Feeding the Monster: Why Horror Has a Hold on Us by Anna Bogutskaya

This was an excellent look at horror media, predominantly film but with some examples from television, though four different lenses. I really enjoyed these essays around a subject I adore and Bogutskaya clearly shares that passion for the genre.

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

🧠

CW: murder, death, suicide, child abuse, child death, grief, animal cruelty

I had heard so many good things before picking this book up and the central mystery and overall atmosphere were well-crafted. I just wasn’t a fan of some of the narrative choices and did not enjoy the final third.

William by Maison Coile

CW: blood, death, gore, murder, injury, violence, infidelity

This was a short, sharp shocker of a book that takes a technological hot topic and distils it into the stuff of nightmares. I loved this take on the home invasion genre with a dark puppeteer of a villain. Great twists that built to a conclusion I relished.

A Lively Midwinter Murder by Katy Watson

🏳️‍🌈⭐️

CW: death, murder, suicide, drugging, infidelity, manipulation

This is the perfect book for this time of year. Snuggle up, grab a warm beverage and let Watson spin another yarn around you. It is a tricksy little mystery imbued with the spirit of the festive season and ultimately choosing to focus on love.

Full review here.

Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd

CW: death, murder, infidelity

This was cosy crime at its finest – with a brilliant cast of complex characters and filled with love and joy within the darkness. This walks a fine line between the intensity of the mystery and that sense of heart and humour that utterly captivates a reader.

Full review here.

Lover Birds by Leanne Egan

🏳️‍🌈🧠💙

CW: homophobia, classism, ableism, sexual harassment

I really enjoyed this YA contemporary debut – particularly the way it explored the themes of coming out and learning more about yourself, neurodivergence and classism. It was brought to life so vividly with these well-developed characters, who had great voices and felt authentic.

Bat Eater by Kylie Lee Baker

⭐️🧠

CW: murder, death, racism, sexism, gore, Sinophobia, white supremacy

This is a book that you will not forget for a long time. It is arresting and completely draws you into Cora’s fractured world. It is a truly detestable and ugly horror that is grounded in the monsters of our reality. 

Full review here.

Jojo: Finally Home by Johannes Radabe

⭐️🏳️‍🌈

CW: racism, homophobia, classism, apartheid, grief, death, alcoholism

Like many people, I think Johannes Radabe is an icon and an international treasure. This book explores more of his story and the journey he faced to achieve his dreams. It is a reminder of the power of dance and strength through adversity.

So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne

🧠🏳️‍🌈

CW: infertility, miscarriage, fire, arson, infidelity, homophobia, sexism, traumatic flashbacks, PTSD, post natal depression

Having grown up with Bourne’s books sparking some feminist conversation for me, this adult mystery was an excellent evolution. It is unflinchingly honest about the perils of motherhood and the way mothers are viewed in a patriarchal society, but also remains focused on love and friendship in its ultimate goals.

Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠💙

CW: murder, death, grief, violence, injury, terminal illness, cancer

Quite simply one of the best books I have read this year. This is absolutely phenomenal, moving and bound to be the book on everyone’s mind next year.

Full review here.

That’ll Teach Her by Maz Evans

⭐️

CW: death, murder, abuse, sexual harassment, sexism, classism, infidelity

I loved this darkly comic mystery, told in narrative snippets and excerpts from various Whatsapp chats. It has the mixed media stylings and wickedly sharp mystery of Janice Hallett, with Evans’ excellent humour and observational wit.

Full review here.

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin

⭐️

CW: blood, murder, death, cults, possession, grief, parental death

I liked the way the plot blended horror, mystery and fantasy elements with a touch of romance. It felt like a cult classic horror film that leans a little on the lighter side at times, but also has plenty of darkness.

Full review here.

Making a Killing by Cara Hunter

⭐️🧠

CW: murder, death, violence, child abuse, manipulation, gaslighting, grief, trauma

Over the past year I have binged all of the DI Fawley thrillers and thoroughly enjoyed the time spent. This brings us back to the beginning in a very cleverly plotted thriller that keeps you guessing and weaves in multi media elements in surprising and inventive ways. I loved the ending and cannot wait for the next one Hunter has in store.

A Language of Dragons by S. F. Williamson

🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: genocide, war, death, grief, child abuse, classism, sexism, assault, injury, sexual harassment, sexual assault, torture, fire, violence, suicidal ideation

This was a thought-provoking and terrific debut that is sure to take the YA community by storm. I absolutely adore the world Williamson has crafted here. The focus on linguistics and the ethics of translation is fascinating. It is beautiful but it is also sinister.

Full review here.

