Meg

This book definitely takes some focus to get through but it's definitely worth it!

When Katie was younger a stranger's seemingly random act of violence left her younger brother injured and Katie racked with guilt. Years later Katie has a child of her own she's desperate to always protect and a tumultuous relationship with her brother that she still feels guilty for what happened years ago. Though they haven't spoken in a while when Katie learns her brother is missing she sets out to find him and gets thrown into a dangerous world.

This is a book that has a lot of moving parts. There's multiple story lines, multiple time-lines, and multiple characters that it hops between. While it's hard to keep up with at times, these aspects made the story that much more intriguing. This may be Alex North's most intense book yet. There's always a bit of paranormal undertones in North's books and this book takes more of a philosophical approach that had me really using my noggin.

If you're looking for a book that makes you think I recommend this one! The characters are interesting and the many different moving parts had me feeling like a detective and a academic.

I need this to be made into a movie in true 90's horror movie fashion.

In the early 90's. Daniel, a psychologist, moves his pregnant wife, Nora, and teenage daughter, Alice, to live in a farmhouse in the country with the plan to fix it up and flip it. Though Nora and Alice were reluctant at first, they start coming around to the charming property. Even with the knowledge that the previous owner died in the house. Even after learning that previous owner was an exorcist. Once they find the secret room with the well that's sealed shut, though, things start to change and it soon becomes a nightmare.

I VERY much enjoyed this read. Specifically the first half. The whole book is great but the first half is *chefs kiss. It had that signature horror movie anticipation where the family is happy and hopeful but you know they're about to have a hell of a time. You get glimpses of the evil they're facing but they are still in blissful ignorance. The horror moments are perfectly paced to really build the story. And the back half does not disappoint. There's some truly horrific scenes and all of the best aspects of a possesion/exorcism story.

The writing made it easy to fly through this book. It's written in a way that allows you to get to know all of the characters in an intimate way. It also allows you to see things the characters are unaware of which, again, builds that suspense and anticipation for when these characters are going to learn what the reader knows. The characters are written in the typical 90's stereotypes but also has depth that makes them more well rounded characters and not caricatures.

Highly recommend for horror fans!

The next book in the Thirteens series starts with three friends, Eleanor, Otto, and Pip, anxiously waiting to see what Mr. January's sisters have in store for them. Soon they start realizing people are disappearing and there's a monster lurking around. Soon they are living in a real life fairy tale and are fighting for not only the town, but their families.

I enjoyed this one even more than the first one in parts. It seems that the stakes are higher, but this group has proven that they aren't easy to beat. With some characters being introduced and a chance for the grown ups to join the fold (even if they don't realize it) it made the story just hopeful enough, even when things are looking a bit dim for them. I can't wait to read the third book to see what happens to this group and this town.

For years four horror authors have been getting together for drinks once a month. But each time they get together they seem less like friends and more like jaded competitors. Each wanting to be respected by their peers and labeled the scariest/best writer of them all. So when one of the authors has access to a machine that will allow them to all really live within each others horror novels they realize this is their best chance to see once and for all who is the scariest horror author.

This is a fairly quick read and it is so perfect. They hit on numerous different horror genres and each one has some scary moments. The characters are both lovable and also annoying - they're the type where one minute you're cheering them on and the next you're rolling your eyes. The way the foundation that is laid by using each authors ego makes the conclusion of this book so understandable yet I did not see it coming.

Grady Hendrix can write a strange and entertaining book.

After Louise's parents die in a car accident she comes home to her childhood house to make arrangements. On top of having to bury her parents she has to navigate her strained relationship with her brother, Mark. Worse of all, though, she has to handle the house that is filled to the brim with dolls and puppets her mom made that always gave both Louise and Mark a bad feeling.

First, I want to say that I love Grady Hendrix's writing. His stories are always incredibly entertaining and filled with comedic moments within the horror. My favorite aspect of this book is the terrible family dynamic and how it centers around Louise and Mark, but you slowly get to see how the rest of the family fits into it. It's heartbreaking and maddening at the same time.

