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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

Book Recommendations and Book Lists For Adults And Kids

Home | books | Whatcha In The Mood For? // The Halloween Edition

Whatcha In The Mood For? // The Halloween Edition

October 31, 2017 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 17 Comments

book recommendations for what type of book you are looking for

 

OH MAN…it’s been a while since I’ve done one of these posts! It’s that time where I dole out recommendations according to what kind of mood you might be in at random — whether that be an actual mood or a specific type of book. Check out past Whatcha In the Mood For recs!

 

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE if you could also leave some recs for my categories in the comments to further help people looking for books that fit! Also, have a good idea for a category or something you have been looking for? Leave it in the comments!

This time I decided to do a sort of theme around Halloween because it’s HALLOWEEEEEN today! I’m going as an exhausted first time mom….crusty spitup included for realness. BLARGH. Just kidding. We will probably be sitting around doing nothing tonight…maybe grab some candy and continue watching Stranger Things while Riley sleeps. You can check out this Halloween reading list I made last year if you need even more recs!

 

 

Want a historical with a supernatural twist?

 

Iron Cast

Iron Cast by Destiny Soria

Why? It’s set in Boston in 1919 in a world in which hemopaths exist (people whose blood allows them to create illusions through art) and the main characters are two young girls who perform at the Iron Cast club using their talents for a rapt audience even though it’s illegal to host these sorts of gatherings. The supernatural abilities are really cool and unique. There is something within the blood of hemopaths that allows them to create illusions or manipulate the mind. They each have their artistic talent that allows them to do it — singing, playing an instrument, reciting poetry, or painting. Such an amazing read and PERFECT for Halloween/fall if you don’t love scary but totally want something 1) atmospheric and 2) with some supernatural elements! Check out my full review of Iron Cast!

In search of a good monster story?

This Savage Song review

This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab

Why?  Not your typical monster story! This gritty and dark urban fantasy novel where violence creates actual deadly monsters and the land is run by two competing gangs is a perfect Halloween read for someone looking for a unique spin on monsters.

 

Want a paranormal romance you may have missed back in the day?

Shade by Jeri Smith Ready

Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Why? Oh man this paranormal YA was one of my faves back when I first started blogging! In Aura’s world, when you die it doesn’t necessarily mean you are gone. An unexplained phenomena called the “Shift” happened and everyone born after that point becomes like Ghost Whisperers or walking Ouji boards — they can see and talk to ghosts. Sounds cool, right? Your loved ones wouldn’t necessarily be gone. But what about when all the ghosts are constantly bombarding you with their stories and wanting you to help and they won’t go away? When Aura’s boyfriend Logan dies, on the night they decided to take that next step in their relationship, Aura tries to grapple with the fact that she can still see Logan but their relationship just can’t be the same and meeting a new guy named Zachary, who seems to share her passion for figuring out why the Shift happened and how it can be stopped, just further complicates things.

Craving a thriller?

 

Final Girls Riley Sager

Final Girls by Riley Sager

Why?  This thriller was so gripping and perfect for Halloween! I don’t want to say too much but I WAS ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT.

Like unique storytelling to add to the creep factor of a horror novel?

The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

Why? I don’t want to say too much but it is about: a reopened case about a suspicious fire at a school 20 years prior, a discovered diary that talks about the tragic night, a girl who claims she really is two people (Carly who lives in the day, Kaitlyn who lives at night), the people who believe her and the people who don’t,  a disappearance and a sinister dark house — all told by a mishmash of diary entries, police interview transcripts, video transcripts, notes and more! CREEEEEEPY READ.

Have you read any of these? Agree/disagree with my recs? Have any to add?? Also, if you have a specific mood you think I should do next time….drop that in the comments!

P.S. Books To Read If You Are in the Mood For YA Books Set Outside the US // top ten books for people who enjoy not-so-easy-to-like characters

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Filed Under: books, Whatcha In the Mood For? Tagged With: book recommendations, books for every mood, books for Halloween, Halloween books, Whatcha in the mood for

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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Comments

  1. Sharni says

    October 31, 2017 at 4:08 am

    Final Girls was so good! I was so shocked at the ending!

    Sharni xo
    http://www.agirlandgrey.com

    Reply
  2. amber says

    October 31, 2017 at 6:19 am

    Oooh, The Dead House sounds amazing! It seems like a good psychological thriller! I also really like the cover :3

    Amber @ Escape Life in the Pages

    Reply
  3. Carmen says

    October 31, 2017 at 7:55 am

    Great recommendations. I`ve been meaning to pick up “This Savage Song” for ages, but never got to it. I do hope to read the duology before the end of the year.

    Carmen / Carmen`s Reading Corner

    Reply
  4. Annemieke says

    October 31, 2017 at 8:58 am

    Not really just a supernatural twist, but Sorcerer to the Crown is a great historical read with magic.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 10:06 am

      Oooh must check that out!! Thanks for the rec!!

