Spooky Reads for Halloween
Chilling Picks from Luath Press
As the nights draw in and a chill grips the air, it’s the perfect time to curl up with a spine-tingling tale. This Halloween let’s dive into some of the eeriest books from Luath Press. Whether you’re in the mood for historical horror, supernatural suspense or folklore-inspired fiction, these reads are guaranteed to haunt your imagination long after you’ve turned the last page.
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A Case of Desecration in the West by Douglas Watt
For those seeking a historical murder mystery with a dash of the macabre, look no further than A Case of Desecration in the West, the sixth book in Douglas Watt’s John MacKenzie series. Set in Scotland in 1691, this atmospheric novel plunges readers into a world of superstition, secrecy and sinister events—perfect for Halloween reading.
Hooded figures are seen skulking through the woods, and graves are being desecrated under the cover of night. The small town is on edge when the body of Bethia Porterfield is found floating in the River Clyde, her death is swiftly ruled a suicide by local authorities. However, the formidable Duchess of Hamilton, who knew the young woman, is unconvinced. She enlists the help of John MacKenzie, an advocate turned detective, to uncover the truth.
Accompanied by his trusty assistant Davie Scougall, MacKenzie delves into the shadowy mysteries surrounding Bethia’s death. As they arrive at Hamilton Palace, it becomes clear that everyone connected to the case is hiding something, and MacKenzie faces a web of deceit and dark secrets. Was Bethia’s death a tragic accident, a deliberate suicide or something far more insidious?
Watt masterfully combines historical intrigue with a creeping sense of dread, as the desecrated graves and eerie happenings around the Clyde heighten the tension. The novel is rich with period detail and delivers a chilling portrayal of Scotland’s past.
The sinister atmosphere and vivid depictions of 17th-century Scotland will transport you to a time when the dead didn’t always rest easy, and the truth was often shrouded in darkness.
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The Boy, The Witch & The Queen of Scots by Barbara Henderson
For a thrilling historical adventure perfect for young readers this Halloween, look no further than Barbara Henderson’s The Boy, The Witch & The Queen of Scots. This gripping children’s novel transports us to the dangerous world of 16th-century Scotland, where 12-year-old Alexander Buchan is drawn into a web of intrigue, betrayal and danger.
Alexander begins his journey as an apprentice falconer at Strathbogie Castle in Huntly, but when he’s sent to the court of Mary, Queen of Scots, everything changes. The boy is soon entangled in the political and religious turmoil that surrounds the young Queen, as well as the dark rumours swirling around his master’s wife—who is said to be a witch.
The stakes rise dramatically when Alexander’s friend Lizzie is arrested, and with the Reformation threatening to engulf Scotland in chaos, Alexander faces an impossible choice: to spy, or to die. Henderson masterfully blends historical facts with a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With elements of suspense, supernatural intrigue and a vividly evoked setting, this is a perfect read for Halloween, packed with enough thrills to captivate young readers—and even adults too.
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Blood City by Douglas Skelton
For those who enjoy gritty crime fiction, Blood City by Douglas Skelton offers a blood-soaked journey into the heart of Glasgow’s criminal underworld. Set in the 1980s, the novel introduces us to Davie McCall, a young man hardened by years of abuse from his father and shaped by a city drowning in violence and corruption. McCall isn’t your average henchman—he lives by a strict moral code, even while working for Glasgow’s notorious crime lord, Joe ‘the Tailor’ Klein.
Joe the Tailor is a ruthless figure, but he has his limits. He despises drugs, refuses to use foul language, and has a zero-tolerance policy for violence against women. Davie shares these values, which only complicates his situation as the criminal world around him begins to shift. As new players seek to dominate Glasgow’s streets by flooding them with drugs, alliances fracture and violence explodes. The city’s underworld begins to tear itself apart, and Davie is forced into the fray, walking the fine line between loyalty to the Tailor and survival.
