Spooky Special Editions: Halloween 2025
If your idea of Halloween is a cozy night in with a beautiful book, you’re in the right place. This year’s prettiest spooky editions bring the chills with plenty of charm – decorative sprayed page edges, foil‑stamped cases, ribbon bookmarks, and even a few glow‑in‑the‑dark surprises. From gothic confessions to haunted anthologies and witchy adventures, these are copies you’ll still enjoy long after October ends.
I’ve done Halloween on both ends of the thermometer: in Canada, where the kids rug up warm and yell “trick‑or‑treat” through vampire fangs and a woolen scarf; and in Australia, where the Spring daylight lingers, so we have to put out decorations and bright orange balloons to let kids know we’re offering treats. So whether you’re dodging Autumnal frost or soaking up the Spring sunlight, the lineup below is curated to delight in any climate – books that arepretty enough to sparkle on your shelf, and reads that spooky enough to keep you snuggled up safe during the witching hours.
(Nb: These special editions are still all in stock at time of posting!)
Children, Middle Grade & Young at Heart
The Very Fine Clock - Muriel Spark, illustrated by Edward Gorey
Gorey’s inky whimsy meets Spark’s dry wit in this charming picture book reissue.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Fear Files: Hide and Seek – Christopher Edge
Goosebumps‑energy for middle grade readers. Waterstones exclusive edition has red sprayed page edges.
➤ Buy from Waterstones
Dracula & Daughters - Emma Carroll
“A kid‑friendly vampiric caper in which three unusual cousins discover a jaw-dropping family secret.”
Waterstones Exclusive. UK paperback, with bats stenciled on the page edges.
➤ Buy exclusive edition from Waterstones
➤ Buy normal edition from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Skulkmoor - Hana Tooke
“A raven-haunted manor mystery and richly atmospheric gothic tale about a great house divided by an age-old murder and the two rival cousins who set out to solve the crime.”
Waterstones Exclusive. UK hardback with purple sprayed page edges.
➤ Buy exclusive edition from Waterstones
➤ Buy standard edition from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Gravity Falls: The Book of Bill - Alex Hirsch
“Is there a horrifying screaming inside your head? Do you want it to get louder? Well, you’re in luck!” A delightfully chaotic Gravity Falls tie-in.
Limited Collector’s Edition. US hardback with a glow in the dark slipcase, variant cover, double-sided poster, sticker sheet of Bill tattoos and four keepsake postcards.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories - Jeff Kinney
“Grab a flashlight, crawl under the covers, and dive into the twisted, unexpectedly hilarious world of Rowley Jefferson’s imagination.”
Deluxe Collector’s Edition. US hardback with stenciled page edges, cfoiled finishes and a bonus punch-out mask.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
The Nightmare Before Christmas - Tim Burton
“In an effort to bring to joy to Halloweentown, Jack Skellington kidnaps Santa and takes his place as the jolly old elf.”
B&N Exclusive. US hardback with an animated DVD of Tim Burton’s original poem, narrated by Christopher Lee, and 13 5″ x 3.5″ postcards featuring artwork from the title The 13 Days of Christmas.
➤ Buy exclusive edition from Barnes & Noble
Gothic & Dark Fantasy
Carmilla - Joseph Le Fanu
“Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s magnetic and sinuous 1871 novella introduced one of the iconic antiheroines of gothic fiction, pioneered depictions of queer longing in European writing, and would go on to inspire Bram Stoker’s Dracula.“
Beehive Illuminated Edition. Stunningly illustrated hardback in a die-cut slipcase.
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Beehive Books | Abes | eBay
The Witching Hour - Various Authors
““This sublimely dark, evocative collection takes the reader on a haunting journey from a sinister English boarding school to the chilly mists of Svalbard and beyond, courtesy of thirteen gripping ghost stories by much-loved authors including Bridget Collins, Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Natasha Pulley.”
Waterstones Exclusive. UK hardback with ivy stencilled on the page edges.
