There’s something about seeing a dark creepy wood that makes you just…WANNA GO INSIDE IT AND POTENTIALLY DIE.
It’s a compulsion really. So exciting. You never know what you might find! Generally people find trees and ponds and itchy bugs, but the possibility of finding (A) dead people, (B) evil faeries ready to have your soul, (C) forces of the darkness, (D) Sauron’s holiday house, (E) leeches, or (F) monsters with bad temperaments — IS REALLY RATHER HUGE. Although leads me to ask why we should ever go outdoors???? The risk is too great.
In case you are like me (aka: opposed to death) and do not want to get eaten by forces of darkness or, worse, mosquitos — I have compiled a list of books today about dark creepy little towns and dark creepy little woods. This should quench your adventuring spirit and keep you alive.
Also FACT: I actually love books about creepy woods. If you say “Hey Cait I think there’s a dark forest thing happening in this bo–“ I will be there, reading it, before you finish the word BOOK. But I have sense okay? Read about the creepy woods. DO NOT GO FROLICKING ABOUT WITHIN YOURSELF. #sensible
I’m linking up with Top Ten Tuesday for “Top Ten ALL TIME Favourite Books Of X Genre” and that’s hard for me because I recently listed my favourite diverse fantasy and my favourite general fantasy SO WHAT IS LEFT TO TALK ABOUT?!??! FANTASY IS LIFE. So let’s pretend “creepy woods and creepy towns” is a genre, okay? We’re good? We’re definitely good.
1. THE RAVEN CYCLE BY MAGGIE STIEFVATER
[goodreads]
In case you are new here: HI, MY NAME IS CAIT AND I’M OBSESSED WITH THE RAVEN CYCLE. Sometimes I’ll be quiet and not talk about them for, like, 5 whole minutes, but then I must explode and gush because they’re the best books I’ve EVER READ. And reread. And had many slight crisis over because #emotions.
Anyway! Creepy woods within! Although you can argue that Cabeswater (that’s the name of the woods, because you must always name things) isn’t really creepy until the final book, The Raven King. But whatever. CREEPY STUFF IS ALL OVER THE PLACE IN THIS SERIES. It’s beautiful. Someone frame it.
2. THE CRESSWELL PLOT BY ELIZA WASS
[goodreads]
The Australian edition is actually called “In the Dark, In the Woods” which — while that title promotes staying indoors and surviving — IS REALLY A HORRIBLE TITLE COMPARED TO THE MAJESTY OF THE CRESSWELL PLOT. So I’m ignoring it. I’m going to just Cresswell.
Also this book is freakishly fantastic. The woods are VERY dark and creepy but the monster is human, because it’s contemporary. But it has a big family and sass and amazing names (Castely?!? Mortimer?! Caspar??! I love this!!) and the ending will rob you of all sanity. 10/10 would recommend being damaged by this book again.
3. THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST BY HOLLY BLACK
[goodreads]
This book features two siblings + a boy with horns in a glass coffin in the woods. And they want to wake him OF COURSE. Nobody sends these people to Class 101 Of Do Not Wake Creepy Things Or You Will Die.
Also, this book is just so aesthetically pleasing and eerie and I love it. But then Holly Black is the QUEEN of the creepy.* ALSO BEFORE YOU DASH OFF: have you seen the book trailer? It’s spectacular. I usually hate book trailers ** but this is how you do it.
* This seems like an insult but it’s really the most gargantuanly nice compliment ever. I SWEAR I LOVE YOU HOLLY BLACK.
** Because whyyyyy do we need book trailers? IT’S A BOOK. IT’S NOT A FILM. Plus I don’t take kindly to being told how to imagine things, thank you very much.
4. THE ACCIDENT SEASON BY MOIRA FOWLEY-DOYLE
[goodreads]
This doesn’t actually feature woods that much. Just the small creepy town where weird things happen — like a family who is cursed to have accidents happen to them. YOU KNOW…just your regular family curse. I’m sure this is normal.
It is also very aesthetically pleasing with the levels of strangeness and mystery. I wanted to actually eat this book because that’s what you do when you find something so amazing. I’m sure this, too, is normal. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ AND/OR EAT IT.
* If I say another variation of “aesthetically pleasingly creepy” after this you can hit me WITH AND AESTHETICALLY PLEASING HAMMER.
5. DEMON ROAD BY DEREK LANDY
[goodreads]
This only half counts because it’s actually a roadtrip. But why go to one place with creepy town / woods when you could go to SEVERAL AND GET EATEN BY TREES AND MONSTERS AND MAN-EATING CARS!!??! Honestly if that’s not your idea of a fun holiday roadtrip, I don’t know what is.
It disturbs me when people go on relaxing holidays.
6. SISTERS RED BY JACKSON PEARCE
[goodreads]
This is a prime example of why life as an outdoor person is not good for you: THERE ARE WEREWOLVES OUT THERE. This book combines creepy little town + creepy woods = very admirably. Plus it’s a retelling. Plus it’s about sisters. (I hope you figured that out on your own though.) Plus it’s about monster hunting. PLUS I REALLY LIKED IT.
Gosh, any more pluses and we’ll be doing maths and that would be an abomination.
7. THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE BY NEIL GAIMAN
[goodreads]
This is such a delightfully quaint little book about parents who get a babysitter for their kids AND THE BABYSITTER IS TOTALLY THIS EVIL THING THAT WILL CREEPY YOU OUT OF YOUR BUNNY SLIPPERS. It also features (A) creepy little town, (B) creepy little woods, (C) creepy worms that crawl into your skin, (D) Creepy McCreeperton everywhere.
Wait. Why are you hesitating? Why are you running away??? COME BACK I’VE GOT MORE FUN RECOMMENDATIONS TO GO!
8. WINK POPPY MIDNIGHT BY APRIL GENEVIEVE TUCHOLKE
[goodreads]
This is written like a whimsical fairy tale and includes three teens who are GENERALLY HORRIBLE but also their story is generally addictive. This book is so so messed up I love it. Like what could be better than creepy abandon houses and creepy little towns and creepy teenage psychopaths and also a severe amount of ice cream appreciation???
9. SPLINTERED BY AG HOWARD
[goodreads]
Technically this isn’t a creepy little town because it’s set in Wonderland, which (we might agree) is a whole different world. BUT WHO CARES ABOUT DETAILS?? * This is like Tim Burton-esque creeptastic forests and woods. Not to mention the macabre art Alyssa does.
Seriously, This Is The Actual Thought Process of Alyssa Doing Art:
Alyssa: I’m going to stick all these dead bugs into a mosaic.
Alyssa: Ooh, and add some jewels!
Alyssa: If only the jewels were red…
General Human: Paint?
Alyssa: OMG WHAT ABOUT BLOOD!!!
General Human: [panicked retreat]
Everything about this series is gorgeously and fantastically odd and rabid. **
* Clearly not me, sheesh, what is this.
** Is this my homeland?!? Is this my memoir??! DO I BELONG IN WONDERLAND?!?! ***
*** Yes. Yes I do. And also yes I just put footnotes on my footnotes and is this even legal??? SORRY I DIDN’T LOOK UP FOOTNOTE ETIQUETTE AND NOW IT’S TOO LATE TO GO BACK AND BE POLITE.
10. BONE GAP BY LAURA RUBY
[goodreads]
Again, no creepy woods, this is when we talk about CREEPY LITTLE TOWNS. It features a boy who never knows what’s going on, has no friends, walks about in his own daydreams, and knows someone has been kidnapped by a monster but NOBODY BELIEVES HIM BECAUSE HE’S A VAGUE DREAMY COB OF CORN. It’s beautiful. I love this book.
