It’s my favorite time of year. Crisp cool weather, fall foliage, pumpkin decorating, football games, apple orchards, haunted houses, Halloween costumes, and… scary books and movies! Here are some recommendations for those who are looking for something a little creepy to read or watch this October.

The most chilling book I’ve read recently is “In a Dark, Dark Wood.” In this twisted psychological thriller by Ruth Ware, a fun-filled bachelorette party weekend in the English countryside takes a sinister turn when they realize they are not alone in the woods.

Ware’s latest novel, “The Woman in Cabin 10,” features a journalist who goes on a luxury cruise for an assignment and hears a woman being thrown overboard. However, none of the guests or staff are missing from the boat and no one will believe her desperate pleas that something is wrong.

Another suspenseful read from 2016 is “All the Missing Girls” by Charlotte area author Megan Miranda. The book is written in reverse chronological order, which is a unique twist. Nicolette returns to her rural North Carolina hometown ten years after her best friend disappeared without a trace. Now another girl has gone missing, and the original case is reopened, throwing Nic, her friends, and her family into a shocking turn of events.

“What’s your favorite scary movie?” That’s a line from one of my favorites, the 90s slasher film “Scream.” However, the two movies that have scared me the most as an adult are “The Conjuring” and “The Strangers.”

“The Conjuring” is based on the true story of an investigation conducted by “demonologists” Ed and Lorraine Warren. A family of seven is being terrorized by spirits haunting their Rhode Island farmhouse. “The Strangers” doesn’t have any paranormal activity in it, which makes it even scarier to me, because it’s more realistic. In this home invasion horror, a couple is psychologically tormented by three masked assailants over the course of one night.

There are many other great scary books and movies that you can borrow from the library. Grab a copy of our “Things That Go Bump in the Night” brochure for reading suggestions, including several young adult novels. Check out our horror and suspense DVD section for classic and modern horror movies such as Stephen King’s “It,” “Friday the 13th,” “Halloween,” “The Shining,” “You’re Next,” “The Visit,” and “It Follows.”

I would also suggest the television shows “Scream,” “American Horror Story,” “Scream Queens,” and “Stranger Things” for those looking for something spooky to watch. If you have a favorite scary or book or movie that we don’t have at the library, please fill out a purchase suggestion request. You can do so at the library or online at polklibrary.org/request.

Looking for some fall fun that’s not scary? We have some kid and teen programs coming up this month that fit the bill. On Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 4 p.m., Chimney Rock State Park will bring live critters to the Columbus Library for “Creatures of the Night,” a program about nocturnal animals.

Teens can decorate pumpkins on Halloween at 4 p.m. at the Saluda Library. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to stop by the Saluda Library on Friday, Oct. 28 during the Saluda Halloween Stroll and come to the Polk County Courthouse Lawn on Monday, Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m., where several local businesses will be giving out free candy and other treats. Two nights of trick-or-treating in Polk County? I’m in!

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian at Polk County Public Library. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit www.polklibrary.org or call 828-894-8721.