But amid the chaos, Davie’s world is shaken further by the arrival of a young reporter. As she draws him into questioning his life of crime, Davie faces the difficult truth that escaping the shadows of his past may not be possible. Skelton’s Blood City is a riveting portrayal of Glasgow at a pivotal time, weaving together a tale of betrayal, loyalty, and violence with compelling intensity.
Perfect for fans of hard-hitting crime fiction, Blood City will keep you on edge with its fast-paced action, vividly drawn characters and the moral dilemmas that come with life in the underworld. If you’re looking for a gripping Halloween read that swaps the supernatural for gritty realism, this is one to add to your list.
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Borders Witch Hunt by Mary W Craig
For those with an interest in the darker chapters of Scottish history, Borders Witch Hunt by Mary W. Craig offers a fascinating and chilling exploration of the witch trials that took place in the Scottish Borders during the 17th century. This meticulously researched book provides a comprehensive overview of the witch hunts that swept across the region during a time of great political and social turmoil.
The 17th century was a period of upheaval in both Scotland and Britain, marked by civil war, the abolition of the monarchy, the plague and the aftermath of the Reformation. Craig delves into how these significant events shaped the social context that allowed fear and suspicion to flourish, leading to an increased number of witch trials and executions. The book sheds light on the political, geographical, religious and legal structures that underpinned these brutal persecutions, offering a thorough analysis of how power dynamics and societal tensions contributed to the witch hunts.
Beyond exploring the trials themselves, Borders Witch Hunt also examines the complex role of women within these tragic events. Women were often at the heart of these accusations—both as accusers and as the accused—and the book provides a thought-provoking look at the gendered nature of the witch hunts. Craig highlights how patriarchal structures and anxieties around women’s roles in society fuelled much of the hysteria, and she gives voice to the often-overlooked stories of those women whose lives were destroyed by these trials.
For readers drawn to historical non-fiction with a focus on social justice and gender dynamics, Borders Witch Hunt offers a deeply insightful and thought-provoking account of a dark period in Scottish history. This is a perfect choice for Halloween reading, especially for those intrigued by real-life accounts of fear, superstition and persecution.
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The Wicker Tree by Robin Hardy
For fans of cult horror, The Wicker Tree by Robin Hardy is a must-read this Halloween. Written by the director of the iconic 1973 film The Wicker Man, Hardy’s novel serves as a spiritual successor to the original story, exploring the tension between modern evangelical Christianity and ancient Celtic paganism. The narrative centres on Beth, a gospel singer from Texas, and her cowboy boyfriend Steve, two virgins determined to bring the light of Christ to the remote Scottish village of Tressock. However, what begins as a mission of faith quickly spirals into something far darker.
In Tressock, the villagers follow the “old religion of the Celts,” and while they welcome Beth and Steve with open arms, the couple is blissfully unaware of the sinister intentions behind their hosts’ hospitality. With chilling parallels to the story of The Wicker Man, The Wicker Tree builds a slow-burning atmosphere of dread, exploring themes of faith, sacrifice and cultural clash. As Beth and Steve are drawn deeper into the villagers’ seemingly idyllic yet eerie world, Hardy crafts a tale that is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking.
The book's exploration of religious belief, particularly the contrast between evangelical Christianity and paganism, provides a fascinating backdrop for the tension that unfolds. The Wicker Tree is not for the faint-hearted. Hardy’s tale mixes eroticism, horror and dark humour to create a story that will leave readers deeply unsettled.
For those who love horror steeped in folklore and ritual, The Wicker Tree delivers a chilling story of innocence lost and the dark power of belief. It’s the perfect read for Halloween, evoking the same eerie, unsettling mood that has made The Wicker Man a classic of the genre. Prepare to be both captivated and horrified by Hardy’s masterful storytelling.
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The Nine Maidens by Stuart McHardy
When King Arthur was conveyed to Avalon, they were there.
When Odin summoned warriors to Valhalla, they were there.
When Brendan arrived at the mystical Island of Women, they were there.
