A Book A Week

October wouldn’t be complete without reading at least one novel by the master of horror, Stephen King. The iconic American author has ventured into various genres in recent years, skillfully crafting thought-provoking plots and deeply developed characters. Yet it’s horror that made King a household name, and his ability to terrify readers will remain his lasting legacy. With that in mind, I knew I wanted to tackle a classic King novel this season, and 'Salem's Lot seemed like the perfect choice.

Jerusalem's Lot is a charming, postcard-perfect small town in New England. It is the kind of place where everyone knows each other and it feels safe to raise a family. Author Ben Mears returns to the Lot, a town he once called home, hoping to confront some personal demons while working on what he hopes will be his breakout novel. His focus is the ominous Marsten House, a decaying mansion that casts a long shadow over the town.

Mears has long believed the house harbors a deep evil, and his suspicions grow when a mysterious new resident, an antique dealer named Mr. Straker, moves in. Not long after, strange events begin to plague the town—children disappear, people fall ill under mysterious circumstances, and creeping darkness seems to envelop the community. As Mears investigates, he uncovers a chilling truth: Straker is merely a pawn for an ancient, far more sinister force threatening to consume the entire town. Now, Mears and a small group of allies must fight for their lives, testing their courage and resolve as the line between life and death blurs.

Originally published in 1975, following the success of Carrie, 'Salem's Lot established many of the signature elements that would come to define Stephen King's body of work. The protagonist is an author—an autobiographical archetype King would revisit in numerous future novels. The setting is a small Maine town, the cast is large and richly developed, and the narrative is driven by a horrifying evil layered with complexity. I'll admit, the first third of the novel took some time to get into. King dedicates much of this section to meticulously introducing the town and its residents. While this slow build pays off later when the action intensifies, it does give the book a bit of a sluggish start.

However, it’s the sheer terror of 'Salem's Lot that has secured its lasting legacy. King’s twist on the classic vampire tale infuses familiar elements with his unsettling, unique vision. On the surface, the novel is about a town gradually succumbing to an ancient monster’s darkness. On a deeper level, it reflects the decline of small-town America, once the heart of the country, and already beginning to fade when the book was first published. Because King brings this setting and its inhabitants to life with authenticity and depth, the horrors they face feel all the more chilling. 'Salem’s Lot remains a timeless Stephen King classic, proving that masterful storytelling will always endure.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 79)

Curdle Creek has long been a sanctuary for its residents, an all-Black community seemingly frozen in time since the late 1800s. This quiet, isolated world offers safety and stability, especially when compared to the volatile, racially charged 1960s that rage beyond its borders. Yet, this peace comes at a cost. Osira, a 45-year-old widow, has lived her entire life in Curdle Creek, a town bound by tradition where adherence to strict rituals is the price of survival. One such ritual, the annual "Moving On," demands that the community votes for one resident to sacrifice each year in exchange for collective well-being. It's a harsh and unquestioned reality, especially for Osira, whose mother is one of the town’s ruling matriarchs.

Despite spending her life within these rigid confines, Osira begins to see cracks in the veneer of this supposed utopia. Her own husband was "moved on" years ago, and her children have mysteriously vanished. With her world slowly unraveling, Osira begins questioning the traditions she’s lived by and whether life in Curdle Creek is worth the price. As doubt stirs within her, Osira embarks on a journey into the past, seeking the truth about her community and the rules that have governed it for so long.

I’ll admit, the striking cover first drew me to Yvonne Battle-Felton’s Curdle Creek. Its gothic mystery vibe was impossible to resist, and when the publisher offered me the audiobook, it felt like the ideal pick for spooky season. But this isn’t horror in the conventional sense—the cover only hints at the deeper, more intricate narrative inside. Battle-Felton has created a fever dream of a novel, delving into themes of race, motherhood, and tradition. The questions the story raises aren’t easily answered, which may shape your overall impression of it.