      Reply
  5. Sim @Flipping Thru the Pages says

    October 31, 2017 at 9:27 am

    I haven’t read any of these, as I don’t read many spooky books 😛 But this looks like a really great list. Adding a few to my TBR 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 10:06 am

      Haha I always try to make sure I have a good mix of non-scary books on my Halloween/Fall lists bc I know so many people don’t love scary! Hopefully some of these will be a good match for you!

      Also, thanks for all the love on my blog lately! <33 It's fun getting to chat with you so often!

      Reply
  6. mel says

    October 31, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    I read this savage song a couple of weeks ago and I had to go out and buy the second one instantly

    Mel ✨
    meleaglestone.co.uk
    @meleaglestone

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 10:04 am

      I still have yet to read book 2 because it came out right when I had Riley! MUST READ IT SOON!

      Reply
  7. Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says

    November 1, 2017 at 8:11 am

    I read both Final Girls and The Dead House and liked them both! I’ve been wanting to read more from Dawn Kurtagich, and I will definitely catch more of Sager’s work when it comes out! I finished Lies She Told this Halloween season and enjoyed the format of the book (though it did take a few chapters to get used to) if you are looking for another good mystery!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 10:03 am

      Oooh I haven’t heard of that one…definitely checking it out! THANK YOU!

      Reply
  8. Ailyn Koay says

    November 1, 2017 at 9:53 am

    i read Sleep Savannah Sleep by Alistair Cross, has some creepy factor if you are still up to it

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 10:30 am

      Ooh I’ve never heard of this one! *off to Goodreads to check it out*

      Reply
  9. Darque Dreamer says

    November 2, 2017 at 1:38 pm

    I need to read The Dead House still. It has been on my shelf for a while.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 3, 2017 at 9:51 am

      Yes!! It’s perfect for a cool Fall night!

      Reply
  10. Tasya says

    November 5, 2017 at 9:29 am

    I read the Dead House this halloween and it was creepy! That book mess with my head and have its “what???” moments *shiver*

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      November 5, 2017 at 9:35 am

      RIGHT?? It was the first book in a while that I felt like really creeped me out!!

      Reply

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Friends don’t let friends be without a good book. Let’s be friends?
Elder millennial. Cries a lot, always down a rabbit hole.
Blogger since 2010👇

A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader
I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first I love when I just absolutely nail it on the first try when trying to satisfy a super specific reading mood - Kelley Armstrong’s A Rip Through Time definitely nailed what I wanted. Time travel but didn’t really want too time travely…just more of a vibe or catalyst for some fun. If you love a good mystery, some time travel shenanigans and a great cast of characters, I highly recommend this book. #bookrec #bookrecommendation #bookreview #mysterybooks #historicalmystery #kelleyarmstrong
🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸 🌸 Some romances on my personal radar for April. 🌸

Beyond excited for a new Kate Clayborn, Kasie west, rainbow Rowell, Jenn Bennett and Beth O’Leary - I’ve enjoyed these authors in the past.

My historical loving heart is most excited for The Duke and How To Fake It In Society.

I love an emotional romance so The Art of Loving You is high on my list plus I’ve heard great things about this author.

I’m intrigued by Fast Lane especially since it’s being adapted for a tv series. I’m seeing comparisons to Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series which I did love!

Which new romance books are piquing your interest or are on your TBR? #romancebooks #newbooks #romancebooktok #romancereader
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Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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Looking for something?

A book recommendation for all my historical fictio A book recommendation for all my historical fiction readers - The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. My holy grail historical author came through for me again. I can’t express how much I cared for and was pulled into the lives of these women living in a boardinghouse in DC during the McCarthy era just as much as I was racing to find out what happened in this house. The tension mounted as we got to what actually happened?? Masterful. Truly. #historicalfiction #bookrec #bookrecommendation #historicalfictionbooks @williammorrowbooks
Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Made a fun family day out of Independent Bookstore Day and hit up new faves @maveybooks and what used to be my second home when I lived closer @childrensbookworld which was so nice to be back home 🥹🥹

Book shopping is great but I can’t express how incredible building community is and indie bookshops do just that. I always wanted my own version of Cheers and, while not a bar where everybody knows my name, CBW was that place for me for almost a decade when I built community by going to YA book events there and moderating events. And while I am not able to get there as often as I was before I became a mom and we moved further away, It’s been so special to be able to share this beloved space with Riley.

These indie bookshops are so vital to our communities and I know everyone’s situation is different so this isn’t to shame but That Website can’t replace what can be created in these book spaces. Shop local when you are able! #indiebookshop #bookshop #bookshopping #independentbookstore
Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technic Ok technically I’m lying. My last read was technically ATMOSPHERE but I feel like between my stories and my dedicated post to it, I’d rather talk about the book I read before it but didn’t update y’all on.

