Ghost Hunt

Given the fact we’ll probably never achieve our secret dream of hunting ghosts for a living, we’ll have to settle for listening to ghost-filled stories instead. There’s really nothing better than listening to ghost stories to get you into a perfectly petrified mood that we find mostly fun this time of year. In that “spirit”, we’ve got a list of specter-filled stories that run the gambit between horror, thriller, plagues, and romance, so you should have no trouble finding a creepy listen that tickles your Halloween fancy. Happy hunting- er listening!

Wait Till Helen Comes – Mary Downing Hahn

Say “hello” to Helen, a ghost with has zero chill, questionable taste in jewelry, and major abandonment issues. She inserts herself into blended family issues as siblings Molly and Micheal struggle to bond with their new step-sister, Heather. Heather decides it’d be a good idea to buddy up to Helen, wear the apparition’s haunted friendship locket, and swim around in the same pond Helen drowned in. Bonding.

Will Molly and Micheal be able to save Heather from this damned friendship, and help put Helen to rest once and for all? We don’t know, we were too busy signing our kids up for swimming lessons. Consider this your sign. Spoiler alert: fire safety is also a must.

The Ghost Map – Steven Johnson

Turns out that John Snow does know something. A very important something in this non-fiction account of the scientific discoveries that lead to the quashing of a deadly Cholera outbreak in 19th century London. Through tracking all those who succumbed to the disease (the “ghosts”) Snow was able to dispel the many “vapor” theories (ie “bad humors better adhere some leeches about it” diagnoses that were popular at the time) and definitively prove that all was not well in the town well. His discoveries and dedication to the true origins of the outbreak helped develop germ theory into what it is today.

Layla – Colleen Hoover

Possession but make it…romantic? The twist in this one is pretty big, and just when you think you have it figured out it goes OFF, so we’re not going to give too much away here BUT suffice it to say this one is worth a listen if paranormal romance is your jam. It also does one heck of a job hammering home the “you fall in love with the person, not the face” adage, which is always cute- just this time in a terrifying way.

Julia – Peter Straub

If we could pick one word to describe this one, it would be “atmosphere.” This book is chock-full of unease from the start, and the eerie vibes build into a terrifyingly haunting revelation as the book asks questions about intent, grief, and the true price of redemption. Is Julia, a young mother haunted by tragedy (and a jerk husband) who attempts to escape- albeit by purchasing the creepiest house on the block because of course- truly seeing ghosts? Is it all in her head? This one is a page-turner full of more questions than answers, making it perfect for a creepy night in.

Thanks for reading! All these audiobooks and even more ghostly listens are available now on AudiobookSTORE.com! We know they’ll make sure you have a ghoulishly good time. And make sure to check out our FlexPass Membership for the ultimate roster of podcasts, savings on audiobooks, and more!