When a woman clears out her late hoarder grandmother’s rural home, she stumbles into a nightmarish forest haunted by strange creatures and cryptic writings. Inspired by Arthur Machen's The White People, The Twisted Ones is a Southern Gothic horror tale with dark humor, creeping dread, and eerie folklore. As reality distorts, survival becomes a race against unknown horrors hiding in the woods.
(pseudonym for Ursula Vernon) An American author and illustrator, known for her unique blend of fantasy, horror, and fairy tale retellings, often infused with dark humor and a touch of whimsy. Her works, such as The Twisted Ones and Paladin's Grace, are celebrated for their strong characterization, engaging plots, and ability to subvert genre tropes. Kingfisher's distinctive voice and imaginative storytelling have earned her a devoted following.
Marra, a shy princess-turned-nun, embarks on a dark fairy-tale quest to rescue her sister from an abusive prince. Armed with a dog made of bones and a dust-wife’s wisdom, she must complete impossible tasks. Nettle & Bone is a subversive, whimsical fantasy full of heart, humor, and grit, blending folklore and feminist themes in a compact, enchanting tale.
Carolyn's not so different from the other people around her. She likes guacamole and cigarettes and steak. She knows how to use a phone. Clothes are a bit tricky, but everyone says nice things about her outfit with the Christmas sweater over the gold bicycle shorts. After all, she was a normal American herself once. That was a long time ago, of course. Before she and the others were taken in by the man they called Father. In the years since then, Carolyn hasn't had a chance to get out much. Instead, she and her adopted siblings have studied the books in his Library and learned some of the secrets of his power. And sometimes, they've wondered if their cruel tutor might secretly be God. Now, Father is missing—perhaps even dead—and the Library that holds his secrets stands unguarded. And with it, control over all of creation.
by Stephen King
Stephen King's 'It' is a gripping horror novel that delves into the town of Derry, where a malevolent entity preys on children, taking the form of a clown named Pennywise. The book oscillates between the protagonists' childhood fight against the creature in the 1950s and their return as adults to face their deepest fears and confront the evil once again. Through its intricate character development and exploration of themes such as friendship, trauma, and the power of memory, 'It' weaves a chilling tale that showcases King's masterful storytelling. With its blend of supernatural horror and coming-of-age elements, 'It' is a haunting and immersive reading experience.
The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty is a chilling tale that delves into the realms of faith, fear, and possession. The story follows Father Damien Karras, a conflicted priest, as he is called to perform an exorcism on a young girl named Regan who is believed to be possessed by a malevolent entity. Blatty weaves a narrative filled with tension, suspense, and profound questions about the nature of evil and the power of belief. As the battle between good and evil unfolds, readers are taken on a terrifying journey that explores the limits of human endurance and spirituality.
by Joe Hill
In 'Heart-Shaped Box' by Joe Hill, aging rockstar Judas Coyne collects macabre memorabilia, but when he purchases a ghost online, he discovers that some things are too real to handle. The novel weaves a chilling tale of vengeance, the haunting power of the past, and the intricate connections between the living and the dead. As Judas confronts his own history and battles supernatural forces, he is forced to reckon with the consequences of his actions. Joe Hill's masterful storytelling and vivid characters make 'Heart-Shaped Box' a gripping and haunting read that will leave readers enthralled.