I’ve just made my first horror book read list. Why? I’ll tell you.
I remember the day vividly – the cold dread that seeped into me as news of the Hollywood writers and actors strike hit the headlines.
I thought of my favorite horror shows and films grinding to a halt would cause deep frustration for me as horror films are my outlet.
But like every good horror protagonist, I knew I had to adapt, find a way to satiate my craving for chilling tales.
Then it hit me – I had horror books – which I always had, but I could now read more as the strike continues. So I decided to create a formal horror book read list of the top five books I wanted to read.
I’ve always read horror books and journals, but my frenzied movie-watching often meant that at times I could be too distracted and didn’t read as much as I’d like.
Now, however, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to be more deliberate about reading my horror books.
I’ve handpicked five fresh-off-the-presses books for my horror book read list that will keep me company.
What lies ahead, are my thoughts on these chosen titles and the reasons why they made the cut.
My expectations, my hopes, and a sneak peek into their intriguing premises will, I hope, give you a glimpse into my horror-reading journey. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find a title or two to add to your own reading list.
Delving into Whisperwood – A Foray into the Eerie Unknown
Published on July 11 by Flame Tree Press, and distributed by Simon & Schuster, Whisperwood tells us of a world where the sinister resides in whispers and where escape might be an elusive dream, which is why this landed on my horror book read list.
After I bought it for my Kindle, I read the dedication: “Dedicated to all the seekers looking for escape. May you always find it and may it always be more than you’d ever hoped for.” And that spoke to me.
In our galaxy, with all its 40 billion habitable planets, I sometimes daydream about snagging one for myself. Just imagine, me living all alone on my own planet, far away from the noise and all the drama! So I can relate.
If the chills aren’t pricking at your skin yet, the first sentence, “There was a devil there the day I died,” hints at a narrative that shreds the ordinary.
According to the synopsis on the Simon and Schuster website, Whisperwood is a tale of a woman named Anna who is seeking peace from the chaos of life and a bizarrely witch-hunting ex.
She lands in the off-the-grid town of Whisperwood. But as is often the case with secluded, seemingly tranquil towns, there’s more than meets the eye, and soon Anna finds herself unable to leave, even though she wants too. So, she’s stuck there.
This synopsis instantly reminded me of the bone-chilling film MidSommar, where an idyllic Swedish town cloaks a sinister nightmare.
It’s written by Alex Woodroe, who hails from Romania, has previously published in the Dark Matter Magazine and appeared on the Nosleep podcast.
Initial reviews hint at a well-paced narrative and commendable writing, a promising start for any author.
However, what piques my curiosity is the thematic exploration of escape. Will Whisperwood serve as an asylum or a prison for Anna? How does the backdrop of witch-hunting frame her ordeal? What lies beneath the veneer of a quaint town?
In Whisperwood, it seems like Woodroe is inviting us into a labyrinth of the unknown, where each twist and turn is a whispered secret waiting to be revealed.
As a horror enthusiast, this sounds like the perfect summer read, complete with all the chills and thrills one could hope for.
Eagerly Anticipating The Beast You Are – A Terrifying Sojourn into Dark Corners
Paul Tremblay‘s latest anthology, The Beast You Are, was unleashed upon the world on July 11 and is also on my horror book read list.
As a writer of horror short stories myself, I not only wanted to read Tremblay’s tales, but also uncover the craft beneath them.
The Beast You Are is not your average collection of fright-filled tales. It hosts 15 short stories alongside a novella (which also lends the book its title), making it an array of the supernatural, the gothic, and the ghostly. There’s something lurking in its pages for everyone, making it an enticing prospect.
A quick visit to the Harper Collins website I previewed a couple of the stories. One short story that instantly grabbed my attention was The Dead Thing.
Here, we’re introduced to a kid dealing with addict parents – a real-life horror story even without any supernatural elements. The kid’s younger brother finds a shoebox with a ‘dead thing’ inside, creating a perfect horror setup that promises a whirlwind of dread and curiosity.
Another standout story is The Last Conversation. This tale features a protagonist waking up in a hospital, subjected to the whims of a lady named Anne. Considering hospital settings are scary enough, I’m already feeling the chills.
What makes me even more eager to jump into this anthology are the reviews praising it for its craftsmanship and exploration of dark themes. As someone continually working to refine my writing, I am hoping to learn a lot from Tremblay’s prowess in the narrative building.
Tremblay’s previous work, The Cabin at the End of the World, was a magnificent piece that was highly acclaimed and later turned into a film, released by Universal Pictures on February 3, 2023.
With a glittering reputation as an award-winning author and a Bram Stoker award under his belt, Paul Tremblay is a master of the macabre. And The Beast You Are seems to be his latest beastly gift to horror enthusiasts.
Upcoming Horrors: Burn the Negative – An Unconventional Slash of Fear
Although I don’t usually find myself gravitating towards slasher themes, every now and then a book comes along and makes me question my preferences. This time around, it’s Burn the Negative by Josh Winning that’s making me deviate from my horror norm for my horror book read list.
