Obsessed With ‘Hocus Pocus’? Readers Recommend These Bewitching Books
From ‘Practical Magic’ to a ‘Hocus Pocus’ sequel, these magical reads are perfect for spooky season
Key Takeaways
- These seven witchy books bring magic and Halloween-ready vibes to your fall reading list.
- Reader reviews highlight everything from eerie fairy tales to cozy romances and more.
- A.W. Jantha’s novel revisits the beloved and spooky Sanderson Sisters.
It’s almost October, which means it’s almost time to rewatch the hit 1990s film Hocus Pocus, starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker. In it, the infamous Sanderson Sisters are brought back to life by a group of teenagers on Halloween and decide to celebrate by wreaking havoc on the town. It’s funny, fun and perfect for spooky season. Also perfect for spooky season? These witchy books praised by Goodreads users for delivering the same heartwarming vibes as Hocus Pocus. Keep scrolling for the list!
‘Hocus Pocus and the All-New Sequel’ by A.W. Jantha
Despite what many people think, Hocus Pocus is not based on a book. But there are plenty of books based on the story, including this novel, which was released in 2018. Twenty-five years ago, Max Dennison lit the Black Flame Candle and brought the Sanderson sisters to life. He eventually defeats them, but somehow they come back and they are after Max and Allison’s daughter Poppy. Can Poppy defeat the sisters before it’s too late? A magical tale that expands the Hocus Pocus world in a new and easy-to-understand way.
What Goodreads readers are saying: “This was the perfect book to end my Halloween season of reading. Of course I’m a huge fan of the movie, it’s a yearly watch and I have no doubt this book will be a yearly read now.”
‘Discovery of Witches’ by Deborah Harkness
This spellbinding novel follows Diana Bishop, a university historian who comes from powerful witches, but she has tried to suppress her magic. When she accidentally summons an ancient enchanted manuscript called Ashmole 782, she attracts attention from a variety of dangerous creatures, including Matthew Clairmont, a centuries-old vampire. Together, they must unlock the book’s secrets and stop the evil magical creatures from taking over—before it’s too late. A perfect blend of history, romance and magic.
What Goodreads readers are saying: “This book made me want to become a wine expert, an inventive chef, a world traveler, an alchemist, a scholar…there are so many layers to these characters and this developing story and I just ate it up. Off I go to make a cup of tea and draw a hot bath before diving into book two!”
‘Practical Magic’ by Alice Hoffman
Originally published in 1995, this bestselling novel written by Alice Hoffman has since been turned into a blockbuster movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The Owens women have been cursed for more than 200 years, and their Massachusetts town has never let them forget it. Sisters Gillian and Sally Owens grow up as outcasts, thanks to their aunts’ reputation as witches. Desperate to break free from their family’s dark legacy, both sisters leave town, but the powerful bonds of blood and magic may prove impossible to escape. Can they find the happily ever after that they are searching for?
What Goodreads readers are saying: “This is a beautifully written, quirky adult fairytale. If you enjoy reading magical realism you will love this. The characters are likable and well drawn, the descriptive prose is lovely and the story is just plain fun.”
‘The Near Witch’ by V. E. Schwab
From bestselling author V. E. Schwab comes a tale centered around the mysterious Near Witch. Lexi always believed the character was just a bedtime story—until a boy shrouded in smoke appears outside her house, making her question everything she thought she knew. Now, children are vanishing, the mysterious boy Lexi encountered is the prime suspect, and she may be the only one who can solve the case.
What Goodreads readers are saying: “This was such a beautiful and haunting read, I was instantly hooked and dragged into this stunning story. It reads like a beautifully eerie fairy tale and I couldn’t have loved it more. It’s just so deliciously creepy, it made my little black heart so happy!”
‘The Ex Hex’ by Erin Sterling
This steamy rom-com is packed with all the elements of Hocus Pocus. Nine years ago, young witch Vivienne “Vivi” Jones hexed Rhys Penhallow after he shattered her heart—a curse she thought was harmless. But when the infuriatingly handsome Rhys returns to town, Vivi discovers her magic had darker consequences than she imagined. Elsewhere, mysterious events plague their community, forcing Vivi and Rhys to team up so they can try to break the spell and save their town. But as they begin to investigate, sparks fly, forcing both of them to question everything.
What Goodreads readers are saying: “The Ex Hex is a fun page turner filled with pure chaotic energy and immaculate witchy vibes. I adored the romantic elements—Rhys is a smooth, Welsh charmer and I honestly fell in love with him from his first appearance on the page. The chemistry he had with Vivi combined with the top banter and witchy goodness had me very quickly obsessed with this book!”
‘The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches’ by Sangu Mandanna
Cozy, comforting and highly praised by Goodreads users, this novel is perfect for fans of Hocus Pocus. Mika Moon might be a witch, but she’s forced to hide her magic—except on YouTube, where she “pretends” to be a witch. When summoned to the mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches, she breaks every rule by going. There, she discovers enchantment, community and Jamie, the House’s handsome, grumpy librarian. What follows is a magical blend of love, magic and friendship.
What Goodreads readers are saying: “This is a warm, uplifting and feel-good novel that brought me a lot of reading joy. It captivated me from beginning to end. If you like charming and heartwarming stories with humor, romance, secrets, and some danger, then this is definitely a book to check out.”
‘Go Hex Yourself’ by Jessica Clare
When Reggie Johnson responds to a job posting, she expects to work for Spellcraft: The Magicking, her favorite card game company. Instead, she discovers she’s been recruited to work for an actual witch. Thankfully, the job comes with some perks: excellent pay, free housing and a delightful boss. There’s just one complication: Ben Magnus, her boss’ arrogant warlock nephew. Now Reggie must master a world of real magic while battling her inconvenient attraction to the most infuriating man she’s ever met.
What Goodreads readers are saying: “As part of my Halloween reads, I picked up this book because it looked right up my alley, and exactly what I wanted for spooky season—and it really did not disappoint. Go Hex Yourself is funny, a bit kooky-crazy, sad, angsty and sweet at times, and just incredibly entertaining all around.”
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