This book was a rollercoaster of not wanting to put it down to then not wanting to pick it up and, sadly, it fell flat for me. The biggest thing that I disliked was that I felt like there were too many moments in the book that I felt like gave too much detail that just wasn't needed. I was keeping an open mind thinking that it would come around and tie-in throughout the book but it never did. It was just setting up the characters which could have been done with less in my opinion. I also just didn't vibe with horror parts of the story until the very end which redeemed a lot of it for me. Though that is definitely more of a personal view and I can see how many people would find this book terrifying.

Overall, it has a good backbone to the story and ended well but the pacing and good chunk of the basis of the story didn't do it for me.

This was an interesting read but didn't quite hit the mark for me.

This book delves into some explanations of the science of the paranormal.

First, I should state that I have a huge interest in the paranormal. While I'm no expert there was nothing new to me in this book. However, the author's opinions and theories were interesting. But that is basically what it was - a book based on one man's theories and thoughts. Not to say he doesn't know his stuff or didn't state information from other sources but in a field that has no definitive science a lot of it is based on theories. Looking at this book as more of a think/opinions piece allowed me to enjoy it.

After a traumatic event with her mother, Eleanor moves in with her aunt and uncle that live in a small, pleasant town. It's the town her mother said never to go to, but after recent events Eleanor isn't feeling very trusting towards her mother. The town seems pleasant even though she keeps seeing things she shouldn't. Things that shouldn't exist and no one else sees. Until she meets Otto and Pip who happen to share the same birthday, Halloween and who happen to see the “wrong things” too. So Eleanor, Otto, and Pip are learning about the town's sinister secret and how they fit into it and it's up to them to stop it.

This was a great adventure but also heartbreaking in so many ways. The book tackles some big feelings and tough subjects that many kids face which made me love it more. The friendship that starts to form between the three has me excited to see where the three go in the next book. And the imagery of the wrong things and some of the characters is so well done.

The perfect addition to my Found Footage arsenal.

18 stories that embody the Found Footage genre.

Every one of these stories truly brings that feeling of dread that the Found Footage genre generates. Each story brings a different aspect of the genre with some that embody the good ole VHS tape to some that shows how all of the technology we have today can capture a horrific reality. Both of the editors open it up on a superb note and this selection of authors are some that I've heard of, some that I've read their work, and some that are brand new to me but all create a perfect story for the genre. Each story is also unique and none felt like they were similar.

Highly recommend for horror fans (specifically fans of the found footage genre) and fans of anthologies.

Another book which proves that Lindsay Currie is the queen of middle grade horror.

Hazel is an excellent detective to the chagrin of her parents. With hopes of one day starting a podcast she decides to follow her older brother, Den, to the creepy cemetery to hopefully get some content for her first episode. Shortly after her brother and his friends start their late night game of hide and seek something mysterious happens that sends everyone running except one - who ends up missing. With Den's best friend Everett missing, Hazel knows she must put her sleuthing skills to use to find him. Between Hazel, Den, and Hazel's best friend they're sure that there's something paranormal to Everett's disappearance and they must follow the clues to save him.

Lindsay's books are always filled with great characters that share a comraterie that will take you back to your middle school days (if you're so lucky). I think that's why kids and adults love her books - not only because they're filled with adventure and intense creepyness but because of how lovable every character is.

The journey to figure out the mystery is filled with some quick thinking on Hazel's part with the help of her brother and best friend. And the revelation of what is really happening in the graveyard is so heartbreaking but Currie does a great job of adding heart to it that it's also beautiful.

I highly recommend ALL of Lindsay's books and this one is no exception!

This was a twisted yet fun, wild ride from start to finish.