Osira, the protagonist, is trapped in a dilemma, torn between the life she’s always known and the possibility of something different. The first three-quarters of the novel delves into this internal conflict, delivering thought-provoking drama. However, in the final act, Osira embarks on a time-travel journey that pushes the narrative in a direction that left me more confused than intrigued. Complex themes like those in Curdle Creek are often best conveyed through straightforward storytelling, which the book largely does well. Despite an overwrought ending, it remains a compelling exploration of the allure of utopia and the harsh costs often hidden beneath its surface.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 76)

When I read Hidden Pictures around this time last year, Jason Rekulak's fresh spin on classic horror tropes had me hooked. That page-turner left me eager for more of his thrilling stories, and his latest, The Last One at the Wedding, just arrived this week. I was lucky enough to get an audiobook copy from the publisher and dove right in. While this story is quite different from his previous novel, I quickly became just as captivated by it.

Frank and his daughter Maggie hadn’t spoken much since their bitter falling out three years ago. In fact, Frank had resigned himself to the idea that he might never hear from her again, especially considering the circumstances that led to their estrangement. So, when his phone rang unexpectedly one day, and Maggie was on the other end with news of her engagement, Frank was floored. Even more surprising than the call was the invitation that followed—Maggie wanted him to attend her wedding in New Hampshire. Though flooded with questions and emotions, Frank kept his cool, careful not to jeopardize their fragile connection. Could this be the chance to mend their broken relationship?

The surprises don’t stop with Maggie’s phone call. Frank soon discovers that her fiancé is none other than Aiden Gardiner, the son of a tech billionaire. Arriving at the remote, lavish estate where the wedding festivities will unfold, Frank immediately feels out of place. He’s determined to reconnect with his daughter and get to know the family she’s marrying into, but things quickly take a strange turn. Aiden is distant and evasive, Maggie seems too busy to spend time with him, and the locals are unusually hostile toward the Gardiners. Something feels off, and Frank is desperate to figure out what’s really going on. But if he pushes too hard, he could lose Maggie all over again. 

In The Last One at the Wedding, Jason Rekulak shifts gears from supernatural horror to a family drama that brings its own kind of fear. Right from the start, it’s clear that no one is what they seem, and trust is in short supply. What remains hidden, though, is just how deep those secrets go. The suspense and momentum of the novel come from gradually uncovering these hidden truths. John Pirhalla’s narration gently guides the listener through that discovery. 

While I was drawn in by the eerie atmosphere and mysterious circumstances, I found myself conjuring up more intense and thrilling possibilities than what the novel ultimately delivered. It reminded me of watching Jaws. The tension of not seeing the shark was far scarier than when we actually saw it and realized, "Oh, that's just a fake shark!" Similarly, with this novel, the build-up and sense of "what could be" had me on edge, but the final reveal left me feeling like the real threat wasn’t as thrilling as I’d hoped. The suspense kept me going, but in the end, the reality didn’t match the height of my expectations.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 75)

As a horror enthusiast, I like to weave in spooky reads throughout the year. With the arrival of Fall, my craving for the genre has intensified. So, I eagerly accepted when the publisher offered me Johnny Compton's Devils Kill Devils as an audiobook. The chilling premise immediately pulled me in, quickly satisfying my appetite for a gripping, terrifying read.

Sarita has always been shielded by a guardian angel, a mysterious presence she calls Angelo, keeping his existence hidden from the world. But even angels can’t remain unseen forever. Lately, Sarita has started to wonder whether Angelo is truly a force for good or something far more sinister. When he takes the life of someone she loves, Sarita is confronted with a chilling reality. To survive, she must confront the darkness lurking within herself and embrace the very evil she’s been trying to escape.

