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Bat Eater is one of those stories that sinks its claws into you and doesn’t let go. Not while you’re reading, not even after you’ve closed the book. It’s graphic, it’s haunting, and it’s one of the most realistic horror reads I’ve picked up in a while. Kylie Lee Baker doesn’t shy away with Bat Eater from the ugliness of life and death. Set during the height of the COVID pandemic in NYC, the story is a gory plunge into grief, despair, and the ghosts that haunt us. This book will hit in ways you don’t quite expect. It’s gory and graphic. But the horror here isn’t just in the supernatural, it’s in the grief: the helplessness, the trauma of isolation etc. Baker’s writing doesn’t glamorize or soften the blows. It stares you down and tells you: this is what it was like (and still is). And still, it’s not without purpose. This book feels real. It’s honest in its portrayal of mourning, of rage, of wanting to rally against a system that leaves people behind (to die). A must-read for those who want their horror grounded in reality. With ghosts that feel a little too close for comfort. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s an important and beautifully brutal story.

I was torn on how to rate Death of a Bookseller - it started off strong, but by the end, I had mixed feelings. At first, I was invested, but as the story progressed, it took a darker turn - one that felt more unsettling than compelling. Both main characters are deeply flawed: one shaped by trauma, the other by an unhealthy obsession. Their dynamic is tense and uncomfortable, and certain scenes were vividly disturbing (nauseating). While I understand the intent to explore the ugliness of human nature, some moments felt quite graphic, marking the story’s downward spiral. That said, Death of a Bookseller is well-written and effectively critiques the dark side of true crime obsession. In a way it also explores how unaddressed trauma can fester. It can be a compelling read, but one that left me more unsettled than satisfied.

This isn’t a jump-scare, slasher-type horror - it’s the kind that creeps under your skin. Blending the occult with the gritty reality of Mexico’s 1990s film industry, the novel captures both the supernatural horrors lurking in lost films and the real-life struggles of those trying to survive in a cutthroat industry. Montserrat and Tristán are far from your ‘standard’ heroes - they aren’t larger than life protagonists but flawed, deeply human characters who are just trying to make it through life. Montserrat, a talented sound editor, is constantly underestimated in a male-dominated field, while Tristán, a ‘former’ star, is stuck in the shadows of his past. Their complicated but deeply loyal friendship is one of the novel’s strongest aspects, and I loved the natural queer representation woven into the story. The horror elements in Silver Nitrate are layered. On one level, there’s the supernatural (cursed films, ghosts, blood magic, and dark rituals) but just as terrifying are the real-life horrors of power and prejudice. Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s signature slow-burn style builds tension throughout, making every eerie revelation hit even harder. Her writing is always rich with historical and cultural detail, and here, she brings 90s Mexico to life. The pacing is deliberate. The setup may be slow, but once the story takes off, it’s impossible to put down.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a truly exceptional writer, and Mexican Gothic proves it! This book is everything a gothic horror should be - unsettling, atmospheric, and deeply psychological. It blurs the line between nightmare and reality, pulling the reader into a world where dread seeps into every shadow. At its core, Mexican Gothic is about agency - losing it, reclaiming it, and realizing how fragile it truly is. Moreno-Garcia masterfully blends folklore, ‘science’ and psychological terror, reminding us that the real horrors aren’t always supernatural but often come from those who hold power. The story presents us real life themes in a supernatural setting but still feels disturbingly real, making the horror all the more impactful. If this novel is ever adapted, I hope it gets the time it deserves - because a rushed movie wouldn’t do justice to its slow, creeping horror. I’ll definitely be reading more of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s work.

