Books matching: hauntings and curses
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- #11
Save:A clever, creative love letter to horror movies that’s as much about making films as being scared by them - rewarding for genre fans, but lighter on the actual terror.
How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive by Craig DiLouie follows two complex characters, Max and Sally, as they navigate the world of horror filmmaking. Max is obsessed with creating a terrifying horror movie using a cursed camera linked to a tragic past. Sally, an aspiring actress, struggles with her identity and desires. Their journeys explore the layers of the horror genre and how it resonates differently with people, making for a thought-provoking read.
The writing style features a mix of fun and insightful dialogue about the horror industry, with plenty of references to classic slasher films. While the pacing sometimes drags due to detailed discussions about movie-making and industry politics, the book's last sections provide thrilling and creative death scenes. Overall, it balances an intriguing premise with character growth, though some readers wished for a scarier experience.
Entertainment journalists craned their necks to see who’d arrived. The fans buzzed. Some of the guys sported leather jackets and shades like the titular Jack. Some of the ladies wore cardigans, skirts...June 2024•400 pages - #12
Save:A unique, atmospheric blend of ghost story and found footage fun - great for horror fans who like slow-burn tension and creative formats, but may not satisfy those looking for constant scares or neat resolutions.
'Episode Thirteen' by Craig DiLouie is a ghost story that follows the Fade to Black team as they investigate the Paranormal Research Foundation's abandoned mansion, known for strange experiments in the 70s. The story unfolds through blog entries, raw footage transcripts, journals, emails, news articles, and more, creating a Blair Witch Project-style narrative. As the team explores the mansion, eerie encounters and bizarre discoveries lead to escalating tension and suspense, blurring the lines between reality and the paranormal. delves into themes of trust, character dynamics, and the evolving nature of the ghost story genre.
January 2023 - #13
Save:A dark, intellectually challenging horror novel that blurs reality and nightmare - chilling for some, but too slow and surreal for others.
'The Grin of the Dark' by Ramsey Campbell is a horror novel that follows a researcher named Simon Lester as he delves into the mysterious world of silent film star Tubby Thackery. The book is filled with word tricks, anagrams, and mutating relationships that create an atmosphere akin to a fever dream. The story explores themes of psychological confusion, paranoia, and the blurred lines between reality and imagination.
Campbell's writing style in 'The Grin of the Dark' is described as darkly funny, disturbing, and entertaining. The novel weaves Tubby's life story into the real-life film industry convincingly, with a focus on the protagonist's accelerating mental illness. The book is praised for its ability to create suspense and dread without relying on traditional horror elements, making it an uncomfortable but compelling read.
‘Not if they’re unnecessary. Is this going to be one?’ She draws back from me, which is discouraging until I realise that she means to see or be seen more clearly. ‘If something’s mine it’s mine,’ she...February 2007•388 pages - #14
Save:A fun, fast-paced tribute to classic horror movies with a fresh twist - perfect for fans of scary flicks and meta-horror, but might not satisfy those looking for literary depth or a flawlessly tight plot.
'Burn the Negative' by Josh Winning is a horror novel that follows the story of Laura Warren, a journalist tasked with covering the making of a streaming series based on a cursed '90s horror film called The Guesthouse, in which she starred as a child actress. As Laura delves into the production, she is forced to confront her traumatic past and the dark events surrounding the film. The book combines elements of suspense, horror, and mystery, keeping readers engaged with a chilling experience as Laura, along with her sister and a psychic, battles against the curse that has haunted her for years.
The narrative of 'Burn the Negative' unfolds in Los Angeles, where Laura's journey to the set of the new horror series is marked by eerie occurrences and supernatural events. Drawing inspiration from classic horror films, the book weaves a tale of suspense and terror, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. With well-developed characters and a homage to campy horror, the story takes readers on a mind-bending adventure filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations.
The plane was full and she’d popped a sleeping pill thirty minutes ago, washed it down with a plastic cup of red wine. It dulled the drone of the engine and made the shapes of her fellow passengers pl...July 2023•364 pages - #15
Save:A fun, spooky classic perfect for young readers in search of Halloween chills and Goosebumps nostalgia - just be ready for a few mean-spirited pranks and a fast-moving plot!
The Haunted Mask by R.L. Stine is a spooky tale from the Goosebumps series about a girl named Carly Beth who seeks revenge on her friends by wearing a terrifying mask that she can't take off. The storyline revolves around Carly Beth's transformation as the mask starts to change her personality, leading to a suspenseful and eerie Halloween night filled with unexpected consequences.
The book features a revenge plot gone wrong, as Carly Beth's quest to prove her bravery to her friends turns into a chilling ordeal when the haunted mask she wears begins to take control. The narrative explores themes of fear, vengeance, and the dark consequences of seeking retribution, all set against a backdrop of Halloween night and the eerie atmosphere of the mysterious mask shop.
