Boo. Books.

What is it about scary books and movies?

Experts say we read and watch them because we know that, really, we're perfectly safe. There are no monsters under the bed. All will be well when we leave the movie theater, even if our hearts are pounding, our adrenalin surging and our palms sweating.

Temple University psychologist Frank Farley suggests that Halloween provides an enjoyable and safe way for children to explore and experience fear - a significant and memorable sensory experience. We're scared, but, underneath it all, we know it's make-believe.

In that spirit, and in recognition of the upcoming spookiest of holidays on Wednesday, here are some new and old scary books as suggested by Sue Gerth, book blogger and assistant manager of Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Cedar Rapids; Amber Mussman of the Cedar Rapids Public Library; and Jason Paulios of the Iowa City Public Library.

“Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders” by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry

One of the most frightening stories ever told, this book relates one of the most baffling and horrific cases of the 20th century. Prosecutor Bugliosi wrote this true-crime book on the 1969 Manson Family murders and the prosecution of Charles Manson and his followers. Check the locks.

“Locke & Key” created by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez

This comic series has best-selling suspense author Joe Hill at the writer helm, which shows in the storyline. A “random” fatal attack on Mr. Locke causes the rest of his family to return to their estate, Keyhouse, in Lovecraft, Mass. The house has supernatural elements, as you would expect in a town called Lovecraft, involving magical keys that open doors to powers of spirit walking, gender swapping, ruling shadows, manipulating minds and more.

“The Night Strangers” by Chris Bohjalian

Pilot Chip Linton retires to a small village in New Hampshire after a devastating plane crash leaves him with post-traumatic stress syndrome and the lingering feeling that those who died on the plane have not left him alone. Chip's family soon finds their Victorian home is not what it seems, the “herbalists” in the village are keeping secrets, and something is behind the bolted door in the cellar.

“Pet Sematary” by Stephen King

This 1983 novel was so scary King almost didn't submit it to his publisher. A doctor moves his family to Maine, and the home is near a high-speed highway and a pet cemetery. The family's cat gets run over and, through a series of events, is buried in the “real” pet cemetery, an ancient Indian burial ground that brings animals back to life. The animals, though, smell funny and are a little bit “off.” And things go downhill from there. The book is more believable, and more frightening, that many of King's subsequent thrillers.

“Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by Seth Grahame-Smith, Jane Austen

A mysterious plague falls upon Meryton, and the dead are returning to life. The heroine, the well-loved Elizabeth Bennet, is bound and determined to wipe out the zombies, but the arrival of the arrogant Mr. Darcy distracts her. The classic novel has been masterfully interwoven into a delightful scary story with cannibalism and, of course, zombies.

“Those Across the River” by Christopher Buehlman

World War I vet Frank Nichols leaves behind a college scandal to begin again, with his girlfriend in Whitbrow, a dying, small town in Georgia. Frank settles in to write the family history of his great-grandfather's plantation, a ruin deep in the woods. But there's something in the woods, and Frank catches its attention.

“The Walking Dead” created by Robert Kirkman

Many were introduced to this post-apocalyptic zombie story from the wildly popular television series, but the original comics are worth revisiting. The storyline moves quickly, allowing the characters to interact with zombies on almost every other page. The artwork is amazing, with the characters' body language and facial expressions allowing for more nuance when the dialogue goes slack. Note: High gore content.

“The Witch's Daughter” by Paula Brackston

Bess Hawksmith is a woman cursed with immortality and terrible powers. Her story begins in England in 1628, and she is pursued through the centuries by warlock Gideon Masters. The historical novel comes with paranormal touches, a strong female lead and a battle between good and evil.