This also takes place around Halloween! And there were some great unexpected moments. I was entertained and enjoyed this read even though it felt a tinThis also takes place around Halloween! And there were some great unexpected moments. I was entertained and enjoyed this read even though it felt a tiny repetitive at times (and it's only about 50 pages) .. Read if you like: - Women running from her past/danger - Crime spree chaos - Getting mixed up with the bad guy - Spooky roadside motels - Unlikely heroes - Fun twists & turns - Female protagonists (even if they're unlikable)...more
In my research, I came across a horror theme Kindle Original Series on Amazon that I haven't read. This 7-book series was released in the Fall of 2018In my research, I came across a horror theme Kindle Original Series on Amazon that I haven't read. This 7-book series was released in the Fall of 2018. Hannah-Beast by Jennifer McMahon is 48 pages long. Here is what you will enjoy about this story: - Takes place on Halloween Night - Small-Town Horror - Young protagonists - Bullies/Mean Girls - Guilt/Shame/Revenge - Urban Legends - Wicked Games Gone Wrong...more
R. A. Busby is my favorite body horror and other specific phobias, author. I've read a few of Busby's short, body horror stories in various anthologieR. A. Busby is my favorite body horror and other specific phobias, author. I've read a few of Busby's short, body horror stories in various anthologies and my first reading experience was "Bits" a short, sharp, shocks story about losing teeth and other "bits". HOLES by R. A. Busby- deals with a fairly well-known fear, trypophobia (of which I am a sufferer). This is the tale of a woman who suffers a fear of holes. She embarks on a series of therapeutic attempts to lessen or eliminate her fear but to no avail. This has a great ending. And of course, Corporate Body is part of the line of novellas I curated for Cemetary Gates called My Dark Library. It's medical body horror--scientific lab experiments.
You Will Speak for the Dead is about a man named Paul who professionally cleans hoarder houses. I loved all the conversation in the narrative surrounding hoarding and its connection to mental health, grieving, and loss. The last house Paul cleans is a real doozy...filled with SPORROR and I do NOT want to tell you anything else but prepare to: Read the whole thing in one sitting make cringing faces and gagging noises and never want to be around mushrooms ever again! I LOVED IT...more
Mmm, the first one in the series that didn't quite get there for me. It was gruesome and I love the artwork but it felt like too much of a bridge to gMmm, the first one in the series that didn't quite get there for me. It was gruesome and I love the artwork but it felt like too much of a bridge to get from 4 to 6. Something else should have happened in the story to give readers the same high as all the other issues. But still great! Excited for issue 6 which isn't on hoopla yet...more
With two serial killers operating in Woodbrook, all the cute animals are freaking out! Except for the local "Karen" who makes everything about her I loWith two serial killers operating in Woodbrook, all the cute animals are freaking out! Except for the local "Karen" who makes everything about her I love how our original killer, Sam, is now on the prowl for the other one--very Dexter meets PBS cartoons Franklin or Arthur--wait, was Franklin Nickelodeon? Anyhoodles I'm off to read the next one now...more
Are you kidding me? This is like playing "Serial Killer" with Calico Critters. I'm obsessed. LOVE IT--does not hold back so if you don't think you canAre you kidding me? This is like playing "Serial Killer" with Calico Critters. I'm obsessed. LOVE IT--does not hold back so if you don't think you can handle Richard Scary "cartoonish) animals--as actually SCARY and victims of heinous violence, this isn't for you--but if you want to see the sweetness of Animal Crossing splashed in red...this is totally for you....more
Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn (1987) is one of my favorite middle grade horror books. I'm sure it was one of my Scholastic Book Fair choiWait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn (1987) is one of my favorite middle grade horror books. I'm sure it was one of my Scholastic Book Fair choices--I have strong nostalgic feelings when I look at the original cover. I remember being so invested in the family's domestic drama and the little girl who is so awful to her step siblings. Researching horror books set in Maryland, I ran across this graphic novel adaptation and it's available on hoopla! I borrowed it right away and read it in one sitting. I will be buying both the novel and this adaptation for my niece this year for Christmas--she loves spooky ghost stories and this one is legit! I don't know what people want from a middle grade ghost story, but this is as good as it gets for me.
