Danielle Valentine is a relatively new author for me, but she is rising in the ranks when it comes to thrillers and horror novels, and her newest bookDanielle Valentine is a relatively new author for me, but she is rising in the ranks when it comes to thrillers and horror novels, and her newest book THE DEAD HUSBAND COOKBOOK is a solid fun ride!
Maria Capello, once the shy wife of a famous chef, became a culinary icon after her husband Damien vanished without a trace. Now, decades later, she's finally ready to tell her story—and shockingly chooses a tiny press and unknown editor Thea Woods to help her do it. As Thea heads to Maria's secluded farm, she can't help but wonder: is she about to uncover the truth behind the gossip that Maria killed Damien for his recipes and secret ingredient?
This book is just as fun as it sounds! I loved Maria and her lifestyle, think Real Housewives of New Jersey, Mob Wives, and The Sopranos, but on a farm in Upstate New York! As Thea dives into Maria's world, the mystery and intrigue that is the Capello family becomes a major whodunnit. There's a book within a book aspect to this story, which is a lot of fun (and I usually do not like that style of writing, but it works here and works well). The book leans more thriller than horror so if you are like me and started reading Valentine after Delicate Condition, have fun being surprised by this book's pivot into psychological thriller. This is a fun one, readers!...more
I’m definitely in my full-blown horror era this year and am eating up whichever horror novels that I can, so I was very excited to pick up Da3.5 stars
I’m definitely in my full-blown horror era this year and am eating up whichever horror novels that I can, so I was very excited to pick up Daphne Fama’s new novel, HOUSE OF MONSTROUS WOMEN. The synopsis of this gothic horror intrigued me the moment I read it and I was so excited to see some Filipino representation in mainstream horror publishing!
Set during the 1986 People Power Revolution, this gothic horror follows Josephine, who accepts an invitation from her childhood friend Hiraya to play a deadly game in her labyrinthine seaside home. The prize is whatever she desires—but the house is steeped in whispers of witchcraft, and survival is the only rule.
The first half builds slowly, steeped in eerie atmosphere and political tension, before the true dangers of the game erupt. Once the action begins, the stakes are gripping and the pace relentless. The setting felt fresh and distinctive, blending folklore, history, and gothic dread. While I wasn’t completely obsessed, it was an atmospheric, worthwhile read. I alternated between audio via @prhaudio and the physical and definitely preferred the audio option....more
Readers are going to love or hate John Fram's genre-bending psychological and chaotic thriller, but would it be a John Fram novel if he didn't polarizReaders are going to love or hate John Fram's genre-bending psychological and chaotic thriller, but would it be a John Fram novel if he didn't polarize readers? I am already seeing the trolls, "It's too gay and it's too gory" already! John Fram is one of my favorite authors and is an auto-read for me, so I knew that I'd need to pick this one up. Fram's THE MIDNIGHT KNOCK is vastly different from his previous novels, in the same vein of Stuart Turton and Blake Crouch (and a hint of the supernatural vibe of his debut, The Bright Lands, but not related at all).
In the remote West Texas desert, seven strangers on the run—from violence, secrets, and a haunting past—converge at a desolate motel called the Brake Inn Motel. By morning, one of them, the mysterious Sarah Powers, is dead, and the unsettling twins who run the place demand the killer be identified by midnight—or everyone dies. As supernatural forces close in, the guests must uncover the truth, even as their alliances splinter and their darkest secrets come to light.
This book is bonkers and unhinged, just the way I like my John Fram novels! This book is one of those books you need to go in without knowing too much and let the story take you on this wild ride. I had no idea what I would expect, but I did wish I took a video of me getting to Fram's first twist, because I was very, very bewildered LOL. I loved many of these characters, but the plot takes center stage. THE MIDNIGHT KNOCK pushed me to the edge of my seat and I frantically read it in two sittings. Fram continues to fright and delight and I can't wait to see the discord for THE MIDNIGHT KNOCK....more
Allison Rushby's adult horror debut, SLASHED BEAUTIES, was on my TBR the moment I saw the cover. Ten out of ten cover design, Berkley! Thank you @berkAllison Rushby's adult horror debut, SLASHED BEAUTIES, was on my TBR the moment I saw the cover. Ten out of ten cover design, Berkley! Thank you @berkleypub for sending me this gorgeous gifted copy. I did not know what to expect when starting this book, but when I saw revenge (one of my favorite things), I knew that gorgeous cover + fun synopsis = Dennis will be reading ASAP!
