14 Spine-Tingling Fall Thriller Books To Read Before Halloween

Tell It To Me Singing by Tita Ramírez

Monica Campo's life is already undergoing a series of changes when her mom drops a bombshell on her when she has to have heart surgery. Pregnant with her first child, Monica isn't sure what to think when her mom begins mumbling about an unknown man's name.

The more her mom begins revealing, the more panicked Monica begins to feel. Instead of turning to her fiancé, she seeks refuge in the ex-boyfriend she was sure wouldn't come back into her life. Little does Monica know, history has a habit of repeating itself.

Oye by Melissa Mogollon

Luciana spends her time giving major side character energy in her Colombian-American family, but that changes when tragedy strikes. A devastating hurricane is on it's way to Miami and it's the one place her grandmother refuses to uproot herself from. Things are made even worse when Luciana's grandmother's learns her health is on the decline. This puts them in each other's orbit in an unexpected way that makes Luciana feel grateful and annoyed at the same time.

When her grandmother starts revealing things about their family, Luciana begins finding her voice during conversations with her sister Mari.

Plaintains and Our Becoming by Melania Luisa Marte

Melania Luisa Marte beautifully dives into her identity as an Afro-Latina woman in Plaintains and Our Becoming with no hesitation. She starkly points out the dictionary's lack of recognition for those who acknowledging their Black and Latina heritages in a poetic way that makes you see life from her eyes.

She discusses everything from self-love to knowledge passed down from ancestors without missing a beat. Always intentional, Marte shows she's not afraid to balance heavy topics with pride for who she is.

Neruda on the Park by Cleyvis Natera

Tensions run high in the Guerrero family when their neighborhood in NYC is threatened with plans of fancier condos than the tenements that have been there for decades. As Eusebia and her daughter Luz clash over their differing opinions about this, the patriarch of the family continues building he and his wife's dream retirement home.

A Haunting in Hialeah Gardens by Raul Palma

Hugo Contreras has been struggling under the weight of his late wife's hospital bills and doesn't see an end to the madness. Somehow he manages to weave his way from his apartment to his job as a resident babaláwo in the midst of it all.Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, Hugo gets a call from debt collector Alexi Ramirez. He's Hugo's enemy so nothing good can come from their conversation until Alexi reveals he's requesting spiritual guidance.

Believing something is haunting his home, Alexi agrees to eradicate Hugo's debt if he can get rid of the oppressive spirit. That sounds fair, but Hugo doesn't really believe in what he does. It's precisely why he's caught off guard when his cunning ways are no match for what's in Alexi's home. Somehow Alexi failed to mention how bad the evil in his home is and it's ready to have glorious fun with Hugo's childhood memories.

A Sunny Place for Shady People by Marian Enriquez

Mariana Enriquez introduces readers to 12 new terrifying stories where people encounter haunts and other spooky elements in A Sunny Place for Shady People. There's a neighborhood that becomes the unfortunate playground for meddlesome ghosts, a forgotten hotel where a drowning victim's unusual death won't allow her to leave, and more.

Every page turn shines light on the grey area between right and wrong, making it harder to decipher who the true villains are.

Make Your Home Among Strangers by Jennine Capó Crucet

Lizet is the daughter of Cuban immigrants and attends a private university in the Northeast — something her family could never have dreamed of. But juggling her college experience with family drama back at home is difficult. The challenging dance of trying to balance two different cultures is all too real.

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Equal parts heartwarming and insightful, this book is a series of short stories, all told through a Latina girl named Esperenza, who is living in Chicago. People in Esperenza's run-down town might have low expectations for the woman she will become, but she has bigger dreams for herself.

When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmerelda Santiago

In this true story, Esmerelda Santiago writes about what it was like growing up in Puerto Rico. Spoiler alert: It was complicated. When her family uproots and moves to New York, she's suddenly thrown into a whole new culture. Seeing what it is like for a child trying to navigate a new life in the US is truly eye-opening.

Hollywood Notebook by Wendy Ortiz

Not all the books on this list are told through the eyes of a schoolgirl. In Hollywood Notebook, a 20-something living in LA invites readers into her world as she tackles relationships, family drama and trying to figure out how to become a functioning adult in a city she wants to adopt as her home.

