Each year, I like to read a classic horror story for Halloween. Since it’s a bit late to commit to a full novel, I thought I’d recommend some short horror reads.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson

This story is quite good, though it’s a bit ruined by being everywhere in popular culture. The writing is compelling and the plot is unsettling. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is such an essential part of the zeitgeist, I think this is a must-read. While I recognize Treasure Island as another classic by Stevenson, I do not find it nearly as interesting as Dr. Jekyll.

The Great God Pan - Arthur Machen

I first heard of this after Bob Dylan’s humorous recommendation, and the next day picked up a collection including this story at my library. The story is similar to Dr. Jekyll, a scientific experiment leads to strange results, and horrible things are happening around Victorian London. I like thinking about the influence that this story had on the film Pan’s Labyrinth.

The Dreams in the Witch House - H. P. Lovecraft

I was first introduced to this story via Dark Adventure Radio Theatre. I bought their dramatized version of this story on CD back in high school and thought it was incredible. As a mathematics student, I think the concept is quite fun, and I love the dark atmosphere of the attic.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Washington Irving

This is the oldest story on my list, and it certainly feels the most dated to read, but it is a great short read for the season. The 18th century setting in New York is perfect for the autumnal harvest festivities. As a bonus, I highly recommend this recipe for ginger cakes inspired by the dinner party from this story.