10 Books For Fans Of “stranger Things”
If Stranger Things has you craving eerie small towns, government conspiracies, supernatural horrors, and an undeniable sense of nostalgia, then you’re in for a treat. From 80s-inspired horror to parallel dimensions, telekinetic teens, and friendships tested by unspeakable darkness, these ten books capture the essence of Hawkins, Indiana—complete with spine-tingling suspense, found-family bonds, and the kind of pulse-pounding adventure that keeps you up past midnight.
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the mystery, or the high-stakes battles against terrifying creatures, these books will pull you into stories just as strange, gripping, and unforgettable.
1. My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
Demonic Possession, 80s Nostalgia, and the Power of Friendship
Set in the neon-soaked world of the 1980s, My Best Friend’s Exorcism follows two inseparable best friends, Abby and Gretchen—until one fateful night changes everything. After a creepy lakeside party, Gretchen starts acting different—moody, erratic, and just a little… evil. As supernatural horrors unravel around them, Abby must fight to save her best friend from the sinister force taking hold of her.
Why it’s unforgettable: Think Stranger Things meets The Exorcist, with a dose of Heathers. The deep emotional core of this book—friendship tested by unspeakable horror—makes it a perfect read for fans who love the heart of Stranger Things just as much as the monsters.
2. Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan (Graphic Novel Series)
Time Travel, Badass Girls, and an 80s Aesthetic
This fast-paced, neon-drenched comic series follows four paper delivery girls in 1988 who stumble into a mind-bending time travel conspiracy. One moment, they’re biking through quiet suburban streets, and the next, they’re dodging futuristic warriors, alternate timelines, and an impending apocalypse.
Why it’s unforgettable: If you loved Stranger Things for its mix of sci-fi, nostalgia, and an amazing group of kids taking on forces way beyond their understanding, Paper Girls is your next obsession. Plus, its gorgeous, retro-styled artwork brings the 80s to life in a way that feels like stepping into a lost VHS tape.
3. The Shadow Glass by Josh Winning
Dark Fantasy, Lost 80s Films, and the Magic of Nostalgia
In the 80s, Jack’s father created The Shadow Glass, a cult-classic fantasy film. Decades later, Jack is struggling with his father’s legacy when suddenly—the puppets come to life. Now, the creatures from his childhood are real, and Jack must journey into their world to save them from destruction.
Why it’s unforgettable: If you loved Stranger Things for its deep dive into 80s pop culture, this love letter to films like The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth will hit all the right nostalgic notes—while still delivering a thrilling, heart-wrenching adventure.
4. The Boy Who Drew Monsters by Keith Donohue
Supernatural Horror, Creepy Kids, and Things That Shouldn’t Be Real
Ten-year-old Jack Peter rarely leaves his house, lost in his own world of drawing monsters—until the monsters start appearing in real life. His parents believe he’s imagining things, but when eerie figures begin lurking outside, they start questioning what’s real and what’s just a child’s nightmare come to life.
Why it’s unforgettable: Much like Stranger Things, this book expertly blends psychological horror with supernatural terror, all wrapped up in an eerie, small-town setting where the darkness is creeping ever closer.
5. The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould
Murder, Mystery, and Supernatural Shadows
Logan’s dads are famous ghost hunters, but when they return to their hometown, they find something darker than any spirit they’ve ever faced—kids are disappearing, and a malevolent presence is taking hold. When Logan meets local girl Ashley, the two must work together to uncover the town’s darkest secrets.
Why it’s unforgettable: This book is Stranger Things with a sapphic twist—a queer love story wrapped in a thrilling supernatural mystery, complete with eerie shadows and small-town secrets.
6. Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
A Grown-Up Scooby-Doo Mystery With Cosmic Horror
Years ago, a group of teenage detectives (à la Scooby-Doo) solved their last mystery. But now, as traumatized adults, they realize they may have left something unfinished—something that’s still lurking in their childhood town, waiting to be uncovered.
Why it’s unforgettable: With cosmic horror vibes and a cast of broken but lovable misfits, Meddling Kids is like Stranger Things if the kids grew up and had to face the nightmares of their past all over again. It’s nostalgic, terrifying, and weirdly funny—a perfect combination.
7. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
Mystery, Monsters, and Girls Who Refuse to Be Prey
Sawkill Rock is a place where girls vanish without a trace. Marion, Zoey, and Val are three very different girls who uncover the truth: there’s something ancient, hungry, and deadly beneath the surface of their town. And it’s coming for them.
Why it’s unforgettable: If the Demogorgon kept you up at night, the monstrous force in Sawkill Girls will chill you to your core. The novel is part horror, part feminist fantasy, and 100% gripping.
8. The Loop by Jeremy Robert Johnson
Government Experiments, Biohorror, and a Fight for Survival
Strange things are happening in a small Oregon town—kids are acting strangely, and then they start changing. A group of misfit teens must fight to survive against a horrifying government experiment gone terribly wrong.
Why it’s unforgettable: Think Stranger Things meets The Thing. This book delivers high-stakes horror, government conspiracies, and a found-family dynamic that will keep you invested in every terrifying turn.
9. Rules for Vanishing by Kate Alice Marshall
Urban Legends, a Vanishing Sister, and a Haunted Road
A year ago, Sara’s sister disappeared while searching for a local urban legend—a road that only appears once a year and leads to a world of ghosts and nightmares. When Sara follows in her sister’s footsteps, she and her friends discover that the road is real, and it doesn’t want them to leave.
Why it’s unforgettable: This book oozes Stranger Things energy, from its eerie small-town setting to the group of teens venturing into a world that defies all logic. It’s creepy, cinematic, and utterly unputdownable.
10. The Devouring Gray by Christine Lynn Herman
Secret Societies, Dark Woods, and a Town That Hides Monsters
When Violet moves to Four Paths, she discovers that the town is haunted by a deadly force lurking in the woods. Four founding families have protected the town for generations, each with their own strange abilities—but something has escaped, and Violet might be the only one who can stop it.
Why it’s unforgettable: The Devouring Gray feels like a Stranger Things spin-off set in a different town, with eerie forests, hidden monsters, and a tangled web of supernatural secrets.
Which Book Will You Brave First?
Whether you’re in the mood for government conspiracies, eerie small-town mysteries, or monsters lurking in the dark, these books will keep you enthralled. Now, tell me—which of these strange, thrilling books is calling your name? Or do you have a Stranger Things-worthy read to recommend? Drop your favorites below! 🚲🔦👾