I first discovered Jimmy Juliano through The NoSleep Podcast, where his stories were nothing short of terrifying, unsettling, and downright fantastic. So when I heard he had written a full-length novel, I knew I had to read it. And boy, it did not disappoint. Everything I look for in a great horror book was here: the suspense, the eerie setting, well-crafted characters, and, of course, the monsters. Juliano has a way of weaving fear into every page, making the tension build in just the right way. The story was gripping from start to finish! But Dead Eleven isn’t just about horror - it’s a story about grief and the way it can consume a person. Juliano takes that theme and brings it to life through the monsters, making it all the more chilling and impactful. If you’re looking to get into horror but don’t know where to start, I’d highly recommend this book. It’s the perfect blend of psychological depth and supernatural dread.

In my opinion ‘Horror’ is still one of the less-read genres - so shoutout to all the Instagram accounts keeping the horror book love alive! That’s exactly where I discovered Burn the Negative by Josh Winning, immediately picked it up, and devoured it. This book has everything: a campy yet gripping vibe, psychological horror that feels all too real, and a haunting that blurs the lines between the supernatural and the terrifying weight of the past. It’s not just about the gore; it’s about the creeping dread. While I loved the story, I have to say the ending left me a little disappointed - but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Josh Winning knows exactly how to keep his readers on edge. If you’re a horror fan looking for something chilling, eerie, and impossible to put down, this one’s worth checking out.

If there’s one thing I love, it’s a different kind of fantasy story . And The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society (that’s one hell of a title ) delivers just that. A librarian solving murders who soon realizes there’s a demonic force behind the very high body count? And then teaming up with a mismatched group of neighbors/friends to fight it? Count me in! This book was an easy, entertaining read, and while the pacing and some storylines felt a bit scattered at times, I still had a great time with it. There’s something oddly delightful about a village where the number of deaths seems to outpace the number of residents - reminiscent of Midsomer Murders, but with more demons . I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a cozy-yet-chaotic read, especially if you’re in the mood for something outside the usual ‘high fantasy tropes’. Because honestly, why settle for an ordinary hero when you can have a librarian who solves murders and fights demons?

This year, I got into the cozy fantasy subgenre, starting with Legends and Lattes and now moving on to Rebecca Thorne’s series. Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea is a delightful addition to this genre, offering all the cozy vibes I love but with a bit more action than I expected. I love cozy fantasies for their idyllic settings and characters looking to escape the chaos and enjoy a peaceful life in a quiet, low-key place. This book captures that vibe perfectly, letting you experience Reyna and Kianthe’s simpler ambitions (and love story), even as unexpected conflicts arise. Surprisingly, this cozy fantasy had a bit more action than I anticipated, with a main story arc that continues into the next book in the series. While I didn’t expect this, it kept me on my toes and made me even more curious about how the mysteries and conflicts will evolve in the next chapter of Reyna and Kianthe’s story. And I just have to say – I loved their companions and friends! (There’s a griffon! ) The writing was smooth and easy to read, and the characters were all charming. The relationships, both the love story between the main protagonists and the side characters’ interactions, added to the comforting yet thrilling storyline. But I did have a small issue with the pacing, particularly toward the end. The resolution felt a bit rushed, with events coming at you one after another. Overall if you’re a fan of cozy fantasies and don’t mind a touch more action in the mix, Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea is a book I highly recommend.

The setting could not be more nerve-wracking (or hilarious) : it’s close to Christmas, the in-laws are coming, and Santa is in the larder with a knife in his belly. I was already laughing out loud within the first few pages, even before Santa’s grim discovery. I didn’t expect a murdered Santa scenario to be so funny, but Jo Middleton nailed it! The characters were a delight – funny, well-written, and, thankfully, not obnoxious. One of my biggest fears with stories where family dynamics play a huge role is that the spouses and kids might end up being annoying side characters. Not here! Every character had their role to play, and I honestly liked them all. Oli, the husband, was especially a standout – he’s exactly the kind of partner you’d want by your side when trying to figure out who killed Santa. This was another easy read for me, perfect for finishing in a day. It’s a fantastic mix of crime and comedy; I laughed, I was on edge, and then I laughed some more. If you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries and stories that keep you guessing (and laughing) until the end – like whether Anna will finally pull off the perfect Christmas where her mother-in-law doesn’t complain – this book is for you. P.S. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel!