A Cup of Water Under My Bedby Daisy Hernández

This memoir not only tackles what it's like to grow up as a Cuban-Colombian, but also what it's like to grow up gay. Hernandez confesses her experiences finding a new community where she could freely be herself, without letting go of her roots.

The Story of My Teethby Valeria Luiselli

This novel is about Gustavo, a guy who collects teeth from famous people, like Virginia Woolf and Plato. Seriously. Gustavo takes readers on a voyage from Chicago to Mexico City. It's a quirky plot, and you can't help but get sucked in.

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

You knew this one was coming, right? If you escaped having to read it during your lunch box days, now's the time to pick it up. The novel is about a young couple very much in love, but things fall apart and the woman in question marries someone else. But her beau will never give up on their love…

Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

Get a glimpse at the (fictional) diary of a Latina high-school girl who definitely has her fair share of friend drama and family issues. She struggles to cope with her father's drug addiction, the news that her close friend is pregnant and, of course, crushes. In the midst of it all, she discovers who she is, and it's a beautiful thing to watch unfold.

The Book of Unknown Americansby Cristina Henríquez

What is it like to leave Latin America and come to the US? This is one of the Hispanic Heritage Month books that shows you, plainly and profoundly. The voices vary, but what stays the same is the longing for keeping those you love close, no matter what comes.

Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros

When you're assimilated to life in America, but your extended family has a very different life in Latin America, it can be a challenge to relate to them. For Lala, a teen who visits her grandmother every year in Mexico City, it's hard for her to understand her grandmother's life. Learning the truth is painful, but it's something she must discover to, in turn, learn who she is.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz

This one is a best-seller for a reason: It's both gripping and poetically written. All Oscar dreams of is becoming a famous writer and falling in love, but those dreams seem like a far cry from the reality of his mundane life in New Jersey, where he's teased for being fat. In his sweet tone, Oscar tells the story of his Dominican-American family and shows that he will never give up on love.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universeby Benjamin Alire Sáenz

For any teen, it's your friends who shape you, and Aristotle and Dante are no exception. Both loners, they meet by chance and become fast friends. Though they are both 15, they're very different from each other and it's only by learning about each other that they learn even more about themselves.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez

After the unexpected death of her older sister, Olga, Julia is left to pick up the shattered pieces of her family. Under the scrutiny of her grieving mother, Julia now bears the weight of living up to her "perfect" sister. But was she really as perfect as she was made out to be? With the help of her best friend and boyfriend, Julia seeks to dive below her sister's polished surface.

The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende

Across time and continents, "The Wind Knows My Name" delves into the tales of two children thrust into unfamiliar territories by the historic perils faced in their homelands. Despite the generational gap that separates them, Samuel, a resilient six-year-old who fled Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938 without his parents, and Anita, a blind 7-year-old escaping El Salvador amidst the backdrop of the 2019 family separation policy, find their stories intertwined by an uncanny thread of fate.

Penelope...Or Lady Whistledown?

Nicola Coughlan wore a gorgeous silver, metallic dress to present an award at the 2024 Emmys. The sophisticated look (complete with a peplum silhouette!) is chic, sharp, and has the exact sass that Lady Whistledown brings to the Ton.

What is the new season of Bridgerton about?

After giving up on whether Colin could ever return her feelings, Penelope decides to find a husband who will give her the independence she needs as Lady Whistledown. But when Colin offers to help her along the way, and his help begins to pay off, he realizes that his feelings for her might be more than platonic.

Netflix just released a bunch of new Bridgerton season 3 images that give us more insight into the characters, their emotions, and their relationships. Cressida and Eloise might be friends now? Penelope might be entering her Reputation era? Colin is super moody for no reason? Color me intrigued!

Which couple will season 3 of Bridgerton be about?

Bridgerton season 3 will focus on Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington. This is the first time fans will get to see a couple they've been rooting for since the beginning.

The official trailer (which dropped on April 11) features plenty of flowers and beautiful costumes, and in addition to the romance, pining, and stolen glances between Colin and Penelope, I can already tell this will be the most romantic season yet. Friends-to-lovers is my personal favorite romantic trope, and this is the Bridgerton couple I have been waiting for!