I went into Devils Kill Devils without any expectations, and right from the start, I felt a creeping sense of unease. Johnny Compton has a way of drawing readers in with a deceptively simple narrative, gradually revealing layers of terror that tighten their grip as the story unfolds. Imani Jade Powers’ narration brings Sarita to life, infusing Compton's characters with vivid energy. With the novel set in South Texas, the familiar locations added an extra sense of authenticity for me. While the ending felt a bit grander than the buildup might have warranted, it still delivered a chaotic and genuinely chilling conclusion. Overall, it was an intriguing start to my lineup of spooky reads for the season.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 71)

September has arrived, bringing a slight chill to the air. Though the season is slowly changing here in South Texas, at least the temperatures aren’t as blistering as they were this summer! Even though it’s a bit early, I couldn’t resist diving into my favorite fall traditions—opening the windows to welcome the breeze, indulging in pumpkin spice everything, and, of course, starting some spooky season reads. I turned to a reliable favorite, Stephen Graham Jones. His previous novels, My Heart is a Chainsaw and The Only Good Indians, delivered some genuine scares, so I was excited to pick up his latest, I Was a Teenage Slasher. As expected, this new book blends memorable characters, a fresh plot, and spine-tingling chills that kept me turning the pages.

Lampasas, Texas, is about as remote as it gets. In 1989, this small town looked much the same as it does today, sustained by oil wells and cotton fields, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else’s business because there’s little else to do. No one would have ever imagined that such a quiet town would produce a serial killer—least of all, the killer himself.

Tolly Driver considered himself a decent kid, even though he never quite fit in with the other teens in town. As he geared up for his senior year of high school, Tolly attended a party where most of his classmates gathered. But instead of blending in, he made a fool of himself, ending the night in a near-fatal accident that changed his life forever. That night sparked a transformation in Tolly, setting him on a dark path of revenge and turning him into a full-fledged serial killer.

I Was a Teenage Slasher might be Stephen Graham Jones' most accessible novel yet—at least as accessible as a story about a brutal serial killer can be. Jones takes the familiar tropes of a '90s teen slasher and gives them his own twisted spin. The story is told from the main character's perspective as he recounts his descent into darkness through a stream-of-consciousness flashback. Jones plays with the morally gray nature of his protagonist, adding a surprising sense of humor that provides some much-needed levity to the dark story. It’s a mix of classic slasher horror and a coming-of-age tale, resulting in a compelling page-turner I couldn’t put down. This is my favorite novel from Jones to date, and it was the perfect way to kick off my spooky season reading.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 65)

Spooky season wouldn't be complete without a fresh addition from Riley Sager to send shivers down your spine. His knack for crafting tightly woven thrillers tinged with a hint of horror has consistently captivated my imagination and evoked my deepest fears ever since I first encountered his writing in The Last Time I Lied back in 2018. Since then, I've made it a point to eagerly devour each of his new releases, with only a couple slipping through the cracks in recent years. Determined to make up for these missed opportunities, I've been patiently awaiting the arrival of his latest work, The Only One Left, courtesy of my local library. Fortunately, my hold has finally materialized just in time for the end of the month, providing the ideal moment to immerse myself in another Sager chiller. 

Embedded within the mythology of Maine is the bone-chilling saga of Lennora Hope, a tale that has gripped the imaginations of both children and adults since its sinister unfolding on a fateful night in 1929. As the lore goes, Lennora, a mere seventeen years old at the time, experienced a catastrophic unraveling of her sanity, culminating in a gruesome spree that claimed the lives of her parents and sister. Though the general consensus seems to implicate young Lennora in the tragedy, the police could never definitively establish her guilt. In the wake of the bloodshed, Lennora staunchly denied any involvement. To this day, she has neither uttered a public word about the gruesome events nor crossed the threshold of Hope's End, the cliffside mansion that became the grim stage for the massacre.

"At Hope's End, the past is always present."

Fast forward to the year 1983. Kit McDeere finds herself presented with an unexpected opportunity to resurrect a career she had believed to be permanently tarnished. Once a home health aide, Kit's professional life was marred by allegations of wrongdoing in the tragic passing of her own mother. In the twilight of a protracted battle against a grave illness, Kit was implicated in her mother's untimely demise. Now, Kit's life takes an unforeseen turn when she is entrusted with the care of local legend Lennora Hope. The task falls to her after Lennora's previous nurse abruptly departs Hopes End, abandoning her enigmatic patient and all associated responsibilities. While Kit harbors reservations about assuming this role, she has little choice. Reluctantly, she accepts the role of the primary caregiver to a woman who she suspects may be a murderer.

