
Set in post-World War II Britain, 'The Little Stranger' by Sarah Waters is a gripping Gothic novel that intertwines elements of mystery, psychological suspense, and social commentary. The story follows Dr. Faraday, a country physician who becomes entwined with the Ayres family living in the decaying Hundreds Hall. As strange occurrences plague the once-grand estate, tensions rise, leading to a chilling climax that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. Waters expertly crafts a haunting atmosphere while delving into themes of class, trauma, and the decline of the British aristocracy. 'The Little Stranger' is a thought-provoking and atmospheric tale that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.
A Welsh author renowned for her historical fiction, often featuring lesbian protagonists and exploring themes of sexuality, class, and Victorian society. Her meticulously researched novels, such as Tipping the Velvet and The Little Stranger, blend suspense, romance, and social commentary with rich period detail and compelling characters. Waters's evocative storytelling and exploration of marginalized voices have garnered her critical acclaim and a wide readership.

by Sarah Waters
Moving back through the 1940s, through air raids, blacked out streets, illicit liaisons, sexual adventure, to end with its beginning in 1941, The Night Watch is the work of a truly brilliant and compelling storyteller. This is the story of four Londoners - three women and a young man with a past, drawn with absolute truth and intimacy. Kay, who drove an ambulance during the war and lived life at full throttle, now dresses in mannish clothes and wanders the streets with a restless hunger, searching... Helen, clever, sweet, much-loved, harbours a painful secret... Viv, glamour girl, is stubbornly, even foolishly loyal, to her soldier lover... Duncan, an apparent innocent, has had his own demons to fight during the war. Their lives, and their secrets connect in sometimes startling ways. War leads to strange alliances. Tender, tragic and beautifully poignant.

Shirley Jackson's 'The Haunting of Hill House' is a timeless classic in the horror genre that delves into the psychological complexity of fear and the supernatural. The novel follows four characters who set out to investigate the eerie history of Hill House, only to encounter terror beyond their wildest imaginations. Through masterful storytelling, Jackson weaves a tale of suspense, mystery, and the blurred lines between reality and the paranormal. The intricate dynamics between the characters and the sinister atmosphere of Hill House create a chilling narrative that lingers long after the final page. A must-read for fans of psychological horror and Gothic fiction.

by Liz Moore
Set in the Adirondack Mountains in 1975, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a compelling mystery that begins with the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her summer camp. As the investigation unfolds, it delves into the hidden lives of the Van Laar family and the local community, uncovering long-held secrets and psychological tensions. Moore's narrative weaves a gripping tale of family dynamics, social class, and the haunting impact of past events, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story.

Series: Hannibal Lecter (#4)
In 'Hannibal Rising' by Thomas Harris, readers delve into the chilling origins of the infamous character, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The novel explores Hannibal's traumatic past, illustrating the events that shaped him into the serial killer he becomes. Harris masterfully weaves together themes of revenge, resilience, and the thin line between good and evil. The plot follows Hannibal's quest for vengeance against those who wronged him during World War II, showcasing his descent into darkness with a disturbing yet captivating narrative. This psychological thriller provides an unsettling look into the mind of a complex and sinister protagonist.

by Stephen King
Series: The Shining (#1)
In Stephen King's classic horror novel 'The Shining,' readers are drawn into the eerie and isolated world of the Overlook Hotel where the Torrance family is hired as caretakers during the winter. As Jack Torrance's descent into madness unravels, the spirits haunting the hotel come to life, terrorizing his wife, Wendy, and psychic son, Danny. King masterfully explores themes of addiction, isolation, and the supernatural, creating a gripping tale of psychological horror that blurs the line between reality and nightmare. With its well-developed characters and atmospheric setting, 'The Shining' is a haunting journey into the dark depths of the human psyche.