book reviews
Book reviews for horror fans; weather a sleepless night with literary accounts of hauntings, possessions, zombies, vampires and beyond.
Unspeakable Things by Jess Lourey (Book Review)
Just before Christmas I did what I usually do. Scour Amazon (UK) for new books, DVDs, Signed CDs, or whatever takes my fancy. This year was difficult. Having already spent what felt like a small fortune on books; hardbacks, limited editions signed copies, self published, traditionally published and secondhand. I was looking to pick up a few on the cheap. (Greatest achievement was a hardback at £0.88, and a very well reviewed crime thriller from J.D Robb for £1.30).
Tom SturtridgePublished 4 years ago in HorrorReed Alexander's Horror Review of 'The Configuration Discordant' by John Baltisberger (2020)
I don’t normally do poetry. Like your typical ‘cain wagger,’ I don’t get it, and I’m not sure I even want it. If you’re going to ryme or rap, fucking throw a beat behind it.
Reed AlexanderPublished 4 years ago in Horror'Magpie' - Sophie Draper (Book Review)
Magpie marks author Sophie Draper's second novel. Her first novel (Cuckoo) being a critical success and a worthy addition to any psychological thriller genre fan. Following on in those footsteps, Magpie marks a return to the psychological genre, but with a focus on suspense rather than being a thriller. This marks a nice distinction between the two books (as both being named after birds with a similar font and cover, I wouldn't blame you if you thought they were part of a series).
Tom SturtridgePublished 4 years ago in HorrorSophie Draper - 'Cuckoo' (Book Review)
Despite being released to largely positive reception in late November 2018, I only came across this book by accident. Scrolling through AmazonUK looking for new books, or anything that took my fancy. Down to £2 for the paperback delivered to my door, I thought why the hell not.
Tom SturtridgePublished 4 years ago in HorrorThe Greatest Ghost Stories Ever Written
Ghost stories are often called some of the scariest pieces of writing of all time, and they make up a great majority of the horror genre. Written from the beginning of literature onwards, people have always been interested in the movements of those who are already gone and have written many stories for and about them. Some are based on real experiences, some are completely fictitious (well, you better hope they are) and some have grounding in historical or fantastical realities.
Annie KapurPublished 5 years ago in HorrorStephen King's 'Doctor Sleep'
Stephen King's Doctor Sleep: A Book Review "Dig if you will, this picture..." (Prince—"When Doves Cry") A loner with amazing powers but a dark and tragic past finds himself the unlikely mentor and protector of a young girl with powers similar to his own. Now he is in a race against time to fend off an evil organization who wants the girl and others like her for their own nefarious ends.
Michael BauchPublished 5 years ago in Horror100 Horror Books to Read for the Halloween Season
Halloween is right around the corner and, with the holiday season presenting many spooks, I think it’s good to remember the literature that can also scare the living hell out of us too. There are many ways I like to celebrate Halloween, and one of them is by reading and re-reading some of my favourite scary reads on the way up to the special day. Others ways I like to celebrate are watching scary films and making some seasonal bakes such as things pumpkin flavoured and biscuits normally containing dark chocolate, raisins and toasted nuts. I’ve always been a big fanatic of Halloween because I love dressing up even if I’m not going anywhere. I like to make cookies and give them creepy aspects. Last year, I made my brother a cookie shaped and decorated like the Slenderman. Anyways, this list is meant to be a bit of fun, so we’ll go through one hundred books you can read to celebrate this holiday season. I’ll talk about ones that are particularly special to me. Before you ask, I only ever include books I’ve actually read myself in lists like this, so you can talk to me about any one of them if you’re having a hard time choosing (I don’t blame you because they’re all so good). I’ll mark some of my favourites with a (*) as well, so make sure you look out for them! Oh, and lastly, these books are in no particular order either.
Annie KapurPublished 5 years ago in HorrorReed Alexander's Horror Review of 'The Second Shred' (2019) by DLW, Published Through MHP
DLW never fails to grab me by the balls and drag me kicking and screaming though her writing. I'm never sure if she's intentionally fucking with the audience, or if her writing is just naturally chaotic/evil and reading it causes insanity.
Reed AlexanderPublished 5 years ago in HorrorAuthor Spotlight: Frank LoProto
It came from 1954. The beast of Sunny Florida. The thing from another world. No, these aren’t movie titles. They’re proper introductions for the first of many authors I hope to spotlight. He’s a horror factory from the East Coast, a lover of the supernatural, and a master of the written word. While you will know him as Frank LoProto, I call him dad. It may sound corny to spotlight a relative, but as I still struggle to find myself as a writer, it seemed appropriate to start this series off with an individual that means so much to my own career.
Mark LoProtoPublished 5 years ago in HorrorNo Exit
Surface, surface, surface... The secret of this review is that it will be a little less than a review. Instead, I suppose it's simply another in a long line of my interminable essays. Whatever the case, I've been listening to an audiobook of American Psycho by Brett Easton Ellis, which inspired the famous cult film, whose cliche lines, such as "I have to return some videotapes," have now passed over into pop-cultural points of reference.
Horror in a 'Heart Shaped Box'
As an avid reader, I can easily go through three or four books a week, particularly during the summer months, and this particular book came into my possession as an impulse buy at my local second hand market. I had never heard of the author, or the title before, however while the brief synopsis on the back cover gave little away, the contrasts between the basic plot and the seemingly innocuous title—Heart Shaped Box—was enough to get my attention to give Joe Hill's debut novel a try.
Becky JimenesPublished 5 years ago in HorrorBook Review: 'NOS4A2'
Let me get it out in the open that Joe Hill's NOS4A2 is a brilliant book; it is a sheer irresistible page-turner packed with a fantastic story and characterization, it tells of Victoria McQueen, known as Brat to her father, finding out her unique ability to a bridge that brings together reality and thoughts/fantasy.