We get a dual timeline, current day and in 1763, taking place in both London and Seoul (mainly London). In present-day Seoul, antiques dealer Alys has secured the third and final Anatomical Venus, an eerie eighteenth-century wax figure shrouded in dark legend, and travels to England to break her cursed connection to them. In 1763 London, abandoned and penniless Eleanor is drawn into the glittering but dangerous world of courtesan Elizabeth, whose intentions may be far from noble. As their timelines entwine, the truth emerges: to end the witchcraft binding them, all three Venuses must be destroyed—but these haunted, murderous figures may not go quietly.
SLASHED BEAUTIES is more of a historical gothic suspense, but I also think it's the perfect cocktail of Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls meets Annabelle. BONKERS, I know. This story doesn't have a lot of jump scares like a typical horror, but the dual timelines between Alys (current day) and the stories of Eleanor, Emily, and Elizabeth provided suspense-oozed intrigue throughout. Revenge, sisterhood, love, and the strength of women are major themes throughout this story. If you are picking up this book, give it until 40% so it sets the stage for what to expect—I promise you won't be disappointed. I enjoyed the mystery of the current day timeline and the darkness of the 1763 timeline. This book is utterly original and I could not pinpoint what was going to happen while reading at all. 5 stars for originality and suspense throughout. I want to read more stories like SLASHED BEAUTIES. STARS: 5, PUB: 9/23...more
PLAY NICE is Rachel Harrison's best yet! I said what I said. Usually Rachel Harrison's feminist horror novels infuse a bit of comedy within her storiePLAY NICE is Rachel Harrison's best yet! I said what I said. Usually Rachel Harrison's feminist horror novels infuse a bit of comedy within her stories, but PLAY NICE is a full-blown horror thriller and I loved it. Thank you @berkleypub for my gifted copy, all Rachel Harrison fans must prioritize this book immediately upon release date.
Clio Louise Barnes is a successful stylist and influencer—but her polished life hides a dark past. As a child, her mother claimed their house was possessed, a belief that cost her custody of Clio and her sisters. Years later, after their mother’s death, the sisters inherit the infamous home. While they see trauma, Clio sees opportunity to sell the house—until the renovation stirs something sinister. As she digs into her mother’s old book and buried memories, Clio begins to wonder if the haunting was real all along.
This book is an emotional journey that dives into alcoholism, divorce, and self-harm. It is definitely more darker than Harrison's previous novels, but I believe it's her strongest. The early stages of the book set the stage for the family drama behind the Barnes family and they dive into the death of their mother Alexandra, but once you hit the 40% mark, it is non-stop thrills and frights! I ended up stayed up until 2AM trying to finish it. This book is not to be missed and will be a favorite of the year. STARS: 5, PUB: 9/9
RANKINGS: 1. Play Nice 2. Such Sharp Teeth 3. So Thirsty 4. Black Sheep 5. Cackle 6. The Return (sorry Rachel!)...more
This book was a total #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt ! This book was not on my radar until I started seeing glowing after glowing review, so I knew immediatelThis book was a total #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt ! This book was not on my radar until I started seeing glowing after glowing review, so I knew immediately that I needed to read this one. I am in my horror girlie era and Lucy Rose's debut horror, THE LAMB, is continuing that trend with me for 2025. The story is centered around Margot and her mother Ruth. They have always lived on the edge of the forest, their cottage a quiet refuge from the world. Mama welcomes lost travelers with open arms, offering them warmth, wine, and a fate they never see coming. But when Eden, a stranger to the family arrives, Margot is forced to question everything—her mother, her own hunger, and the cost of breaking free.