Although I also feel a little attacked by this book because it features bees and cornfields…both of which I AM ALLERGIC TO. And so here is this vague dreamy amazing boy eating s’mores dipped in honey and having midnight rides on a black horse that just APPEARED in his barn while he looks for a crack between worlds in the cornfield to find his friend and I’m like — “I WANT TO COME ON THIS ADVENTURE SO BAD BUT I WOULD DIE OF HAYFEVER IN 2 SECONDS.” I’m so upset.
Hm. The only YA ones that comes to mind straight off is the DARK SECRETS series by Elizabeth Chandler and DEAD IS… series by Marlene Perez. Former is more spooky mystery, latter weird stuff going down everywhere. I’ll keep thinking though.
However I do have some comic/graphic novel suggestions that involve creepy towns and/or woods!
COURTNEY CRUMRIN AND THE NIGHT THINGS by Ted Naifeh
GOOD NEIGHBORS trilogy by Holly Black & Ted Naifeh
The EDWARD SCISSORHANDS ongoing series.
(The following are more adult, and get more graphic. Just a warning)
LOCKE & KEY by Joe Hill (aka Stephen King’s son) and Gabriel Rodriguez
COFFIN HILL by Caitlin Kittredge and Inaki Miranda
RACHEL RISING by Terry Moore
REVIVAL by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton
WYTCHES by Scott Snyder and Jock
NAILBITER by Joshua Williamson and Mike Henderson (what could be creepier than a small town which seems to produce serial killers?)
In short, if you want creepy towns and creepy woods, look into graphic novels. That’s where I tend to find the good stuff.
Ooh I haven’t heard of either of those YA ones or any of the adult ones! Which isn’t surprising because I don’t read a lot of adult.😂 But thanks for the recommendations!!
I’m not surprised, as many people haven’t heard of them today it seems.
DARK SECRETS was originally pubbed in the early 2000s; like works by LJ Smith and other writers of paranormal YA in the 90s and early 00s they were reprinted in bind-ups after the post-Twilight PNR YA boom. (The early vampire works, such as Silver Kiss and The Vampire Diaries, were obvious choices to bring back.)
The Dead Is… series started back in 08, as that trend was dying down (partially due to the worn out nature of it, and the negative response to Breaking Dawn) and the dystopia trend was coming with Hunger Games.
What a perfect post for this time of the year! I’m so excited for everything autumn and that definitely includes creepy books. I know it’s ‘been done’ a bit, but my favorite book for this time of the year is Stephen King’s “The Stand” – it gives me all the creeps in a way that I love.
Also, the pictures on your blog are always so lovely!
The Accident Season is soooo creepy in a good way. I’m honestly still kind of creeped out by it, several months after I’ve finished reading it. And yes, Holly Black is the queen of fabulously creepy books. I love her writing.
Honestly, I’m not on the best terms with the outdoors. The last time I took a hike (which was a seven hour one by the way) the path started to crumble out from under my feet and fall into the sheer cliff on the other side. And then a tree fell down, blocking the path which was literally two feet wide. I may or may not still be scarred from that experience. 😀 Great post! 🙂
AGREED. I loved the Accident Season so much last year that I think I spontaneously combusted. Like twice. AHHHHH. S SO GOOD. And I will read anything and everything Holly Black writes. No questions. <3
I do like going for walks/runs but like….in the suburbs. On roads. Where no creeptastic monsters are coming for me.😂 But omg your 7hr hike sounds a little dangerous there, Melissa. NOTE TO SELF: NEVER GO OUTSIDE AGAIN.
Haha I think that is a very important note to self. I will definitely keep it in mind next time I open my door and consider stepping outside. XD Danger is EVERYWHERE.
OOOH I love creepy books! I haven’t read many books featuring creepy little towns (I’ve watched more TV shows about them though) but I’ll be sure to keep all these in mind! 🙂
TV shows make those creepy little towns EVEN WORSE!! And by “worse” I mean, better, obviously.😉 LOVE IT.
I have pretty much all of these on my TBR … 🙂 I do love me some creepy forests… And then I go out and drive by one and I’m like… Why would anyone, fictitious or real, even venture out there? Don’t they watch horror movies or read creepy books?!? Ohhhh… Tim Burton should definitely take on the Splintered series and film it! That would be so cool!!
OH GOOD. I approve of your TBR. *nods sagely* But dude, yes, omg, every time I see a place that looks remotely creepy I’m out of there. I HAVE SEEN THE HORROR MOVIES. I KNOW WHAT’S UP.
I would literally die of all the happy if Tim Burton did Splintered.😍
I APPROVE. Creepy ANYTHING should get it’s own genre. I love creepy settings (some of the best imagery) in which I’m traumatised momentarily whilst reading before I ~forget~ and then come back. I’ve got to adventure somehow right? Though some characters make me eye roll sometimes with their stupid, “brave” decisions – have they not seen any horror movie?!? Obviously I would have 159% better decision making in those situations and would totally survive *sees outside* nah… maybe not today. Great list Cait!!!
Yessss. So much creepy appreciation! (Okay, wait. That sounded better in my head.) AHEM.😂 And yes this is like a much safer way to have the creeptastic adventures. Instead of finding ourselves a town where the floor eats us or something. #sensible
I do love creepy things. Cabeswater is creepy all over. There’s that tree in The Raven Boys that Adam foresees himself [spoiler] in, and it’s the place where they discovered that Noah was [spoiler], and literally every scene spent there in The Raven King is the creepiest of creepy scenes. There is a reason why Cabeswater is one of my favourite settings. 🙂
YES YES THAT TREE! Actually, like the entire of Henrietta is a bit creepy. Jesse Dittley’s cave? Blue’s house? THE CREEPY CHURCH??! *nods* So glorious. I love it all. And the Raven King wins for absolutely creeping me out. SO BEAUTIFUL. I AM WEIRD BUT DON’T EVEN CARE.
Creepy is definitely a genre. I love your book selections (and the photos!)
Here’s my TTT: https://4thhouseontheleft.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/top-ten-tuesday-all-time-favorite-books-in-x-genre/
Aww, thankyou!! It was a rush to get this photoshoot done this time but WORTH IT.😂
Well Mirkwood and Fangorn from Middle-earth are the two most dangerous and freaky forests I’ve ever read of.
AND OMG I LOVE CABESWATER. I wasn’t creeped out by it though.
SO TRUE. I mean, I haven’t read the books (shhhh) but in the Hobbit movie those were some DOWNRIGHT CREEPY WOODS WITH ALL THOSE SPIDERS EW EW NO NO. *stays in hobbiton forever*
Oh yes, creepy forests/towns shoudl definitely be it’s own genre! Sadly, I have not yet ready many books in that genre. I read the Raven Cycle (LOVED IT) and Splintered (LOVED IT), but the others are still on my TBR. Definitely making them a priority because they are the perfect read for the Halloween season. Which is already now. For me anyway 😉
But at least you’ve read The Raven Cycle and Splintered since they’re like the most important things on this list clearly *nods* OH AND YES! This list will be very good around Halloween time, right?!?😂 I don’t really do Halloween so I didn’t think of that haha.
I would not fit in as a character in a creepy movie, tv-series or book series. I’m always the one who runs in the other direction when things get too creepy. Ha ha. But as a reader, I’m much more brave and gladly takes chances! I love The raven cycle. Need to finish the series next month. One of my favorites! Never read any of the other books you mentions. But Bone Gap by Laura Ruby is one of the books I want to read once in the future.