Upon her arrival at Hope's End, Kit is confronted by a deteriorating compound perched precariously atop a cliff, gradually inching toward the tumultuous waves below. Instead of encountering the ruthless killer that has haunted her nightmares, Kit comes face to face with a 70-year-old woman whose mobility and speech have been ravaged by a series of strokes. Lennora's communication is now restricted to simple yes or no responses and the slow typing of an antique typewriter. As Kit becomes settled into her role, she is taken aback by a note that Lennora laboriously types out for her. In an unexpected turn, Lennora divulges the full extent of her story, recounting each moment that contributed to her legendary status. As the two women embark on a journey to unearth the secrets of that fateful night, Kit begins to suspect that Lennora's narrative might be far from complete. Beneath the facade of the seemingly benign woman in her care lies the potential for hidden dangers that Kit could never have anticipated.

In The Only One Left, Riley Sager once again demonstrates his mastery of suspense, expertly manipulating our expectations and delivering unexpected twists. Set in the 1980s, the analog atmosphere intensifies the sense of dread and mystery. While I couldn't help but notice similarities to Colleen Hoover's Verity, Sager's narrative remains distinct and captivating. The eerie ambiance of the manor and the intricate storyline drew me in completely. The novel's conclusion is shocking and satisfying, making it a must-read for the spooky season. I'll be eagerly anticipating whatever chilling tale Sager comes up with next. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 72)

With Halloween just around the corner, I decided to intensify the holiday spirit by diving headfirst into a Halloween-themed novel. Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie, intriguingly adapted into a film just last month, emerged as the ideal choice. My affinity for mysteries, which dates back to my earliest reading days, has firmly established Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot as a perennial favorite on my literary roster. There's an undeniable allure to a well-constructed locked-room mystery, and Christie's mastery of this genre is second to none.

Thirteen-year-old Joyce is swept up in the Halloween spirit as she lends a hand with the final preparations for a Halloween party. Amidst the unfolding tricks and treats, she boldly declares that she has been an eyewitness to a murder. Her claim is met with dismissive laughter from the others at the gathering, who chalk it up to the fanciful tales of a young and naive girl. Frustrated and hurt, Joyce abruptly departs from the party. As the hours pass, a macabre revelation shocks everyone.  Joyce's lifeless body is discovered in the basement, submerged in an apple-bobbing tub. In the aftermath of this gruesome find, the celebrated detective, Hercule Poirot, is summoned to lead the investigation. Against the backdrop of a night steeped in trickery and the supernatural, it falls upon Poirot to unmask the true evil presence responsible for this horrifying act.

Agatha Christie's novels excel when they deliver unexpected revelations at the story's conclusion. Others are appreciated for the meticulous unfolding of the mystery's components. Hallowe'en Party falls into the latter category—a novel resembling a complex jigsaw puzzle. It's enjoyable to witness the gradual assembly of all the pieces, yet once they are complete, the intrigue wanes. Placing the story on Halloween injects an additional layer of mystery and whimsy that greatly enhances the narrative. I personally discerned the plot's trajectory early in the book, but the journey to the grand revelation remained an entertaining experience. If you're seeking a last-minute addition to your Halloween reading list, Hallowe'en Party is a delightful choice. It offers a quick and enjoyable adventure for this spooky holiday.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 71)

I recently stumbled upon Hannah Morrissey's debut novel, Hello, Transcriber, and was immediately captivated by its atmospheric thriller elements. It left me craving more of her writing. I promptly borrowed Morrissey's next offering, The Widowmaker, from my local library. This book sees Morrissey return to the desolate setting of her debut, the grim and chilling Black Harbor, Wisconsin, a town notorious for its high crime rate.  In her first book, she explored the inner turmoil of a character torn between escaping the town and being drawn deeper into its darkness. In this new narrative, we are introduced to a fresh character, someone who was born and raised in Black Harbor but managed to escape the traumas it inflicted. Now, as circumstances compel her to return, long-forgotten memories begin to resurface and slowly creep back into her life.