I don't think this is a spoiler, but this book involves cannibalism. Once you get over the grotesque subject matter, this book is a fun journey for readers. Surprisingly, this story isn't that scary, but more of a voyeuristic peek into the life of a child being completely manipulated by evil. You will see how Margot and her mother live duplicitous double lives and how that relationship changes and evolves when Eden, a third party, joins the family. This book speaks in metaphors at times, if readers really want to go there. I had an absolute blast with this one and I think any horror fans should consider prioritizing this one. ...more
I do not know what I was expecting, but Mona Awad has done it again. She has shown us readers an even more weird book than before. And I think I likedI do not know what I was expecting, but Mona Awad has done it again. She has shown us readers an even more weird book than before. And I think I liked it a lot? Thank you @marysuericcibooks for my advanced gifted copy! Look at this cover!!
In WE LOVE YOU BUNNY, Samantha Mackey—now a celebrated author—is kidnapped by her former MFA frenemies after portraying them unflatteringly in her debut novel. Bound and gagged, Sam becomes the audience as each Bunny recounts their twisted origin story and darkly magical creative powers.
WE LOVE YOU, BUNNY is being said to be a standalone, but it is not. I repeat, you must read Bunny to even get past the first 20% of the book. I was still confused mainly until halfway, but you will be completely lost otherwise. This book had romance, a gay character, and the Bunnies we loved from its predecessor. Both a prequel and sequel to Bunny, this fever-dream slasher is a wicked tale of love, monstrosity, and the horrors of artistic creation. This book is a solid 4 but only because I kept going, because there were definite times I kept scratching my head trying to piece things together. I would say that I liked this book as much as Bunny, so if you enjoyed that one, try WE LOVE YOU, BUNNY. Mona Awad continues to bring unique stories to readers, and we get a full on modern-day, Mean Girls-Heathers-Frankenstein with WE LOVE YOU, BUNNY.
RANKINGS: 1. Rouge 2. Bunny (IF I had to pick between the two, but both 4s) 3. We Love You, Bunny 4. All's Well...more
I loved T. Marie Vandelly’s debut horror novel, Theme Music, so when I heard she’s coming out with another horror novel, I just ✏️ AN EVIL PREMISE ✏️
I loved T. Marie Vandelly’s debut horror novel, Theme Music, so when I heard she’s coming out with another horror novel, I just knew that I needed to dive in immediately! Thank you @blackstonepublishing for my gifted copy.
When famous author Deidre Baldwin is placed in a hospital with a coma after a confusing and outright insane accident, her sister Jewels comes to her rescue. Deidre is completely disfigured and has a rash all over her body, but is unable to speak. Jewels decides to stay nearby to watch her progress and chooses to stay at Deidre’s apartment while he recovers. While at her sister’s home, Jewels discovers that Deidre was working on another novel this time—a horror novel—and her agent is desperate for her to finish. When given the chance to help her sister and have a chance at her own opportunity after repeatedly having flop novels, Jewels decides that she’s going to try and finish it. That is, until she starts noticing that the manuscript is a lot more than just words on a page…
AN EVIL PREMISE is both haunting and bingeable. I steamrolled through this book in two sittings and if I didn’t have work, I’d probably be done in one (thank you MTA for delayed subways!). I wrapped up the novel wanting more, so I’m ready to see what this author has for readers next. I am so glad T. Marie Vandelly is back—if you missed Theme Music, now is the chance to read both her horror novels! STARS: 4, PUB: 8/12...more
I was so excited to start Sarah Gailey’s newest book, SPREAD ME, because it sounds bonkers AF. Say what you want, but Sarah Gailey comes up with some I was so excited to start Sarah Gailey’s newest book, SPREAD ME, because it sounds bonkers AF. Say what you want, but Sarah Gailey comes up with some unique horror stories for us!