“I thought you were afraid of witches,” Sabrina replied. She raised a forkful of macaroni to her mouth and started to chew. “This macaroni is made of rubber,” she complained, chewing hard. “Remind me... - #16
Save:Beautifully written and deeply atmospheric - a must for Gothic ghost story fans - but if you like your hauntings with strong resolutions, its mysterious mist might leave you adrift.
The Mist in the Mirror by Susan Hill is a gothic ghost story following the journey of Sir James Monmouth, who returns to England to uncover the mysteries surrounding his childhood hero, the explorer Conrad Vane. The story is set in a 19th-century atmospheric backdrop, where Sir James encounters eerie sightings, warnings, and a haunted past that intertwines with his own, leading to a chilling and suspenseful exploration of the unknown. The narrative style is described as gothic horror, with a focus on atmospheric settings, character development, and a slow-building plot that keeps the reader captivated until the end.
For a few seconds, until my eyes grew accustomed to the gloom, I could see nothing. The hallway was cold and had a dank, below-ground smell, mingled with the fumes of smoke and ale, which must have pe...October 1992•231 pages - #17
Save:A richly layered, emotionally powerful haunted house novel that combines atmospheric scares with cultural depth. It’s a must-read for horror fans who love substance as much as suspense - just prepare for a slow burn and a hefty page count.
The Good House by Tananarive Due is a haunting tale filled with elements of horror, voodoo, family secrets, and supernatural entities. The story follows Angela Toussaint Hill, who returns to her ancestral home, the Good House, with her son Corey, only to uncover a dark family curse tied to voodoo practices and demonic possession. As the narrative alternates between past and present, readers are immersed in a chilling atmosphere of dread and mystery, with intricate character dynamics and a richly developed world. Due's writing skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, tragedy, and the occult, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant story that keeps readers on edge.
Angela didn’t want to have a party that day. Maybe it was the lawyer in her, but she was too much of a stickler to enjoy hosting parties, brooding over details. Is there enough food? What if there’s a...September 2003•599 pages - #18
Save:A beautifully atmospheric, character-driven Beauty and the Beast retelling with mature characters, gritty romance, and a dash of spice - perfect for fans of fairy tales with bite.
Entreat Me by Grace Draven is a reimagining of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, with a unique twist on the traditional storyline. The book follows the complex characters of Louvaen, a strong and intelligent widow, and Ballard, a grumpy and disfigured man cursed along with his son. The plot delves into their developing relationship, intertwined with elements of fantasy and fairy tales, creating a rich and extensive storyline. Grace Draven's writing style is praised for its eloquence, seamless flow, and ability to create believable scenes and characters without falling into the trap of purple prose.
For the fourth time in as many days, her sister Cinnia entertained the young swordsmith newly hired at Monteblanco’s armory. Like every male in a six-league radius, Gavin de Lovet, only son of Lord Ba...December 2013•461 pages - #19
Save:A gripping, genre-blending mystery with high-school drama, family teamwork, and just enough chills. If you’re into supernatural whodunits, this one’s worth a read - even if you’re not usually a YA fan.
'Hangman's Curse' by Frank E. Peretti follows the story of the Springfield family, who are undercover investigators sent to Baker High School to uncover the truth behind a curse affecting students. The plot revolves around mysterious illnesses, secret witchcraft meetings, and the consequences of mistreating others. The writing style is described as engaging, with unexpected twists, vivid descriptions, and a fast-paced, action-packed narrative that keeps readers engrossed until the end.
The air smelled musty,like an old cellar, and dusty, like the pulverized concrete that lay everywhere. In here, the throbbing of the school’s furnace was more than a sound; it was a presence. Space to...2001•299 pages - #20
Save:A unique, beastly adventure perfect for fans of fantasy-romance and magical creatures, even if romance sometimes takes center stage. Worth a read if you like a blend of action, heart, and mystery - but probably not for you if you want fantasy with minimal romance.
In the book "Kingdom of Exiles" by Maxym M. Martineau, readers are introduced to a world where magical beasts and ruthless assassins coexist. The protagonist, Leena, a beast charmer, finds herself on the run from the law after being exiled from her home and forced to sell her precious beasts on the black market. When Noc, the head of a mysterious order of assassins, offers her a precarious bargain to capture beasts in exchange for her life, a tenuous alliance is formed that uncovers secrets that could threaten their world.
The story unfolds with a blend of fantasy, action, and a slow-burn romance between Leena and Noc. As they navigate through a world filled with intrigue, danger, and complex dynamics, the characters must confront their pasts, face their vulnerabilities, and make difficult choices that could have far-reaching consequences. With elements of mystery, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, "Kingdom of Exiles" weaves together a tale of self-discovery, redemption, and the enduring power of connection amidst a backdrop of mythical creatures and dark secrets.
By the time evening fell, three things were certain: the gelatinous chunks of lamb were absolute shit, my beady-eyed client was hankering for more than the beasts in my possession, and someone was wat...June 2019•449 pages