You would be the one who LIVES though so at least that’s good. *nods* I mean, what is it with all those people being like “hey that wood looks dubious…wanna explore?” I MEAN, WHERE ARE YOUR BRAINS, PEOPLE. *smacks them*
I’m so so glad you’re a Raven Cycle fan too! *shrieks*
HOORAY I completely agree with you! This is the best genre! And now I have new book recommendations, thank you!
Have you read THE LYNBURN LEGACY trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan? If not GO READ IT. AND THEN YOU WILL DIE. AND THEN COME BACK AND TELL US ALL HOW MUCH YOU LOVE IT. It has the best, creepiest town ever.
P.S. No wonder you love Gansey! You empathize with his bee allergy!
YAYYY I AM GLAD YOU’RE WITH ME ON THIS! And no I haven’t read The Lynburn Legacy and I will go look it up immediately because HELLO YES I WANT BOOKS THAT’LL KILL ME. Obviously. This is a bookworm’s greatest priority *nods*
Omggg, YES! I didn’t think about that with Gansey.😂 Although I’m not deathly allergic so at least there’s that.😂
Great list! I still need to read The Raven King (I’m so behind on reading *cries* ). But I’ve read quite a few on your list, so whoohoo! 😀
Clearly you have SPECTACULAR taste in books then *gives you cake*
I can’t ever say no to cake. How did you know? *eats cake* ^_^
LOVING YOUR BOOK CIRCLE. Just sayin’.
And ahhhhh I do love creepy books. Especially Wink Poppy Midnight. That book was all kinds of awesome. AND SPLINTEREDDDDDD. Also I can’t wait for Roseblood omg.
THANK YOU. I was building that while babysitting and my niece/nephew were really confused about my priorities. And then they wanted to stand in the middle.😂
But YES OMG Wink Poppy Midnight was freakishly good. And I won’t deny I want to buy a copy just because of that cover. 😂
ROSEBLOOD COME TO ME. *flails*
Ohhh I love the cover for Sisters Red! I think I just love any cover that you can turn around and get a ‘2nd’ cover on the back.
And yes! Creepy towns is definitely a genre that exists. I suspect because actually everyone is terrified of new places, especially small towns because smaller amounts of people can share secrets. Also probably all the horror movies set in small towns that are secretly cult or devil worshipper towns. Honestly, I wonder if people in small towns have developed a complex from this…
Sisters Red is SO AWESOME. My copy is totally bashed up but that’s because it’s a library sale copy.😂 And I wanted it for bookstagram reasons but IT’S REALLY BEEN OVER-LOVED. Heheh. Ahem. But yes! I love those clever kinds of covers.
oh yes, those smaller towns love to share their secrets and their pies and their murder. *nods* So shifty. I’m sure people in small towns either resent this or just go with it because WHO KNOWS, LISELLE. MAYBE THE BOOKS ARE TELLING THE TRUTH. *screams and moves to a city*
OMG creepy woods books are the best!! (although I haven’t read the Raven Boys series *yet* – if you love it this much then IT MUST BE GOOD!). My co-workers, just yesterday, hurled a book at me called And the Trees Crept In because a) all the reviews say it is epic and has stunning plot twists and b) they refuse to read scary books so they immediately pitch them at me with an order TO REPORT bcuz they don’t want to read the book, but they need to know the plot twists ASAP. Guess that just means all the awesome books for me? Also, no woods in real life. Too scary. Books have taught me indoors is best, preferably surrounded by other books. 😀
I LOVE THE RAVEN CYCLE MORE THAN LIFE, BECCA. GO READ IT. IMMEDIATELY. I WILL PILE THEM ON YOUR HEAD. *piles books over you and bribes you with pancakes so you read them*
The Trees Crept In sounds FANTASTICALLY HORRIBLE. I want it.
‘A vague dreamy cob of corn’ Lol, I love it!! I also loved Bone Gap, too. That book is why I’d love to try and tackle a magical realism novel some day (as in writing one, not actually hitting it and taking it to the ground). Have you read the Lockwood & Co series? OMG. They are amazing!! No woods, but definitely a creepy town (such as London, which has been over ran by ghosts). If you haven’t read these yet, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND them. Lockwood & Co is right up there as my fav series, along w/The Raven Boys. Oh, and another book I thought of when reading your list, was The Creeping. Creepy, and there’s woods. Score! 😉
Omg you’ve read Bone Gap?!? COME STAND WITH ME, MY INSTA-FRIEND, BECAUSE NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE READ IT AND I LOVE LOVE IT SO MUCH. <3 Also I want to write magical realism someday too!! I haven't quite figured out how but...writing bucket list?!😂
And I haven't read Lockwood and Co but I've heard of it! But omg on par with The Raven Boys?! *dashes off to go find these books*
Thank you for hitting it on the head with book trailers – I never understood why they existed and almost never watch them. However, upon you recommendation, I had to watch that one and you’re right, super creepy. I’m sad to say I haven’t read any of these but I recently bought the Splintered series and I also own The Cresswell Plot. Creepy towns are awesome but then I’m weird like that. Also, I had no idea Demon Road had man-eating cars – sign me up!
Omg, it’s so so true. I mean, we are going to READ a book, not WATCH a book, so what’s the point of book trailers?!? And half of them are so ridiculously cheesy anyway ugh.😂 At least with a 30 second one there is less risk of it being horrible hahah. ANYWAY!! YAY FOR SPLINTERED ALSO! And I hope you like the Cresswell Plot because I need people to flail with over that one.😂
I do like creepy towns and woods in books. I really need to read more of these, like The Darkest Part of the Forest and The Accident Season.
Yesss, you do!!! *piles all the glorious creepy books on your head*
Yes, it is a genre. 😉
The Darkest Part of the Forest and I have a complicated relationship – Holly Black is a master of storytelling – I love her style and the setting she presents, but her characters feel two-dimensional really fast to me, and it’s really difficult for me to finish a book like this. I kept going back to it, and on my 3rd try, I was like, “Sorry, Ms. Black, sorry, fans, I’m just not finishing this one yet.” Hazel was irritating the bananas out of me, and quite honestly I was beginning to hope she’d get destroyed by the Prince. 😛
Aw, I’m sorry you didn’t like The Darkest Part of the Forest. It’s one of my favourites ever! I love Hazel.
There was something about the mid-way point… It was like the character development just vanished. Maybe I’ll pick it up again and try to finally finish it…
Ooooh it must be at least a little devastating that you already covered the all time favorite fantasy on your previous posts 😛 but I admit this is a great save lol I’ve read The Raven Cycle, obviously THANKS TO YOU, and I loooove Cabeswater! Cabeswater is like the sixth member of Gansey’s squad and yes it eventually got creepy! I’ve been planning to read Splintered and Winky Poppy Midnight for forever! Also, what’s with the title difference? In the dark, in the woods sounds pretty plain compared to The Cresswell Plot :’) great list! <3
Don’t worry! I’ll talk about fantasy again SOON. I mean, well, technically this list is like 80% fantasy anyway, right?!?😂 AND ZOMG I AM SO HAPPY YOU READ THE RAVEN CYCLE THIS LITERALLY MAKES ME SO GLAD I SHALL DO A HAPPY FLAIL AND SHRIEK.
I’m so annoyed about The Cresswell Plot title different GAH. I libraried it and was just glaring at the cover the whole time, so I plan to buy it with the NICE title eventually.😂
I’ve read exactly half of the books on your list – so I better get reading, starting with The Cresswell Plot! I think The Raven Boys is the best choice for your number one spot!
