BOO! Scariest Literary Characters You Can Be For Halloween

Looking for a costume to help you stand out? Search no further.

Here's a list of the top eight scariest literary characters you can be for Halloween. Skipping, of course, the obvious Dracula and Frankenstein choices...


1. Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. All you need to wear is a pink wool suit and an expression of sweetness hidden behind pure evil.

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2. Bill Sykes from Oliver Twist. Toss on a ratty blazer, an ascot with a beer stain, a woolly top hat, grow out three days worth of beard and you're all set. Throw in a cocky accent for good measure.

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3. Cruella de Vil from One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Easy-peasy costume; half white and half black. What? You don't think a cartoon character is nasty enough? She makes clothing from the skin of cute little puppies. Enough said.

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4. Hannibal Lector from Silence of the Lambs. The straight jacket may make it tough to hold a drink, but I'm sure a straw will fit through the face mask.

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5. Annie Wilkes from Misery. Flowered peasant dress with deep pockets and a sledge hammer. FYI, this costume works best if you're actually Kathy Bates.

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6. Voldemort from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Tape down your nose, shave your head, and grow out your fingernails.

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7. Pennywise from It. A creepy clown with sharp teeth is guaranteed a scream or two. Please don't show up at my house dressed like this.

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8. White Witch from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Dress all in white and don't smile, a few icicles in your hair wouldn't hurt either. Make sure to carry a tin of Turkish delight.

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Who are some of your picks for scariest literary characters?

Scary Books For Stormy Nights

I usually enjoy a good bump in the night...er, I mean scare. This time of year as the evenings get cooler and Halloween decorations appear around the neighborhood, a suspenseful thriller is the perfect companion for my bedtime cup of tea...okay whiskey.

For nights when the wind whistles under the eaves and the shadows of the bare trees look like witch fingers reaching for the window, may I suggest a few reads that will get you in the mood...er, for reading a scary book.

(Don't miss the trailer I made at the very bottom!)

The Spiral Staircase by Ethel Lina White

Hitchcock brought it to television and Dorothy McGuire starred in the movie. If that doesn't impress you, nothing will.

This is a classic slow building suspense novel complete with an isolated mansion and a stormy night. At it's heart is a poor servant girl trapped in a house with old family secrets while a killer prowls outside looking for an unlocked door.

photo credit, mysterytarget.com

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Stephen King admits it's one of his favorite horror stories. Enough said.

Here's a tip, read the book first THEN watch the movie—the original black and white, forget about the Catherine Zeta Jones version.

photo credit, connorcoyne.com

Pet Semetary by Stephen King

How can I pick just one Stephen King title? It's tough but this book explores the power of grief and how it can make people act in a way that others would consider insane.

I read this over twenty years ago, but the last line has stayed with me all this time, and still gives me goosebumps.

"Darling," it said. 

photo credit, en.wikipedia.com

Ghost Story by Peter Straub

There's nothing better than a group of old guys in tuxedos reminiscing about one summer fifty years ago when they were all in love with the same woman.

You think you know what's going to happen, but you're wrong. You think you know who is to blame, but you're wrong. You think you'll be able to sleep after reading this, but you're wrong.

Holy graveyard spookfest! Keep the lights on.

photo credit, womansday.com

Stranger With My Face by Lois Duncan

This is the cover that caught my teenage eye in the Chester Book Mobile (ahem...many years ago) and introduced me to the awesome Lois Duncan.

It's light on the gore by contemporary standards, however this suspense filled, paranormal teen drama has all the voice and angst of today's younger generation with clever dialogue and pitch perfect emotions.

A horror story that's full of clever twists with a heroine you'll be cheering for until the heart stopping finale.

photo credit, jezabel.com

The Woman In White by Wilkie Collins

One of the best openings you'll read. A working class man falls in love with a gentleman's daughter, only to find she has a mysterious connection to a local family tragedy. A must for any mystery lover!

photo credit, broadviewpress.com



Check out the quick video I made for YouTube!

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What are some of your favorite spooky reads?