Horror Aficionados discussion

Discuss what you're reading or have read in 2025.

Let's make this a great reading year.

Krampus: The Yule Lord
The writing is good, and the characters are interesting. This is a dark Christmas tale. I appreciated the author's portrayal of Santa Claus, revealing his sinister side. After betraying the Yule Lord and diminishing Yule traditions, he tried his to establish himself. Both Krampus and Santa originated from the same source. The story inspired by Norse mythology, as it progresses, more characters inspired by Norse mythology appear.
It is a tale of darkness and twists.

The author attempts to narrate the individual stories each character. Walker, for example, is a songwriter who not only had the courage to pursue his dream but also to claim what is his before meeting Krampus.. Krampus appears to a devilish, but his intentions are good, and he protects people, while Santa engages in his nefarious activities. Jesse’s wife seems to lack worldly knowledge, while Dillard and have their own evil intentions. Some the other characters are supportive, while others lack ambition. twists and turns are unpredictable.

I’m almost finished reading Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica and throughout reading it I’m left feeling a deep unease because I can see how this could become a reality. It’s about people switching from animal meat to eating other people aka “special meat” after the government declared that animals are fatal (scratches, consumption etc).

I have just started getting back into reading horror books and despite the book containing a lot of shock value, the most unsettling parts for me is thinking about how this could actually happen, how little value people have for the lives of others and how brutal humanity can be.

So far I’m enjoying the book, would love to hear others thoughts if you’ve read it!

Jess wrote: "I’m almost finished reading Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica and throughout reading it I’m left feeling a deep unease because I can see how this could become a reality. It’s about people ..."

I just read it and yes. The way capitalism works, this could easily become reality. I loved the book. One of my favorites.

I'm reading

Today I'm starting The Lost Island by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

Deadline

Books that take tropes and turn them on their heads are favorites of mine, (My Trust Caseiles Series for example) "Deadline by Jennifer Blackstream is no exception Shade Renaut a "witch" works in the small town of DresdenSpeaking of Dresden, could clearly see the inspiration Jennifer drew from authors like Jim Butcher, simply from the town's name.

I understood the inspiration, but I never felt like she borrowed anything from those authors. She took the "witch for hire" trope and completely made it her own. "Deadline" is part of a series of books, and I cannot wait to delve deeper into this world!

Shade Renaut has been training for in her witchly duties. Her training has prepared her to be a "v witch" in the town. She works on tasks such as finding a lost kitten or making healing potions. Her mentor has never encouraged Shade to be anything other a witch, but "Mother Ren" desperately wants to be a private investigator So when she receives visitor late one night, she the case despite misgivings about the potential danger.

Blackstream created a unique setting; "Deadline" is set in the modern world. She takes her readers from small towns like Dresden and Cleveland and back

Books that take tropes and turn them on their heads are favorites of mine, (My Trust Caseiles Series for example) "Deadline by Jennifer Blackstream is no exception Shade Renaut a "witch" works in the small town of Dresden

Speaking of Dresden, could clearly see the inspiration Jennifer drew from authors like Jim Butcher, simply from the town's name.

I understood the inspiration, but I never felt like she borrowed anything from those authors. She took the "witch for hire" trope and completely made it her own. "Deadline" is part of a series of books, and I cannot wait to delve deeper into this world!

Shade Renaut has been training for in her witchly duties. Her training has prepared her to be a "v witch" in the town. She works on tasks such as finding a lost kitten or making healing potions. Her mentor has never encouraged Shade to be anything other a witch, but "Mother Ren" desperately wants to be a private investigator So when she receives visitor late one night, she the case despite misgivings about the potential danger.

Blackstream created a unique setting; "Deadline" is set in the modern world. She takes her readers from small towns like Dresden and Cleveland and back

These are additions to my list of things I wish I had.

"Deadline" has a couple of scenes where the character is stuck in traffic, and they are written so well that I felt for her. The author has also created several interesting characters to occupy that world, making it richer and more complete than it would be. Vamp, wizards, witches, pixies, and other delightful additions book one I completely fell in love with.

Had pretty much everything I've come to expect from the Jack Daniels series. Bring on the next one later this year!

I’m currently reading Mirror by Graham Masterton. An old book but great so far

I finished reading which comes out at the end of this month. I truly believe this guy is going to hit it big and books like these are why.
I also finished the audio of the latest Orphan X novel: .

I'm now reading a short fantasy novel: and listening to Johnny Depp narrate the life of Keith Richards:

Char wrote: "I finished reading which comes out at the end of this month. I truly believe this guy is going to hit it big and books like these are why.
I also f..."

Interesting book selection.

Love Krampus! Reread for the holidays and made it my center of celebration. Just finished Billy Silver and now reading Withered Hill which I’m enjoying a lot.

