Best LGBTQ+ Halloween Reads 2024: Spooky, Cozy, and Unforgettable

As Halloween approaches, it’s the perfect time to dive into books that capture the spirit of the season. For readers who love a mix of chills, heartwarming moments, and LGBTQ+ representation, I've curated a list of some of my favorite Halloween reads that I hope you’ll enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a spooky ghost story, a magical mystery, or a cozy paranormal romance, these books will make your Halloween reading unforgettable.

1. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

A standout in LGBTQ+ paranormal fiction, Cemetery Boys follows Yadriel, a transgender brujo who accidentally summons the ghost of a recently deceased bad boy, Julian Diaz. As Yadriel helps Julian uncover the truth about his death, they form a deep connection that’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking. With its blend of magic, mystery, and romance, this book is a must-read for Halloween.

2. Tuesday Mooney Talks to Ghosts by Kate Racculia

This quirky and heartwarming mystery centers on Tuesday Mooney, a woman who loves puzzles and secrets. After an eccentric billionaire dies and leaves behind a treasure hunt, Tuesday, along with the ghost of her best friend, dives into a mystery full of twists, turns, and supernatural elements. The book’s diverse cast of characters and its balance of spookiness and charm make it a delightful read for Halloween.

3. Say I Boo by Morgan Spellman

This cozy paranormal mystery introduces us to a sapphic part-time magician and her bookish best friend as they get snowed in a haunted estate. Alongside a stressed-out wedding party, our newfound sleuths must determine which ghosts are friendly and which are out for vengeance. With Scooby-Doo meets Dead Boy Detective vibes, this is a fun cozy read packed with queer characters and a sweet sapphic romance.

4. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

For those who prefer their Halloween reads on the cozier side, Legends & Lattes offers a low-stakes, high-comfort story set in a world where an orc barbarian retires from adventuring to open a coffee shop. While not spooky, this fantasy sapphic romance is a heartwarming escape that’s perfect for a cozy evening by the fire.

5. Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens

If you’re looking for a fun refreshing blend of magic, rivalry, and romance, look no further than this young adult adventure. The story follows Rook, a magicless apprentice who lands a job with a powerful sorceress and finds himself entangled in a web of magical politics. When his Spell Binder device attracts the attention of the Magical Consortium, Rook must team up with Sun, the grumpy but endearing apprentice of a rival sorcerer, to save their mentors and protect their world. With its lively pace, charming characters, and rivals-to-friends-to-lovers romance, Spell Bound is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that’s perfect for readers looking for a cozy, magical escape this season.

6. The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder

If fairy tale retellings are your thing, The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder is a spellbinding adventure that combines fairy tale elements with a thrilling, gender-swapped twist on Sleeping Beauty. The story follows Fi, a treasure hunter who accidentally pricks her finger on a cursed spindle, binding her to the spirit of Prince Briar Rose. Alongside Shane, a fierce warrior with her own secrets, Fi must navigate a world of ancient curses, dark magic, and sinister forces to break the spell. With a central sapphic romance and an enchanting world-building The Bone Spindle is a great read for those who love a mix of fantasy, mystery, and heartwarming adventure.

7. Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters

In this Southern Gothic tale, Shady Grove can call ghosts with her fiddle. When her brother is accused of murder, she must use her inherited ability to summon spirits and uncover the truth. The book blends mystery, magic, and music, creating a hauntingly beautiful story that’s perfect for a Halloween night.

These LGBTQ+ Halloween reads offer a perfect blend of spookiness, heart, and representation, making them the ideal picks for this season. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling ghost story, a cozy mystery, or a magical adventure, these books will ensure your Halloween is full of memorable reads. Happy haunting!