At around 200 pages, I’ll keep it brief: Kinsey thrives as the team lead at a remote desert research outpost, far from the temptations of the outside world—until her crew uncovers a strange specimen buried in the sand. Breaking quarantine to study it, she soon finds her orderly life unraveling as the organism’s influence grows. Now the team realizes it’s searching for a new host—and one of them is the perfect choice.
SPREAD ME is a horny horror tale, to say the least. The dynamics of the story were very interesting and fun, but the build up takes too long for the momentum to get going. I felt that there could’ve been less story in the first half and double the story in the second half. I can see this being a series of some sort. I just noticed that I’ve read three of this author’s books and they’ve all been 3 stars, so although I continue to want to read this author’s stories, I tend to be a bit critical of them. I do recommend reading SPREAD ME because it’s so short you can read it very quickly. ...more
Alma Katsu’s upcoming horror novel, FIEND, was my most anticipated book of the year. Thank you @mbc_books for this gifted copy! Katsu is delivering a Alma Katsu’s upcoming horror novel, FIEND, was my most anticipated book of the year. Thank you @mbc_books for this gifted copy! Katsu is delivering a modern-day story for the first time, with the Berisha family taking center stage.
The Berisha family is an Albanian family that makes the Sacklers look like angels. The family runs an extremely lucrative import-export business and has evaded the law for as long as anyone can remember. The family just seems to have the most luck in the world and somehow their foes end up being…handled. The family includes three siblings—Darden, the oldest son and heir to the family business; Maris, the second born daughter who lives up to the family’s potential, but doesn’t have the “look” to run the family enterprise; and Nora, the youngest daughter who wishes the family business did more for a sustainable and equitable future. The three siblings’s parents are trophy wife Olga and Berisha family CEO Zef. Without going into detail, FIEND dives into what happens when the world’s luckiest family all of a sudden has to deal when their luck suddenly dries up.
I really enjoyed this book and it’s being called a combination of Succession meets The Fall of the House of Usher, and I truly agree with that sentiment! It takes a bit longer than you’d expect to get to the action, but I enjoyed the backstory and build-up. At first you may not think this story is horror related, but by the final act you’ll definitely see this book’s sinister side. A little on the short side, I only wish we had more! STARS: 4, PUB: 9/16...more
This book offers a range of dark and gothic adjectives, from eerie and grotesque to bleak and darkly comedic. Its antiheroine, Winifred Notty3.5 stars
This book offers a range of dark and gothic adjectives, from eerie and grotesque to bleak and darkly comedic. Its antiheroine, Winifred Notty, is a stone-cold murderous psychopath. As she takes on a governess role in the Pounds household, her unconventional teaching methods and sinister bedtime stories reveal her deeply disturbing nature, yet the people around her may be even worse. With a bold, sarcastic tone, you can't help but love Winifred! I originally DNFd this book via physical, so I bought an audiobook copy since the buzz for this book was really getting to me! That being said, the book took a while for me to get into and I saw myself waiting for it to pick up. The book is very short, so I was a bit disappointed for the story to get engaging. However, by the time we got to the end, I truly loved how the book was going and really enjoyed it! To say the ending is completely bonkers would be a severe understatement! I would love to see this story interpreted for film and dived into further....more
Isabel Cañas is an auto-read author for me since her 2022 debut novel, The Hacienda. Her books are so immersive, suspenseful, and beautifully written,Isabel Cañas is an auto-read author for me since her 2022 debut novel, The Hacienda. Her books are so immersive, suspenseful, and beautifully written, and her 2025 release, THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DÍAZ, continues that trend. With a beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis, I knew that this would be high on my TBR list.
In 1765, Alba flees plague-stricken Zacatecas with her parents and fiancé to a remote family mine—but safety quickly turns to terror as she’s consumed by visions, sleepwalking, and violent seizures. Something cold and furious is waking inside her, and it wants out. Elías came to the New World to escape his family’s legacy, not fall for his cousin’s bride-to-be—but he can’t ignore the pull he feels toward Alba or the darkness slowly taking hold of her.