Recommended for readers who enjoy: -Graphic novels -Ghost stories -Moving to the country -Haunted houses -Graveyards -Creepy "Bad Seed" evil kids -Brothers & sisters -Blended families -When kids see paranormal or supernatural activity and are not believed -Scary stories for kids -The old man caretaker trope that warns people to stay safe, trope (like whats-his-name from Pet Sematary) .. Content Warnings for young readers: Parent death, child death, housefires, drowning, ghosts, corpses...more
Major content warning: cats/animal cruelty and death. It happens.
This took me about an hour and a half to read. The chapters are concise, and the storMajor content warning: cats/animal cruelty and death. It happens.
This took me about an hour and a half to read. The chapters are concise, and the story is captivating, escalating quickly. If you have read Come Closer by Sara Gran, where a woman wonders what is wrong with her, this novella gives the same vibes. The health issues and the mentions of women advocating for their bodies and healthcare--not being gaslit or dismissed by healthcare professionals, not being treated like you're "hysterical" because you think something is seriously wrong with your body, are legit. So relatable. The first 95% or so is premium horror reading. The last part is a little maddening. I honestly feel a little letdown. Ambiguity is fine but this feels like punishment. I invested, I pushed all my chips in to call the bluff and when the cards were flipped over, it just wasn't enough, I'm afraid. I'm eager to talk to other readers and read more reviews to see if anyone has a theory here that makes sense. ...more
(3.5 stars, I really enjoyed this!) This is a fun summer read that takes place in the area of Mendocino, CA near the Lime Kiln State Parks. A journalis(3.5 stars, I really enjoyed this!) This is a fun summer read that takes place in the area of Mendocino, CA near the Lime Kiln State Parks. A journalist heads out to the Redwoods to do a story on a storm that brought down a lot of trees. She never returns. Her parents, Lori and Julian are determined to find her.
This would be perfect for readers who enjoy - Eco-Thrillers/Horror -Nature with healing or magic properties like Chuck Wendig's, Black River Orchard -Sporror, fungus, mushrooms, mycelium -Missing people mysteries - Mexican folklore, brujeria, gods and goddesses - cults - the stories, style, and subject of V. Castro and Jennifer Givhan's River Woman, River Demon...more
A book based on the media trope known as "bury your gays" sounds bleak and fatalistic but when it's written by an author who truly believes love can cA book based on the media trope known as "bury your gays" sounds bleak and fatalistic but when it's written by an author who truly believes love can conquer all, we get a horror book that doesn't skimp on the terror and doubles down on hope. who is this book for? Readers who love... -QUEER AF HORROR STORIES -The importance of art and creation as authentic human expression -The power of creators -The power of love and friendship -Books set in Hollywood and cracking the veneer--that fake glossy shine -Fighting against corporate greed, capitalism, and AI -Dual narratives/past and present -A main character to fall in love with, Misha is so REAL -Some genuinely creepy super villains--gave me X-Files vibes ...more
Wow! I was not prepared for all of *that*. I went into this book with a certain level of expectations based on what I *thought* this book was going toWow! I was not prepared for all of *that*. I went into this book with a certain level of expectations based on what I *thought* this book was going to be, but Kiersten White had a few tricks up her sleeves and now I'm just totally and completely blown away. Who will love this book? Readers who enjoy... - Short chapters & multiple cliffhangers - Mixed media elements like emails, articles, blog posts, message boards, etc - Podcasts/documentaries for those "true crime" "reality tv" vibes - Childhood friends reuniting to face a common threat (think Loser's club/IT) - Mandela effect in horror--memories - Found footage - Religious trauma/Childhood trauma - Conspiracy theories - TV shows -Horror as catharsis/therapy (it was for me)
I loved this book. I think it would make a great companion read with books like, Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle, Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay, Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison, The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie, and Little Heaven by Nick Cutter...more
Well, I feel a little let down by this book. I mean, it served its purpose, I suppose--it's a thriller. A murder mystery. But I didn't feel connected Well, I feel a little let down by this book. I mean, it served its purpose, I suppose--it's a thriller. A murder mystery. But I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The Unheard is an example of a plot-centered book where the most important thing, really, is the art of crafting the twists and turns; the art of distraction and motivations and putting people (like pawns) in the right place and the right time to manipulate the reader into thinking something very specific so that the blindside does its job.
