There’s something irresistible about October, the chill in the air, the flicker of candlelight, and the craving for stories that blur the line between beauty and fear.
If your idea of the perfect Halloween night involves an atmospheric read, this Halloween Reading List 2025 is your sign to dive into the world of dark academia books and spooky PDF reads that are haunting readers everywhere.
At Good E-Books, we’ve gathered the season’s most talked-about titles, from gothic masterpieces to viral thrillers that will keep you turning pages long past midnight.
1: If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
A cult favourite of the dark academia genre. Shakespeare, obsession, and tragedy intertwine in this chilling tale of art and murder among elite acting students—a must-read for fans of The Secret History.
2: Babel by R.F. Kuang
Set in 19th-century Oxford, Babel unravels language, power, and colonialism through a haunting lens. Intellectually rich and morally complex, it’s the ultimate dark academia masterpiece.
3: The Cloisters by Katy Hays
When a young academic joins a mysterious research project at a gothic museum, ambition turns deadly—this one’s for readers who love secret societies and aesthetic suspense.
4: The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
A viral phenomenon that’s equal parts philosophy, fantasy, and mystery. Six brilliant magicians compete for initiation into a secret society, but not all will survive.
5: Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Hauntingly atmospheric and visually rich, this gothic horror set in 1950s Mexico is a masterclass in slow-burning terror. Expect creepy mansions, whispered secrets, and unsettling beauty.
6: Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
An experimental university promises enlightenment but delivers something much darker. Think psychological suspense meets dystopian academia.
7: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
A haunting tale of family secrets, ghostly whispers, and storytelling itself. Perfect for readers who want a gothic novel with literary flair.
8: The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
A timeless gothic classic. Beauty, corruption, and the pursuit of pleasure take centre stage, and it’s free to download as a public domain favourite.
9: The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The book that started it all. This modern classic defines dark academia, exploring morality, privilege, and obsession in one unforgettable tragedy.
10: A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
Blending folklore and academia, this lyrical gothic fantasy follows a young woman investigating a crumbling estate tied to her favourite author, only to uncover something sinister.
Why Dark Academia Rules Halloween 2025
- Aesthetic appeal: Candlelit libraries, rain-soaked campuses, and moody visuals dominate social feeds.
- Emotional depth: These stories don’t just scare, they make you think.
- Community buzz: BookTok, Bookstagram, and Reddit threads are alive with readers dissecting every secret and symbol.
Your Halloween Reading Challenge
This year, skip the movie marathon and spend your Halloween night inside a haunting story instead.
Whether you crave academia gone wrong or a gothic mansion full of whispers, Good E-Books has your perfect spooky PDF reads waiting.