I will be honest and say that this book was almost a DNF. I was not used to Cañas' heavily detailed, yet beautifully written prose, and I was struggling with paying attention. Once I switched my focus onto the audiobook version via @prhaudio, I was hooked. I would recommend if you are struggling with the narrative. Isabel Cañas' writing is so immersive and beautiful that once I got hooked, I was committed. My rankings for her novels are below, but THE POSSESSION OF ALBA DÍAZ is immersive and atmospheric, with suspense that kept me wanting more until the final act. STARS: 4, PUB: 8/19
RANKINGS: 1. The Vampires of El Norte 2. The Possession of Alba Díaz 3. The Hacienda...more
Daphne Woolsoncroft's NIGHT WATCHER is in the running for my favorite book of 2025. I SAID WHAT I SAID! Woolsoncroft is the host of hit true crime podDaphne Woolsoncroft's NIGHT WATCHER is in the running for my favorite book of 2025. I SAID WHAT I SAID! Woolsoncroft is the host of hit true crime podcast, Going West, and you can totally see that her career with Going West inspired her to write this incredibly dark and twisted story!
Nola Strate hosts Night Watch, a late-night call-in show where listeners share eerie tales of hauntings and cryptic sightings. But when one caller describes something disturbingly familiar, Nola realizes her past is catching up with her. In a dual timeline, we have Nola's experience 20 years ago when she survived a close encounter with a serial killer known as The Hiding Man. She’s stayed quiet ever since—until now. The man who once hunted her may be back, and this time, he’s not alone. With the police dismissing her fears, neighbors acting strange, and her own father under suspicion, Nola must step out from behind the mic and into the dark. If she wants to survive, she’ll have to become the hunter.
This book was a perfect score when it comes to thrillers and mysteries. I would have never suspected that this was a debut novel, as I was hooked line and sinker from the very beginning. This book is S-C-A-R-Y with a capital S! I kind of suspected how this book would end, but there were plenty of turns throughout the book to keep me guessing from time-to-time. This book holds nothing back and will even give us seasoned thriller aficionados a run for their money. Nola is a great protagonist and NIGHT WATCHER is fully compelling from start-to-finish. If you take one book review from me seriously this year so far, it should be to read NIGHT WATCHER!...more
Ania Ahlborn won me over with her brutally dark horror novel, BROTHER, and I’ll read anything she writes moving forward! I have been excited to dive iAnia Ahlborn won me over with her brutally dark horror novel, BROTHER, and I’ll read anything she writes moving forward! I have been excited to dive into Ahlborn’s newest horror novel, THE UNSEEN, for months now and she doesn’t disappoint!
Without diving in too much, this book is a deep dive into grief in the most unique way. Isla Hansen, a grieving mother, is shaken when a mysteriously orphaned child appears on the edge of her family’s remote Colorado property, bringing with him an eerie but revitalizing energy. As the child becomes part of their household, Isla’s husband and children begin to notice strange, reality-bending anomalies that suggest something is deeply wrong with their new guest.
This book is a legit page turner! I could not stop turning the pages and picked this book up every chance I got. This book is nearly perfect (I didn’t looooove the ending) and has cemented Ahlborn as an auto-read author for me. Do not go too far down the rabbit hole to protect yourself from spoilers because if you find out the direction this book goes, you’ll ruin the entire journey! ...more
I have never read anything by Erica LaRocca, but his newest book, AT DARK, I BECOME LOATHSOME, has been on my radar recently. The cover was creepy AF I have never read anything by Erica LaRocca, but his newest book, AT DARK, I BECOME LOATHSOME, has been on my radar recently. The cover was creepy AF and the synopsis sounded great, so I decided to listen to the audiobook via @librofm and I’m so glad that I did!
Ashley Lutin, haunted by the loss of his wife and son, has built a ritual to help those caught between the desire to die and the hope for a better life. When he meets Jinx, a man with a disturbing past, their connection unleashes a spiral of dark revelations, forcing them to confront pain, secrets, and the possibility of redemption.