I'm used to investing in the characters and letting that emotional connection drive the story. Also, why do so many fictional murder mysteries pattern themselves after real life? Infidelity and complicated domestic drama, it's all so predictable right? That's why some thrillers rise to the top and some don't. That's why books like GONE GIRL become the gold standard and readers will forever chase that high--because it was different.
All that to say, I stayed in this one to see what happened. I was here for the plot. It was OK ...more
Based on a true story about a woman who deviates from her normal routine one time and winds up face to face with the devil. The aftermath of this encoBased on a true story about a woman who deviates from her normal routine one time and winds up face to face with the devil. The aftermath of this encounter is a harrowing journey Read this book if... -You enjoy horrific, heartbreaking stories centering the female experience -True crime style narratives -Crime investigations -Women surviving SA -Thoughts on motherhood, pregnancy, marriage -Women sharing their trauma -Overcoming adversity -Thoughts on criminal justice, shoddy police work, and wrongful convictions -Tread carefully: Detailed descriptions of assault, SA, physical violence, reporting SA, post-trauma, suicidal ideation
I will show up for anything this author writes--the storytelling was fascinating, captivating, and had me fully invested ...more
I re-read sections of this book today and watched several interviews with Toni Morrison about the writing of this book as research for my WIP and to pI re-read sections of this book today and watched several interviews with Toni Morrison about the writing of this book as research for my WIP and to prepare for a deep dive on Patreon as a group; a book club discussion. We will take a look at a classic horror book or read one together every few months. You can join us here: https://www.patreon.com/MotherHorror...more
3 stars! (started the last weekend in May, set it down for over a month, and picked it back up to finish) Full review for my Patreon on Monday but here 3 stars! (started the last weekend in May, set it down for over a month, and picked it back up to finish) Full review for my Patreon on Monday but here are some reading notes: Themes: Female friendships that evolve over time Opposites attract/female friendship highlights women who chose very different paths in life Infidelity/Staying in a loveless marriage/settling (kind of the main thrust of the book, hence the title) Traveling/Retreat w/ a bestie Toxic relationships Vampires Paranormal Romance Identity Consequences .. Summing this one up in my own words, based on my reading experience, I would say that So Thirsty is in line with Harrison's other friendship-centered books like Cackle and The Return. The main character/narrator Sloane is unhappy with her marriage/life choices and goes on this retreat with her lifelong best friend, Naomi, who lives her life more independently and unhinged. The two women struggle to make sense of each other as they navigate traveling and making decisions--it seems like the gap between them is wider than it has been before so it's causing tension. To complicate things further, Naomi insists on going to a house party with some strangers--eager to step out of her comfort zone, Sloane acquiesces. This leads to a pretty significant, life-altering event.
(view spoiler)[Personally, these two women did not feel real to me, they seemed like caricatures/stereotypes. The vampires were underdeveloped and introduced a paranormal insta-romance that felt rushed. I don't think there was anything fresh or new added to either the whole "girl retreat" trope or vampire lore. We've all read books or watched movies where one friend is the wild child and plays everything fast and loose much to the annoyance of the more conservative, "play-it-safe" friend who is slightly jealous or resentful of the wild child. And long to be more independent and carefree but feel trapped in the life they have settled into. Reminded me a lot of the friend dynamic between Rayanne and Angela on My So-Called Life. In fact, the vampire Sloane hooks up with is kind of a Jordan Catalano/Lestat hybrid. (hide spoiler)]
I was entertained, that's why I finished. And I'm thankful for the Epilogue, but I honestly wanted more from this one. Recommending to Rachel Harrison fans, fans of horror centered around the female experience, and paranormal romance/Twilight fans (this one will satisfy)...more
Loading...