For the past two decades, the mysterious disappearance of business mogul Clive Reynolds has fueled rumors and curiosity within the community of Black Harbor. His vanishing act has cast a dark cloud over the entire Reynolds family, leaving them under a constant shadow of suspicion. Meanwhile, professional photographer Morgan Mori has been facing a string of bad luck in her own life, making her all the more intrigued by the cryptic letter she receives. It urges her to return to her hometown of Black Harbor, a place she had been eager to leave behind. The offer to photograph the enigmatic Reynolds family at one of their gatherings presents both a much-needed financial opportunity and a chance to peer into the secretive lives of this intriguing family.

On the same evening as the family event, Morgan unwittingly becomes a witness to the fatal shooting of a police officer. Investigator Ryan Hudson has tirelessly pursued the Reynolds case for years, striving to establish himself as the department's lead investigator. However, when his longtime partner is murdered, Ryan grapples with the challenge of balancing his commitment to solving the cold case with his burning desire to apprehend his partner's killer. Morgan holds the potential to illuminate both mysteries. As she confronts her own traumatic past and Black Harbor's dark history, Ryan aims to leverage her insights to propel his career and finally deliver justice to those who have long eluded it.

Hannah Morrissey delivers another outstanding thriller with The Widowmaker. Much like her initial work, this novel immerses readers in a haunting and chilling atmosphere that permeates the entire narrative with an unsettling sense of suspense. By introducing new characters and only briefly referencing the events of her debut novel, Morrissey skillfully positions her work as both a continuation of the previous story and a self-contained narrative for newcomers. The world she has crafted is nothing short of captivating, with Black Harbor itself becoming a prominent character, a place where crime, secrecy, and darkness hold dominion. The story alternates between the perspectives of its two protagonists, offering readers unique insights into their characters that remain concealed from one another. While this approach may have initially made it slightly more challenging for me to connect with the characters, it ultimately provided a deeper understanding that enhanced the satisfaction of the story's twists and turns. The Widowmaker is a gripping page-turner, standing out as its own compelling narrative while simultaneously serving as a worthy sequel to Morrissey's stunning debut.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 68)

Jennifer McMahon belongs to the category of countless other storytellers whom I've been aware of for years but have never actually read. Prioritizing new authors can be challenging, especially with a towering to-be-read list. While I knew of McMahon's reputation for crafting gripping fiction with a touch of horror, I hadn't found the right moment to delve into her works. That all changed recently when her publisher sent me a copy of her latest book, My Darling Girl. This novel tells the story of a mother and daughter working to mend their relationship as the mother confronts a terminal illness. The story carries a spooky undertone that makes it a perfect read for this season.

As the Christmas season envelops her charming Vermont home, Alison struggles to muster her holiday spirit. Her house is adorned with picturesque decorations, her husband diligently assists their youngest daughter in preparing for her role as a mouse in "The Nutcracker," her eldest begrudgingly agrees to join in the cookie-baking tradition, and Alison herself is even the author and illustrator of a bestselling children's book centered around the holiday. Despite all of this, she has never been one to embrace this time of year fully. Instead, as mothers often do, Alison will force a cheerful grin and engage in the festivities. Everything changes, though, when she receives a phone call from her own mother.

“The world was filled with terrible things.”

The call coming at all is a shock in itself. But the news Alison's mother has to deliver is even more surprising – she has cancer with a grim prognosis and wants to spend her remaining days with Alison, her son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Alison's mind immediately flashes back to the years of violent abuse she endured at the hands of her alcoholic mother. Those traumatic memories are etched into her, both physically and emotionally. Yet, looking at the frail figure of the woman who is still her mother, Alison can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. She reluctantly agrees, allowing her mother to come and live out her remaining days with the family. Little does she know that this act of reconciliation will set off a chain of strange and unexplainable events, turning what was meant to be one last family holiday into a nightmare. Alison will be forced to confront her own dark past and battle her inner demons to protect her family from an inexplicable evil.