Yessss. I mean, I’m entirely predictable with shouting about the Raven Boys at every opportunity, right?!😂 BUT SO WORTH IT.
I love creepy forests. I’d live in one if I could. (Because I have no sense of self-preservation.) I’ve read a few of these, but now I’m interested in The Cresswell Plot. Great list.
Well, you would definitely be eaten by a monster in no time, but WELL, GOOD LUCK SURVIVING IN YOUR CREEPY FOREST DREAM HOUSE, AJ.
Haha, several of these books made it onto my Magical Realism list, but I also love books set in creepy towns and creepy woods. I need to read The Cresswell Plot asap!
Yes yes!! Everyone needs to try the gloriousness that is The Cresswell plot!!
I think that creepy places falls nicely in that space between horror, paranormal, and urban fantasy (btw, why is rural fantasy not a thing?) I do find this category/genre a bit hit and miss though. I didn’t really like the Coldest Girl in Coldtown, but Splintered was dang excellent. I have asthma that is triggered by mould so: probably not. (also right now I’m not surviving because my laptop;s VGA cable is dyyyiiing and it has to LEAVE ME and get fixed which is just horrible. Sorry, I just wanted to complain to someone.) I do, however, like the outdoors. I volantarily run in the outdoors 5x a week and I also live in a forest not a road that is currently very misty (you should come visit, haha, it would suit you) The outdoors is definitely worth it for me 🙂
Rural fantasy SHOULD be a thing. I get so confused with all the sub-genres of fantasy. Like when is it urban fantasy and when is it paranormal? HAAAALP. *collapses in a heap of confusion* This is why I sort my bookshelves by colour and not genre.😂
Ugh, mould is awful. I have mould allergies so I completely understand. WE WOULD JUST DIE ON A YA ADVENTURE, SHANTI. So sad.
Omggg, that is NOT OKAY. *sends you cake for comfort* I was separated with my computer for like 8 hours a few weeks back and, no. No no no. #dead So the pain is very much felt.
(I actually run everyday too.😂 But on ROADS in SUBURBS and I DO NOT GET MUrDERED BY MONSTERS. *nods*
READ HOLLOW PIKE BY JUNO DAWSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, I’m done. 🙂
OKAY I’M GOING TO GOODREADS TO LOOK IT UP RIGHT NOW.
I like the sound of the Neil Gaiman novel. I have been wanting to read something by him, maybe I’ll start with The Ocean at the End of the Lane. My favorite creepy woods book is Into the Woods by Tana French and is the first in a “murder squad” series. I’ve always found the Old Forest of Middle Earth to be scary too, but that is mainly because Tom Bombadil gives me the creeps. Great list!
It would be a great place to start!! Although all the Gaiman books I’ve read so far have been INCREDIBLE.😍 And also mostly severely creepy?! It’s gloriuos *nods* And YES I totally agree the Middle Earth forests had some seriously weird stuff going on…😂
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry because I’m sort of scared now. SERIOUSLY THO – that book trailer, well. I’ll just sleep with the lights on tonight. The book is going to creep me out on my shelf now *shudders*
I love how weird Alyssa is 😂 How she has a boyfriend and she creates dead bug mosaics but I don’t, well, it’s a mystery.
ALSO – I had no idea that The Ocean at the End of the Lane was a creepy/scary book?!! *screams* can’t deal. Gah. I’m rubbish at scary things. Excuse me whilst I leave now to have a hot chocolate party with my teddy bears.
ISN’T THAT BOOK TRAILER PERFECT THOUGH!?? Like the best way to creep anyone out is to put freaky little kids in the woods. Total win. I will never go outside again.
Alyssa is just REALLY WEIRD but it’s wonderful. :’) I mean, at least she just stuck to dead bugs and blood? Because I don’t know what the next level up would be…SCULPTING WITH HUMAN BONES OR SOMETHING.
What a beautiful (creepy) list. My favorite monsters are human so I desperately want to read Creswell now!
Oh you should totally try The Cresswell Plot! It kind of took me by surprise with how much I loved it!😍
Great topic Cait! The only book I read from your list was Neil Gaiman’s (wonderfully written, that one) but haha, yes, creepy towns and woods are definitely best avoided; who knows what lurks out there xD
Ohhh yes Neil Gaiman is just such a good writer! So visual and beautiful at the same time.😍
Ooh, creepiness– I love it. Nothing like a good, creepy story. I almost sort of actually LIVE in creepy woods– like, not literally, but our driveway is like 1/4 mile long and it goes through these woods and makes for a wonderfully frightening walk if you think about the right scary things. Apparently I do think it’s worth the risk to frolic out there, though, since I’ve walked down my driveway several times since hearing REAL LIFE STORIES about creepy clowns hanging out in the woods freaking people out… Mostly over east, but the minute one of them is spotted in my state I’m staying inside. xD
DUDE, YOU ARE LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. I mean, according to the books, there’s like a 94% chance a monster is going to eat you. *nods* SO ENJOY YOUR TIME WHILE YOU HAVE IT. (Also your house must be very picturesque which is awesome.😂) But but clowns??? Nooooooooo. *locks self indoors*
I enjoyed The Accident Season! And I KNOW, I need to read The Raven Boys XD I also want to read Splintered!
I never understood why characters feel the urge to wander about in dark and scary woods, Like, why? This post made me think about the Suicide Forest in Japan (have you heard of it?) XD I watched some documentaries about it, though I would never, ever actually wander through it. That’s what the documentaries are for!
Awesome post, as always ^_^
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
Oh I have not heard of the Suicide Forest but HELLO NO I WILL BE STAYING SAFELY IN MY HOUSE AWAY FROM NATURE AND IT’S MONSTERS. I mean, don’t these people read/watch horror?! Don’t they know?! Omg. *has small heart attack* 😂
Dude I just finished reading Wink Poppy Midnight! I was so not expecting that twist at the end. But it was a good book. And I really want to read the Neil Gaiman book next. 😀
I KNOOOOOW RIGHT?!?!? It was glorious. Those girls were both utter psychopaths and I love it.😂
They were! I don’t know if I loved it though…I certainly thought it was well written and fit with the story but I really liked the Wink. It was hard for me to reconcile what she was doing with what I thought of her, but I think that’s all part of the book. 😀
Wink Poppy Midnight & The Accident Season are most definitely at the top of my TBRSOON list! My TTT
Your TBR has VERY GOOD PRIORITIES then clearly. 🙂
Why do you like so many creepy books? Hehe. Yes to Holly Black. Have not read that Gaiman. I have no idea why. It is his most famous work. And Bone Gap has been forever in my TBR because of it being magical realism.
I think Endless numbered days by Claire Fuller that released recently (*last year? eeeks. I have no idea) also has creepy woods
I HAVE NO IDEA. It’s probably concerning. Like going off last week’s TTT with all my creepy-TV show recommendations?!? WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME.😂 Ahem. Ohh, I’ll look up Endless Numbered Days. 😀
I’m reading the second Splintered book at the moment and I loved the first one. Love your comments about her artwork though XD I didn’t think the bugs were too weird, but the blood…
My TTT this week.
Yeah, omg, the artwork was equally amazing and terrifying.😂 I kind of love Alyssa though…dedicated much?!? BUT THAT SERIES IS AMAZING!! I hope you love Unhinged!!
I need to hurry up and get my hands on a copy of Bone Gap. It sounds AMAZING! 😀 Great Top Ten!
My Top Ten Tuesday!
