Spooky season has finally arrived, and to celebrate, here are 10 horror releases for October. I’m moving from seasonal to monthly lists, and felt October was a good month to start. So without further ado, here are my picks.
The Swamp Wife by Kay Chronister From October 1st Counterpoint Press
Five siblings, an ancient sacrificial ritual, and a cranberry bog. What more could you want from a folk horror novel? If the answer is “that ritual going wrong,” look no further. The more I learn about this book, the more I want to read it. It also sounds like it walks the line between horror and literary fiction. Character-driven and a family story? I’m on board.
Final blow by Sofia Ajram From October 1st Titan Books
This little book has, understandably, attracted a lot of attention. House of Leaves and Piranesifor me, is a quick read. Ajram’s interpretation is an infinite subway station. The narrator, Vicken, is already mentally shaken before he even reaches this impossible space. I can’t wait to see where this book goes.
Narrows by Ronald Malfi From October 8th Titan Books
Technically this is a re-release, but I’m pretty excited about pre-orders, so here it is. Narrows It focuses on the aftermath of a disaster that occurred in a small town in Maryland, and in this case, what happens after the storm is even worse for the people cleaning up the wreckage of the disaster.
All the hearts you eat by Hayley Piper From October 15th Titan Books
Hayley Piper described this as a “contemporary seaside gothic vampire novel” and I didn’t need to say much more. I know vampires are back and this is one of many gory novels that caught my eye this year, but I still want more. This book is sure to warm your heart, even after you’ve consumed a vampire.
American Delight by CJ Reid From October 15th Tornado Fire
If I had to choose one book from this list to be the most wanted on the internet, it would be this one. CJ captivated us all last summer. Maeve Fryeand everyone is eagerly awaiting (or already loving) her next work. I’ve already read this book, and it’s not nearly as good as Maeve, but it’s closer to CJ. Perhaps best described as a horror novel of grief plagued by Catholic guilt, this book is going to be talked about for a while.
Cold wave by Lindy Ryan From October 15th Titan Books
I would buy this book just based on the cover without doing any research. The only good Indian and The ShiningI think I’ll read it in the winter, but I’ve already ordered it. It’s a Christmas sad horror novel with an antlered being. It means Christmas comes early. This is also my first time reading anything by Lindy Ryan, so I’m excited.
In the mountains of madness by Joe R. Lansdale From October 15th Tachyon Publishing
Speaking of new authors to me, I haven’t read any of Joe R. Lansdale’s work, which seems like a horror-loving sin. I’m kind of into anything spooky right now, so these Lovecraftian stories seem like a great place to start. There’s also Weird Westerns which could serve as a primer for his work in the genre. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn? This one just looks fun.
Rest Area by Nat Cassidy From October 15th Shortwave Publishing
Nat Cassidy is not a new author to me. He is one of my favorites. When this book finally arrives, I plan to read it in a day or so. The premise is simple: a musician locked in a gas station bathroom. But none of Nat’s cases are simple, and horrors threaten from both inside and outside. I’ve heard it’s a bloody one. And the googly eyes in the marketing are intriguing.
Monuments by Richard Chismar From October 22nd Gallery Book
A group of students document a roadside monument, hoping to discover something sinister. A symbol appears repeatedly on the monument, sparking paranoia and speculation among the group. This seems like a classic 80s horror adventure. I can’t wait to see what Chizmar has planned. I’m lucky to have an early read of this book too. I’ll post my review on October 18th, so stay tuned.
Queen by Nick Cutter From October 29th Gallery Book
This one got postponed, so consider it a revised summer list. This doesn’t sound like a Nick Cutter book. A girl using a mysterious iPhone to search for her missing best friend? But… teeth With Nick Cutter’s book, I can’t wait to see what he does with this story. I’m hoping things get dark and scary soon. Or maybe it’ll be something new. Either way, I’m so excited, I’ve spoken about it twice.
We hope there’s at least one that you’ll want to read. What are you looking forward to? See you next month!
Image credits: Counterpoint Press, Titan Books, Tor Nightfire, Tachyon Publications, Shortwave Publishing, Gallery Books
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