'Goosebumps' Writer R.L. Stine Recommends 8 Scary-Good Holiday Reads

rl stine book list
Cole Saladino/Thrillist

If you believe his Twitter bio, Goosebumps creator R.L. Stine still basks in his reputation as a "terrifier of children," even 24 years after he first lured a family to their bloody murder in Welcome to the Dead House. We asked Stine to take a break from promoting his most recent Goosebumps entry, The Lizard of Oz, and making accurate observations about "demonkids in advertising," to give us a concise list of the best books to give as gifts this holiday season. Not every one will send a tingle down your spine, but they're all scary-good.

the nix nathan hill the woman in cabin 10 ruth ware
Penguin Random House/Simon & Schuster

The Nix, Nathan Hill

Penguin Random House, 2016
"An often hilarious, beautifully written, totally satisfying first novel."

The Woman in Cabin 10, Ruth Ware

Simon and Schuster, 2016
"Lots of twists and surprises in an old-fashioned mystery."

women crime writers doctor strange omnibus
Library of America/Marvel Comics

Women Crime Writers: Eight Suspense Novels of the 1940s & 50s, edited by Sarah Weinman

Library of America, 2015
"Some forgotten classics here that shouldn't be forgotten. Top-notch mysteries."

Doctor Strange Omnibus Vol. 1, Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Marvel Comics, 2016
"Where all the craziness began, with the masterful art of co-creator Steve Ditko."

the keillor reader joseph kanon istanbul passage
Penguin Random House/Simon & Schuster

The Keillor Reader, Garrison Keillor

Penguin Random House, 2014
"Hilarious and heartwarming, surprisingly dark pieces by our Mark Twain."

Istanbul Passage, Joseph Kanon

Simon and Schuster, 2012
"Best spy novel I've read in the past two years."

the big book of jack the ripper razor girl carl hiaasen
Penguin Random House

The Big Book of Jack the Ripper, edited by Otto Penzler

Penguin Random House, 2016
"Enough Ripper stories to keep you going for years."

Razor Girl, Carl Hiaasen

Penguin Random House, 2016
"Pure, zany, hilarious fun from beginning to end."

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Eric Vilas-Boas never watched the Goosebumps TV show, but he considers the book series to be the apex of the Western canon. Follow him and R.L. Stine... if you dare.