Ben Bookman is a famous horror author and the heir of a family that has an interesting legacy. Not only is the Blackwood estate creepy with its black, bare trees but an asylum sits on it's property that was built by his grandfather. Ben spends a weekend at the estate to finish his newest horror novel, The Scarecrow. Before the book has even been released, murders start to happen that are exactly like what transpires in his book. Detective Mills, a veteran detective that is familiar with the Blackwood estate and the Bookmans, starts investigating and begins to piece together how old cases may be connected to these new ones. And, of course, Ben Bookman is a suspect. Could it be that something was released?

This book has so many moving parts. There's a bit of a detective novel, a bit of thriller, and all of it is definitely a horror book. It made me think if Goosebumps was set in a country version of Gotham and was rated R. There's definitely a lot going on and I can see people getting confused as I did in brief moments throughout, but if you stick with it it's completely worth it. I loved how the book jumped between perspectives and also we got to see some glimpses into the past that made the twists come together so well. While the main twist wasn't a huge shock as it seemed to be hinted throughout the book, there are plenty of bombshells that will leave your jaw on the floor.

I very much enjoyed this read and recommend it!

Darcy does it again in the third book of her Gravekeeper series.

I flew threw the first two books in this series and eagerly awaited this third installment. And it did not disappoint. Darcy writes some of the most intriguing and versatile stories that always leave me creeped out yet feeling warm. So far the Gravekeepers series has the most heartwarming characters and plot I've read while also providing the paranormal and eerie atmosphere I love. Keira, Zoe, and Mason are the best trio and they each provide an aspect to the group that makes this book so great. All of the side characters have their own charm (or villainous quality) to make this an intriguing story. Darcy Coates writes amazing books in general, but the characters in this one are what particularly make me love it so much. Also, Blighty is such a great setting and as someone who loves graveyards, they're a focal point in this series.

While we get some well deserved answers we're also left with more questions. I'm so excited to see what the next book in this series brings. I'll be patiently (anxiously) waiting.

If you're looking for a cozy horror with plenty of mystery and adventure, I HIGHLY recommend reading this series!

This was a fever dream of a read.

Erin is still trying to find her grounding and get her life started after graduating college. One thing that's always a constant, however, is her lack of boundaries when it comes to her enigmatic on again, off again college boyfriend Silas. Silas is constantly getting himself into trouble and jumping in and out of rehab and always asking Erin to bail him out. Erin is always there to help him, even against her better judgment, until one day she doesn't. After Silas dies of an overdose, Erin starts to spiral until she learns about Ghost, a drug that Silas was working on that allows users to see the dead. In her grief she tries it hoping to see Silas one last time, but soon she's spiraling very deep and very quickly into the life of an addict.

Clay McLeod Chapman does a great job with his world building of the most horrific trip. I felt myself shudder quite a few times at certain scenes throughout. I mean, he definitely can write gross stuff incredibly well. And while it was enjoyable for the most part, I found myself wanting more of the story as a whole and not just Erin in a drug induced haze even though that's where I saw the best horror scenes. I just wished it was more balanced with the real world implications of what she was seeing and doing, however, that's just my personal opinion and overall I think horror fans will love this book!

Overall, a fun and terrifying horror book that I'd recommend.

This book sucked me in, had me flipping through pages, and then left me with so many questions. It was perfect.

After Grayson Hale's father dies he decides to explore the legacy his father left by enrolling in the University of Edinburgh. However, his time in Scotland morphs into him becoming one of the most infamous murderers in Scotland and he becomes the Devil's Advocate as the headlines name him. The reason Grayson is written about in every major Scotland news outlet is not just because he is an American who murders his classmate, but because he claimed the Devil made him do it. Grayson doesn't seem to be your typical murderer and after Grayson commits suicide while in prison people are left with even more questions.

First, the way this book is written really pulled me in. Reading the details through Grayson's eyes with anecdotes from the case and media reporter helped answer questions while also providing more questions. Grayson was an academic student and reading what was his words I very much felt that's what I was reading - an academic manuscript. While that lead me to have to look up some words, I'll never be upset to add to my vocabulary.