➤ Find it at Waterstones
The Fate of Magic - Sara Raasch & Beth Revis
“A sweeping romance and an epic battle to determine the fate of magic…and the world.“
Deluxe Edition (First Printing). US paperback with stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Leave Me Behind - K.M. Moronova
“From fan-favorite author K.M. Moronova comes a biting, suspenseful dark romance set inside an elite special ops squad.”
Deluxe Edition (First Printings). US paperback with stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
By the Horns - Ruby Dixon
“In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman with a deadly magic secret needs the help of the minotaur she’s trying to forget.”
Deluxe Edition (first printings). US hardback with shimmering effects on the dustjacket, illustrated endpapers, detailed hot pink stenciled page edges, and foil-stamped case boards.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Medusa - Rosie Hewlett
“A compelling reimagining of the myth of Medusa, as the snake-haired Gorgon sets the record straight about her monstrous reputation.”
Waterstones Exclusive. UK hardback with illustrated endpapers and “Medusa” stencilled with moons on black sprayed page edges.
➤ Buy from Waterstones
The Macabre - Kosoko Jackson
“A blending of art history, time- and globe-hopping adventure, and dark horror and fantasy about ten cursed paintings and the lengths people will go to collect them, destroy them…or be destroyed.”
Deluxe Limited Edition (first printings). US hardback with stenciled edges, a stamped case, a reversible jacket that readers can color in and make their own, and endpapers featuring two more paintings from the book.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
You Weren't Meant to Be Human - Andrew Joseph White
“Alien meets Midsommar in this chilling debut adult novel from award-winning author Andrew Joseph White about identity, survival, and transformation amidst an alien invasion in rural West Virginia.”
Deluxe Special Edition (First Printings). US hardback with red stained page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Blood Moon - Britney S. Lewis
“Mirabella Owens grew up with legends of wolves that traveled to her midwestern town to protect humans from vampires.”
First Printings. US hardback with decorative stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
House of Slaughter, Book 1 - James Tynion IV& Tate Brombal (author), illustrated by Werther Dell'Edera
“The “Butcher’s Trilogy,” the hidden history of one of the Order of St. George’s most enigmatic hunters.”
Deluxe Slipcase Edition. Slipcased hardback, collects House of Slaughter #1-5, #11-15, and #21-25.
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
He Sees You When You're Sleeping - Alta Hensley
“Why choose between naughty or nice in this steamy, suspenseful Christmas-themed stalker romance that’s perfect for dark romance readers seeking a spicy, festive read.“
Deluxe Edition. US paperback, with green skull and candybones stenciled page edges and a glow in the dark cover.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
He Knows When You're Awake - Alta Hensley
“This Christmas, it’s all about getting what you really want in this dark billionaire stalker romance.”
Special Edition. US paperback with decorative sprayed page edges and glow in the dark cover.
In series with He Sees You When You’re Sleeping.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
The Guardians of Dreamdark: Windwitch - Laini Taylor
“For centuries faeries have lived safely in their ancient forests, but now their peace is under threat. Devils are escaping the prisons that have held them since the Dawn Days, and only one faerie stands in their way.”
Collector’s Edition. US hardback with decorative stenciled page edges, embossed and foild cover, and bonus material.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Spellcaster - Jaymin Eve
“An intense enemies-to-lovers romantasy with steamy heat, magical creatures, fast pacing, and stakes that will keep you hooked.”
First Printings. Paperback, with decorative stencilled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
One Dark Window (Shepherd King #1) - Rachel Gillig
One Dark Window
“A dark, lushly gothic fantasy, One Dark Window follow a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom—but the monster in her head isn’t the only threat lurking.”
Deluxe Limited Edition (First Printings). US hardback, with decorative stencilled page edges and other features TBC.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Special Edition. UK hardback, with decorative stencilled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Two Twisted Crowns (Shepherd King #2) - Rachel Gillig
“Elspeth must confront the weight of her actions as she and Ravyn embark on a perilous quest to save the kingdom.”