They are the Nine Maidens, mysterious figures who appear in myths and legends from cultures around the world. In The Nine Maidens, Stuart McHardy traces the appearances of these groups of nine women across history and mythology, from the mothers of the Norse god Heimdall to the witches who battled with St Patrick in Irish folklore. McHardy explores how these powerful, enigmatic women feature in stories from as far afield as Siberia, Korea, India and Africa.
What begins as a local legend from McHardy’s native Dundee opens into a fascinating exploration of female power, spirituality and mystery that transcends cultures and centuries. Whether depicted as Valkyries, muses, saints or witches, the Nine Maidens seem to represent a universal archetype. McHardy’s work is not just an academic study but a captivating journey into the shadowy corners of history and folklore, where these figures continue to inspire awe and wonder.
For those intrigued by mythology, ancient folklore or the divine feminine, The Nine Maidens is an enthralling read. This Halloween, let these powerful women guide you through the mists of time and myth, their presence echoing across cultures and lands, offering a unique blend of history, mystery and magic.
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Six Black Candles by Des Dillon
For a wickedly funny and darkly magical read this Halloween, look no further than Six Black Candles by Des Dillon. Winner of multiple awards—including the 2000 Television Arts Performance Showcase Writer of the Year Award, the 2001 International Festival of Playwriting Award, and the 2004 Critics Award for Theatre in Scotland (Best Ensemble Play)—this contemporary classic is a sharp and sinister blend of family drama, witchcraft and dark comedy.
When Caroline’s husband runs off with his assistant Stacie Gracie from the meat counter, he triggers more wrath than he ever could have imagined. Caroline’s family of fierce women—five sisters, a formidable mother and their Granny Oul Mary—are no strangers to spells and curses. Together, they invoke the ominous Six Black Candles, a lethal spell designed to exact revenge. Mess with these women at your own peril.
But the real question is, can Caroline and her volatile family stay focused long enough to see the spell through? Or will their penchant for bickering and hilariously chaotic antics get in the way?
Dillon’s brilliant writing captures the raw, humorous dynamics of sisterhood and the deep-seated traditions of superstition and revenge. Beneath the wild comedy is a story of familial love and loyalty, tinged with the bitterness of betrayal and the heat of revenge.
If you’re in the mood for something as comical as it is eerie, this book will have you spellbound.
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The Good Witch of Abbotsford by Alasdair Hutton
If you're in search of a heartwarming yet magical Halloween story perfect for readers of all ages, The Good Witch of Abbotsford by Alasdair Hutton is a must-read. Set against the backdrop of the enchanted woodlands of Abbotsford, the novel introduces us to Morag, a kind-hearted witch who finds herself amid a dark and dangerous plot.
When the wicked leader of Morag's coven hatches a sinister plan to kidnap local children, Morag knows she must act fast. Armed with her magic, courage and determination, she embarks on a thrilling adventure to thwart the evil scheme and rescue the children. But as she navigates the dark forces closing in around her, the stakes become higher, and Morag must summon all her strength and bravery to save the day.
The Good Witch of Abbotsford is a tale of courage, friendship and the triumph of good over evil, making it a delightful choice for readers who love a magical adventure. With its enchanting woodland setting and a strong, compassionate heroine, this story is a perfect pick for a lighter yet still thrilling Halloween read. Will Morag’s magic and bravery be enough to defeat the wicked powers and bring peace back to Abbotsford? There’s only one way to find out!
Perfect for younger readers or anyone who enjoys a good witch story, The Good Witch of Abbotsford is a reminder that even in the darkest times, kindness and bravery can shine through.
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From haunted isles to ghostly mysteries, Luath Press offers a rich selection of eerie reads to keep you company this Halloween. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding thrills, classic Gothic horror or a journey into Scotland’s supernatural past, these books are sure to deliver a memorable fright. So, grab a blanket, turn down the lights and let these stories transport you into a world of ghosts, ghouls and mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
Happy Halloween—and happy haunting reading!