OH YES YOU DO!! Bone Gap is entirely underrated too!
Does reading Demon Road give you powers? I want some of that!
The Raven Cycle is awesome! I’m currently reading the third book. Cabeswater is seriously creepy already. I would run from it if I ever saw it. I’m not sure if I can handle it being even more creepy.
ABSOLUTELY. Like I pretend to just be a mere mortal? But reading all these books = I am actually a magician with enormously glorious powers. *levitates all the books and cackles evilly*
Cabeswater gets even MORE CREEPY in book 4. Just you wait.😂 IT’S SO GOOD.
Ooh! So many dark and twisty books! The Raven Cycle and The Darkest Part of The Forest look like books I could totally fall in love with… I might have to add those to my wishlist!
And oh my word I’m dying because of ‘Sauron’s holiday house’!!! Oh my goodness, that is the best thing ever!!!
Oh my word, I spelled my name wrong. #fail
*whispers* I actually spell my own name wrong all the time SO YOU’RE FINE.😂
Ohhh I hope you do try The Raven Cycle because THEY ARE LITERALLY THE BEST PAPERY CREATURES OF EVER. I only cry because the series is finished and I want moooore.
And I’m glad you noticed my little Sauron’s holiday house there.😂😉
Yay, I’m not alone!!!
I should definitely add it to my wishlist! It looks amazing!
And yes, haha! I’m still laughing at that!
I DIDN’T KNOW THERE WAS SOMEONE NAMED CASPAR IN THE CRESSWELL PLOT NOW I NEED TO READ IMMEDIATELY.
I am….really ashamed to say that the only thing I’ve read on this list is The Raven Cycle. I think you should probably hit ME with an aesthetically pleasing hammer. BUT SOMEDAY I WILL READ BONE GAP I SWEAR
THE CRESSWELL PLOT IS AMAZING THOUGH. And like it’s a bit cultish and I don’t even usually like cults, and I’m obsessed with that book. *hugs all the precious tortured characters*
Aesthetically pleasing books are just glorious. I’M SHALLOW ABOUT IT, BUT I DON’T EVEN CARE. 😂
Great topic–especially this time of year. And I love your choices. One of these days I will read something by Maggie Stiefvater! Holly Black is another author on my must read list. Oh! I loved The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I adore Gaiman’s work. I love books set in the woods or creepy towns–and definitely think they qualify as a genre all their own. 🙂
OHhhh YOU MUST TRY A STIEFVATER BOOK!! *stands and shrieks about it forever* She is the ultimately best author of ever. <3 And yes Neil Gaiman is always amazing, right?! I have only read like 4 of his books so I need to read more!!
Have you read John Connolly’s The Book of Lost Things? That’s the first book I thought of when you said “creepy woods”. The woods are so creepy. So are the things in the woods. It’s also a retelling of sorts, so you might like it.
I could probably survive in the woods, as long as it was berry season! Our woods are fairly survivable, as long as you don’t encounter bears or cougars. In fact, over the summer a three-year-old boy wandered off with his bike one evening. Searchers found him the next morning, perfectly fine, but miles from home and covered in blackberry juice. Summer in this neck of the woods is not exactly a dire survival situation; the nighttime temperature is decent and there’s plenty to eat!
I haven’t but I feel like i’ve vaguely heard of that?!? I shall go to goodreads immediately and add it! (Also that title is SPECTACULAR.)
Omg that’s a relief about the 3yo! That’s terrifying though.😳 But at least you have berries and all! I don’t even know what you can eat in the Aussie bush…I mean there’s tons of stuff but I have no clue. I’m a shame to Australianism.😂
I’m racking my brain and I just can’t think of any books I’ve read with really creepy small town settings…I MUST REMEDY THIS IMMEDIATELY. I so badly want to read Bone Gap, The Darkest Part of the Forest and The Ocean at the End of the Lane – LIBRARY, HERE I COME.
*piles books upon your head* THEY CALL TO YOU, KYRA. THEY CALL CREEPILY AND YOU MUST READ THEM.
Ok, so this might sound a little weird, but I actually love the woods, and when I was a child and the family went on boating holiday, I would beg my dad and uncle to take me out with torches at night to explore the woods! It was awesome! And it never occurred to me to be scared – unless I saw spiders. But otherwise, it was just really cool! These days, I tend to stick to daylights, but a wood or a forest is my happy place. It almost feels like another world, where time has stopped, and it’s just peaceful and calm. You can leave all your worried behind in the woods.
I was going to suggest some books for you, but I can only remember the covers, not the titles or the authors. I am awful, I’m sorry. Aaah, it’s so annoying!
ANYWAY, I love this post, and this niche you’ve chosen! I’ve read just one of these books – The Accident Season. But I have Bone Gap!! Am I dreaming, or did you say that it has a similar feel to The Accident Season? Because I LOVED that! I Have The Darkest Part of the Forest, but I’ve not yet read it. I’m put off by Holly Black and fae. I’m just all fae’d out. But I will read it at some point! And I’m really thinking I should maybe give The Raven Boys a go. Hmm. We’ll see!
Great post, Cait! 🙂
HOW ARE YOU STILL ALIVE, JO??? Or wait. Maybe you’re NOT ALIVE. Maybe you are Jo The Ghost because like surely there is a huge chance a monster ate you while you were gallivanting about those woods?!?😂 But also, I used to do a lot of bushwalks and hiking as a kid…but more rainforests than woods so I’M SAFE IN AUSTRALIA. *nods sagely*
Omg I hear you with only remembering covers!! That’s okay!😂
Yessss, actaully. Bone Gap and The Accident Season are both sort of similar, and the closest things I’ve found that fit my needing for more Stiefvater books. <3 Which is like the ULTIMATE praise from me. :') Aww, I understand about being fae'd out (that should be like an official term hehe) but I can't get enough faeries SO YEAH.
I would die, 100%
I need my cake!!!!!
We need our caves of books and our darkness and our cake.
Oh, what a great idea Cait! I went with boring old thrillers and wasn’t inventive at all!
Ooh, thrillers are awesome and I need some recommendations on those *dashes for your blog*
UM, YES IT IS A GENRE. OF COURSE. *TBR GROANS* CAIT, WHY MUST YOU DO THIS TO ME. THE CRESSWELL PLOT LOOKS INCREDIBLE. AND SO DOES SISTERS RED. AND OF COURSE THE RAVEN BOYS WAS AMAZING BUT I NEED TO FINISH THE SERIES. AND OH MY GOSH SO MANY BOOKS *IS CRUSHED BY TBR*
*casually eats cake and watches all the books pile up around your head* YOU’RE WELCOME. I’M HERE TO BE HELPFUL LIKE THIS.😇
AHHHHH CAIT YOU EVIL BOOK DRAGON. YOU SHALL BREATH YOUR BOOKISH FIRE ONTO MY LITTLE BOOKWORM HEAD AND I WILL SHRIVEL UP AND DIE.
(strange bookish metaphors taken too far)
Some great looking books on your list. Love the fantastic photos as well!
Aww, thankyou! 🙂
Wow, I think my TBR pile has qradupled in size since I started following your blog! Many thanks for always having such amazing recs! The only one of these I’ve read is The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which was oh so creepy, and all of the other titles sound brilliantly creepy as well.
MWahhahahaha!! Ahem. I mean. WHOOPS. I APOLOGISE TO YOUR TBR.😈
Creepy woods and creepy towns should absolutely be a genre! When I saw this post title, my first thought was “THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST,” so I’m glad that’s on there. It also kind of makes me think of The Scorpio Races, because the town itself isn’t creepy, but the whole horse race of death situation is, and it kind of has the same vibe as The Accident Season for me.
