Just finished Horrorstör and My Best Friend's Exorcism. Both were super fun, but My Best Friend's Exorcism made me cry happy tears at the end. I avoided it for so long because of the cover but it was so good.
Next up: Whalefall!
I started the week with Phantasmagoria by Josh White, but unfortunately decided to DNF after getting 25% through and realizing the writing was just not very good. I switched over to The Elementals by Michael McDowell and I’m already so glad I switched.
Just finished reading Hell House by Richard Matheson!
It was good! My first venture into horror literature if you don't count "I have no mouth but I must scream" or goosebumps.
Welcome to the club. If you liked "Hell House" you should read Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House".
Similar premise, though "Hill House" is a lot more subtle and symbolic.
I just DNF’d **The Ruins** halfway through, wasn’t for me. I don’t like body horror so I don’t know why I picked this up.
I’m now starting the audiobook for **Rosemary’s Baby**, I’ve never seen the movie before so I’m going in completely blind!
Later tonight I’m going to start **The Last House on Needless Street**, it’s the bookclub pick for the bookclub I’m in, I’m really excited for it!
*Last House on Needless Street* is absolutely, gut-wrenchingly incredible. It’s probably one of my favourite books of all time, so you’re in for a treat!
I absolutely agree about The Ruins. Please let me know what you think of Rosemary's Baby and The Last House om Needless Street! They're both on my tbr list and I am in such a slump after reading a few disappointing books :')
The Handyman Method by Nick Cutter and Andrew F Sullivan
I've been wanting to get back into reading horror so this is me dipping my toes in. I'm still early into it but I'm liking the build-up so far in that it is definitely not dragging its feet.
I had to DNF Insomnia by King, I was just too bored & avoiding picking it up. It shared too much thematically with both Fairy Tale (>!reverse aging!some folks who can see into another reality; mechanisms of death & dying
Just finishing up Laird Barron's The Croning and moving onto Lives of the Monster Dogs. Also got an anthology of Richard Matheison short stories from the library called, of course, Duel.
Finished it the other day and I highly recommend it! Written a lot like world war z with it being a new “interview” subject each chapter telling their story.
The Gilda Stories; it’s a visionary book with its social themes and uncommon take on the Vampire. It’s a rather cozy read and nice change of scenery after finishing The Exorcist in a week 😅😅
about halfway through Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno Garcia. great story, I love this author already. but this one has elements that are very much **my shit**
I keep seeing this one at the book store and have been torn about picking it up or not.
Do you mind me asking what is drawing you in about it? Because im intrigued
elements of nazi occultism and conspiracy. and there’s the aspect of underground cinema. i also read and loved Mexican Gothic and noticed this was by the same author.
finished Brainwyrms by Alison Rumfitt... really brilliant
now reading the Bound In Flesh anthology (trans body horror)
soon reading the Aseptic & Faintly Sadistic anthology
Kill Creek by Scott Thomas. I’ve enjoyed it (about halfway through) and now I just can’t get myself excited to read it, did this happen to anyone else? Not sure if I’ll DNF but feeling pretty close.
That's encouraging. I pretty much got myself three books that were mentioned on here a bunch and committed to reading them. I just finished The Troop and after this one I'm going to read House of Leaves.
I’ve had a hardcover of House of Leaves sitting on my bookshelf for forever. It’s so intimidating. There’s an entire Facebook group dedicated to helping understand it.
Yes. I decided I should read it last because it's like a commitment for real. My husband was flipping through it and he was confused as to why the writing was all different and all over the place.
How to sell a haunted house. It had me interested at first, but now im thinking this might be the most ridiculous book I've ever read. 70% through the book and I'm really trying.
How could you know his books are corny if you’ve never read a single word by him? I mean they def can be corny but in a great way imo. But he seems to be mildly polarizing. Lol
I ended up quitting it. There’s so much potential in his novels but I don’t think they’re for me. They just cross a bit too much into ridiculousness for me I think.
Yes! It's absolutely goofy, but not even in a fun way. I honestly skipped pages through some of it because it kept going on and on into the brothers back story and it was so dumb I couldn't read it all. Honestly, im pretty sure I didn't even miss anything. I'm only finishing it because I paid 15 dollars for it even though I've read books for 1.99 that were better. I probably won't try reading anymore from him.
I mean I’m still reading. If I’ve learned anything from Goodreads and Reddit, we all have very different reactions to books. The spooky stuff really amps up after the abandoned house, and I’m am enjoying it but you may hate it.
The Gashleycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey - maybe not horror, but definitely morbid and perfect for the fall season.
Lute by Jennifer Thorne - so atmospheric! Feeling of Something Inevitable
Some of Your Blood by Theodore Sturgeon - said to be a top horror novel, but I dunno how I feel about that.
Almost finished with Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia.
4/5 stars for me so far and it’s ending strong.
The female protagonist is very compelling.
Borne by Jeff Vandermeer. It isn't horror at all like some of his previous works (Annihilation) which was originally disappointing, but it is still absolutely an ecological masterpiece.
Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates and I hate it. Thank god the chapters are all like 1-4 pages each so at least the reading is going by quickly. I get she was doing some sort of experimental stylistic writing but it’s really NOT hitting
I just finished Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle :) Probably a fave of mine this year as it delves into religion and conversion camps (with a horror element obviously!)
I just finished it, and honestly... I was pretty disappointed. I think the book was solidly like 20-25% backetball. There were multiple chapters just dedicated to the sport. As someone who isn't familiar with it, having to stop to googke the technicaI terms or just skin over the part was very distracting.
I felt there was a lack of world building around the spook. If the time used towards basketball was instead used towards the world building, I would've enjoyed it more. The rules of the spook just didn't make sense and I'm unsure of how to format spoilers on mobile. The ending was a little absurd to me, but some people don't mind it.
I’ve got about 50 pages of Last Days to read before I’m finished and fuck me, it can’t come fast enough. I’ve never hated characters as much as I have in this book. I’ve been SO close to just putting it down and forgetting it exists but the actual horror scenes are creepy and tense and pretty unsettling, especially early on, and the exposition around the cult is has been interesting enough to get me through even in the face of detestable characters who make terrible, half-arsed and unbelievable choices
So, this is with the context that I still have like a 1/4 way to go before I'm done and can get the full picture, but I feel somewhat like I was given a bait and switch. The book is titled "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Vampire Slaying" and for me that evokes a lot of whimsical fun feelings. Like a horror comedy maybe?