Finished Ghost Station last night and found it to be pretty decent. A lot of ideas from other scifi mashed together, and I have complaints on story moments, but enjoyed it nonetheless.

1722

Sean wrote: "Finished Ghost Station last night and found it to be pretty decent. A lot of ideas from other scifi mashed together, and I have complaints on story moments, but enjoyed it nonethel..."

I enjoyed that one! I didn't enjoy her second science fiction book as much, but I've noticed she has another due out this year. I haven't decided yet if I want to read it or not.

So far I've read 6 books and will finish number 7 today.

This was ok, similar to his other books.

Fun little novella, no where near as many bugs as I was led to believe.

When an aurora borealis turns everyone who saw it mad and homicidal, a man and his family attempt to escape to a rumored safe-zone in Canada. This was a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller and I loved it.

Reddit creepypasta turned 4-part book series, this is about Jack and all the weird going-ons at the gas station he works at.

Back at the gas station and the story continues where we left off except this time there's a blizzard, mimics, a new manager who has gone crazy, oh, and Donald Glover.

Jack is now the owner of the gas station and someone is collecting supernatural entities for some unknown purpose. I think this might be the funniest book so far, Jerry is hilarious.

Will finish this today. Final book in the series and Jack is trying to prevent the end of the world while twin clown demons are hunting him down.

If you like dumb jokes and supernatural stuff (or if you liked John Dies at the End) you'll love this series. The audiobooks are narrated by Mr Creepypasta and he does a great job giving all the characters a different voice (and there are a LOT of characters).

I finished the latest Orphan X novel and it was so good!

Now I'm listening to Keith Richards' autobio

Open House - Outside of the racial stereotypes, this was a decent read. Book about a woman going through a divorce and trying to find herself.

Side Jobs - #12.5 in the Dresden Files. Book of short stories with, of course, Dresden taking on Side Jobs. Don't read if you haven't read Changes yet.

Alondra wrote: "Open House - Outside of the racial stereotypes, this was a decent read. Book about a woman going through a divorce and trying to find herself.

Side Jobs - #12.5 in the ..."

How is the Dresden Files? I've wanted to read the series but there are so many and I've been putting it off. I loved the show back in 2007 when it was on Syfy.

Witch's Canyon

The second novel for Supernatural follows the Winchesters as they leave the hustle and bustle of New York behind and head to a remote location in Arizona. This novel directly follows the events of 'Supernatural: Nevermore,' but aside from a brief mention of a character from the previous novel in the introductory chapter, the two books are not otherwise linked.

Without giving away the plot, Sam and Dean get a-up a string of gruesome murders that happen every forty years in a small Arizona town, so the Winchester brothers decide to check it out. They show up just in time for first murder, and as the bodies start piling up, Sam and Dean have to figure out who's behind it and how to put a stop to it.

A great novel. It was an easy read with a well-paced plot. My one criticism would be that after all the build-up, the ending felt rushed and somewhat abrupt. The characterization of Sam and Dean was mostly true to their portrayal in the series. One of the strengths of the book was the dialogue, especially between them, which was convincing enough that it was easy to imagine the actors' voices speaking the lines. Additionally, there were a few brief flashbacks to the brothers' childhood that provided some background. Supporting characters, even those who were soon to become victims, were well-described and more than just ciphers.

In terms of TV tie-in novels, I would classify this as one of the superior examples.

Lee wrote: "Witch's Canyon

The second novel for Supernatural follows the Winchesters as they leave the hustle and bustle of New York behind and head to a remote location in Arizona. This novel d..."

Thanks for this review! I enjoy Jeff Mariotte's work and I did not even know that he wrote Supernatural books! I know he's done others for various TV shows, but I wasn't aware of the SPN books.

Jessica wrote: "Alondra wrote: "Open House - Outside of the racial stereotypes, this was a decent read. Book about a woman going through a divorce and trying to find herself.

Side Jobs..."

Dresden is a consistently good series. It starts off pretty tame, juvenile humor and a cute little magic system. Then each book gets darker; consistently. Harry maintains his humor, but now, its with a grimace. I really love this series and hate to see it end. I think the final count will be 18 or 19 books total.

Alondra wrote: "Jessica wrote: "Alondra wrote: "Open House - Outside of the racial stereotypes, this was a decent read. Book about a woman going through a divorce and trying to find herself.

I read the first Dresden book and maybe DNFd or read the second one and I just was not impressed. Maybe I will try again at some point, knowing this information.

I finished reading The Book of Atrix Wolfe: 30th Anniversary Special Edition which was not my normal fare, (Sort of YA fantasy), but I enjoyed it!

I started on the new Grady Hendrix: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

Pack

I started an arc of Starvation by Molly Fennig, which was given to me a few years ago.

Just finished the seven year slip!

Just finished Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi last week, started Ghost Story by Peter Straub yesterday.