As a horror fan and someone that appreciates the mental health struggles that many people face, I do enjoy stories that make you question if things are “real” or apart of a mental health episode, if done well, and this book delivered on that. After finishing this book and allowing days to pass to let it sink in I still am not sure what was what. There was also an LGBTQ+ undercurrent throughout the book that came full circle by the end of the book that I really understood.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. There are parts that are very sad and horrific so I recommend checking TW's but if you're cool with them I highly recommend!

Book 2 of The Legendborn Cycle was everything I wanted.

We pick up where we left off with Bree figuring out her new status in the secret society of magic wielding members that are descendants of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable and Merlin. All while trying to understand her ancestral power and the history that is buried with her ancestors. The Regents want to do whatever it takes to understand Bree and hide the war which has Bree running with her close friends while trying to dodge threats from all angles and trying to get back Nick, the boy she has a deep connection with.

The action, romance, magic, friendship, and overall story telling is *chef's kiss. I love Bree even more and love her arc in this book. We learn so much while also getting more questions. I love how Tracy Deonn can give you so much hope while also keeping you sweating with anxiety for all of the characters. I also love seeing things from a different perspective. Representation matters. The author's note at the end is so informative and important as well! If you can't see by how many times I've said “I love” in this review, I loved this book. I'm so excited to see what comes next for Bree.

I was able to switch between reading this ebook and the audiobook and also highly recommend listening to the audiobook. Joniece Abbot-Pratt is amazing and does such a wonderful job at bringing the characters to life.

This book really got to me - but it was still an excellent slasher novel.

After surviving a town massacre Quinn, Rust, and Cole (the 3) are trying to deal with this new found fame and getting through the year anniversary of the massacre. However, not everyone is ready to put this tragedy behind them and soon the clown masks are back.

First, this is a great slasher book. It has everything you need for a great slasher sequel. The final people are just trying to move on while also completely living in that fight or flight space. The way the group ends up back in a similar predicament is not far fetched at all. Actually the motive behind this book is a lot more believable to me and sadly mirrors parts of society in general (at least in the US). There were times that I wanted to stop reading because my heart hurt knowing there are real people out there that think and act like this. But I managed to get through it and overall enjoyed the read.

Also, I have to add that I think Quinn makes it up there with some of the best final girls. She's a legit badass and honestly makes the book(s) for me.

Catriona Ward can write a twisted book for sure.

Eve and her unconventional family are preparing for the end of the world. They live in an estate on a quiet island off the shore of Scotland. When their quiet and remote lives are threatened by a detective investigating a murder things start coming to light that shake their foundation and brings truths to light. And throws other truths into the shadows.

I'm not even sure how to summarize this book so that's my quick take. This gothic horror has the perfect setting to put you right into the story. The story is intriguing, hear breaking, and even hopeful at times and Ward does a wonderful job of really taking you on a journey with these characters. The way the book is laid out between past and present/future and between multiple points of view made the unfolding of the story interesting.

Though I enjoyed the story itself I can't say I enjoyed the whole experience of this book. It took me far longer than expected to read and I found certain parts too drawn out. While the multiple view points and switching between past and future helped the story it also made me confused at times as it wasn't necessarily past and present. It skipped between multiple decades in a non linear way. About mid way through I was ready to put it down and was a 2 star read but because I loved Ward's other book I kept with it which I'm happy I did. The ending really wrapped the story up nice and while I called the ending it was done very well.

With all of that being said, I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction, which could have been my issue. If you enjoy historical fiction, gothic horror, and can stomach the TW's than this would be a great read for you.

TW's with possible SPOILERS BELOW:



TW's: cults, religion, child abuse, sexual abuse, pedophilia, starvation, animal abuse, animal death, infant death, abandonment, kidnapping, manipulation, drug use, body horror, blood

There is something about Rachel Harrison's writing that makes me can't stop reading it. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

Rory leaves her big city life to come back home and help out her twin sister, who is pregnant and estranged from the father. As much as Rory loves her sister she is less than thrilled to be back home where she was more than happy to run away from. Soon after she's back she is attacked by an animal after hitting it with her car. From there life for Rory drastically changes and has her googling werewolves.