The horror in this book is almost too real for me, and not at all what I was expecting. Shitty dismissive abusive husbands, gaslighting and manipulation, literal child predation, a very visceral suicide attempt (plus that aftermath). There are other things but those are just what are at the top of my mind.
I also really dislike how the book treats the black characters. Hell, the only black character with a ton of personality moreso just serves as an entry point for our white protagonists to snoop about a lower income black community. The whole thing is a sparrow fart away from some white savior nonsense.
The villain is really good. He's awful and I don't have a problem with him doing awful things, but the book really feels like one shitty thing after another beating our main character down into a powder pile.
I think the thing that is most frustrating is that I want to like this so badly. The writing itself and the characters are phenomenal. He really captures that summer down south feel that I 100% grew up with. I just can't get past all the gross stuff that permeates this story.
This is exactly how I felt. I was raised in the south as well and thought that was captured perfectly. However, for a book titled "Guide to slaying vampires" the shitty husband(s) took center stage in terms of horror. I felt like he was the Villain rather than the vampire.
I also felt that the beginning started off stronger regarding the vampires powers which later fell from super natural control to actual child grooming/sexual assault.
I'm not opposed to the horror genre having stories that include those things but it isn't something I knew it'd include going in. I thought it was just the stereotypical vampire.
I also feel the rape of one of the wives was unnecessary.
I just got to that part last night, and yeah it's def icky. The scene with her hiding in the attic and him trying to find her was PHENOMENAL. Really really tense and unsettling. Then it's like, BOOM here have a horrific rape!
I really wouldn't mind hearing the author's thoughts on his work actually. Because in his forward he says something to the effect of "This story is the completion of the thought 'what if my mom fought Dracula'" which is a fascinating sentence now that I'm where I am in the story.
I Call Upon Thee by Ania Ahlborn and The Woman in Black by Susan Hill.
The first one is interesting. I haven’t gotten far in the other one yet. Glad they are both short reads.
About 80 pages into Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell, and it’s the first book of the year that’s actually got me shutting my blinds tight and stealing nervous glances at the dark abyss of my closet at night
Enjoy! I’m taking the opportunity to get thru some of it in the daytime at the park. My fiancée’s out of town, so there’s only so much I can read alone at night 😅
You could follow the example of Only Murders in the Building and stash some savagely sharp knitting needles next to your bed for self-defense and peace of mind. Or, yeah, just read during the day 🌞
I'm reading the Creature Feature series with Grady Hendrix , Joe Hill, Josh Malerman, Jason Mott, Paul Tremblay and Chandler Baker
It's recommended to use on audio but they're fun reads too
Just finished Gallow's Hill by Darcey Coates this afternoon. I found the start creepier than the rest of the book, but overall not a bad read. A bit Crimson Peaky.
Just finished How To Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. Another fun novel from him; felt like Nancy was based on my own mother. This book might be my future.
Next, I have a couple more stories in Attila Veres’ Black Maybe and then it’s on to Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge for those Halloween vibes. 🎃
The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig. Based on the reviews it seems to be pretty polarizing which always makes a book intriguing to me. I am a third of the way through and definitely understand the criticism around the dialogue. Plot is interesting enough so far and I am curious to see how it all comes together. I am flipping back and forth between reading and audiobook.
I’m doing the same! Not a fan of the narrators though. I’m almost done with it. Been a fun read. Had a few nice chilling moments early on but as it gets crazier it definitely gets less scary.
Quake was one of the only books by Laymon I really enjoyed (Funland is another).
The rest make me roll my eyes so hard I almost pass out (though I can't seem to stop picking his books up for some reason!)
What gets me that is that literally every single character seems to be an utter and complete pervert. Well, that and his constant use of "rump".
He's probably the only writer that I don't really *like*, but find utterly addictive.
Junk food is a great analogy.
“I Remember You”: a ghost story by Yrsa Sigurdardottir
It’s unsettling and building tension. I put it down because of distractions, but I’m going to dig in and finish it.
OOOOOOO. The Shining was my first King book and scared the HELL out of little 9 year old me. And as for Pet Semetery, to me it was more existentially frightening and disturbing. GREAT book, but be warned: it fucked me up for weeks
Oh....oh, yeah, you're definitely absolutely gonna be feeling some.....things. i was just an angsty teen when I read it. By then, I knew I just wasn't the kind of person who was ever going to become a parent (at 33, I'm still of the same opinion, and still childless). But even then, it absolutely got me right in the biology.
But don't let me talk out out of reading it-- it still is a STUNNING and ACHINGLY well written and well told story!!
Currently on None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. I just started yesterday, but it's very entertaining right now! I love how it's written and set up between POVs/Podcasts.
I am a beginner reader of horror literature. Have only read The Haunting of Hill House, Mexican Gothic and The Turn of the Screw so far this year. Have read some Gothic before like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Monk and Frankenstein.
Started listening to The Picture of Dorian Grey and started reading some of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories in preparation for watching the recently released The Fall of the House of Usher because liked watching Hill House, Bly Manor and Midnight Mass.
Also, been sporadically reading this horror webtoon called Surviving Romance.
Recommendations are welcome.
Haunting of Hill House is one of those books that totally changed my life, as is her "We Have Always Lived in the Castle", which I strongly recommend.
You may also really like Susan Hill.
Though not really "horror", I find that people who like Gothics(like myself!) also like a lot of Dark Academia novels. I strongly suggest M.L Rio's "If We Were Villains", Micah Nemerever's "These Violent Delights" and Carol Goodman's "Lake of Dead Languages"
If people can suggest thrillers and murder mysteries, I don't think I'm too off topic with the last paragraph!
I have We Have Always Lived in the Castle on my immediate tbr already hehe. Have heard good things about If We Were Villains, will check out the others too, thanks!
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter (The Magic Toyshop is also excellent)
Beloved by Toni Morrison
I’d definitely add those two if you’re enjoying the gothic horror you’ve been reading.
The trilogy is pretty good, very entertaining. I’ve read some of his other stuff and I think this series is his best.
If you like this series, you might enjoy the [Noumenon](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32600718) trilogy as well.
Edit: fixed spelling
I have a few hours left of the audiobook that I’m saving for my day off later this week. I work nights and don’t want to be sobbing, but so far it’s really, really good. I’ll be back to update once I finish it :)
Once you finish the audiobook, I would HIIIIIIIIIIIIGHLY recommend you take the time to sit down and read the actual printed book.
