Halloween is my favorite holiday.
Christmas is a close second, but there is no other holiday that gets me more giddy than Halloween.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been mesmerized with ghost stories and witches. There was no other little elementary school girl more excited than me when the librarian did her yearly reading of Tilly Witch. I may or may not still sing the song more than I should this time of year.
While I still get giddy over reading Tilly Witch, there are a few more “adult” ghost and witch books that have become my favorites. These are ones I’ve read over and over again and are sure to get you in the All Hallow’s Eve mood. 😉
The Best Ghosts, Witches and Such Books
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The Mayfair Witch Series
Book 1: The Witching Hour / Book 2: Lasher / Book 3: Taltos
While many people love Anne Rice mostly for her vampire books, I love her more for her Mayfair Witch books. If there were ever a series I would love another book from, it would be the Mayfair Witch Series. These are longer books, but they suck you in and take you on a “witching” adventure like no other. Two of the three books are also primarily set in New Orleans, so of course I’m partial.
A Discovery of Witches
A Discovery of Witches is also part of a trilogy, however I’ve only read the first book so far. It’s another long one, but worth it. If you do like vampires, this book also brings in a vampire, which results in a forbidden love affair. There’s even a spell book involved. 😉
Witches of East End Series
Book 1: Witches of East End / Book 2: Serpent’s Kiss / Book 3: Winds of Salem
You might have watched the television series of the Witches of East End and while I did think it was good, it wasn’t as good as the books. These are shorter books, but still packed with all kinds of witchy goodness.
The Eden Moore Series
Book 1: Four and Twenty Blackbirds / Book 2: Wings to the Kingdom / Book 3: Not Flesh Nor Feathers
I cannot say enough good things about the Eden Moore series by Cherie Priest. The way that the woman weaves ghosts, history and the south together is just amazing. Now once more, I am partial as these books are set in the Chattanooga area, which is where I’m from. In the first book, you meet Eden Moore, who is protected by three dead women who also hold the key to unlocking mysteries of Eden’s past. The second book features a ghost whose existence stems from the Civil War and the third book has zombies. As someone who has never been a fan of anything zombie related, I loved the book.
Cherie Priest also has a new book out called The Family Plot, which is separate from the Eden Moore series, but looks equally as good. It’s on my reading list!
The Tradd Street Series
Book 1: The House on Tradd Street / Book 2: The Girl on Legare Street / Book 3: The Strangers on Montagu Street / Book 4: Return to Tradd Street
I went through this series just as quickly as I went through the Mayfair witch books. As soon as I finished The House on Tradd Street, I immediately ordered the rest of the books in the series. While the third book, The Strangers on Montagu Street is probably my least favorite in the series, all of them are still great. The series is set in Charleston and centers around Melanie Middleton who sees ghosts, however she is reluctant to embrace that talent. Soon though, she realizes that in order to unlock secrets, solve mysteries and clear the names of those wronged in the past, she must talk to the ghosts.
P.S. If you are a Tradd Street series fan, then you will be super pumped to hear that a fifth book is coming out, The Guests on South Battery in January of 2017! YAY!
Ghosts of the Southern Tennessee Valley
Ghosts of the Southern Tennessee Valley
And for all you lovers of real ghost stories, here’s one for you. A friend of mine actually wrote this book, Ghosts of the Southern Tennessee Valley, which is a collection of thirty ghost stories she researched. If you like your ghosts served up in bite-sized portions, this one’s for you. 😉
What are your favorite ghosts and witches books?
P.S. You can read my own ghost story here…
The only ghost-related books I have read are the Aunt Dimity’s cozy mystery series by Nancy Atherton, it’s a really cute series.
Thanks for the chance
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
I’ll have to check those out, Lisa!
Love the Tradd Street series.
You and me both, sister!
I love ghost stories too! I really don’t like to read too many books that have Part 1,2,3 etc. The short story book sounds just right! Thanks Jenna!
You would probably love it, Elizabeth!
I love this list! I’ve read the first Witches of East End(after being a fan of the show), but I haven’t read anything else on the list. The “Jackaby” series by William Ritter is good, although book 3 wasn’t as good as the first two. “Things Half In Shadows” by Alan Finn is also good!
Thanks for the suggestions, Christina! I haven’t heard of those so I’ll check them out!
I love all witch stories. I started the Anne Rice serirs but put it aside when Harry Potter grabbed my attention – so back to Anne for October!
Oh girl, go pick that book back up!! It’s so good!
I don’t think I have ever read a book about ghosts or witches. I’m more into vampires! I bet I would like them though. I truly believe in ghosts and spirits and am fascinated when people tell ghost stories. I would love to read the Ghosts of Tennessee Valley. I’m sure I would like it.