OH YES! I did actually think of The Scorpio Races, like minus the woods, the town is still seriously odd. (I mean, who rides man-eating horses for fun? WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PEOPLE.) But I figured I should limit myself to one Stiefvater shriek per post. :’) But The Scorpio Races is also my favourite. hehe. <3
I loved The darkest Part of the Forest!! Great list!!
my ttt
Yay I’m glad we are mutual fans of it’s glorious creepiness!
I went on a Neil Gaiman buying spree after reading American Gods years ago, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane was one of them. Still haven’t read it. The cover alone screams creepy.
THEY DO SO SCREAM CREEPY AND IT’S AWESOME.😂 I haven’t read American Gods yet, but that’s on my list!!
Oh man, I love creep woods and towns! I’ve had The Darkest Part of the Forest on my TBR for ages now! Definitely have to crack that one open very soon! The book trailer is all kinds of amazing!
~Sara
It’s totally how book trailers SHOULD be done right?!? *hugs its intense levels of creepy*
Holy. Hell. This list (and your commentary) has just about made my day. I love Holly Black. I LOVE Stiefvater (why are there no more Scorpio Races pls kill me wai.) I LOOOOVE Neil Gaiman. I need to read, like, three titles on this list because I’ve never even heard of them, and because CREEPY ANYTHING IS MY SHTICK.
You want recs? *cracks knuckles* Come hither, dear friend, and listen well: two live on my TTT right now, but I’ll spare you the trip if you’re impatient.
1) Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics: this is a two-fer, because you get creepy mountain and not just a forest, and a creepy house to boot… and by extension, sort of a creepy town? It’s the prairie. So a town is like, three houses.
2) White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick: town. Yup. Deeply rooted in the gothic. It’s lovely, a little sad, and a bit spooky.
(I lied, there are three creepy towns on my list.)
3) The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff. Less about the setting, more about the characters, though something strange is obvi afoot.
There are probably more lurking someplace on my goodreads shelf. If something else surfaces from the murk of memory I shall resuscitate it and pass it your way, you lovely person, you.
This list. My heart.
AHHH I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED THIS POST!! *flails happily* Honestly that makes my day.😂 Eeep. Anyway, I shall definitely rush to your TTT and devour all your recommendations, but I’m also goodreads-ing (is that a word?? It should be) the rest IMMEDIATELY. Oh oh I really want to read The Replacement and I actually don’t know why I haven’t already!!
ALSO I WANT INFINITE BOOKS SET IN THE SCORPIO RACES WORLD. THISBY, COME TO ME DARLING, I WANT TO LIVE ON THAT ISLAND.
I love the idea of focusing on books with creepy towns/woods. I usually try to avoid creepy/scary books but I do enjoy a good weird/creepy small town setting. And Bone Gap was one of my favourite reads this year. It was completely different from what I normally read and I wish more people would read it! Great list~
Omg you’ve read Bone Gap?!? FLAIL WITH ME SKY!! I feel like no one has read it and I want to flail over it all the time and people just say “Bone wut now” which is terrible of them. It’s criminally underrated!
These were great recommendations. Even before I got to it on the list I was hoping that you would have The Darkest Part of the Forest, and while I was reading that part I was thinking I should tell you about the book trailer, but then you had it in there! That song really gets in your head and is creeptastic. The UK cover is really gorgeous with the golden tint to the edges. 🙂
Oh we great minds think alike, don’t we? *hi fives* 😂 That song is just amazing honestly….and I love how it cuts off at the end AHHH!!! That’s how book trailers should be done!!
Yes! It’s well done, memorable, not cheesy. Book trailers get a bad rep and this goes a long way toward tipping the scales back toward the good. 🙂
Hahah I will take a hard pass on all of this. I remember reading Wink Poppy Midnight and getting to that creepy abandoned house part of the book, and was just like “nope nope nope”. I haven’t read enough “creepy woods” settings to judge if I like it, I’m going to assume I do not hahaha.
Oh fair enough!!😂 It’s not for everyone. But honestly I was expecting ghosts to pop out of the Wink Poppy Midnight house and DEVOUR EVERYONE’S SOULS. Lowkey disappointed it didn’t happen.😂 (Yes I’m horrible.)
Where was Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children on this list? Those Whites are creepy. Oh, and your Bone Gap photo, I DIED FROM THE BEAUTY! I feel like I don’t read creepy books that much. I think I just confuse creepy for brilliant and interesting *shrug*. Your Sister Red photo is pretty to, I own that book but haven’t read it yet. YET. I also need to read an A.G. Howard book, I read her short story in Slasher Boys & Monster Girls (a creepy book I recommend) and it was great, all the stories in that book were awesomely creepy. Also I like outdoors, in small quantities. I’m an indoor person (my father opposes, but then again he opposes how much I read, so what does he know?!). I don’t think I would survive in a creepy town or woods, I can barely survive regular towns, but I love the woods. I’m a home schooled introvert. Bye!
Aww, I’m sorry Leah! I really don’t like Miss Peregrine’s.😂 I wasn’t creeped out at all by it! Obviously my bar is set too high hahaha.
And THANK YOU about the Sisters Red photo! I was really happy how it turned out! Even if the book looks like it’s been bashed 99 times, gawsh, this is what happens why you purchase from library sales. But it’s just well loved *nods* And OH OH I haven’t read Slasher Girls but I need to do that. Actually I need to push that up higher on my TBR.
I’m like a weird hybrid of indoor/outdoor.😂 I looooove indoors and reading and like SAFETY BECAUSE THE TREES COULD KILL US. But I also go for several walks a day because it’s nice. :’) *homeschooled introvert hi five*
The Splintered series I agree with wholeheartedly, I’m ashamed to admit that I haven’t read the rest. I’m utterly shocked at the small paragraph you used to talk about your Queen Maggie and her bird boys. I honestly expected the whole post to derail 😂 Another one with the creepy woods factor is Black by Fleur Ferris, and the cult like weirdos that hang out there.
Oh god I hate allergy season. It’s been shocking in Melbourne already. I’m not an outdoorsy person, but do get out to do the gardening and I come in looking like a red cheeked, drunken garden gnome.
WELL COME NOW. I had to try and be a little bit reserved so I didn’t just, you know, spend 90% of the post raving over Stiefvater and then the rest of the time quickly listing some other books. Balance! Look at me go! I should reward myself with a post dedicated solely to Stiefvater books.😂
Oh I did want to read Black but I heard some really negative reviews? And I got scared.😂
UGH TO ALLERGY SEASON IT SHOULD BE OUTLAWED. I used to live next to a cornfield, so basically spring was HELL and I’m so glad we moved.
Have you read Uprooted by Naomi Novik yet?? If not, you definitely need to. Definitely fulfills the creepy forest aspect you’re talking about.
I have actually! IT TOTALLY HAS A GLORIOUSLY CREEPTASTIC FOREST!!
Ooohhhh, maybe Halloween books? I’m trying to read a few Halloween-mood books this year…like finally getting around to reading the original Dracula. Haha. Of course, you could also do a fantabulous Halloween book list post…because I’m sure you’ve read plenty. 😉
Funnily enough, I don’t really do Halloween because it’s not a thing here in Australia? Like they TRY to make it a thing but it’s sort of lost on us because we’re coming into Summer not Autumn.😂
Yes for Neil Gaiman 😀 That book is amazing…really all his books are amazing 😀
http://www.curious-daisy.com/top-ten-tuesday/top-10-all-time-favorite-books/
Absolutely YES. Neil Gaiman can do no wrong!