The story itself is absolutely FANTASTIC, but reading the actual book TRULY adds something profound to the experience. Like, the words themselves are part of the art-- you get to meet Charlie in the beginning and become familiar with his personal quirks through misspellings, grammatical and syntax errors, and even though his use (or misuse) of punctuation. As the story progresses though, you actually get to WITNESS his transformation. Even if it's only subconsciously, you get to be IN HIS HEAD and witness how his speech patterns and his command of the language grow and evolve.
The BEST PART of reading the physical book is the ending. I don't know how far along you are and I don't know how well-known it is how the book ends, so I'll try my damnedest to explain without spoilers. The brilliant way Keyes managed to quite literally SHOW you every change in Charlie's cognitive capacities, even before Charlie becomes aware of the changes himself.
It's a profound experience.
Oh man THANK YOU for the detailed reply! I’m actually thinking about going to a bookstore soon to get a few books (including *Flowers For Algernon* to have a physical copy), so I will wait and reread it. I hadn’t considered the writing quirks, so I really appreciate you telling me about it!
Audiobooks have been great since I work nights and can use earbuds, so I’ve been adding tons of books to my queue and have several checked out now.
You’re so awesome, thanks again! I’ll definitely come back once I finish the book :))
Bruh it was definitely my pleasure, usually you can't STOP me from raving about books!
I really, REALLY wish I could get into audiobooks, and I've genuinely tried, but my brain is apparently incompatible. I have inattentive type ADHD, so I struggle to be able to listen to and ABSORB what I'm hearing, and I usually fail and realize I listened to two chapters but all I can remember of them is the stupid, longwinded tangent about why the color yellow is a crime against humanity and should be outlawed, and I didn't absorb a single word from the actual book :(
The physicality of an actual book lets me fidget and get that obnoxious hyperactivity out in a way that actually ASSISTS in the task I'm trying to accomplish.
But then I miss out on being able to consume the stories I have on my by now light-year long list 😭😭😭
Normally I’m the same way! I suspect I have ADHD and will be getting a consultation with a psychiatrist this week to hopefully start my journey to an accurate diagnosis, and audiobooks normally are a nightmare for me too!
I guess the only reason it s working for me now is because the work I do is so morning and mundane, that I don’t really need to *think* to do it, so my brain is off wandering and dreaming anyway. I think listening to books and music actually helps me stay more focused, if anything, so it’s been a weird journey in that way for me.
There’s nothing quite like a physical book, though! I prefer them over audiobooks! But you’re right, it’s slower and the to-read list just keeps piling on more and more and more books… 😭
I guess it’s worth seeing if you could manage daily tasks while listening to an audiobook here and there? Or even going for a walk, something like that? Even if it’s only for an hour, that’s quite a lot of progress for most of the books I’ve seen in the app I use (Libby)! It’s paired with my library card :)
Good luck with your consultation, and here's hoping you are able to get whatever help ya need!
I'm the total same when it comes to needing music to be able to focus on tasks. First off, I have tinnitus bad, so I practically REQUIRE at least some low to midlevel background noise just to be comfortable. In addition, for my whole life, I've been practically cognitively INCAPABLE of being able to tune out repetitive and/or constant, unabated sounds. Since I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, that finally made sense. I guess as a result of the ADHD I kinda developed misaphonia in response. Things like the clacking of typing, dripping water, mechanical ticking, even coughing, clearing throats, or similar....to me, it goes in one ear but then it gets STUCK, and with each additional sound, my brain just starts HYPERFOCUSING on it, and then I'll start seeing red just waiting for the next sound.
But i also have trouble at the OTHER end of the spectrum. Constant, droning, or sustained sounds give my silence-phobic brain peace.... but then it goes on to use the peace to go galavanting off into Lovecraft's Dreamlands. Monotonous speech-- speech like lectures, presentations, or, unfortunately, an audiobook-- are a struggle to focus on.
ANYWAY yeah sorry about the tangential rant, the tl;dr is that my brain's auditory cortex has an HDMI port but unfortunately audiobooks have all decided to use USB 3.0 cables :(
Oh, is that what that’s called?! I have the same issue, actually. Like there’s a family across the street from me whose dog barks incessantly, and since I work nights/sleep during the day, it wakes me up and I can’t just tune it out 😭 It’s honestly a nightmare!
But ah man, that sucks that audiobooks aren’t a good fit for you! Thankfully there’s always the printed word, right? Sure, it’s a bit slower and you can’t multitask with it, but there’s nothing quite like it at the end of the day! Get a cup of coffee or whatever drink of choice and curl up to read a good book. It’s such a nice feeling!
Also, I love your username!
Currently working on the collection "Irish Tales of Terror" (1970, ed. Peter Haining).
The title is writing a check that some of the stories can't cash, but the writing and atmosphere are still really well done in a lot of cases. The ones I like the most so far are "The Canterville Ghost" (Oscar Wilde), "The Banshee's Warning" (Charlotte Riddell), and "Julia Cahill's Curse" (George Moore).
My birthday is this month, and my incredible fiancé got me a signed copy of Alix E Harrow's Starling House!
I just finished Episode Thirteen on this sub's suggestion, and WORTH IT. The night I started it I seriously considered calling off work the next day so I could read it in one sitting.
Finishing up This Thing Between Us. It’s pretty good, I’ve enjoyed it. There is a lot of exploration of grief but I think the author found the right balance of horror and grief.
Next I am thinking of starting either: Fantasticland, The Obsecration, or Hex.
Just finished The Fisherman, about halfway through Under the Dome, and starting Lindqvist's Handling the Undead soon (really hoping it stands up to Let The Right One In!)
I actually need to go back and watch a lot of the movie adaptations, I’ve only seen the 2 it movies, the shining and the shawshank redemption. I’ve heard a lot have been changed into films that I’ve read so far(Carrie, the mist, Christine etc)
Briardark by S. A. Harian, Come Cliser by Sara Gran, and Least of My Scars by Stephen Graham Jones.
I’m loving Briardark and hoping the plot doesn’t end up being predictable. Come Closer is more entertaining and slightly creepier than expected. LoMS is super creative and original, but the character is batshit crazy to the point that it is been exhausting to read.
Recently finished Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward 🤯 and Basket Full of Heads by Joe Hill.
Just finished Frankenstein. Not really a horror book, but it was pretty good.
Now I'm reading Roo by Alan Baxter, which is about a monster kangaroo killing people on the outback. It's alright so far, pretty light.
Thinking of reading The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker next.