Deluxe Limited Edition (First Printings). US hardback, with decorative stencilled page edges and other features TBC.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Special Edition. UK hardback, with decorative stencilled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
A Dark and Drowning Tide - Allison Saft
“Brimming with slumbering dragons and shape-shifting beasts, A Dark and Drowning Tide finds a folklorist on a perilous quest to a magical spring who must join forces with her infuriating but supremely beautiful academic rival.”
WS Exclusive. UK paperback, with decorative stencilled page edges.
➤ Buy from Waterstones
Anathema - Keri Lake
“A spellbinding gothic dark fantasy about a shunned woman who is forced beyond the mortal realm’s forbidden boundary into a terrifying world of cursed souls and grotesque creatures.”
Deluxe Edition. US hardback with decorative stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
The Naked Light - Bridget Collins
“Marrying folk horror with thrilling historical fiction and a story of forbidden love, this absorbing novel from the bestselling author of The Binding and The Betrayals centres on a village with an ancient carving in the ground and a mysterious outsider who moves into a nearby cottage.”
Waterstones Exclusive. UK hardback, with decorative stencilled page edges.
➤ Buy from Waterstones
Make Me a Monster - Kalynn Bayron
“With echoes of Frankenstein, this atmospheric mashup of horror and romance from the acclaimed author of Cinderella is Dead sees the corpses from Meka’s family’s funeral home refusing to stay dead.“
Waterstones Exclusive. UK paperback with digital rose stencilled page edges.
➤ Buy exclusive edition from Waterstones
➤ Buy standard edition (illustrated endpapers and boards) from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Faceless Thing We Adore – Hester Steel
“Lemon, poppy seed, sun-warmed sand. These visions convince Aoife to quit her job, leave her manipulative boyfriend, and escape to the isolated shores of the Farmstead commune. But darkness underpins her airy new way of life.”
First Printings. US hardback with decorative stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
House of the Beast - Michelle Wong
“Step into the House of the Beast in this dark fantasy debut about a young woman who strikes a deal with a mysterious and alluring god to seek revenge on her aristocratic family – featuring illustrations throughout by the author.”
Deluxe Limited Edition (first printings). US hardback with pink stenciled page edges, illustrated endpapers, a printed case, and black-and-white interior illustrations throughout.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Horror Movie - Paul Tremblay
“A chilling twist on the “cursed film” genre.”
Special Edition. US paperback with stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Writings - Edgar Allan Poe
“A collection that displays the full force of Edgar Allan Poe’s mastery of both Gothic horror and the short story form.”
Penguin Clothbound Classics. UK clothbound hardback with decorative cover design by Coralie Bickford-Smith.
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ Read more about the Penguin Clothbound Classics Series
Hemlock & Silver - T. Kingfisher
“A dark reimagining of Snow White, steeped in poison, intrigue, and treason of the most magical kind.”
Deluxe Edition. US hardback with sprayed page edges, foiled stamp on the boards, and custom endpapers illustrated by the author.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Waterstones Exclusive. UK hardback, signed by the author with decorative stencilled page edgesr.
➤ Buy from Waterstones
Bewitched - Laura Thalassa
“A brand-new package for the Bewitched series, a witch fantasy set in the world of the Bargainer series.”
Deluxe Edition (First Printings). US paperback with digital sprayed edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Bespelled - Laura Thalassa
“Only the dangerously handsome Memnon the Cursed can help Selene find the answers she seeks…if she doesn’t lose her heart first.”
Deluxe Edition (First Printings). US paperback with digital sprayed edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
The Exorcist - William Peter Blatty
“The phenomenal #1 bestseller that inspired the classic motion picture—the most terrifying and unforgettable horror novel ever written.”
Deluxe Limited Edition. US hardback with green stained page edges. Cover TBC.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
A Dowry of Blood - S. T. Gibson
“The gothic, seductive tale of Dracula’s first bride, Constanta, as you’ve never heard it before.“
Gold Edition. US hardback, signed by the author and housed in a decorative slipcase, with gilded pewter edges, color endpaper art, foil-stamped fabric cover, ribbon bookmark and an exclusive bonus short story.
