Today is the release day of my favorite horror novel of 2022 so far. The mighty and fiercely intelligent Catriona Ward is back with another gripping, unsettling novel. I had the pleasure of reading Sundial earlier in the year; here's my five-star review. I went in to Sundial knowing pretty much nothing, and I suggest … Continue reading Review – Sundial, by Catriona Ward (Tor Nightfire)
The Chills at Will Podcast
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of talking to Pete Riehl for his Chills at Will podcast. I had a blast talking about reading, writing, self care, and tons of other stuff. Take a listen, let me know what you think! And a note, I mistakenly said Samanta Schweblin is Spanish, when she is, … Continue reading The Chills at Will Podcast
A New Start
I've literally moved to Sleepy Hollow. My husband and I have bought our first home, and we are incredibly excited. My books are still in boxes, which is making me incredibly anxious, but getting a step closer to the dream of bookcases with ladders calms me down a little. It was very sad to leave … Continue reading A New Start
Review – All the White Spaces, by Ally Wilkes (Atria/Emily Bestler Books)
No spoilers, only that I really bloody loved this book. There is something innately terrifying about ice and snow. The unpredictable nature of sub-zero elements is not something I have a desire to experience. However, these circumstances can make for some cracking horror novels, such as Ally Wilkes’ brilliant debut, All The White Spaces. Jonathan … Continue reading Review – All the White Spaces, by Ally Wilkes (Atria/Emily Bestler Books)
My Favorite Books of 2021
Alright lads?! Another year down the shitter, eh? Thankfully, we’ve got books to keep us from going completely mad. And hopefully you’ve read some incredible stories this year. In no particular order, here are my favorites from 2021, with links to my original reviews (if I wrote one). Chouette, by Claire Oshetsky (Virago/Ecco) Every so … Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2021
Review – The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights
Yaaay, a new ghost story collection! Some cracking British writers have banded together to give you the winter willies. You won't find a haunted cell phone or Zoom seance here; these tales of very much "traditional" ghost stories. Here's a mini breakdown of what you can expect. A Study in Black and White (Bridget Collins) … Continue reading Review – The Haunting Season: Ghostly Tales for Long Winter Nights
Review – Nothing But Blackened Teeth, by Cassandra Khaw (Macmillan Audio/Nightfire)
Look at that title! You basically know what you’re getting into with a title like that, right? I love a good audacious title. If you are a horror aficionado, you will be shaking your head in despair right from the start of Nothing But Blackened Teeth. Five friends meet up in Japan, to celebrate the … Continue reading Review – Nothing But Blackened Teeth, by Cassandra Khaw (Macmillan Audio/Nightfire)
Review – When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson, edited by Ellen Datlow (Titan Books)
I am so excited to be able to finally share my love of this incredible anthology! When Things Get Dark is easily one of the best, and most consistent anthologies I’ve read in years. Each writer has brought their A-Game in Shirley’s name. Comparisons to Jackson’s work are a dime-a-dozen, and often completely unwarranted. But … Continue reading Review – When Things Get Dark: Stories Inspired by Shirley Jackson, edited by Ellen Datlow (Titan Books)
Review – The Mammoth Book of Folk Horror, edited by Stephen Jones (Skyhorse)
We’ve all gone a bit mad for folk horror in the last few years, haven’t we? I’m frankly still shocked that a movie as audacious as Midsommar was so successful! As someone who watched The Wicker Man at an incredibly impressionable age, I’m very excited that the mainstream has decided to follow me into the … Continue reading Review – The Mammoth Book of Folk Horror, edited by Stephen Jones (Skyhorse)
Review – The Art of Space Travel and Other Stories, by Nina Allan (Titan Books)
Few things delight me more than a strong, consistent short story collection. Anthologies, by their very nature, are varied, and the constant switches between authors can prevent the reader from gaining a sense of flow. But well-written, single-author collections are to be treasured. There is nothing like being taken by the hand, and following the … Continue reading Review – The Art of Space Travel and Other Stories, by Nina Allan (Titan Books)
California Reading 