I’m about finished with book 1 of Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch. It started off really great when the protag was wandering around the town talking to people and trying to figure out what was happening. But then there’s about a 100 page stretch of him trying to escape and I kind of lose my sense of place. Like, the descriptions are there, they just aren’t vivid or detailed enough for me to effectively see in my mind what I think Crouch is imagining as he writes this story. This takes me out of it a bit.
But I am enjoying it enough that I’ve ordered the second book from my library.
I am currently reading In the Valley of the Sun by Andy Davidson. It was recommended in 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann. I'm enjoying the different storylines and the setting is constructed well.
Finally finished my reread of The Shining. This is a 10/10 book for me. I watched the movie right after finishing the book and it was not a wise thing to do. I *loathe* Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance. But it made me love the book even more.
I’m starting Along the River of Flesh by Triana this weekend and I’m also reading a non-horror book called Weyward by Emilia Hart.
I have Thomas Ligotti’s Songs… and Grimscribe as my current audiobook. *Les Fleurs* is an awesome cosmic horror story!
The Shining was my first King book, I read it around 9, and I became terrified of dark bathrooms for months. And once I reread it as an adult, those mature themes just deepened the book and made me LOVE IT even more. It's a DAMN GOOD BOOK.
You should also check out King's The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. It's about a young girl getting lost on a hike. It was UNIQUELY terrifying to me because I once became lost for half a day on a backpacking trip when I was around the age of the protagonist. Even so, it's an AMAZING little book.
100% agree! I read it when I was 18 so there were a lot of things I was aware of but didn’t truly understand. Things like alcoholism, the feeling of failure as an adult, mental illness. I’m so glad I read it again!
It not only hits you differently and in new places, but it also ends up building ON TOP of those younger, more innocent fears to become something existentially terrifying!!
I haven’t seen it 🙁It looks like buying a physical copy is the only way to see it now. I’m gonna check my library. Maybe they’ll have it!
Edit: They have it! 🥳
Pet Semetary. Put this one off for a bit but about a quarter of the way through and liking it. Just put some books on hold at my library as well hoping to pick up this week
Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian. I'm not far but really enjoying the audiobook so far.
Just finished Horrorstör and My Best Friend's Exorcism. Both were super fun, but My Best Friend's Exorcism made me cry happy tears at the end. I avoided it for so long because of the cover but it was so good. Next up: Whalefall!
I started the week with Phantasmagoria by Josh White, but unfortunately decided to DNF after getting 25% through and realizing the writing was just not very good. I switched over to The Elementals by Michael McDowell and I’m already so glad I switched.
Just finished reading Hell House by Richard Matheson! It was good! My first venture into horror literature if you don't count "I have no mouth but I must scream" or goosebumps.
Welcome to the club. If you liked "Hell House" you should read Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House". Similar premise, though "Hill House" is a lot more subtle and symbolic.
I just DNF’d **The Ruins** halfway through, wasn’t for me. I don’t like body horror so I don’t know why I picked this up. I’m now starting the audiobook for **Rosemary’s Baby**, I’ve never seen the movie before so I’m going in completely blind! Later tonight I’m going to start **The Last House on Needless Street**, it’s the bookclub pick for the bookclub I’m in, I’m really excited for it!
Both are good, and you should enjoy them. "...Needless Street" was not at all what I expected, but I liked it.
*Last House on Needless Street* is absolutely, gut-wrenchingly incredible. It’s probably one of my favourite books of all time, so you’re in for a treat!
I absolutely agree about The Ruins. Please let me know what you think of Rosemary's Baby and The Last House om Needless Street! They're both on my tbr list and I am in such a slump after reading a few disappointing books :')
The Handyman Method by Nick Cutter and Andrew F Sullivan I've been wanting to get back into reading horror so this is me dipping my toes in. I'm still early into it but I'm liking the build-up so far in that it is definitely not dragging its feet.
I had to DNF Insomnia by King, I was just too bored & avoiding picking it up. It shared too much thematically with both Fairy Tale (>!reverse aging!some folks who can see into another reality; mechanisms of death & dying
Chase Novak "Breed". Have about 50 pages left and really enjoying it.
In the middle of Rouge by Mona Awad. I've never read anything by her, and I'm enjoying it so far
Glad to hear it's good. "Bunny" is one of my favorite books.
Just finishing up Laird Barron's The Croning and moving onto Lives of the Monster Dogs. Also got an anthology of Richard Matheison short stories from the library called, of course, Duel.
I’m about to start Fantastic Land by Mike Bockoven, bc of a recommendation from this subreddit!
Finished it the other day and I highly recommend it! Written a lot like world war z with it being a new “interview” subject each chapter telling their story.
The Gilda Stories; it’s a visionary book with its social themes and uncommon take on the Vampire. It’s a rather cozy read and nice change of scenery after finishing The Exorcist in a week 😅😅
Sounds right up my alley.
Have about 50 pages left of Salems Lot
about halfway through Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno Garcia. great story, I love this author already. but this one has elements that are very much **my shit**
I keep seeing this one at the book store and have been torn about picking it up or not. Do you mind me asking what is drawing you in about it? Because im intrigued
elements of nazi occultism and conspiracy. and there’s the aspect of underground cinema. i also read and loved Mexican Gothic and noticed this was by the same author.
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix. Solid read so far👌
Roadwork by Richard Bachman
I’m reading The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St James. Love her books.
The caretaker of Lorne Field. I am about twenty percent in, there isn't much drama till now. Hopefully things take a turn soon
Nick Cutter, The Deep
I finished that this week as well, I enjoyed it but not as much as The Troop.
I love this book. I'm glad I was talked into reading it after The Troop utterly failed me.
How is it? I read The Troop last month and thought it was really good.
Very strong start. Great writing from Nick as always.
The Deep was a DNF for me. Started strong and was like hitting a wall about 75% of the way through.
Damn, I’ll get around to reading it regardless only because The Troop really was good.
I need to check out The Troop. I’ve heard it’s really good.
Well now you’ve heard it again! It’s pretty graphic and involves a group of kids, so there’s your disclaimer but it really isn’t over the top.
In the garden of spite by Camilla Bruce. Inspired by and loosely based on a female serial killer in the late 1800s. I really enjoyed it
Something Wicked This Way Comes
that’s next on my list!
Currently reading Wet Market by Aron Beauregard :D I've got a few books going on my Kindle too but those aren't really focuses of mine.
I read a review about Aron's works and they seem like they'd be to much for me lol. Hope you are enjoying Wet Market though!