Me too, Lisa! 🙂 Love me a good ghost story!
I read the first of the Tradd Strret series and went to one of Karen White’s boom signings at The Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle, NC. She is such a wonderful person. Can’t wait to read the rest and some of the ones you recommend, especially the Eden Moore series. I LOVE your happy blog! Wish you were my neighbor! Flying my Freak Flag!
Thank you so much, Susan! I’m happy to hear Karen White is great in real life! that’s always nice to know! I hope you like the Eden Moore series – it’s one of my favorite ones!
Love the Tradd Street series and Harkness’s 1st & 2nd books in that series (haven’t tackled the 3rd yet). Thanks for sharing!
Think I will start with the Eden Moore series. More to add to my reading stack. Happy Halloween and may your broom always bring you back home.
Oh I hope you love it, Debra!! It’s one of my most favorite series ever!
Tradd street rocks! You should also give Ann Charles’ series in Deadwood, SD a try. Spooky and funny also. love those books!
Thanks, Tammy! I’ll check that out!
I usually don’t read witch & ghost stories….but I would love to give it a try!
Good Morning Miss Jenna
I am one of those that like my ghosts in bite sized portions.
Anne Rice, well I watch Bones, that is gory enough for me.
Have a great freaky day.
Hugs Carol
hahahaha! I totally understand, Carol!
I would love to win. I haven’t read a good ghostly story in a long time.
My first ghosty book as a teen was “Tryst” by Elswyth Thane. I’ve been hooked ever since. I like Ann Hite books: “Ghost on Black Mountain”, “The Storycatcher” and others. Looking forward to reading “Lowcountry Spirit” next.
Thanks for the book list and I think you need to re-tell/ expand on the story of your Pap’s radio!
I’ll have to look into those title, Beverly – haven’t heard of them before. Thanks!
I love anything set in Charleston and NOLa.
Oh my goodness! I didn’t know anyone else knew of Tilly Witch, let alone enjoyed it as much as I do!!!
It has been my favorite Halloween book since I got it from my elementary school reading program 24 years ago! My 10 year old daughter now loves and cherishes my copy (with my 2nd grade handwritten name in the front cover)! As a matter of fact, when we have been evacuated due to fires it is actually one of the keepsakes we pack up to take with us!
I just couldn’t not comment as I was just so thrilled someone shared our love of that silly Tilly Witch!
Happy October!
Oh, Tilly Witch is my favorite halloween book!!!!! #greatminds 😉
Jenna I cannot wait to start some new reading. Halloween and Christmas may way to go. I love spooks. Family from outside of Nashville. Country girl by heart. Thanks for sharing.
Rarely are movies as good as the books they follow! My imagination is much better then the silver screen!!! Lived with a ghost for 14 years…scary for sure!!! Would love to read the book by your friend 🙂
So true, Susan!!
Loved Anne Rice’s Mayfair witches.
Fun!!! I’d love to win a ghost story book! It’s been so long since I’ve read any, but would be great to start again! ❤️
I love Mary Higgins Clark’s books! And since I’m pretty partial to Louisiana too, anything about New Orleans and the Bayou I love! Especially if it has true history to it!
I’m the same way, Candy – love books that are set in those areas!
Yes, yes and YES! I’d love to have this for my collection. Halloween is my favorite holiday. I go a tad crazy with all the decorating, movie watching and book reading!!!! And, maybe, just maybe a little scary storytelling the night of halloween before we go trick or treating!
Oh, I bet your house is so much fun during Halloween, Alina!
This would be such a fun read for Halloween! I’m in a book club with some of the ladies in my community and this would be fun to discuss!
I love that there’s a collection of these! Crossing fingers that I get to read this spoooooooky book.
i never really got the vampire thing, but witches oh hell yea, i would put a spell on someone in a minute!
Same here, sister!!!
Devoted Anne Rice fan. Adore the Mayfair witches! Very curious about the others you mentioned, especially the Tradd St. books.
I love the Tradd St. books, Jhoti! They aren’t as good as the Mayfair witches, but still really good!
These all look and sound so good!!
yeah, so i actually bought your friend’s book when i was visiting nashville this past spring! it’s still in my to-be-read pile, but i LOVE compilations of real ghost legends.
That’s awesome, Terry! I hope you love it!
I’ve read a few Ann Rice, but not much else!
I want to read them all!
Love the Mayfair series best of all myself. Love all of Annes writings.
Thanks for the book recommendations!! I’ve shared with my closest Ghoul-friends!
But what did you do with all those skulls?? LOL!
Awesome, marti! I love these books! Oh, I did lots with them! 😉 haha!