As a die-hard fan of Murder, She Wrote and Angela Lansbury’s iconic portrayal of Jessica Fletcher, I just have to say: I LOVE THIS BOOK! I still watch the show and adore it, so when I started reading this book, I could practically hear the intro music playing in my head. The story was well-written, funny, and full of all the tropes I’ve come to expect from a Murder, She Wrote episode. The characters were so well-drawn that even if you’ve never seen an episode, you’d have no trouble figuring out who’s who or getting a feel for Cabot Cove. The small-town charm and quirky characters were all there, wrapped up in a cozy mystery. What really surprised me, though, was the modern setting. This story takes place in the era of Facebook, and seeing Jessica Fletcher struggle with her smartphone was quite charming. I received this book as a Christmas gift, and it was the perfect cozy read. It was easy to get through in a day, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t engaging. It had all the elements that make Murder, She Wrote so special – a great mystery, lovable characters, and the warm familiarity of Cabot Cove.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas ist ein toller Krimi für die Feiertage: voller Spannung, Verdächtigen und dem typischen Poirot-Charme. Die Geschichte enthält all das was ein typisches Familiendrama inkl. Mord à la Christie braucht: eine wohlhabende Familie - die zu Weihnachten zusammenkommt, eine dramatische Wendung resp. ein grausames Verbrechen und natürlich Hercule Poirot. Die Figuren sind wunderbar vielfältig (und dramatisch ): Jeder hat seine eigenen Geheimnisse (und Motive). Die Adaption fängt das perfekt ein. Wirklich gute Illustrationen, die das Drama wirklich hervorbringen. Und ein kleiner Hinweis: Augen auf, weil hier und da verstecken sich einige Easter Eggs von der Illustratorin in den Bildern! Einziger kleiner Kritikpunkt: Die Handlung wirkt manchmal etwas gehetzt, und ich hätte mir gewünscht, dass manche Szenen (Handlungsstränge) mehr Raum bekommen. Vielleicht wäre ein längeres Format wie ein Graphic Novel dafür besser geeignet gewesen. Alles in allem ist dies eine wunderbar illustrierte Adaption einer klassischen Christie-Geschichte. Wer Poirot und Comics mag, wird hier voll auf seine Kosten kommen. Perfekt, um sich während den Feiertagen mit einer guten Geschichte zu entspannen!

I have a soft spot for dysfunctional family crime stories, and Benjamin Stevenson did not disappoint with Everybody in My Family Has Killed Somebody. What I really enjoyed was how the chapters were split – each family member essentially got their “own chapter,” which made it so much easier to keep track of all the characters. Normally, in stories with large casts, I end up confused by all the names, but here I remembered who was who and, more importantly, who they killed. Sadly, I could not give the story all 5 stars. What held the book back slightly for me was the pacing. The beginning felt a bit slow, and then, suddenly in the middle it was like:, bam, bam, bam – event after event. The story’s back-and-forth between past events and the present also felt a little too quick at times. It made it a little hard for me to fully settle into the rhythm of the narrative. Overall, it was a really good crime story. The family dynamics were on point – the kind of crazy, dysfunctional family setting that I love in books. Stevenson wrote some well-rounded characters, and each of them got their moment to shine with real depth behind their actions. And that ending? Surprising and quite explosive – exactly what you want from a story like this! I’ll definitely be reading the sequel.

I just finished “Bookshops & Bonedust” and absolutely loved it! It was such a joy to see Viv’s transformation from a fierce fighter to someone seeking peace and a new life. This isn’t just a repeat of “Legends & Lattes”—it’s a deeper exploration of Viv’s journey as she slowly craves more than just battles and finds companionship, friendship, and even love. The setting of a beach town with a cozy bookshop made me want to pack up and escape to a place where I could spend my days with books and pastries . It’s the perfect backdrop for a quieter, more fulfilling life, and I loved how the story focused on Viv’s experiences there. While there’s still some mystery and light fantasy adventure, the emphasis is on her growth. Once again, the characters are so well-developed, and I became really invested in their lives. And the summer romance between an Orc and a dwarf? Absolutely perfect! Two strong female leads just living their lives—such a fantastic portrayal! By the end, not only did I want more books, but I also craved all the delicious food Travis Baldree once again so vividly describes. This sequel is a delightful read that I highly recommend!