This book has ALLLLLL the trigger warnings, just FYI. It’s the most F’d up book I’ve read/listened to since Brother by Ania Ahlborn. That being said, I was absolutely captivated. This book is utterly tragic and immersive. This book touches on grief, homosexuality, religion, and the darkest parts of peoples’ souls. The book is technically a novella, but it reads like a fully vetted horror novel. I would love to see this book developed further in tv or film! I am now a complete fan of this author’s works and will read whatever he comes out with next. Expect AT DARK, I BECOME LOATHSOME to be in my top reads of 2025!...more
I may be the only person in the world who didn't read Erika T. Wurth's recent novel, White Horse, but I have been wanting to so badly, so I knew that I may be the only person in the world who didn't read Erika T. Wurth's recent novel, White Horse, but I have been wanting to so badly, so I knew that I would make sure to prioritize her next novel. Her upcoming 2025 horror novel, THE HAUNTING OF ROOM 904 is the perfect horror novel for me right now. I am not sure if it's because I did a complete rewatch of The Conjuring series and the Insidious series but this book was exactly what I needed.
After unexpectedly inheriting her late sister Naiche’s ability to commune with the dead, Olivia Becente becomes Denver’s top paranormal investigator, though the loss still haunts her. When the historic Brown Palace hotel seeks her help to solve the recurring, unexplained deaths of young women in room 904, Olivia’s search for answers entangles her with a dangerous cult, a vengeful journalist, betrayals from those she trusts, and shocking truths about Naiche’s hidden life.
THE HAUNTING OF ROOM 904 was excellent. It had all the medium/spiritual/conjuring vibes that I was hoping for! I listened to this book on audio and I would highly recommend doing that as I was completely engulfed in Olivia's journey. I loved the queer representation with some of the other characters and I loved the journey these characters went on to find out the truth. You will see Olivia go down unexpected paths, with some awesomely creepy moments to enjoy. The story talks about some serious topics affecting the United States right now as well, including immigration and racial bias. I found those topics expertly weaved in and very thought-provoking. I would absolutely LOVE it if Olivia returns in some capacity for future novels as this world was just too juicy to let go. THE HAUNTING OF ROOM 904 will be in my top reads for 2025 and I can't wait to see what Erika T. Wurth has in store for readers next!...more
Say what you want about Sarah Pinborough, but she NEVER tells a regurgitated novel. Ever. Her newest novel, WE LIVE HERE NOW, has been on my anticipatSay what you want about Sarah Pinborough, but she NEVER tells a regurgitated novel. Ever. Her newest novel, WE LIVE HERE NOW, has been on my anticipated 2025 reads list since I've heard about it a few months ago, and IT LIVES UP TO THE HYPE BOOKSTAFAM!
After a near-fatal accident leaving our protagonist in a coma, Emily moves with her husband Freddie to a grand but unsettling country house called Larkin Lodge. This home is very different from their flat in London, but part of the dream Emily and Freddie always wanted. However, Larkin Lodge isn't what they thought it would be. Strange things begin to happen—only when Emily's alone—making her question whether it’s the house or her fragile health playing tricks on her. As the eerie events escalate and her marriage begins to unravel, Emily grows convinced the house is hiding a dark secret—and so is Freddie.
Don't even begin to assume you know how this story will evolve, because YOU WILL NOT. I was hoping the story would not play out how I assumed it would and it completely threw me for a loop. It is vaguely familiar to a very popular horror movie but if I told you, I'd be spoiling the entire story, so DM me if you'd want to know more about my thoughts after you finish. This book is my favorite Sarah Pinborough yet! I loved the compelling and claustrophobic sense of the storytelling, I loved that the suspense oozed from chapter to chapter, and I loved being able to question what I thought was going to happen the entire time. WE LIVE HERE NOW will be in my top reads of 2025 for sure.
RANKINGS: 1. We Used to Live Here (loved!) 2. Insomnia (really enjoyed) 3. Dead to Her (very much enjoyed) 4. Cross Her Heart (did not like) 5. Behind Her Eyes (the ending ruined it for me)...more