I feel like Bone Gap is massively underloved and needs to be fixed big time. And Neil Gaiman does creepy oh so well. Fantastic list!
Saaame. It’s like CRIMINALLY underloved. <3 I just want to move to that town immediately because Finn and Petey are everything. <3
This post has given me an epiphany, Cait. An EPIPHANY. The reason I like so many of these books and others…CREEPY WOODS. I LOVE CREEPY WOODS. And trees and things that should probably kill you. That being said, there are probably WAY more things that could kill you in Australia than the USA… Even koalas are vicious. Cute but vicious, exactly what I want to be in life. AWESOME POST CAIT 💕
Oh koalas aren’t THAT vicious. Unless you, like, try to touch them, go to close to them, or look at their children. Then they are kind of scary. Oh and at night they seriously growl like they’re 9ft tall monsters and if that happens outside your bedroom window (spoiler: it’s happened to me) then you basically spend all night sitting inside a circle of salt.
BUT THEY’RE TOTALLY NOT THAT SCARY. :’)
Aaanyway. I AM THE SAME. I JUST LOVE CREEPY WOODS. From, like, a distance. Although honestly if someone took me for a hike through creep woods there is a 99% chance I would be into it.😂 Because I want to die apparently.
Cait dear you continue to grow my TBR but this time I’m so extra happy for it!!!! Like I’m always happy but this time even more so because creepy things are my favorite things ( and no there is nothing wrong with us we just have the best taste in things ever ). XD Things are going to be bumped down on my TBR to make room for these.
It should totally be it’s own genre! We need to work to make this a thing! And yes I do love frolicking around in the woods; in fact, when ever I go hiking ( which is often ) I tend to wander off the path just for sake of trying to find something interesting or creepy. Is this a bad idea?! Probably but who cares!! ( Why yes I am dying of allergies right now but not hay fever because I’m in the northern hemisphere. It’s NOT fun but at least we still have books. And they don’t cause us allergies. )
Your TBR is MOST WELCOME for the gift that is me. :’) And yes yes I agree we just have fabulously creepy taste. (hhahahah *dies at own startling wit*) And it’s better we read it then, say, experience it right? *carefully draws circle of salt and sits in it*
DUDE YOU ARE PROBABLY GOING TO GET EATEN BY A MONSTER IF YOU KEEP DOING THAT. I’m just saying.
Ugh good luck with the allergies. 🙁 They are the worst and I feel your pain.
Don’t worry, I won’t get eaten. I watch Supernatural. I know how to fight all the monsters. 😂 ( I hope. XD ) Good luck with your allergies too. 🙂
This is such a fun list idea!! I hoped that The Darkest Part of the Forest would be on this list because of course. The Ocean at the End of the Lane surprised me because I would’ve assumed that would be about… an ocean, I guess. The Accident Season is a great choice, that one is fabulously creepy! The Raven Boys is another good one (and not surprising of course). As for the outdoors, I am not going to frolic there myself, let’s be real, but I will read about them! I love to read about them! I neeeed to read some of these too, like Demon Road and The Cresswell Plot. Bring on more creepiness.
It was a definite MUST for this list, considering the title and all *nods* And omg yes! There is actually NO ocean in that Neil Gaiman book.😂 He likes to title things to keep us on our toes. There is a pond though. So you know…ocean….pond…easy to mix up.
Someday I’m going to do a TTT post without mentioning a Stiefvater book and everyone IS GOING TO DIE OF SHOCK.😂
Oooh, I love books with creepy woods in them. I completely agree that it needs to be a genre. I would be all over it. I know you are going to hate me for this one, but I tried to read The Raven Cycle and I just couldn’t get into it. I had to DNF it. But I did like some of the others on this list: The Darkest Part of the Forest and Accident Season were all kinds of awesome. I need to rush out and read the others on the list ASAP!
OMGGGGG CYNTHIA. HOW CAN I EVEN TALK TO YOU ANYMORE? DO YOU SEE THAT PUDDLE OF HEARTBROKEN HORROR ON THE FLOOR??? THAT IS MEEEE.😭😭😭😭
(I’m just kidding. I shall still talk to you because I am kind. *nods*)
The Accident Season is totally underrated in its awesome!
A great list. Have only read the Raven Boys and will try to test drive some of the other titles on your list.
The Raven Boys is like the PINNACLE of everything omg.😍😍
Wow! I enjoyed the post. Definitely adding some titles to my reading list!!!
thanks for such a good content
Chris
Why thank you. I hope you like them if you do read them!😉
Cabeswater definitely gives me chill! The magical quality it has just freaking amazing. I’ve heard amazing things about The Ocean at the End of Lane and Bone Gap, I really need to read those soon!
I also tagged you for the zombie apocalypse book tag, you can check it out here http://theliteraryhuntress.blogspot.co.id/2016/09/the-zombie-apocalypse-tag.html 🙂
Definitely read Bone Gap and The Ocean BECAUSE THEY ARE SO AMAZING AND I SHALL FLAIL OVER THEM FOREVER BASICALLY *shrieks* Also thanks for the tag! 🙂
What a completely amazing title for this blog post! It speaks to me. I recently picked up Bone Gap and The Darkest Part of the Forest and I’m desperate to read them both. I love this list and will definitely check back on it when I need more creepy towns/forests in my life!
Aww, thankyou!!😂 And omg I so so hope you like them both because I think they’re SO GORGEOUS and entirely underrated. :’)
I wondered if The Cresswell Plot would make the list. It was delightfully creepy and I don’t do creepy, but I handled the creep factor just fine. Maybe it was because I didn’t find the woods all that creepy and the people (or at least certain ones) to be the creeps.
At least the creep factor was human instead of paranormal? I think that makes it a bit easier because you can trust people to be, like, AWFUL but magical monsters just FDKJALFSDJ WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO NEXT ERMAGERD.
Excellent picks and I’m glad to see The Raven Cycle at #1!! 😀 😀
WOULD YOU EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE FROM ME?😍😂😂
I WANT TO LIVE IN CABESWATER! Seriously. I know it’s creepy AF sometimes in there but it’s also wicked magical. And who knows, you could run into Ronan or Adam at some point ♥.♥ #win I still need to read Darkest Part of the Forest – but I own it so hopefully soon(-ish) – and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. I need a year off work to make a dent in my freaking tbr shelf XD
IT IS CREEPY AS ANYTHING BUT YAAAAS CABESWATER!!😍 And there is no downside in living in a Maggie Stiefvater universe, basically. I mean, sure you could die. But also THE CHARACTERS = 😍😍😍
Oooo I love this, I’ve been looking for a Halloween read and you just answered my unspoken plea perfectly. I have read and approved of many of these (The Raven Cycle! The Accident Season! Bone Gap! Wink, Poppy, Midnight!) but I will def need to check out the rest. I especially love the sound of The Cresswell Plot. Creepy town genre rec from me is… GO WATCH STRANGER THINGS CAIT, it is everything I ever wanted in a small creepy town and more, and the cast are the most precious.