Murder in the Dressing Room by Holly Stars

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: death, murder, homophobia, grief

This has a great sense of voice and character development, as well as a solid mystery at its core. It just lacked that intangible thing that pushes a book to the next level for me.

And He Shall Appear by Kate van der Borgh

🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: death, grief, obsession, classism

I love a good Dark Academia tale of obsession and spiralling loss of control, with some class discussion as well. This hit all of those notes and had some interesting aspects, but just didn’t quite hit the heights I wanted it to.

A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay

⭐️🧠

CW: murder, death, violence, rape, suicide, depression, abuse, trafficking, assault, kidnapping, PTSD, trauma

This was an incredibly strong adult thriller with a killer concept and the chops to back it up. Every page of this is soaked in blood and tension with a brilliant story and plenty of twists.

Full review here.

This Feast of a Life by Holden So

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: transphobia, homophobia, grief

I really enjoyed the way So explored grief in this YA contemporary novel – it felt three-dimensional and raw in a way that makes it feel that much more believable. As with their debut, the characterisation sparkled and Auden and Valerie leapt off the page for me. I also enjoyed the way food played such an integral part, as a way of bringing people together.

An Ethical Guide to Murder by Jenny Morris

CW: murder, death, grief, classism, sexism, harassment

Again, this was a book that had a brilliant concept and builds on it wonderfully. Morris really lives up to the title and delves into the ethical implications of Thea’s newfound ability. A surprisingly heartfelt read.

Full review here.

Don’t Let The Forest In by C. G. Drews

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: blood, violence, body horror, death, grief, self harm, panic attacks, injury, child abuse, homophobia, outing, racism, bullying

This is atmospheric horror that creeps under your skin. The central characters are complex and the horrors well-crafted, with a central theme that has a great impact. However I didn’t massively enjoy the ending.

Inside No 9 The Scripts: Series 7-9

I have loved this show for a while and am very excited to see both the documentary in a few weeks and the new stage play next year. This was an enjoyable look at the final three series, picking up little details and enjoying clever wordplay within the scripts.

Cruel is the Light by Sophie Clark

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CW: murder, death, blood, grief, trauma, self-harm, PTSD, classism

This was a wonderfully written and enjoyable romantasy that I cannot wait to find its readers. I enjoyed the characters and the worldbuilding, but it just was not completely for me.

I Bet You’d Look Good in a Coffin by Katy Brent

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: murder, death, gore, violence, rape, sexism, sexual harassment, drugging, domestic abuse, kidnapping, torture

I loved reading How to Kill Men and Get Away with It earlier this year and was delighted to meet Kitty Collins once more. Again this is full of dark comedy and sharp societal insights, particularly around rape culture and toxic masculinity. It is so delectably wicked.

Full review here.

Under the Surface by Diana Urban

🏳️‍🌈🧠💙

CW: death, murder, grief, confinement, violence, gore, injury

I consistently enjoy Urban’s YA thrillers and this was no exception with a solid and atmospheric read that plays with its claustrophobic setting. The final third just lacked as much punch for me and I didn’t enjoy some of the reveals.

Mondays Are Murder by Ravena Guron

⭐️🧠💙

CW: death, murder, violence, blood, fire, arson, death of a loved one, grief, terminal illness, cancer

Guron delivers yet again. This was a tense and tightly plotted YA mystery that pulls you into its investigation with heart and suspense in equal measure.

Full review here.

Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

⭐️🧠

CW: injury, violence, death, grief, arson, fire

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories from the world of The Inheritance Games and being back with characters familiar and new. It had a good balance of fluffy one-shots, longer romantic tales and a bit of mystery as well. The overarching story also gets a few more hints dropped in too.

Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠

TW: genocide, rape, assault, violence, blood, death, poisoning, substance abuse, alcohol, animal abuse, gender-based violence, sex work, suicidal ideation, indentured servitude, PTSD, trauma, grief

I enjoyed Five Broken Blades earlier this year and was very happy to be back with these backstabbing schemers. In this sequel, we get a more expansive world and more intricate plots to unravel as the bigger picture starts to take shape.

Full review here.

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis

⭐️🏳️‍🌈

CW: theft, manipulation, betrayal, violence, injury, death threat

I love a good heist and Thieves’ Gambit brought me several along with great intrigue, characters and a romance that sparkled. This sequel continues to deliver as the stakes get even high and the heists more elaborate. For me, this duology is fantastic.

Clever Little Thing by Helena Echlin

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CW: death, murder, suicide, rape, sexual assault, forced institutionalisation, drowning, ableism, torture

Oh this was clever. Echlin carefully built that unsettling atmosphere and sense of dread to weave a story that thrives in ambiguity and suspense. You’ll be left pondering this long after the final page.

Full review here.