Funny, dark, and thrilling, this suburban nail-biter shows housewives and book clubs in a whole new light. Filled https://instagram.com/p/Cj0IuBnL7qn/
Funny, dark, and thrilling, this suburban nail-biter shows housewives and book clubs in a whole new light. Filled with angst, action, and reflection, we follow Patricia Campbell’s supernatural war against her neighbor, a manipulative bachelor who preys at night. All of Grady Hendrix’s novels have such an enticing blend of humor and horror, of emotional turmoil and in many ways is so relatable. He delivers yet another bloody roller coaster that manages to be both terrifying and touching....more
A quietly haunting work of social horror that explores the plight of those who give themselves away in order to care for others. Through fever dream pA quietly haunting work of social horror that explores the plight of those who give themselves away in order to care for others. Through fever dream prose that is as elegant as it is unsettling, we see the devastating effects of burnout, as well as the crushing emotional and physical expectations placed on caretakers and healthcare workers. Despite its heavy subjects and mounting psychological horror, Rest and Be Thankful is consistent in its message of empathy and the unrelenting effort to do good. A heartbreaking glimpse into the professions that are an endless source of comfort and care, so much so that their own workers’ struggles are unnoticed, to terrible consequences....more
A solid example of the gothic ghost story; dreary, atmospheric, and dark, this novel explores the themes of grief and revenge beyond the grave. The woA solid example of the gothic ghost story; dreary, atmospheric, and dark, this novel explores the themes of grief and revenge beyond the grave. The woman in black is an interesting tragic villain, and our narrator is a compelling and emotional voice as he uncovers secrets with devastating consequences. A classic horror tale to read with the lights out. ...more
A devastatingly romantic novel that poses the question: when is it appropriate to start grieving someone? Does it hurt more to hold on or to let go? Amongst memories and reflections, we see the complexities of surrendering to love, to opening up one’s heart to another, only to be faced with solitude. We witness the unrivaled pain of watching someone loved dearly become a stranger, and fade away. The prose is haunting, breathtakingly earnest and filled with longing. We can all relate to the surreal process of growing apart from our loved ones, whether it be through death, trauma, or diverging paths. We have all lived with the ghosts of what was, what could have been. An remarkable reading experience....more
A beguiling thriller that blends fact and fantasy to create a dark political mystery. The prose is spellbinding; each chapter mounts anticipation and A beguiling thriller that blends fact and fantasy to create a dark political mystery. The prose is spellbinding; each chapter mounts anticipation and a sense of awe. The world building is dark and well constructed, it is a story rooted in history but told from a wonderfully imaginative perspective. This is both a story of injustice and empowerment, as our protagonist May is dealt a cruel fate, she learns not just to endure her identity, but to embrace it. Taking inspiration from the cutthroat inner society of Tudor England and mixing it with fantastic lore, the Sin Eater is a gratifying reading experience for history and thriller fans alike. ...more
A layered gothic novel on art, emotion, and how the two weave together to form creative expression. Quiet and subtle, but with an undercurrent of uneaA layered gothic novel on art, emotion, and how the two weave together to form creative expression. Quiet and subtle, but with an undercurrent of unease, White on White is not only a fascinating look into gothic art and the perception of bodies, but also a look into a life laid bare, and slowly uncoiling to reveal an unsettling artistic pattern. This novel, though short, is filled with the emotion that creeps into quiet spaces, the ways in which our own lives are canvases to decorate, to etch our stories into. ...more
An atmospheric and fresh retelling of the Fall of the House of Usher. T. Kingfisher uses nature to unsettle and thrill readers in a way that is terrifAn atmospheric and fresh retelling of the Fall of the House of Usher. T. Kingfisher uses nature to unsettle and thrill readers in a way that is terrifyingly plausible; sometimes the environment we inhabit is more threatening than any foe. Concise and witty, this is a novel for those who fear isolation, and what silently watches from the ground, the water, the forest. ...more
The sensual, fascinating inspiration for Dracula. This has all the great elements of a gothic drama. Everything is a dread, but there is an attractionThe sensual, fascinating inspiration for Dracula. This has all the great elements of a gothic drama. Everything is a dread, but there is an attraction, a thrill, that almost makes the fear enjoyable. The character of Carmilla is a delight to read, she is mysterious, seductive, and clever, with all the disguised danger of a lurking beast. Fantastic classic horror. ...more
A southern gothic fairytale of madness and secrets. Atmospheric and dark, winding along a series of twists and turns, The Cherry Robbers offers a glimpse into the complicated strength of sisterhood, and the many forms that both freedom and oppression take. Exploring sexuality, feminism, and grief against the backdrop of a society that thrives on image and fortune this novels suspense aligns with the building tensions that women face as they attempt to break free from expectation and live a life that was not previously drawn out. A fascinating historical drama that is filled with loss and the courage it takes to fulfill destiny on one’s own terms....more
A gothic fairy tale that discusses storytelling, belonging, and the connections that humans make over generations and beyond the veil. A surreal journey that blends together past and present, dream and reality, desire and action, None But the Righteous is a unique take on the classic ghost story....more
A unique twist on the classic gothic drama. Filled with cultural lore and creeping dread, the Hacienda is a dark and compelling adventure into injustiA unique twist on the classic gothic drama. Filled with cultural lore and creeping dread, the Hacienda is a dark and compelling adventure into injustice, power struggles, and mysticism. ...more
A strange, sensual journey of obsession, ambition, and the pursuit of a perfect art. Flamboyant and surprisingly dark, we follow the vaguely magical eA strange, sensual journey of obsession, ambition, and the pursuit of a perfect art. Flamboyant and surprisingly dark, we follow the vaguely magical exploits of our main character as he attempts to capture the “aromatic soul” of objets and living things alike. This novel is as unusual as it is fascinating. One of the most unique classics that I have read....more
Who can’t appreciate the style and substance of horror legend Edgar Allen Poe? Dark, dreadful, and dreamy, Poe has made an unshakable foundation for wWho can’t appreciate the style and substance of horror legend Edgar Allen Poe? Dark, dreadful, and dreamy, Poe has made an unshakable foundation for what it means to be a voice for the otherworldly. A must read collection. ...more
I love the stream of conciseness style of writing and alternating perspectives. This book can seem daunting at times but stick with it, the symbolism I love the stream of conciseness style of writing and alternating perspectives. This book can seem daunting at times but stick with it, the symbolism and messages within are worth the effort. Every time you read it you find something new....more
One of my favorite classics. Beautifully written and timeless in its harrowing arguments on ego, ethics, and having a “God Complex.” So often we push One of my favorite classics. Beautifully written and timeless in its harrowing arguments on ego, ethics, and having a “God Complex.” So often we push the limits of our ambitions, but are we willing to pay for crossing the line? At what point do our creations, our actions, become less an extension of ourselves, when it is time to project blame and insecurities? Truly a book I could read over and over again. ...more
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