Jennifer McMahon skillfully navigates the narrative of My Darling Girl, deftly balancing the tale of a mother and daughter's struggle to mend their strained relationship with a demonic possession story that infuses an undercurrent of horror throughout the entire plot. It's as though the demons of the past have materialized, posing a dire threat to the protagonist and everyone she holds dear. McMahon's expert handling of character development grounds the story, preventing it from descending into an overblown horror spectacle. The eerie elements of the story are subtly woven in with the moments of character exploration, enhancing the underlying tension. I found myself equally captivated by both facets of the novel. As the narrative unfolded, I grew increasingly uncertain about the reality of the events Alison experienced. Was this terror genuinely happening, or was it the manifestation of repressed trauma in the troubled mind of a fragile woman? To uncover the truth, you'll have to read for yourself. McMahon has crafted a multi-layered work of dark fiction that delves into family drama, psychological suspense, and outright horror. It was an exceptional introduction to her writing, leaving me thrilled to have finally experienced her storytelling. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 64)

October has finally arrived, bringing along a fresh collection of horror novels. While I'm a horror enthusiast all year round, there's an undeniable allure to the genre during this month. There's something about the cool breeze wafting through open windows, a hefty mug of steaming coffee, and a spine-chilling read that I simply can't resist. Kicking off my month of eerie reads is a gift from my friends at Mulholland Books. A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand draws inspiration from Shirley Jackson's iconic The Haunting of Hill House. It not only expands upon the legacy of Jackson's classic but also transports its terror into the modern day.

Holly Sherwin, a struggling playwright, appears to have reconciled herself to her status as a washed-up has-been, spending her days as a teacher. Decades have passed since she last experienced the fulfillment of meaningful work, and even her most successful play was borrowed from another's story. However, a glimmer of inspiration emerges within Holly when she stumbles upon the text of an ancient play dating back centuries that captures her imagination. Although the archaic writing is unsuitable for modern times, the themes of witchcraft and hauntings that saturate its pages resonate with her creative spirit. Fueled by a newfound passion she hasn't felt in years, Holly embarks on a mission to resurrect this age-old play and breathe fresh life into it.

Holly's efforts bear fruit when she secures a $10,000 grant to dedicate herself fully to her new project. During a trip upstate, she stumbles upon Hill House, an imposing and decrepit gothic mansion hidden away in a remote village. The mansion's grandeur and eerie ambiance captivate Holly instantly, and the sheer size of the building makes it the perfect place to develop and rehearse her play. Despite her own reservations, Holly persuades her girlfriend, Nisa, to join her in renting the house for a month. Soon, a troupe of actors, each bearing their own ghosts and baggage, arrives to participate. As they settle into the mansion, its peculiarities begin to manifest. Strange creatures stalk the grounds, unsettling sounds reverberate through the halls, and time itself appears to warp and shift. Before long, Holly and her friends find themselves at odds with each other and in a strange and eerie battle against the house itself.

I haven't had the opportunity to read Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, so I can't provide a direct comparison with this new interpretation. Nevertheless, as an ardent horror reader, I can offer my perspective on the novel as a standalone work. Elizabeth Hand skillfully establishes the atmosphere for her terrifying tale, immersing the initial passages in an unsettling ambiance that conveys a palpable sense of impending dread. There's a meta aspect to the narrative as the protagonist endeavors to modernize a classic play, mirroring the author's attempt to provide a fresh perspective on a renowned novel. By anchoring the novel's foundation in a classic legend, even one of fiction, Hand imbues the story with a historical backdrop that heightens the impact of the chilling events that unfold.

I found it somewhat challenging to connect with the characters, particularly because none of them came across as particularly virtuous. Each character seemed driven by their own self-serving motives. Despite this, the titular hauntings that intensified as the story progressed provided a compelling driver, keeping me eagerly turning the pages. All told A Haunting on the Hill marks a chilling initiation to what promises to be a delightfully terrifying month of reading.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 62)