I loved this book! Harrison has a talent for writing books with witty female characters that are both cozy and horrific. She can really write a disgusting scene then turn around and make you want to roast marshmallows. And make you crave a good group of girlfriends. I could have easily read this in one sitting if I didn't need to sleep or work.

This is the classic story of werewolf with no new or earth shattering take but also made me think my best friend could come out to me about being a werewolf and I wouldn't bat an eye - well, after the initial shock. The parallels of Rory's transformation and her twin sister's pregnancy I thought was brilliant. The sprinkle of feminism throughout was chef's kiss. Rory is someone I'd like to be friends with. She's also written as a real person and not a fantasy version you sometimes run into with strong female characters. The side characters were also wonderful and so fun to read. They perfectly complimented the story.

This is a perfect October read. Highly recommend.

This is the slasher I've been wanting! Quinn and her father move to a small midwest town from Philadelphia for a fresh start. They end up moving to a town that is at war. The young and the old are at odds but to an excessive degree. As the tag line says “The kids are not alright”.

I think I'm lucky - I'm at the age where I grew up without having a computer or internet connection in my home because it wasn't that common (unless you were the cool house) but it was available so I had more access to information than my parents had. I didn't have a smart phone until I was an adult, but I remember going to my friends house to chat on AIM in middle school and then check my MySpace in high school. So I can see how abnoxious how important technology is to kids these days is but am also an adult that relies on it every single day. I've also rolled my eyes and thought “Okay, Boomer” multiple times in my life. For a war on the young and the old I'd be right in the middle, but this book makes you pick a side. And by the end there's a clear good or bad side that may not be so clear in the beginning.

I did a tandem read/listen to this book and I flew through it. If you don't include my time on vacation I finished this in a day and half. The writing is entertaining and very easy to read. The slasher aspects of it, even though it's a YA book, did not disappoint. It's gory and it's graphic. There's chainsaws, knives, bows, and the less exciting but still violent guns.

I highly recommend those that are slasher fans (both young and old). If you're an audiobook fan I highly recommend the audiobook - the narrator was great.

This book made my horror movie heart happy. The Descent is one of my favorite horror movies and this has the vibes. Throw in The Blair Witch Project (but better), Flatliners, and a good psychological thriller and that's the vibe it felt like to me.

Four girls have one thing in common. They are thrill seekers. After an accident that disperses the thrill seeking group they're in, Amalie finds a few members to do one last challenge. Take a trip to the Sublime - a lake that's supposed to help change something you want changed. The only thing is it's never been found, the legend surrounding it is a creepy one and the directions to it lead them to a cave system in the woods. With the four girls being basically strangers, they head on this journey with their own motives but as things get challenging those motives start to be questioned. And when only three girls emerge the mystery becomes what happened in the cave.

The way this book is laid out is so perfect. It's set up to mess with your mind a bit while keeping you flipping the pages to figure out what happened. Told from the perspective of Amalie and a detective at the scene when they emerge, it really sets the tone of making you second guess every conclusion you come to. I'm still questioning days after I've finished it. Highly recommend.

I think this may be one of my favorite haunted house books. It ticked every box for me and the end blew me away. J.W. Ocker is becoming one of my favorite authors of all time. Whether it's adult fiction, non-fiction, or middle grade his writing is so easy to get into. I'm honestly surprised that it took me this long to read this AND that I don't see this book more often in the horror community.

I wished I went in knowing a little less so I'm not going to say much else. Just know if you're a fan of horror this is for you. Especially if you love a good haunted house story, even if you're a skeptic. Highly recommend!

I feel like people either love or hate this series and I can confidently say I am someone who loves this series. The characters are so easy to get wrapped up in. You're just routing for every single one of them. SJM creates characters (especially female ones) whose flaws are just that, flaws. They grow and hurt and love and lose and experience their trauma and rect in ways that's understandable.

