The 'ber months are here. My favorite time of year! I can't wait to go to my favorite coffee shop this weekend (Joy Bar) and check out their fall menu. Last year, they had a delicious maple butterscotch latte that makes me drool just thinking about it.
But coffee isn't the only offering of the crisp fall months. Every single fall, my most anticipated book releases of the year always come out in the months of September and October. I'm also very fortunate to be welcoming the release of my own book during this year's spooky season! As an indie author, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight some of my favorite spooky indie books and upcoming indie releases.
by D.G. Woods
Into the Dark, We Go is perfect if you are looking for a thriller set in Appalachia. Nellie, a college dropout, is distraught after the disappearance of her boyfriend. Two years later, she sets off into Appalachia looking for answers. She finds it isn't only the woods hiding something sinister.
So Below As Above
by Amelia Saints
So Below As Above is perfect if you're looking for a moody, coastal Gothic tale during the spooky season. Marisa arrives upon the shores of Devil's Bay on the brink of death. She quickly realizes she has no memory of her life. She is aided by Dr. Kieran Lazarus and delves into the mysteries of the estate. But soon, she finds herself being followed by the Sheriff, Christian Valen, who strikes a deal with Marisa to take down Lazarus House. This story features a slow-burn love triangle exploring lingering love, the boundaries of trust, and the darkness within each of us.
If you're interested in So Below As Above ARC applications are open. Click here to apply.
The Horrors of Us
by Charlie Morgan
I couldn't mention indie spooky books without mentioning my own (not sorry). The Horrors of Us is a contemporary fantasy horror for readers who enjoy cults, eldritch gods, and sibling bonds. Quinn is forced to return to her family's cult and must participate in an ancient ritual that includes deadly trials and mind-altering rites. But when Quinn learns the truth of her power and uncovers her mother's dark secret, she must decide: become the villain to save her sister or fight fate to save herself.
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The Horrors of Us releases October 27, 2026, and is available for pre-order.
Ink Eater
by Alice G. Brooks
Ink Eater is another gothic tale following Baird, who's lived in his family manor for over two hundred years. His job is to take care of the manor, feeding it through writing and devouring stories. But one day, a story escapes and Hemming, a shapeshifter made of ink, is born. The house is not pleased and wishes to see Hemming dead. Baird must decide between protecting the life he's always had or destroying it.
Petrify
by Shaye Madison
If you're in the mood for something darker and more romantic, Petrify is the perfect book for your spooky season TBR. Mallary is a pianist and her dream is to play professionally. She takes a job as a tutor with a very wealthy family, knowing the connections could launch her career. But when she arrives at their manor, not everything is as it seems. As Mallary fills the home with music, a ghost becomes captivated... no, obsessive.
Did any of the reads on this list catch your eye? Which one are you planning to pick up first?
Your fellow ghoul,
Charlie