The Trouble With Anna — I enjoyed this delightful little historical romance about a heroine who is carving out her independence only to find out, when her grandfather dies, that he tied her inheritance/future to marrying her best friend’s brother — a not-so-happy surprise for both of them. I could understand why they both had some guardness/walls up and I enjoyed watching them slowly start to lower them.

Mayhem and the Mortal - I’m not too far into this romantic fantasy but it is one of my most anticipated that came out last month and I’m excited to dig in more.

Hamnet — I know, I know. For April I decided not to make a traditional TBR list of books I wanted to read but instead give myself some prompts to guide my reading (bc I’m overwhelmed with all my choices at hand) without feeling rigid. One of the prompts was to read a book I HAD TO BUY but is still unread. So going to finally get to it. Have you read this one or watched the movie?

What are you currently reading?
I had been waiting for the perfect time to read th I had been waiting for the perfect time to read this one after Random House sent me a finished copy as TJR is a longtime auto-buy author.  I found myself caught up in all the space joy and wonder and feeling quite parasocial about the Artemis crew...I decided now was the time.

I had no idea what I was getting into.

I hadn’t really known what it was about but I didn’t really need to given its TJR & the fact it was 1980s NASA & astronauts.

But this book was about love to me - romantic love, platonic love, familial love, love for something bigger than yourself, love for the person you are & are becoming, love in the face of obstacles, love for what lights you up.

Having been invested in real life astronauts & their journey lately really made this book even more vivid to me — seeing the bonds of the crew so deeply, feeling the fragility that exists while they are doing this wondrous & crazy thing that often still boggles my mind that we can do.

And, hardest to put into words, that feeling of awe in the expansive nature & capabilities of love & the universe that I felt when a husband named a crater after his late wife which doubly helped me understand how Joan & Vanessa felt looking back at earth.

It made me sob & feel everything about being a human so deeply basically from that Frances/Joan phone call at 86% of the way through until the final words. Like could not breathe.

*might be a tiny bit spoilery so beware:

I think the way she wrote this was so impactful bc we start out knowing something bad happens &it’s not even that far when we know that some of them def won’t make it back & some are alive in peril.

I was like “oof” when *it* happens early on. But each and every chapter where we learn more about these ppl & their relationships felt agonizing & I was retroactively grieving for them more deeply every turn of the page.

The hurt and grief just compounds from a moment that was sad from the jump to something that had dug in deep to me.

To know what happens right before this mission makes the mission control bits even more excruciating. Makes the peril a character is in hit even harder than just “oh that must be scary!”. 

I loved it. I needed it bad.
The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being m The theme of Q1 was “just go with it” — it being my reading whims, quirks and troubles.

Interesting things:

1. January started out rough. I only read 1 physical book and leaned very heavy into audiobooks only. At first it was distressing that my brain -thanks to current events and their effect on my mind - couldn’t work out how to sit down and read with my eyeballs but I was like…let’s just roll with it and wait for it to pass. So I waited and enjoyed a ton of audiobooks.

2. I don’t think I’ve ever read so many thrillers and mysteries in a quarter. It’s a genre I love but I’m normally quite more balanced. However, it’s what I was craving and what my brain was tolerating so…I just went with it.

3. I have always been a reader led by my moods (both how I feel reading wise and personally). This quarter was FERAL. Like the most feral mood reading ever. I couldn’t even categorize it. I’d decide on one book enthusiastically and suddenly I was like…absolutely not that.

4. I read way less fantasy than normal which was WEIRD but I felt like I also wasn’t surprised given my brain space.

5. I really started to resent people even more who said “it’s a book account stop talking about politics etc”. Babe, I’m a human who gives a shit but ALSO this has and always been an account of MY reading life. And my reading life was profoundly affected by the things that were going on in this country. Like they have been before - whether it’s been current events or things like having a kid, being depressed, slumps, etc.

6. I return to the fact that, for me, I am happiest when I pay attention to my reading whims. The end of the month I had a very specific reading mood (wanted time travel element but not a heavy time travel book) and I decided to pick up A Rip Through Time at the end of the month and I’m now halfway through book 4. Having the best time ever!!! 

Anyways, tell me how your reading life was in Q1! Fave books? Biggest surprises??
New historical fiction books on my radar for April New historical fiction books on my radar for April and I feel like there is quite a bit of variety. Any of these on your TBR? #historicalfictionbooks #historicalfiction #newbookrelease #newbookreleases
Being someone who reads based on their ever shifti Being someone who reads based on their ever shifting reading moods (sometimes very feral) makes library holds and tbrs very hard. It’s the worst when 5 weeks ago I would have gobbled the library hold up but now when the hold comes in I’m like…I think not. #readersofinstagram #readerproblems #librarylife #librarybooks #moodreader

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