales of Gothic horror, now beautifully presented in hardback, comes with a new introduction by Lighthouse fave Kirsty Logan. A perfect treat for you or someone with a penchant for all things spooky!

The Winter Spirits: Ghostly Tales for Frosty Nights by Various Authors

Featuring new stories from great writers of the spooky and macabre, from Andrew Michael Hurley and Elizabeth Macneal to Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Jess Kidd, you’re in good hands with these chilling tales.

Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror, edited by Jordan Peele

Curated by one of the smartest minds in modern horror, Jordan Peele writes a foreword to Out There Screamingm a landmark anthology of stories by Black writers. Each author grapples with an aspect of the horror genre, from the eerie to terrifying, with an emphasis on sci-fi and fantasy. The stories in this anthology explore identity, African culture and Black American history. While you’ll recognise many names, notably N.K. Jemisin, Nnedi Okorafor and horror giant Tananarive Due, there are new voices here too.

Modern Gothic by Various Authors

A brand new anthology featuring half a dozen macabre stories from new and established writers, published by indie publisher Fly On The Wall Press. This anthology features dark secrets and weird landlords...and let's face it – is there anything creepier than landlords?

Tales Accursed: A Folk Horror Anthology, selected & illustrated by Richard Wells

If you like a dose of artwork with your spooky stories (who wouldn't), then look no further – this anthology of more classic tales of horror feature original illustrations from Richard Wells. With a foreword by Sinéad Gleeson, and contributions by authors such as M.R. James, Shirley Jackson and John Buchan, this collection is as surprising as it is spooky.