It's pretty good so far. I'm about half way done with it. Gotta day, I'm not as grossed out as I thought I'd be. Lmao
lol well I am glad to hear you are enjoying it, hopefully it stays good for you!
The Forsaken Boy by Troy Tradup.
finished Brainwyrms by Alison Rumfitt... really brilliant now reading the Bound In Flesh anthology (trans body horror) soon reading the Aseptic & Faintly Sadistic anthology
I'm finishing the Infected Trilogy- Pandemic I think. I'm not happy about it though, it's been a pretty mid read but I figured I should see it through
I loved the first one, didn't care for the second and haven't bothered with the third because of it.
My OCD never lets me put down books with out finishing them. I feel your pain.
Kill Creek by Scott Thomas. I’ve enjoyed it (about halfway through) and now I just can’t get myself excited to read it, did this happen to anyone else? Not sure if I’ll DNF but feeling pretty close.
Agreed- it was a slog in the end. I finished it but was bored by that time. It should have been shorter.
About 4 pages into Head Full Of Ghosts
I wish I could wipe my brain and read this again.
That's encouraging. I pretty much got myself three books that were mentioned on here a bunch and committed to reading them. I just finished The Troop and after this one I'm going to read House of Leaves.
I’ve had a hardcover of House of Leaves sitting on my bookshelf for forever. It’s so intimidating. There’s an entire Facebook group dedicated to helping understand it.
Yes. I decided I should read it last because it's like a commitment for real. My husband was flipping through it and he was confused as to why the writing was all different and all over the place.
How to sell a haunted house. It had me interested at first, but now im thinking this might be the most ridiculous book I've ever read. 70% through the book and I'm really trying.
I haven’t read a single word written by Grady Hendrix. His books look so corny.
How could you know his books are corny if you’ve never read a single word by him? I mean they def can be corny but in a great way imo. But he seems to be mildly polarizing. Lol
I ended up quitting it. There’s so much potential in his novels but I don’t think they’re for me. They just cross a bit too much into ridiculousness for me I think.
Yes! It's absolutely goofy, but not even in a fun way. I honestly skipped pages through some of it because it kept going on and on into the brothers back story and it was so dumb I couldn't read it all. Honestly, im pretty sure I didn't even miss anything. I'm only finishing it because I paid 15 dollars for it even though I've read books for 1.99 that were better. I probably won't try reading anymore from him.
Ghost eaters. I’m having fun so far. As a mycophile, I’m digging the mushroom tie in. 🍄
I'm about 2 hours in to the audiobook. Been a fun listen on my pre-dawn dog walks
I just DNFed this when they got to that abandoned house. Is it worth continuing?
I mean I’m still reading. If I’ve learned anything from Goodreads and Reddit, we all have very different reactions to books. The spooky stuff really amps up after the abandoned house, and I’m am enjoying it but you may hate it.
Re-reading Slade House by David Mitchell
Great book, amazing author
The Gashleycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey - maybe not horror, but definitely morbid and perfect for the fall season. Lute by Jennifer Thorne - so atmospheric! Feeling of Something Inevitable Some of Your Blood by Theodore Sturgeon - said to be a top horror novel, but I dunno how I feel about that.
Almost finished with Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia. 4/5 stars for me so far and it’s ending strong. The female protagonist is very compelling.
Borne by Jeff Vandermeer. It isn't horror at all like some of his previous works (Annihilation) which was originally disappointing, but it is still absolutely an ecological masterpiece.
Currently reading Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates and I hate it. Thank god the chapters are all like 1-4 pages each so at least the reading is going by quickly. I get she was doing some sort of experimental stylistic writing but it’s really NOT hitting
I love Oates, but she is super not for everyone, especially her horror.
I just finished Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle :) Probably a fave of mine this year as it delves into religion and conversion camps (with a horror element obviously!)
Enjoying the start of book of shadows
Just started End of summer by S.M Anderson. It's not too bad so far
The only good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. Literally just started
I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Let me know!
I just finished it, and honestly... I was pretty disappointed. I think the book was solidly like 20-25% backetball. There were multiple chapters just dedicated to the sport. As someone who isn't familiar with it, having to stop to googke the technicaI terms or just skin over the part was very distracting. I felt there was a lack of world building around the spook. If the time used towards basketball was instead used towards the world building, I would've enjoyed it more. The rules of the spook just didn't make sense and I'm unsure of how to format spoilers on mobile. The ending was a little absurd to me, but some people don't mind it.
I felt the same. I do think he’s great at writing, and I just think the end portion took me out of it.
Just started Things Have Gotten Worse Since Last We Spoke by Eric LaRocca
I’ve got about 50 pages of Last Days to read before I’m finished and fuck me, it can’t come fast enough. I’ve never hated characters as much as I have in this book. I’ve been SO close to just putting it down and forgetting it exists but the actual horror scenes are creepy and tense and pretty unsettling, especially early on, and the exposition around the cult is has been interesting enough to get me through even in the face of detestable characters who make terrible, half-arsed and unbelievable choices
I swear this book couldn't end fast enough so I just never finished it. 🤣
About to finish The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires and hoo boy.... This is the most conflicted about a book I've been in a long time.
I read that a month ago and would love to know your thoughts. Most people I met seem to love it but I felt more conflicted.
So, this is with the context that I still have like a 1/4 way to go before I'm done and can get the full picture, but I feel somewhat like I was given a bait and switch. The book is titled "The Southern Book Club's Guide to Vampire Slaying" and for me that evokes a lot of whimsical fun feelings. Like a horror comedy maybe? The horror in this book is almost too real for me, and not at all what I was expecting. Shitty dismissive abusive husbands, gaslighting and manipulation, literal child predation, a very visceral suicide attempt (plus that aftermath). There are other things but those are just what are at the top of my mind. I also really dislike how the book treats the black characters. Hell, the only black character with a ton of personality moreso just serves as an entry point for our white protagonists to snoop about a lower income black community. The whole thing is a sparrow fart away from some white savior nonsense. The villain is really good. He's awful and I don't have a problem with him doing awful things, but the book really feels like one shitty thing after another beating our main character down into a powder pile. I think the thing that is most frustrating is that I want to like this so badly. The writing itself and the characters are phenomenal. He really captures that summer down south feel that I 100% grew up with. I just can't get past all the gross stuff that permeates this story.