During the junket for her new series Big Mood, actress Nicola Coughlan (who plays season 3 leading lady Penelope Featherington) expressed how excited she is for Penelope to shine. "It felt really different this time, I think just because she's finally a grown up and I love coming back to a show and playing a character again, and finding the new sides to them," Nicola says. "She's becoming a woman and finding her self-worth — that side of her I really loved getting to play. It was great."

"And the glow!" Nicola's Big Mood co-star Lydia West adds. "You look so stunning. [I love] the different wigs."

"When the wig comes off, it's so sad because you just like under a wig, you just look like a little wet rat and it's all your hair is just all slicked back," Nicola jokes.

When is Bridgerton season 3 is coming out?

Netflix announced on December 12 that season 3 of Bridgerton will release in two parts in 2024: Part I on May 16 and Part II on June 13th. Until then, catch up on the first two seasons, as well as the prequel series Queen Charlotte, on Netflix!

Why is Penelope wearing more blues and greens than her staple yellows?

It's clear throughout the first season that each family has their own color representing the journey ahead of them — the beloved Bridgertons wear sophisticated blues and lavenders while the Featheringtons wear loud yellows as they try to climb the social ladder.

This is very intentional, and throughout season 3 we'll see Penelope transition from her staple yellow dresses into more greens and blues, a symbol of her union with Colin Bridgerton. Costume designer Sophie Canale confirmed this color theory to People, sharing that the green dress Penelope wears in episode four was a nod to her future relationship with Colin. After all, green IS a mix of yellow and blue.

In the beginning of the season, Penelope and her mother are both wearing green instead of their usual lemon yellow. But instead of a pastel green like her previous dress, this one is very vibrant and tinged with a lot of warm tones. Even if Penelope is growing, the ties to her family are still strong.

Considering season two ended with Penelope getting into a fight with Eloise — and overhearing Colin say he would never court her — it makes sense that Penelope would turn more into her family than ever before.However, in an on-set interview with This Morning, Coughlan wore a dress that appears to be a muted seafoam, meaning it features more blue than yellow.

If Penelope wears lime at the beginning of the season and seafoam at the end, it's a perfect representation of her emotional arc. She moves from feeling overshadowed by her family to being embraced by Colin (hopefully sooner rather than later!!), and it creates a whole new color just for her.

Penelope is, and always will be, a mix of both Featherington and her love for Colin. Good thing for us, Canale takes us on that journey with her.

What are the season 3 Bridgerton episodes?

We finally got the official episode list for Bridgerton season 3, and it could hold huge meaning for Colin and Penelope. Just like Pen's wardrobe reflects her emotional arc, the episode titles have us expecting a major transformation. Starting the season with "Out of the Shadows" and ending with "Into the Light" could be a ~reflection~ of Penelope moving from wallflower to main character. It could also mean we'll see her embrace those beautiful, sunny (read: yellow) parts of herself she's wanted to hide in the past. Here are the episodes for Bridgerton season 3:

1. "Out of the Shadows"
2. "How Bright the Moon"
3. "Forces of Nature"
4. "Old Friends"
5. "Tick Tock"
6. "Romancing Mister Bridgerton"
7. "Joining of Hands"
8. "Into the Light"

Who's in the season 3 Bridgerton cast?

Season 3 of Bridgerton will be led by Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, and we'll see lots of our favorites return, like Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, Luke Thompson, Claudia Jessie, Hannah Dodd, Will Tilston, Florence Hunt, Ruth Gemmell.

Will Penelope and Eloise happily reunite in season 3 of Bridgerton?

It seems like former best friends Penelope and Eloise are having a conversation. Judging from the expression on Penelope's face and Eloise's folded arms, it appears that things are still tense between them. Jess Brownwell, Bridgerton's show runner told the outlet, "I'm rooting for them," while admitting their friendship breakup is, "...a chance for the two of them to grow and learn about themselves..."

It's interesting to see if Eloise will remain icy towards Penelope after the abrupt end of their friendship in Season 2.

Why is Lady Danbury so important in Bridgerton?

We loved getting to know more about Lady Danbury in Queen Charlotte, and turns out, we weren't the only ones! At a Bridgerton x International Delight event in NYC, we talked to Lady Danbury herself, Adjoa Andoh! "In seasons one and two, I had a pretty strong sense of who Lady Danbury was," Andoh says in our exclusive interview. "Doing Queen Charlotte filled in a lot of the early life for me in concert with Shonda [Rhimes'] enormous storytelling brain. And so I could take all of that into season three."