Oh YOU ARE WELCOME, AENTEE.😂 I didn’t actually think about halloween, but there we go. My subconscious is more organised than me.😂 And you were the one I saw flailing over Bone Gap I think. And now I’m so obsessed with it. Eeeep. The Cresswell Plot is SO AMAZING OMG. <3
AND YES I LOVE STRANGER THINGS! I only have 2 episodes left to go and I'M KINDA SCARED.🙈🙊
THAT GIF IS PERFECT. XD
Haha, it’s funny I just started reading The Raven Boys the other day after a lot of coaxing from my English teacher and many librarians over the years. (I’m loving it by the way.) I told my friend about The Cresswell Plot the other day and we couldn’t stop thinking about Cress and Thorne because of the title. XD I think that fact alone is going to persuade me to read it. I’ll probably have to read Sisters Red and Splintered soon as well since I’ve been in a fairy tale retelling mood and also because of the fact that I bought them months ago and have yet to read them. Go, me!
ZOMG I’M SO GLAD YOU STARTED THE RAVEN BOYS. DO YOU LIKE IT? DO YA DO YA DO YA??! *tries to calm self and fails* 😂 I’m like a massive fan, ahem. And omg YES Cresswell is totally like the ship name of Cress and Carswell Thorne. Soooooo true. hehe.
Oh dear. I was nosing around your blog and see you didn’t love Uprooted (I did) but I think that the Woods factor in Uprooted was one of the best, creepiest woods out there! Even if you didn’t enjoy the rest of it. 🙂
Yes I am so sad about that. I did love the woods in Uprooted though! I just really didn’t get the characters.🙈🙊
You’re the worst. Every single time I read a post of yours my TBR is growing up.
Thank you for all the reading advice!
I’D SAY SORRY TO YOUR TBR BUT I’M REALLY NOT. *cackling evil laugh* 😈😂
I feel like Neil Gaiman is the King of creepy towns/woods (and yes that should be a genre). Neverwhere is filled with creepy underground versions of London, The Sleeper & the Spindle turns Sleeping Beauty into a creepy rose bush forest nightmare, and let’s not forget The Truth is a Cave in the Black Mountain which has CREEPY MOUNTAINS. I mean, they seem fine, but when a stranger on your journey cryptically warns you about them you LISTEN!!
Oh yes yes he TOTALLY IS. Like I could’ve put The Graveyard Book on here, too, right?!? He is aaamazing omg. And creepy mountains? SIGN ME UP.
You have some of the best posts/recs! I always find myself finding a new read I would have never considered before!
OKAY THAT JUST MAKES ME REALLY HAPPY.
I absolutely love your photography you have such a talent! I haven’t read any of these books I feel quite ashamed of myself, I will be sure to check them out now though
Great post, Thank you 🙂
Aww, Laura! YOU ARE SO NICE. *blushes* 😂
I’ve just read Black by Fleur Ferris and it definitely fits the bill when it comes to creepy towns. Demon Road is perfect for all the multiple creepy towns/woods in it and Raven Cycle of course is a whole new level. Great recommendations Cait!
I’ve heard mixed things about Black, but you still recommend I should try it? I NEED ALL THE CREEPY TOWNS HONESTLY.😂
Creepy little town, interesting topic there Cait, haha. I love that you have The Ocean at the End of the Lane there. I have a special fondness for that book in my heart.
It’s soooo beautiful. <3 I can't get over how ethereal and creepy the writing was. NEIL GAIMAN IS SO AMAZING.😍
Bone Gap is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s just the right amount of creepy and beautiful. Just a great book all around. I’m really intrigued by The Accident Season, but I still haven’t picked it up.
YAYYYYY I’m so glad you like Bone Gap too. Don’t you reckon it’s entirely underrated?!? *flails over it forever*
THE RAVEN CYCLE IS SOOOOO GOOD. Gahhh I am in love with it and really afraid to read the last book because then it will be over.But yes, Cabeswater is creepy, like I would be way too chicken to go back there.
The Darkest Part of the Forest sounds so cool, it has a beautiful cover, and I own it, so why have I not read it already?? I have no idea. This post has inspired me to read all the creepy books, though, so now I need to get on it!
Elizabeth
http://whimsicalthoughtss.blogspot.com/2016/09/mid-year-book-freak-out.html
I’M SO SO IN LOVE WITH THE RAVEN CYCLE TOO *hi fives* And omgggg, the last book is WONDERFUL. I know lots of people were disappointed, but it was perfect, so pfft, ignore them AND READ IT. *flails* 😂😂
Duuuude, you MUST try The Darkest Part of the Forest!! IT IS SO SO GOOD AND UNDERRATED. Although I think Holly Black is generally underrated. *nods*
I think the most important thing I took away from this post is why did I never think to try smores dipped in honey???! I must try that!
I don’t read a whole lot of creepy books, but really this post is just more proof that being outside is hazardous. I probably wouldn’t die of hayfever but would probably die of bugs or something. I really want to try the Splintered series though!
Must read all the books with Creepy Things!
Awesome choices and this is the perfect post to get Halloween read ideas!
BWAHAHA!!! And just in time for Halloween season.
Aw yissssssss. Bone Gap and the Darkest Part of the Forest are my absolute favs, although The Raven Boys was okay as far as books go. Bone Gap was really my favorite just because I loved the spin on the Hades/Persephone (or even Orpheus/Eurydice) dynamic and I lovedddddddddd all the characters in The Darkest Part of the Forest. THEY WERE GREAT OKAY? Okay.
I’m done now.
Yes, yes, yes THE RAVEN CYCLE! Yes, yes, yes THE SPLINTERED SERIES! I still have to read The Accident Season. Shame on me. 🙁
Finally! I have tried four times to comment on this post since it went live and the comment wouldn’t publish. SUCCESS! Temperamental Kindles.
I read The Raven Cycle series just recently, thanks to all your not-so-subtle references and appreciation of Maggie Stiefvater in general (and a couple of my blogger friends who wouldn’t let me rest till I’d read it) and I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like, I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY loved it! I don’t think I’ve ever rated a whole series all 5 stars before (with the exception of Harry Potter), I just love Blue and the boys SO MUCH. Gah. Anyway, coming back to the point, yes, Cabeswater was definitely creepy in The Raven King! I read Wink Poppy Midnight after I saw your review on Goodreads, and it was so deliciously creepy and oh SO messed up! Loved it too! I’m yet to read the other books on your list, but The Accident Season has been on my TBR for quite sometime now and I REALLY need to read it soon. Great list, Cait!
Something about this post just inspires evil laughter. All these creepy little towns together…it feeds my inner Wednesday Addams.
I love books about creepy towns and the first time I strongly felt it should be a recognized genre with a snappy name of its own was when I read Sharp Objects.
P.S. I love your blog.
P.P.S I don’t like cakes.
*comes to a realization for the umpteenth time that I really ought to read Bone Gap* There’s just something about PaperFury which always reminds me that I should… can’t think what it is right now, though. I mean, NOT LIKE YOU EVER MENTION IT OR ANYTHING.
I’ll get back to you if I think of why I keep realizing it around these parts.
Because, like, most of the other books on this list I’ve (a) read, (b) loved, (c) obsessed over (*cough* TRC *cough*). And also, uhm, DARK, CREEPY TOWNS AND DARK, CREEPY WOODS? YES, PLEASE? When I was a kid, I kept begging my parents to move us to Maine. My totally logical foolproof reason for it: THAT’S WHERE ALL OF STEPHEN KING’S CREEPY SMALL TOWNS ARE. Like, wth, parents, DON’T YOU WANT TO GET CHASED AROUND MY MURDEROUS CLOWNS? How is this not everyone’s golden standard? :O So, y’know, THIS IS THE GLORIOUSEST TOP 10 OF EVER, AND NEEDS TO BE IMMORTALIZED AND CHASED AROUND BY A CREEPY CLOWN IN MAINE. And that’s high praise, my friend.
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