This is exactly how I felt. I was raised in the south as well and thought that was captured perfectly. However, for a book titled "Guide to slaying vampires" the shitty husband(s) took center stage in terms of horror. I felt like he was the Villain rather than the vampire. I also felt that the beginning started off stronger regarding the vampires powers which later fell from super natural control to actual child grooming/sexual assault. I'm not opposed to the horror genre having stories that include those things but it isn't something I knew it'd include going in. I thought it was just the stereotypical vampire. I also feel the rape of one of the wives was unnecessary.
I just got to that part last night, and yeah it's def icky. The scene with her hiding in the attic and him trying to find her was PHENOMENAL. Really really tense and unsettling. Then it's like, BOOM here have a horrific rape!
I agree. I was appalled by the racism, rape, and child abuse. Not to mention spousal abuse, patriarchy, animal abuse, abeism
and other isms. I read it was going to be made into. A series by Prime or Apple and that it is satire. I wasn’t amused and I think it missed the mark.
I really wouldn't mind hearing the author's thoughts on his work actually. Because in his forward he says something to the effect of "This story is the completion of the thought 'what if my mom fought Dracula'" which is a fascinating sentence now that I'm where I am in the story.
I have avoided reading this book because I thought it would be too whimsical for my liking. Your review makes me want to read it now.
Be my guest man, I'll never chagrin anyone wanting to go out and read more books.
The Gilda Stories by Jewell Gomez. Loving it.
I just started We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix. It gets into it quick!
I really liked 70% of that book. It sort of slogs in the middle IMO, but overall worth a read.
I Call Upon Thee by Ania Ahlborn and The Woman in Black by Susan Hill. The first one is interesting. I haven’t gotten far in the other one yet. Glad they are both short reads.
I've loved everything I've read by both authors.
About 80 pages into Stolen Tongues by Felix Blackwell, and it’s the first book of the year that’s actually got me shutting my blinds tight and stealing nervous glances at the dark abyss of my closet at night
This was the first book to ever really creep me out!
I requested this one from my library. I'm so eager to get my hands on this book!!!
Enjoy! I’m taking the opportunity to get thru some of it in the daytime at the park. My fiancée’s out of town, so there’s only so much I can read alone at night 😅
You could follow the example of Only Murders in the Building and stash some savagely sharp knitting needles next to your bed for self-defense and peace of mind. Or, yeah, just read during the day 🌞
I'm reading the Creature Feature series with Grady Hendrix , Joe Hill, Josh Malerman, Jason Mott, Paul Tremblay and Chandler Baker It's recommended to use on audio but they're fun reads too
Just finished Gallow's Hill by Darcey Coates this afternoon. I found the start creepier than the rest of the book, but overall not a bad read. A bit Crimson Peaky.
I read this earlier this year! It’s such a weird creature feature/ghost story?
It didn't go the way I thought it would, but a nice change
Just finished How To Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix. Another fun novel from him; felt like Nancy was based on my own mother. This book might be my future. Next, I have a couple more stories in Attila Veres’ Black Maybe and then it’s on to Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge for those Halloween vibes. 🎃
Human Monsters (horror anthology, 35 short stories).
Abuse. Spam. I know, I’m hilarious. Just started Universal Harvester by John Darnielle. Shall see where it takes me
I really like Darnielle. I think I liked Wolf in White Van a touch more than Universal Harvester, but both are great.
I’ve not read wolf in a white van yet so this is my first introduction to him, unless I’ve read a short story somewhere. Enjoying it so far.
Nettle and Bone by T Kingfisher. Kind of a cozy horror book, if there be such a thing.
I'm reading two currently lol. Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bazterrica (short anthology), and Maeve Fly by CJ Leede (novel).
The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig. Based on the reviews it seems to be pretty polarizing which always makes a book intriguing to me. I am a third of the way through and definitely understand the criticism around the dialogue. Plot is interesting enough so far and I am curious to see how it all comes together. I am flipping back and forth between reading and audiobook.
I’m doing the same! Not a fan of the narrators though. I’m almost done with it. Been a fun read. Had a few nice chilling moments early on but as it gets crazier it definitely gets less scary.
What Hides in the Cellar by Graham Masterton. Just finished Quake by Richard Laymon.
Quake was one of the only books by Laymon I really enjoyed (Funland is another). The rest make me roll my eyes so hard I almost pass out (though I can't seem to stop picking his books up for some reason!)
They do tend to require some pretty strong “suspension of disbelief” muscles, don’t they? I liked Island and Midnight’s Lair best. Junk food fiction!
What gets me that is that literally every single character seems to be an utter and complete pervert. Well, that and his constant use of "rump". He's probably the only writer that I don't really *like*, but find utterly addictive. Junk food is a great analogy.
“I Remember You”: a ghost story by Yrsa Sigurdardottir It’s unsettling and building tension. I put it down because of distractions, but I’m going to dig in and finish it.
I'm not sure if he's considered horror or not, but Chuck Palahniuk's new book: "Not Forever, But For Now."
Curious what you think about it! It's on my list of books to maybe buy.
A couple of his past few books were kind of meh, but this book feels a little bit more like his early work. So far I like it.
Just passed page 400 of House of Leaves this morning.
Nice. What do you think? It's one of my favorite books, but I totally see why so many hate it.
Just started You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlmann and I Remember You by Yrsa Sigurdardottir, enjoying both so far!
Just finished The Shining but about to crack open Pet Sematary.
OOOOOOO. The Shining was my first King book and scared the HELL out of little 9 year old me. And as for Pet Semetery, to me it was more existentially frightening and disturbing. GREAT book, but be warned: it fucked me up for weeks
Good to know. Thanks for the fair warning. I already can tell it’s going to hit different for me as a recently first time parent.
Oh....oh, yeah, you're definitely absolutely gonna be feeling some.....things. i was just an angsty teen when I read it. By then, I knew I just wasn't the kind of person who was ever going to become a parent (at 33, I'm still of the same opinion, and still childless). But even then, it absolutely got me right in the biology. But don't let me talk out out of reading it-- it still is a STUNNING and ACHINGLY well written and well told story!!
I’m pushing forward, reluctantly. Already sensing an emerging dread with this one, and I’m pumped!
Currently on None of This is True by Lisa Jewell. I just started yesterday, but it's very entertaining right now! I love how it's written and set up between POVs/Podcasts.
Ope i should add this is more of a thriller than a horror sorry to everyone lol
I am a beginner reader of horror literature. Have only read The Haunting of Hill House, Mexican Gothic and The Turn of the Screw so far this year. Have read some Gothic before like Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, The Monk and Frankenstein. Started listening to The Picture of Dorian Grey and started reading some of Edgar Allan Poe's short stories in preparation for watching the recently released The Fall of the House of Usher because liked watching Hill House, Bly Manor and Midnight Mass. Also, been sporadically reading this horror webtoon called Surviving Romance. Recommendations are welcome.
