Spooky Reads and Easy Treats

A few atmospheric reads and some easy, tasty treats to make “spooky season” a little more special

It’s the weekend before Halloween and maybe you’re looking for a few spooky reads or a couple easy treats to make your holiday a bit more festive. Never fear: we’ve got a few ideas!

Spooky Reads

We don’t do horror or gore here at The Bookery, but if you’re looking for an atmospheric read where things aren’t always as they seem, we have a few suggestions.

Rebecca

Daphne Du Maurier’s classic, Rebecca is the story of a young second wife swept off her feet by the dashing Maxmillian de Winter. After a whirlwind romance and honeymoon, he takes her home to his family estate, Manderley, a beautiful home where everything is haunted by the memory (and possibly the ghost) of Max’s first wife, Rebecca. One of the prime people keeping Rebecca’s memory alive is Mrs. Danvers, Manderley’s housekeeper, who sets the new Mrs. de Winter up for disaster. But, as the story unfolds, you’ll begin to question if anyone is really who you thought they were. We’ll let you experience the rest, but Rebecca is a book you don’t want to miss! Get your copy.

Northanger Abbey

Gothic novels—featuring aspects of mystery and terror (and often castles and suggestions of ghosts)—were all the rage in Jane Austen’s day, and Northanger Abbey was her response. Northanger Abbey is actually a satire of a Gothic novel, but all the aspects are there. A young, attractive heroine travels with the Tilneys to their family estate, an old manor full of dark corners and presumed secrets. Austen is making fun of gothic novels, so go along for the ride—and enjoy it! Read it now.

The Distant Hours

Kate Morton is a favorite here at The Bookery, and The Distant Hours is one of her best. Morton is one of the best when it comes to crafting stories set in two time periods that somehow intersect, and The Distant Hours tells the story of Edie Burchill and her mother’s mysterious past at Milderhurst Castle. After receiving a long-lost letter, Edie travels to the old castle to unravel her mother’s secrets and uncover the truth. Try it for yourself.

The Thirteenth Tale

We haven’t read this one, but it comes highly recommended as an atmospheric book that doesn’t fall into the horror category. It’s the story of Vida Winter, a reclusive writer, who has spun a number of outlandish life histories for herself, but as an old woman, senses it’s time to tell the truth. She chooses biographer Margaret Lea to help her, and the two delve into the tragic past Vida has long kept hidden. Published in 2006, the book follows in the path of Victorian gothic novels. Get a copy.

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is mentioned frequently in The Thirteenth Tale—and fall is the perfect time to read Charlotte Bronte’s masterpiece. Jane Eyre follows the life of its title character, from unwanted orphan to adult. Eventually Jane’s path crosses with Edward Rochester. Jane has come to Thornfield Hall, Rochester’s home, to serve as governess to his ward, Adele. But Jane quickly realizes that all is not as it seems at Thornfield Hall, and Mr. Rochester is full of secrets. Jane Eyre is part love story, but it’s also full of brooding secrets and mysteries to be unveiled. If you’ve never read this classic, why not start now? Read it now!

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Easy Treats

No tricks here, just plenty of treats! If you’re looking for a few tasty treats (that also happen to be incredibly easy) to liven up your weekend, we’ve also got a few ideas about that! Yes, you can find a million different spooky treats out there, but we’re highlighting a few of our fall favorites that don’t involve decorating, dipping or any other time-intensive decorating process. These are easy treats you can whip up fast!

Pumpkin Dessert

We’ve highlighted it here before, but this one is as easy as stirring up a pumpkin mixture and topping it with cake mix and butter! It’s easy; it’s delicious; and it’s fast! Get the recipe.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our founder has an entire Pinterest board devoted to chocolate chip cookie recipes, but this is her favorite. They’re soft, delicious and only make about 2 to 2 ½ dozen cookies!

Butterscotch Pudding

We have a thing for butterscotch pudding here at The Bookery, and we get it if it’s not your thing. But if you’re looking for a pretty simple made-from-scratch recipe for this favorite, we recommend the Smitten Kitchen’s.

Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies

Love oatmeal cream pies? Well, wait until you’ve had one that’s made from scratch in your own kitchen! Oatmeal cream pies seem like another perfect fall treat, so why not give this recipe from My Baking Addiction a try?

Apple Butter Cheesecake Bars

Toasted pecans and oatmeal with apple butter AND cheesecake filling? Apple butter cheesecake bars may be the most time-intensive treat on our list, but you won’t regret the time it took to make them. They’re perfect with a cup of coffee (and we fully support eating them for breakfast)! Try this recipe.