First, I would never say I could relate to Nesta in any way from the previous books. However, now I think I may be more like her than any other character in an SJM world (keeping in mind I haven't read TOG yet). I think that's why I love the ACOTAR series. With every book you learn more layers to each character and it's impossible not to feel for them. Also, the relationships (and of course, the sex) is just a fantasy come true.

I'm eager for more books and learning more about these characters and this world.

This book is so easy to read. It kept me flipping through the pages.

Mallory Quinn has had a rough go of it. Fresh from a halfway house she finds a job as a babysitter/nanny for the summer for the Maxwells. She gets to live on the property in the family's small but cute cottage as well as spend time with their son, Teddy, who she immediately takes to. She loves it! It doesn't take long for things to start taking a dark turn. Teddy loves to draw but as each day passes Teddy starts to draw more and more sinister things that are definitely not drawings that a novice could do, let alone a 5 year old. Soon Mallory believes a ghost is using Teddy to communicate and she is determined to solve the murder mystery.

I very much enjoyed this book. There's a bit of unreliable narrator which keeps you on edge of wondering what exactly is going on which then keeps you turning the pages. All of the characters are so well done and the twist at the end had me shocked. The artwork that is included in the book adds the perfect touch. If you can get the physical book I highly recommend as it adds so much to the story because the details of the drawings are wonderful on page.

J.W. Ocker has hit the spot with this one! If you're a fan of cryptids, travel, or US weird history this is the book for you. Ocker goes across the US and shares some of the most celebrated Cryptid towns. While this is in no way a deep dive into any particular cryptid, it showcases the towns that have made a name for themselves (or just have a fun story) for their history with certain unidentifiable creatures that are without scientific proof.

Each chapter is a bite size story of a cryptid, how it became known in the town, and what that town does to celebrate it today broken up into 4 regions of the US. His writing style is so easy to read and entertain. This would be perfect for people that don't know much about cryptids and just want a brief breakdown or those that are die hard cryptid fans and may want to add some vacation spots to their travel list.

This was a wild and twist ride that this FMC take you on whether you want to or not.

Abby wished for a great relationship with her mother-in-law, Laura but it was less than ideal. Then after a tragedy that left Laura dead she will never be able to have the relationship she dreamed of. In the wake of Laura's death everything around Abby starts to unravel. Her husband, Ralph, is slowly losing it after his mothers death, Ms. Bondy, Abby's favorite person in her care in the old folks home is in danger of leaving, and Abby is haunted by the past trauma her own mother left her with. But Abby is no quitter and she sets out on a path to fix everything.

This is wonderfully twisted. Between the writing and the characters I was cringing (in a good way). The path that Abby takes you on is both surprising and at the same time completely predictable. She's both a character you love and are rooting for and also a character that you wish would get a grip.

While these are all good things it's also the reason I didn't care for this book as much as I could have. The writing, the characters, how twisted it is are all good things in my opinion. However, you are basically just hearing what's going on inside Abby's head for the whole book. While this was wonderfully done by making you questions certain aspects of the plot, it also left me a bit bored (or I should say more tired of hearing Abby). This left this book being just okay for me, however I am happy I read it and would read more from this author!

As always, Stephen Graham Jones makes an incredible horror story.

Charlotte is spending her Halloween prepping for the SAT's and making some money babysitting a local family's twin children. She's the ideal babysitter and has made a positive reputation among the families in her area. She's prepared for another normal night that is hopefully uneventful. However, when the kids start to show her the quirky “fun” the house has to offer and learns the tragic history of the house she soon starts to feel uneasy. Next, this easy night of babysitting turns into a waking nightmare that she is not prepared for.

This quick audiobook gave me everything I wanted from a SGJ book. The FMC is smart and the things she faces are twisted and down right weird. However, she does it with wit and determination. If my focus wandered for just a minute I found myself rewinding the audiobook as I missed something small but important. The world created was wild and I had no idea what the conclusion would be.

Overall, I highly recommend for fans of horror. This audiobook narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life.