October is here, which means the time is nigh. Halloween has begun to cast its spell, and if you’re like me, your entertainment tastes begin veering toward the spooky. (Okay, even more than usual.) People are always asking me for recommendations – which I love – so I thought I’d put together some “packages” for various tastes. Obviously, these are recommended packages. I’m not actually selling anything. I’m afraid you’ll have to track these down on your own, which is why I’m posting this early. You still have plenty of time to get your claws hands on these before the big night!

Each package includes a novel, movie, short story, and poem. As much as possible, I chose pieces that I personally enjoyed. For a lovely build up to Halloween, I’d suggest starting the novel soon, reading the short story the week of Halloween, and then watching the movie and reading the poem aloud on Halloween night.

Photo by Nomadic Lass.

Mix and match to your liking. Or if you’re really ambitious, try them all!

The Classics Package

Not much of a horror buff? Or maybe you are and are just behind on catching up with the classics? I’ve got you covered.

novel: The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

movie: Halloween, 1978 directed by John Carpenter

short story: “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving

poem: “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

bonus: Psycho (movie), 1960 directed by Alfred Hitchcock

Scary Package, for Dabblers

For those who truly like to be scared but are just starting out.

novel: The Shining by Stephen King

movie: The Exorcist, 1973 directed by William Friedkin

short story: “The Rats in the Walls” by H.P. Lovecraft

poem: “Scarcely Caged” by yours truly

bonus: ‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King (novel)

Scary Package, for Connoisseurs

For those who truly like to be scared and have advanced tastes.

novel: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

movie: Eraserhead, 1977 directed by David Lynch (I’m sorry.)

short story: “Some Pictures in an Album” by Gary McMahon

poem: “The Listeners” by Walter De La Mare

bonus: The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum (novel)

Family Night Package

Obviously, your mileage may vary based on the age of your kids and how easily they get nightmares. But in general, these are picks that are safe for most. And no kids required! I won’t tell if you won’t. 😉

novel: Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

movie: The Adam’s Family, 1991 directed by Barry Sonnenfeld

short story: “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe

poem: “Little Orphant Annie” by James Whitcomb Riley

bonus: Are You Afraid of the Dark? 1991-2000 created for Nickelodeon (TV show)

Zombie Package

Can’t get enough of the trendiest of undead? Brains galore.

novel: Blood Crazy by Simon Clark

movie: 28 Days Later, 2002 directed by Danny Boyle

short story: “Dead Song” by Jay Wilburn

poem: “To Walk Again” by yours truly

bonus: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan (novel)

Vampire Package

Prefer your undead pale and clever? Sink your fangs into these.

novel: I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

movie: The Lost Boys, 1987 directed by Joel Schumacher

short story: “The Vampyre” by John Polidori

poem: “Lamia” by John Keats

bonus: Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice (novel)

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There you have it. That should be enough good stuff to keep you looking over your shoulder through the 31^st. Have your own recommendation to add? Please share in the comments!