Andoh also says that since the Bridgerton's grandfather was the love of Lady Danbury's life, it explains why she cares so much about their family: "You understand the investment she has in the Bridgerton family more because they are his grandchildren, and so I am invested in them because I loved him."

But for Bridgerton season 3, we'll also see a stronger connection between Lady Danbury and Penelope Featherington. "I think Lady Danbury sees a lot of her young self in Penelope," she continues. "I think she's sort of an overlooked item who is shoved in one direction just as Penelope is an overlooked item who no one thinks is ever gonna get married. So both of these women in their young lives have had to understand that if they are gonna survive, they have to live on their own natural brilliance, strategy, intelligence, and gifts."

"[Season 3 of Bridgerton] made me sad and it made me happy and all those things in between because it just reminded me of being the wallflower teenager that I was," Andoh says. "I think there's heaps of us out there, not just women, I think there's heaps of us out there who have felt that we are regarded as less than by our peers. And so, this is the season for us."

Andoh's advice for the wallflowers out there? "I have a friend who says, 'What's for you won't pass you by,'" she says. "Don't wait and pine, hang out with your friends have a fabulous life. The world is amazing and interesting and just dive into your curiosity. Think about what's fabulous about you and lean hard in on that and don't wait for someone else to give you the confirmation that you are as fabulous as you should know you are."

Will Benedict still play a role in season 3 of Bridgerton?

The third book in the Bridgerton series, An Offer From A Gentleman, focuses on Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett. Even though the third season of the show will revolve around Colin and Penelope, fans are anticipating an important plot point could still happen this year.

"I'm reading Benedict's book, and between the ball the Bridgertons threw where he met Sophie and when they meet again there's a gap of two years, enough for the unfolding of Penelope and Colin's [arc]," lovin_da_dix says on Reddit. "My theory is that the Bridgertons will throw the ball this season, we would briefly see Sophie and the writers would carry the storyline through season 4."

Not only would a ball give us an excuse to see Colin and Penelope dance again, but it would also set up the next season of the show! That is some serious script planning. But considering the characters in Bridgerton love throwing a party, and a ball would fit right in with the book's timeline, this is one theory we could totally see coming true.

What is the mirror scene in Bridgerton season 3?

In a sneak peek from season 3 of Bridgerton, we see Penelope and Colin standing in front of a mirror (looking longingly at each other, of course). "A look such as this from Mister Colin Bridgerton would surely make even the most perennial of wallflowers swoon, would it not?" the official Bridgerton X account asks.

While Colin and Penelope don't share words in the clip, their hands do brush, which is something period drama fans always go crazy over. Plus, the sneak peek as a whole totally references the upcoming "mirror scene" (where Colin wants to have sex in front of a mirror so Penelope can see how beautiful she is) Bridgerton fans have been waiting for.

Watch This Official Clip From Bridgerton Season 3

After Colin told literally everyone at the Featherington ball that he would "never" court Penelope (I'm still fuming, TBH), he finally realizes something is wrong in their friendship. When he says he misses her, soft-spoken and sweet Penelope finally confronts him about the hurtful things he said at the party, which is exactly what he needs to hear if you ask me. If this man doesn't beg for her forgiveness I don't want it!! Watch the clip here.

Simone Ashley and Jonathan Bailey gave us the dance scene to rival all dance scenes during Bridgerton season 2 (the tension! The yearning! The eyebrows!). But as a married couple in season 3 of Bridgerton, they're all smiles! TBH, I would also be all smiles if I was married to either one of these people.

The First Season 3 Bridgerton Sneak Peek

There are two things I love aboutthis new season 3 Bridgerton clip: first, the tension and chemistry between Nicola Coughlan's Penelope and Luke Newton's Colin is SO REAL and I am HERE FOR IT. The second is how awkward this interaction is because when you realize you're falling in love with your best friend, it really is awkward sometimes. I cannot get enough of this duo and I can't wait to see them finally admit their feelings for each other (hopefully after some more will-they-won't-they pining) later this spring. Watch the sneak peek here.

Colin doesn't look too shabby either.

(Hopefully) a happy couple in the works!

...Or not as happy as we thought.