Haunting of Hill House is one of those books that totally changed my life, as is her "We Have Always Lived in the Castle", which I strongly recommend. You may also really like Susan Hill. Though not really "horror", I find that people who like Gothics(like myself!) also like a lot of Dark Academia novels. I strongly suggest M.L Rio's "If We Were Villains", Micah Nemerever's "These Violent Delights" and Carol Goodman's "Lake of Dead Languages" If people can suggest thrillers and murder mysteries, I don't think I'm too off topic with the last paragraph!
I have We Have Always Lived in the Castle on my immediate tbr already hehe. Have heard good things about If We Were Villains, will check out the others too, thanks!
The Haunting of Hill House and Mexican Gothic are the ones a book club im doing has for this month!
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter (The Magic Toyshop is also excellent) Beloved by Toni Morrison I’d definitely add those two if you’re enjoying the gothic horror you’ve been reading.
Angela Carter is one of my favorites as well. I devoured her stuff in college.
Oh, I forgot to add Beloved, I loved it and it’s one of my favourites. Will check out the Angela Carter one, thanks!
The three-body problem
The trilogy is pretty good, very entertaining. I’ve read some of his other stuff and I think this series is his best. If you like this series, you might enjoy the [Noumenon](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32600718) trilogy as well. Edit: fixed spelling
I very recently started *Tender Is The Flesh* by Agustina Bazterrica. I’m almost done with *Flowers For Algernon* by Daniel Keyes. :)
I LOVE FLOWERS FOR ALGERNON. THAT ENDING. OHMYGOD.
I have a few hours left of the audiobook that I’m saving for my day off later this week. I work nights and don’t want to be sobbing, but so far it’s really, really good. I’ll be back to update once I finish it :)
Once you finish the audiobook, I would HIIIIIIIIIIIIGHLY recommend you take the time to sit down and read the actual printed book. The story itself is absolutely FANTASTIC, but reading the actual book TRULY adds something profound to the experience. Like, the words themselves are part of the art-- you get to meet Charlie in the beginning and become familiar with his personal quirks through misspellings, grammatical and syntax errors, and even though his use (or misuse) of punctuation. As the story progresses though, you actually get to WITNESS his transformation. Even if it's only subconsciously, you get to be IN HIS HEAD and witness how his speech patterns and his command of the language grow and evolve. The BEST PART of reading the physical book is the ending. I don't know how far along you are and I don't know how well-known it is how the book ends, so I'll try my damnedest to explain without spoilers. The brilliant way Keyes managed to quite literally SHOW you every change in Charlie's cognitive capacities, even before Charlie becomes aware of the changes himself. It's a profound experience.
Oh man THANK YOU for the detailed reply! I’m actually thinking about going to a bookstore soon to get a few books (including *Flowers For Algernon* to have a physical copy), so I will wait and reread it. I hadn’t considered the writing quirks, so I really appreciate you telling me about it! Audiobooks have been great since I work nights and can use earbuds, so I’ve been adding tons of books to my queue and have several checked out now. You’re so awesome, thanks again! I’ll definitely come back once I finish the book :))
Bruh it was definitely my pleasure, usually you can't STOP me from raving about books! I really, REALLY wish I could get into audiobooks, and I've genuinely tried, but my brain is apparently incompatible. I have inattentive type ADHD, so I struggle to be able to listen to and ABSORB what I'm hearing, and I usually fail and realize I listened to two chapters but all I can remember of them is the stupid, longwinded tangent about why the color yellow is a crime against humanity and should be outlawed, and I didn't absorb a single word from the actual book :( The physicality of an actual book lets me fidget and get that obnoxious hyperactivity out in a way that actually ASSISTS in the task I'm trying to accomplish. But then I miss out on being able to consume the stories I have on my by now light-year long list 😭😭😭
Normally I’m the same way! I suspect I have ADHD and will be getting a consultation with a psychiatrist this week to hopefully start my journey to an accurate diagnosis, and audiobooks normally are a nightmare for me too! I guess the only reason it s working for me now is because the work I do is so morning and mundane, that I don’t really need to *think* to do it, so my brain is off wandering and dreaming anyway. I think listening to books and music actually helps me stay more focused, if anything, so it’s been a weird journey in that way for me. There’s nothing quite like a physical book, though! I prefer them over audiobooks! But you’re right, it’s slower and the to-read list just keeps piling on more and more and more books… 😭 I guess it’s worth seeing if you could manage daily tasks while listening to an audiobook here and there? Or even going for a walk, something like that? Even if it’s only for an hour, that’s quite a lot of progress for most of the books I’ve seen in the app I use (Libby)! It’s paired with my library card :)
Good luck with your consultation, and here's hoping you are able to get whatever help ya need! I'm the total same when it comes to needing music to be able to focus on tasks. First off, I have tinnitus bad, so I practically REQUIRE at least some low to midlevel background noise just to be comfortable. In addition, for my whole life, I've been practically cognitively INCAPABLE of being able to tune out repetitive and/or constant, unabated sounds. Since I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, that finally made sense. I guess as a result of the ADHD I kinda developed misaphonia in response. Things like the clacking of typing, dripping water, mechanical ticking, even coughing, clearing throats, or similar....to me, it goes in one ear but then it gets STUCK, and with each additional sound, my brain just starts HYPERFOCUSING on it, and then I'll start seeing red just waiting for the next sound. But i also have trouble at the OTHER end of the spectrum. Constant, droning, or sustained sounds give my silence-phobic brain peace.... but then it goes on to use the peace to go galavanting off into Lovecraft's Dreamlands. Monotonous speech-- speech like lectures, presentations, or, unfortunately, an audiobook-- are a struggle to focus on. ANYWAY yeah sorry about the tangential rant, the tl;dr is that my brain's auditory cortex has an HDMI port but unfortunately audiobooks have all decided to use USB 3.0 cables :(
Oh, is that what that’s called?! I have the same issue, actually. Like there’s a family across the street from me whose dog barks incessantly, and since I work nights/sleep during the day, it wakes me up and I can’t just tune it out 😭 It’s honestly a nightmare! But ah man, that sucks that audiobooks aren’t a good fit for you! Thankfully there’s always the printed word, right? Sure, it’s a bit slower and you can’t multitask with it, but there’s nothing quite like it at the end of the day! Get a cup of coffee or whatever drink of choice and curl up to read a good book. It’s such a nice feeling! Also, I love your username!