➤ Buy from Hachette
A Harvest of Hearts - Andrea Eames
“A whimsical and unforgettable cozy fantasy about adventure, common sense, and the power of love, as a cheeky butcher’s daughter, a befuddlingly handsome sorcerer, and his clever talking cat unlock magical secrets in the dark heart of their kingdom.”
Deluxe Edition. US paperback with decorative stenciled page edges, decorative interior cover design, and spot gloss accents on the front cover.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Cozy Mysteries & Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice - Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
“Rival coffee shops and autumnal flavors galore, with a cup of sugary sweet romance and small-town charm.”
B&N Exclusive. US paperback with stenciled page edges, foiled cover, and a sneak peek of Mint to Be, the next YA romance by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc.
➤ Buy exclusive edition from Barnes & Noble
➤ Buy standard edition from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
The Pumpkin Spice Café (Dream Harbor) - Laurie Gilmore
“When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.”
Deluxe Edition. US hardback with stenciled sprayed edges, character-art foiled cover design, illustrated endpapers, and foiled pumpkin print on the boards.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Fall I Want - Lyra Parish
“The brokenhearted billionaire visits Cozy Creek to escape. I never expected to become his fake girlfriend or fall madly in love…but here we are..”
Special Edition. US paperback with decorative stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells
Mysteries & Supernatural Thrillers
Country Christie – Agatha Christie
“A curated collection of cozy Devonshire-set mysteries from Christie’s iconic detectives.”
Special Edition. UK ‘naked’ hardback with decorative cover design and endpapers.
➤ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
☞ Read more about the Agatha Christie Special Edition Hardbacks
Love, Mom - Iliana Xander
“A twisty, fast-paced psychological thriller.“
Deluxe Limited Edition (First Printing). US paperback with floral stenciled page edges.
➤ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Tourist Season - Brynne Weaver
“A small-town serial killer romance meets amateur sleuthing in this darkly funny, heart-racing first installment that flips the script on a traditional love story. First instalment in The Seasons of Carnage Trilogy.”
B&N Exclusive. US hardback, with decorative endpapers, sprayed edges, and an exclusive bonus chapter from Brynne Weaver.
➤ Buy exclusive edition from Barnes & Noble
➤ Buy standard edition from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Murder - Joanne Fluke
“Joanne Fluke dishes the next irresistible Hannah Swensen mystery, with Hannah scrambling to bring the flavors of autumn to Lake Eden, Minnesota . . . and the sweet taste of justice to an indulgent killer.”
B&N Exclusive. US hardback with an exclusive bonus scene.
➤ Buy from Barnes & Noble
➤ Check out the audiobook
Art, Reference & Pop-Up Books
E is For Edward - Gregory Hischak & Edward Gorey
“A gorgeous celebration of beloved American writer, artist, and illustrator Edward Gorey to celebrate his 100th birthday. Issued by the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust and produced in creative partnership with The Edward Gorey House. Includes his deligthful images of hapless children, mutant menageries, the murder mystery.”
➤ Find it at Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
National Geographic Book of Magic and the Occult: A Visual History
“Blending the allure of the supernatural with keen historical insights and stunning photography, this enchanting chronicle of magic around the world will bewitch true believers and skeptics alike.”
B&N Exclusive. US hardback with moons and stars stencilled on black sprayed page edges.
➤ Buy exclusive edition from Barnes & Noble
➤ Buy standard edition from Amazon | B&N | Waterstones | Blackwells | Abes | eBay
Arcturus Pulp Classics - Various Authors
“Hardcover collections that bring together the best short stories from across the science fiction, fantasy and horror genres.”
Arcturus Pulp Classics. Hardbacks with metallic cover accents and stenciled page edges.
☞ For more details see the Arcturus Pulp Classics guide.
➤ Buy US ed The Classic Horror Collection from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
UK ed from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Buy US ed The Classic Fantasy Collection from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
UK ed from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Buy The Classic Science Fiction Collection from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
UK ed from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Buy The Classic Edgar Allan Poe Collection from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
UK ed from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
➤ Buy The Classic HP Lovecraft Collection from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
UK ed from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
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