Starting Seven Shades of Evil so that I can get to the final Matthew Corbet novel. Great series.

WendyB wrote: "Starting Seven Shades of Evil so that I can get to the final Matthew Corbet novel. Great series."
I loved those short stories! Hope you do too. :)

I've just finished American Predator by Maureen Callahan. This story is frightening and shocking.

Aline wrote: "I've just finished American Predator by Maureen Callahan. This story is frightening and shocking."

That one sounds good.

WendyB wrote: "Discuss what you're reading or have read in 2025.

Let's make this a great reading year."

Already Read:
Leech by Hiron Ennes
Crypt of the Moon Spider by Nathan Ballingrud (short novella)
Nestlings and Mary by Nat Cassidy (Both LOVED)
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill

To Be Read:
Where the Dead Wait by Ally Wilkes (currently reading, slow)
The Bone Ships by R.J. Barker
Pressue By Brian Keene
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
The Abominable: A Novel by Dan Simmons
The Ritual by Adam Nevill
The Deep by Nick Cutter

I started a couple of days ago

I'm thinking of ending things - hugely disappointing.
Small town horror - which I really enjoyed

Small Town Horror was very good. Ronald Malfi was one of the best new authors (to me) that I came across in 2024.

Needful Things
Stephen King is a very good author of horror fiction; perhaps the best horror writer of all time, depending on your of view., he have annoying quirk of having fantastically thought-out plots, imaginative settings, engaging characters, then ruining them with limp endings that don't live to the readers' expectations.

premise offul Things is remarkably simple and a new take on the "making deal with the devil" scenario. Leland Gaunt, a seemingly demonic being, is the charming charismatic proprietor of the new store, Needful Things, which has everybody talking. The store seems to sell something for everyone in town, and at a very affordable price too,... there's a catch; if you the item, your Needful, badly enough, you have to make an additional of a little prank Gaunt seems to know and exploit the various townspeople'sices one another, and before you know it, tensions have reached a boiling point.

For me, the ending far too abrupt, limited to a few pages for one of the best of the modern age, frankly. However, having read It, I've noticed this seems to be a regular for King - interest reaches fever pitch you end up underwhelmed. Having said that, though, I really felt spooked by the ending of Pet Sematary.

YADUD3 wrote: "WendyB wrote: "Discuss what you're reading or have read in 2025.

Let's make this a great reading year."

Already Read:
Leech by Hiron Ennes
Crypt of the Moon Spider by Nathan Ballingrud (short nov..."

I highly recommend by Nat Cassidy! (I loved Nestlings and Mary too!)

Andrew wrote: "Small Town Horror was very good. Ronald Malfi was one of the best new authors (to me) that I came across in 2024."

Ron Malfi is fantastic!

I just finished the second book-the follow up to Fever House, . A very good sequel.

I'm very excited to be starting

Just finished When Among Crows by Veronica Roth. Wonderful fantasy. I’m about to start a supernatural thriller, The Other Child by Joanne Fluke.

Currently reading "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" by Ken Kesey! So far I have enjoyed the abstract imagery/use of metaphors, but I'm excited to reach the climax of the story

I just finished Small Town Horror by Malfi. Omg, I was blown away. It's a brilliant book. I read the whole thing in two nights before I even had time (or thought about uploading it to my "currently reading" list. The ending just makes the whole book--I don't want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn't read it--but I'm dying to talk about the ending. Suddenly on the last page, I understood so many motifs that I just couldn't figure out for most of the novel. It's a great read--highly recommend it to all horror fans.

I'm interested in reading Ronald Malfi where should I start??

Just finished Shirley Jackson's 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' which I really enjoyed - the creepiness is subtle but very memorable. In 2024 I read 'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones which was OK and 'You Like It Darker' by Stephen King which was patchy but enjoyable!

Lee wrote: "Needful Things
Stephen King is a very good author of horror fiction; perhaps the best horror writer of all time, depending on your of view., he have annoying quirk of having fantastic..."

I really enjoyed 'Needful Things' too. King is the king, imo. His bad endings are part of the fun! Pet Semetary, as you suggested, is an exception, although it could still be argued that the first two-thirds of that book are much better than the closing third.

Monica wrote: "I'm interested in reading Ronald Malfi where should I start??"

I'd recommend December Park
It's a really good coming of age novel.

Char wrote: " "
Thanks

WendyB wrote: "Monica wrote: "I'm interested in reading Ronald Malfi where should I start??"

I'd recommend December Park
It's a really good coming of age novel."

Thanks I'll check it out.

I’m dependent on my library’s catalogue, so the first Malfi novel I read (2024) was Black Mouth. It was excellent.

Andrew wrote: "I’m dependent on my library’s catalogue, so the first Malfi novel I read (2024) was Black Mouth. It was excellent."

Thanks