Summer is the time to go out, have fun, and have life-changing adventures. But as the swimsuit season comes to an end and we change into something a little more comfy, it’s time to bring out the Halloween decorations, get your cobija, and read a good spooky book to get you ready for fall.
This selection of stories will have you befriend a mysterious and rich American family in the summer of 1979 in Baja California. Or you might even feel a chill run down your spine when strange visions take over a lonely woman in a gothic mansion or fall in love while investigating bizarre lights that haunt a small town in Texas.
With a diverse selection of styles, subjects, experiences, and authors, these spooky fall books were curated to guide you through the season and help you get into that cozy vibe of the season before Christmas takes over. And all with a Latine perspective. So, go brew yourself a hot cup of tea and cuddle up on the couch, because fall is here.
1
Untamed Shore by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Untamed Shore tells the story of Veridiana, who spends summer dreaming of adventure. And when an American writer and his family show up in town, she jumps at the opportunity to be his assistant. Until one of them dies and Veridiana finds herself entangled in a web of lies.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia defines herself as Mexican by birth and Canadian by inclination. She’s the author of many best-sellers, including the World Fantasy Award-winning She Walks in Shadows.
2
The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro
The Haunting of Alejandra is about a woman who doesn’t know who she is anymore and, to make matters worse, in moments of distress she’s visited by La Llorona. Now, she has to unearth secrets hidden in her past and learn how to fight the darkness trying to consume her.
Castro is a two-time Bram Stoker Award–nominated Mexican American writer. She is dedicated to telling Latine stories in the Sci-Fi and Horror genres.
3
Into The Light by Mark Oshiro
Into The Light is a tale about two young men who are drawn to the mysterious appearance of a corpse. They’ll have to face inner demons and discover who they’re allowed to be. This book contains trigger warnings for grief, trauma, neglect, and other topics, be aware before picking it up.
Mark Oshiro is a queer Latine author and activist, who is mostly known for their Hugo-nominated review work in the Mark Does Stuff Universe.
4
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas
The Hacienda is about Beatriz who, in an attempt to find safety amidst war, marries Don Rodolfo Solórzano. When left alone in Hacienda San Isidro, she is haunted by strange voices and visions. Now Beatriz has to battle them.
Isabel Cañas is a Mexican-American speculative fiction writer. She has lived all around the world and holds a doctorate in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. She’s inspired by her research and heritage to write fiction.
5
The Hills of Estrella Roja by Ashley Robin Franklin
The Hills of Estrella Roja is about Kat and Marisol, who unite to solve the mystery of the “devil lights.” As they get closer to uncovering a secret buried in the hills, they also get close to each other and a romance begins to blossom.
Ashley Robin Franklin is a queer cartoonist and illustrator based in Austin, Texas. She has published other comics and worked with the New Yorker, the Nib, and Pome Press.