With an intriguing setup that diverges from the traditional slasher narrative, Burn the Negative piqued my interest right from the get-go. Who can resist the allure of a horror story within a horror story?
According to the synopsis on the Penguin Random House website, our journey into fear starts with a bang, literally.
The story follows former child star Laura Warren, who finds herself in Los Angeles and witnesses a man jumping from a bridge and landing alarmingly close to her car. Not the usual start for a horror tale, and I love it. It’s refreshingly unpredictable and teases a story that’s anything but typical.
Laura’s character arc promises to be a fascinating one. Her past is tainted with the curse of a horror film she starred in as a child, a dark cloud that’s followed her into adulthood, robbing her of happiness. This troubled past and the alarming present set the stage for a high-stakes struggle I’m eager to explore.
But what hooked me to read this book is the antagonist, the chillingly named Needle Man.
A good villain is integral to a horror story, and the name ‘Needle Man’ gives me goosebumps. The cursed film has led to a string of deaths, and now it’s up to Laura and her friends to unravel the mystery and break the curse.
Reviewers have lavished praise on the book, highlighting its creepiness and the enigmatic villain, Needle Man, as its major selling points. This validation only fuels my anticipation to flip open the pages of Burn the Negative.
Josh Winning has previously penned The Shadow Glass, which adds to my confidence in his storytelling abilities. As I prepare to delve into Burn the Negative, I can’t help but be excited for the unconventional journey that lies ahead.
Get Set for Goosebumps: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My next pick on my horror book read list is Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, which has won awards, including the British Fantasy Award and the Locus Award.
The plot? We’re talking Nazis, persistent ghosts, and a troublesome curse that needs a swift boot to the ether. Toss in a touch of friendship drama and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a late-night, under-the-covers read.
Our leading lady is Montserrat, a lady who’s having a bit of a rough ride in a field dominated by dudes. That resonates, right? Anyway, her BFF Tristan, a fading soap opera star, is her rock in these challenging times. The catch is, she’s got a bit of a soft spot for him, but it seems the feeling isn’t exactly reciprocated. Cue the heartache.
Now, this is where it gets juicy. Montserrat is asked to film a missing scene in a haunted film with Tristan, and, surprise surprise, things start to go south. Think spiraling into a world of supernatural scares and pulse-pounding tension.
So, there you have it. A potentially haunted film set, a testing friendship, and a lingering curse – it’s a combo that promises to keep me up way past bedtime, flashlight in hand and heart pounding in chest.
Must-Read Alert: Jackel, Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic by Tobi Ogundiran
Here’s a new collection of short stories begging me to jump into my horror book read list. I’m talking about Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic by Tobi Ogundiran.
There’s something about summer that just screams short stories, don’t you think? Maybe it’s the long, lazy days or the freedom to read at the beach, but there’s something so appealing about a quick, bite-sized tale that leaves you wanting more.
His short story synopsis’ were so strange, I’d never considered such off-the-wall ideas.
One of the stories, The Lady of the Yellow-Painted Library, revolves around a sales associate and a librarian with a twist of otherworldliness. I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a good, eerie tale set in a library?
Then we’ve got The Tale of Jaja and Canti, where a powerful entity takes center stage. The unknown is always a solid ingredient for a good horror story, and this one’s got it in spades.
Then there’s The Goatkeeper’s Harvest. This tale features a bonkers goat keeper who discovers a young woman killed his goat and must now pay the price. Honestly, it’s so out there, I wanted to read it.
These stories caught my eye precisely because they’re so unique. They’re the kind of tales that make you go, “Huh, why didn’t I think of that?” And for that very reason, I knew I had to give Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic a try.
Plus, Tobi Ogundiran isn’t just any writer. He’s a Nigerian author whose work has been showcased in some pretty legit places. We’re talking Lightspeed, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Beneath Ceaseless Skies – the works. This guy knows his way around a good story, and I’m stoked to see what he’s put together in Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic.
So there you have it, folks. If you’re in the mood for some intriguing, thought-provoking, and downright chilling short stories, Jackel Jackel: Tales of the Dark and Fantastic is the book for you. Get ready to dive in, and don’t forget to bring a towel – you might just get more than a little spooked.
Final Thoughts on the Horror Book Read List
So that’s my first horror book read list.
From the depths of despair to the soaring heights of hope, each book offers a different perspective on what it means to be human – and what it means to be afraid.
In a time where the medium I usually turn to for my horror fix – the silver screen – has been paralyzed by strikes, these books have been a beacon of eerie, bone-chilling light.
As we wait for the TV and film industries to reclaim their rhythm, the realm of horror literature offers an intriguing labyrinth of fear and thrill. I’ve discovered, much to my delight, that the written word can provoke a sense of dread and suspense just as potent as any visual medium.
So here’s to the books that keep our pulse racing, the stories that plunge us into the dark and then pull us back into the light.
Here’s to the nightmarish visions, the eerie whispers, and the chilling sensations that remind us we’re alive.
Here’s to the books that terrify us, challenge us, and ultimately, help us grow.
And it’s about time for me to go back to reading! The world of horror awaits.
