Read at Your Own Risk

Oktober Books & More is Wilmington’s first bookstore dedicated exclusively to thrillers, including horror and mystery. We specialize in “spooky.” Since opening its doors Nov. 2, 2025, Oktober Books has provided a safe space for conversation, socializing, creativity and books.

While primarily a thriller bookstore with a selection of books by new, established, independent and local authors, we are much more. Our “& More” refers to our locally sourced goods, candles, greeting cards, stickers, bookish items, BYO Blind Date With a Book Bar and beverage bar. Come check out our small selection of beer, wine, prosecco, seltzers and nonalcoholic options. While you’re here, stick around for one of our trivia nights, live music performances, vendor pop-ups, movie nights, book swaps, open mics or private parties.

As the weather cools and the leaves change colors, enjoy the following fall book recommendations, whether you’re looking for a cozy mystery or a too-scared-to-sleep thriller:

Scary Movie Night by Miranda Smith

Tippi is ready for a fresh start. After breaking off her engagement to an increasingly demanding, controlling and emotionally unstable man, she is newly inspired to do whatever it takes to put herself first. Plus, her 35th birthday is coming up — a perfect occasion to ring in this new era. Tippi’s friends see the opportunity, too, and lean into her love of horror films by throwing her a lavish themed party at a secluded mansion, where everyone dresses as characters from iconic scary movies. But Tippi’s attempts to enjoy the night are shattered when she starts receiving terrifying messages from her ex, Oliver, threatening to expose a secret she was ready to take to the grave. As Tippi is forced to navigate the deception of those closest to her, she realizes that, in the end, some things are indeed like they are in the movies, and she’ll do whatever it takes to survive the night.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

1975 is a time of change in America. When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges: Patch, a local boy who saves the girl and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake. A missing-person mystery, a serial-killer thriller and a love story — each with a unique twist — Chris Whitaker’s novel explores what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope.

Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell

A romantic cabin getaway doesn’t go exactly as planned. High on the windswept cliffs of Pale Peak, Faye and Felix celebrate their new engagement. But soon, a chorus of ghastly noises erupts nearby: the screams of animals, the cries of children and the mad babble of a hundred mournful voices. A dark figure looms near the windows in the dead of night, whispering to Faye. As the weather turns deadly, Felix discovers that his terrified fiancée isn’t just mumbling in her sleep — she’s whispering back.

House of Lights by Natalie Banks

Kate Harris thought River Falls was her family’s ticket to a fresh start — a pristine, exclusive gated community with perfect lawns, friendly neighbors and all the luxuries they could ever dream of. But beneath the glossy veneer of this suburban paradise lies something sinister. Welcome to River Falls, where escape isn’t an option.