I love translated horror. I enjoy learning what evokes fear in other cultures, and opening my imagination to new things to keep me awake at night. Through the Night Like a Snake, a new collection of Latin American horror from Two Lines Press’s Calico series, introduced me to exciting new writers and translators. With not … Continue reading Review: Through the Night Like a Snake: Latin American Horror Stories, edited by Sarah Coolidge (Two Lines Press)
Review: Thirst, by Marina Yuszczuk, translated by Heather Cleary (Dutton)
A translated gothic vampire novel?! Gimme it! I foolishly used to think I didn’t like vampire stories. But over the last few years, there have been some wonderful examples; Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste, The Hacienda by Isabela Canas, recent TV adaptations of Interview with the Vampire and Dracula, and THAT episode of UK anthology … Continue reading Review: Thirst, by Marina Yuszczuk, translated by Heather Cleary (Dutton)
Review: The Haunting of Velkwood, by Gwendolyn Kiste (Saga Press)
The Haunting of Velkwood is compelling from the first page, and does not let go until the very end. The concept of this novel is so clever, yet so simple. Instead of a haunted house, we have a haunted block of homes, which no one can enter, except the three survivors. Our protagonist, Talitha, is … Continue reading Review: The Haunting of Velkwood, by Gwendolyn Kiste (Saga Press)
Review: The Butcher of the Forest, by Premee Mohamed (Tor)
I was incredibly impressed by Premee Mohamed’s short story collection, No One Will Come Back for Us, and The Butcher of the Forest has cemented my status as a Mohamed fan. It is a gripping novella, with a strong female protagonist, and some genuinely disturbing moments. Veris is summoned by the tyrannical ruler of the … Continue reading Review: The Butcher of the Forest, by Premee Mohamed (Tor)
Review: The Book of Love, by Kelly Link (Random House)
When I found out Kelly Link was writing a novel, I basically died. Those who have discovered the magic of Link’s short stories will understand my joy. Link hasn’t dipped her toes into novel-writing with a brief story; The Book of Love is over 600 pages long. Susannah, Mo, and Daniel have returned from the … Continue reading Review: The Book of Love, by Kelly Link (Random House)
Review: Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart, by GennaRose Nethercott (Vintage)
I fell in love with GennaRose Nethercott’s writing after reading her thrilling novel, Thistlefoot. As an avid reader of weird short stories, I grabbed Nethercott’s debut collection, Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart, as soon as I could. Here are my favorites: Sundown at the Eternal Staircase - The opening story establishes the tone of … Continue reading Review: Fifty Beasts to Break Your Heart, by GennaRose Nethercott (Vintage)
My Favorite Books of 2023
Read in 2022 I’ll start with some books that I had the pleasure of reading in 2022, that only came out this year. Monstrilio, by Gerardo Sámano Córdova (Zando) The Haunting of Alejandra, by V. Castro (Del Rey) White Cat, Black Dog, by Kelly Link (Random House) Lone Women, by Victor LaValle (One World) Faves … Continue reading My Favorite Books of 2023
Review: The Secret Life of Insects, by Bernardo Esquinca (Valancourt)
A few years ago, I read Bernardo Esquinca’s story, Señor Ligotti, in the fantastic Valancourt Book of World Horror Stories. I am not exaggerating when I say I think about this story at least once a month. This new collection gives Esquinca many more opportunities to imprint his brand of terror onto the brain of … Continue reading Review: The Secret Life of Insects, by Bernardo Esquinca (Valancourt)
Review: Where the Dead Wait, by Ally Wilkes (Atria Books)
Yay, Ally Wilkes! Wilkes’ previous spooky novel of cold desolation, All the White Spaces, is an absolute favorite of mine, so I couldn’t wait to get my mitts on Where the Dead Wait. William Day returns from a failed and horrifying Arctic expedition to accusations of cannibalism. Men will do unspeakable things to survive, and … Continue reading Review: Where the Dead Wait, by Ally Wilkes (Atria Books)
Review: Chrysalis, by Anna Metcalfe (Random House)
Chrysalis is split into three sections, in which we learn about an unnamed woman from the perspective of her mother, her colleague, and a potential lover. Through their eyes, we learn about her journey from isolated childhood to unconventional social media guru. I love how the story unraveled; there are no “twists” in this Chrysalis, … Continue reading Review: Chrysalis, by Anna Metcalfe (Random House)
California Reading 