It looks like the loving couple are still enjoying marital bliss in season 3 of Bridgerton.

Colin's expression makes us want to ask him, "Why so serious?"

Colin may be showing Penelope potential suitors she can engage with.

Something is really concerning Lady Violet, but Francesca (played by Hannah Dodd who replaces Ruby Stokes) and Hyacinth seem to be taking it in stride.

Knit Sweater Dress

A basic, knit dress is a staple that will carry you through the fall season given all the various ways to style it! One of my favorite looks for a dress like this is to pair it with knee high boots and a thick, wool trench coat! This one will be sure to make you look like a chic, cold-weather style icon! Love this one!

Long Chiffon Dress

Bring on the boho chic fall — I'm all about it! I can't wait to buy dresses like this to live out my ethereal, fall dreams! This dress is whimsical, but it doesn't feel too out there to wear to dinner with your in-laws! I love the neutral color, paired with the flowing sleeves and cut. Definitely will be a popular pick this season!

V Neck Dress

Everything about this look screams fall to me, from the unique floral pattern to the flowy boho sleeves to the overall fit itself. I can already see it on Pinterest paired with the perfect knee high boots and socks. Definitely grab this one if you're wanting to go for that effortless, chic look!

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Burgundy Mini Dress

This burgundy mini dress is a great example of how fall style does not have to be boring or one-note! You can play with the typical autumnal color palette through textures, prints, and interesting designs. This dress has a busy print that is super fun, and it allows you to go simple with the accessories, yet still make a statement! Not into this particular pattern? There are three others to choose from to suit your needs!

Embroidered Dress

Another gorgeous boho look, but mini style! The puff sleeves give off an airy vibe, and the embroidery add a subtle unique element to the design. If you really wanna double down on the western vibes that are so boho adjacent, I love this dress styled with some cowboy boots, similar to the above look!

Tie-Belt Dress

Nothing says "fall" like a classic shirt dress! These are a great go-to when you've gotta get ready for work in a snap, or for when you're bopping from the farmer's market to brunch with the girls. A shirt dress like this is truly so versatile, and super flattering! This earthy green tone is essential for your fall wardrobe this year, so be sure to grab it ASAP!

Red Knit Dress

Red is the "it" color of the season — specifically, this bright, ruby red color. So, if you're looking to make a statement, then opt for this striking red knit dress, and make sure to accessorize with some chunky jewelry as shown above! Already adding this one to cart as we speak!

Tie-Belt Crêpe Dress

Again, I just love an autumnal floral pattern! This dusty blue color paired with the lovely flowers on the flowy maxi silhouette are stylish and airy and exactly what you need for the boho chic fall look! Plus, the tie waist is so flattering, giving a nice shape to this loose style.

Boucle Jacket Dress

Did someone say, "Tom Ford-era Gucci" — because this is definitely it! This kind of boucle dress that gives off a jacket vibe is just the style I'm going for this fall! Plus, the burgundy bag shown above is a great cheaper alternative to a lot of Gucci's newest arrivals! I plan styling this one with some heeled slingbacks for a sophisticated look this season!

Fine Knit Dress

French girl fall is always in style, and I can't wait to recreate some inspired looks for the aesthetic! Starting off with this collared knit dress here, I would style it with the quintessential French shoe: heeled Mary Janes! Make sure to add some French girl beauty products for the full look!

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Rib Knit Dress

In case you're wanting to invest in some classic, staples for the fall, this knit green dress is just for you! Knit dresses are a daily essential for me in the fall — they can take me straight from work, to a night out, or a casual dinner at a restaurant. They're extremely versatile, and very comfortable to wear; even all day!

V Neck Dress

I'm loving all things burgundy this season, and this dress caught my eye for the luxe style and shape of the dress. It has a beautiful cut that hugs the body, and gold detailing at the shoulders for a high-end look that will have people thinking it's way more expensive than it is. This is sure to be your new date night dress — and even makes for a great wedding guest dress! — for the coming months!

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Sheer Tie Neck Dress

Obvi, we had to add another bohemian option since it's so in style right now. This dusty blue color is really love is for the season, too — perfectly breaking up the reds and clays and burnt oranges you've already stocked up on. I love this dress styled with black boots like above. I honestly can't wait to start incorporating these boho vibes into my wardrobe all season long!

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