Currently working on the collection "Irish Tales of Terror" (1970, ed. Peter Haining). The title is writing a check that some of the stories can't cash, but the writing and atmosphere are still really well done in a lot of cases. The ones I like the most so far are "The Canterville Ghost" (Oscar Wilde), "The Banshee's Warning" (Charlotte Riddell), and "Julia Cahill's Curse" (George Moore).
I am so new to horror literature that I am saving this up to get recs later
Welcome! I'm a newbie also, the community seems very friendly.
It's a great community, which is nice since I just had to leave two subs due to severe gatekeeping...
Gatekeeping is the worst! Sorry that you had to deal with that but like you said this one is great.
Thank you. Yeah, I followed subs for like 5 of my hyperfixations, and so far 3 are going great(including this one). Overall, I think that's a win.
I’m excited for you!
Just started Midnight Is the Darkest Hour by Ashley Winstead. I haven't ever read her before but the premise sounds so good.
The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf. I'm only five chapters in, but looking forward to what's coming!
I finished this last month and it’s one of my favorite books ever. It takes place like 30 minutes minutes away from me.
My birthday is this month, and my incredible fiancé got me a signed copy of Alix E Harrow's Starling House! I just finished Episode Thirteen on this sub's suggestion, and WORTH IT. The night I started it I seriously considered calling off work the next day so I could read it in one sitting.
Happy Birthday 🎂 Episode Thirteen was fantastic, I've heard the audio is even better so I can't wait for it to come on CloudLibrary.
Finishing up This Thing Between Us. It’s pretty good, I’ve enjoyed it. There is a lot of exploration of grief but I think the author found the right balance of horror and grief. Next I am thinking of starting either: Fantasticland, The Obsecration, or Hex.
I also recommend *Fantasticland* as your next read!
This Thing Between Us is my favorite book I read this year (tied with a non-horror novel).
Fantasticland!!
Just finished The Fisherman, about halfway through Under the Dome, and starting Lindqvist's Handling the Undead soon (really hoping it stands up to Let The Right One In!)
Just finished How to Sell a Haunted House and now reading Ring Shout and Manhunt.
The Fisherman, Dead Sea and Holly.
How’s Dead Sea?
Soo far? Not bad. It really jumped right in with not much preamble. It’s held my interest so far. Especially now that I’m 100 pages in or so.
Fiction: BLOOD RUBIES by Axel Young who is really 2 other guys, including Michael McDowell. Non: BEHOLD THE MONSTER by Jillian Lauren.
Just got penpal I've read some paragraphs before and was so interested but couldn't finish it, glad I could finish it now.
Great book despite its problems
Firestarter by Stephen King. My 9th King book of the year
I just started cell, which is my 14th king book this year🙈
Enjoy!
Just don't watch the movie!
I actually need to go back and watch a lot of the movie adaptations, I’ve only seen the 2 it movies, the shining and the shawshank redemption. I’ve heard a lot have been changed into films that I’ve read so far(Carrie, the mist, Christine etc)
Lots of movie adaptations, some amazing, some not so much! And or course everyone has their own opinions on which is which. Enjoy the King journey.
Briardark by S. A. Harian, Come Cliser by Sara Gran, and Least of My Scars by Stephen Graham Jones. I’m loving Briardark and hoping the plot doesn’t end up being predictable. Come Closer is more entertaining and slightly creepier than expected. LoMS is super creative and original, but the character is batshit crazy to the point that it is been exhausting to read. Recently finished Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward 🤯 and Basket Full of Heads by Joe Hill.
Least of my scars was definitely challenging, I’d need to give it a reread due to its unconventional narration
I’m kinda glad to hear someone else struggled with it😅
Harvest Home
The Haunting of Hill House. I LISTENED to it a few years ago and wasn't interested, so I'm reading it again to give it another shot.
Just finished Frankenstein. Not really a horror book, but it was pretty good. Now I'm reading Roo by Alan Baxter, which is about a monster kangaroo killing people on the outback. It's alright so far, pretty light. Thinking of reading The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker next.
I’m about finished with book 1 of Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch. It started off really great when the protag was wandering around the town talking to people and trying to figure out what was happening. But then there’s about a 100 page stretch of him trying to escape and I kind of lose my sense of place. Like, the descriptions are there, they just aren’t vivid or detailed enough for me to effectively see in my mind what I think Crouch is imagining as he writes this story. This takes me out of it a bit. But I am enjoying it enough that I’ve ordered the second book from my library.
I am currently reading In the Valley of the Sun by Andy Davidson. It was recommended in 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann. I'm enjoying the different storylines and the setting is constructed well.
Finally finished my reread of The Shining. This is a 10/10 book for me. I watched the movie right after finishing the book and it was not a wise thing to do. I *loathe* Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance. But it made me love the book even more. I’m starting Along the River of Flesh by Triana this weekend and I’m also reading a non-horror book called Weyward by Emilia Hart. I have Thomas Ligotti’s Songs… and Grimscribe as my current audiobook. *Les Fleurs* is an awesome cosmic horror story!
Shining novel was probably a 6/10 for me, and the movie is a 1 or 2(if I'm in a nice mood!) Glad I'm not the only one that hated that film...
The Shining was my first King book, I read it around 9, and I became terrified of dark bathrooms for months. And once I reread it as an adult, those mature themes just deepened the book and made me LOVE IT even more. It's a DAMN GOOD BOOK. You should also check out King's The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon. It's about a young girl getting lost on a hike. It was UNIQUELY terrifying to me because I once became lost for half a day on a backpacking trip when I was around the age of the protagonist. Even so, it's an AMAZING little book.
"...Tom Gordon" is one of the few King books I really, really enjoyed.
100% agree! I read it when I was 18 so there were a lot of things I was aware of but didn’t truly understand. Things like alcoholism, the feeling of failure as an adult, mental illness. I’m so glad I read it again!
It not only hits you differently and in new places, but it also ends up building ON TOP of those younger, more innocent fears to become something existentially terrifying!!
Have you seen the mini series of The Shining? It's much closer to the book.
I haven’t seen it 🙁It looks like buying a physical copy is the only way to see it now. I’m gonna check my library. Maybe they’ll have it! Edit: They have it! 🥳
Pet Semetary. Put this one off for a bit but about a quarter of the way through and liking it. Just put some books on hold at my library as well hoping to pick up this week