The Reappearance of Rachel Price hat mich mit gemischten Gefühlen zurückgelassen. Zu Beginn war ich von der Atmosphäre und den familiären Geheimnissen gefesselt. Doch je weiter die Handlung fortschritt, desto mehr verlor die Geschichte für mich an Spannung. Einige Entwicklungen waren vorhersehbar, und bestimmte Charakterentscheidungen fühlten sich klischeehaft an, was mir den Lesespass ein wenig genommen hat. Auch der romantische Handlungsstrang (auch wenn klein gehalten von der Autorin) hat mich eher abgelenkt als bereichert (war ein bisschen überflüssig) – er schien der eigentlichen Handlung wenig hinzuzufügen. Trotzdem hat das Buch mich dazu gebracht, über familiäre Dynamiken und die Folgen von Schweigen nachzudenken. Diese Themen werden kraftvoll behandelt, was das Buch insgesamt doch lohnenswert macht. Leider blieb das Leseerlebnis für mich hinter meinen Erwartungen zurück, auch wenn es starke Momente hatte. Insgesamt eine interessante Lektüre, aber nicht unbedingt ein Buch, das ich erneut lesen würde.

‘Die Radleys’ von Matt Haig hat mich auf eine unerwartet Reise mitgenommen. Von Anfang an wird klar gesagt, dass die Familie Radley Vampire sind (eine Art, die für mich eine ehrliche und ungewöhnliche Atmosphäre schafft), was mich selbst sofort gefesselt hat. Seltsamerweise mochte ich die teils kurzen Kapitel sehr. Sie verleihen der Geschichte eine besondere Dynamik und machen es einem leicht, in die verschiedenen Perspektiven der Charaktere einzutauchen. Die individuellen Erzähler tragen dazu bei, dass man sich in die unterschiedlichen Mitglieder der Familie hineinversetzen kann. Während dem lesen konnte ich deutlich spüren, wie die typischen Familienprobleme in dieser übernatürlichen Slice-of-Life-Geschichte auf einen zukommen, nur um dann in einem regelrechten Chaos zu enden. Es war spannend zu lesen, wie schnell die scheinbar normale Fassade der Familie auseinanderbricht. Keine Spoiler von mir, aber am Ende des Buches war ich echt überrascht, wie schnell alles in der kurzen Zeitspanne der Geschichte zu einer regelrechten Shitshow (pardon my french) wurde. Ich habe das Buch in einem Rutsch durchgelesen und fand das Ende seltsam und befriedigend zugleich. Für mich persönlich war es ein gutes und schnelles Lesevergnügen. Ich würde ‘Die Radleys’ jedem empfehlen, der Slice-of-Life-Geschichten mit einem übernatürlichen Twist mag und über alltägliche Probleme auf eine aussergewöhnliche Weise lesen möchte. Dieses Buch bietet eine erfrischende Perspektive auf das Leben und die Herausforderungen einer ungewöhnlichen Familie.

Kate Racculia wrote a wonderfully eccentric and captivating mystery that combines adventure, friendship and a touch (okay, maybe more than a touch) of the supernatural. Reading it after my first visit to Boston, it transported me back to the city’s atmosphere and places I had explored. This gothic adventure features multiple narrators and blends every perspective seamlessly! The story blends suspense, humor and heartfelt moments perfectly together and made me gasp and laugh out loud. And it has ghosts ! I just loved Tuesday Mooney not just for her personality but also for the tragedy that surrounds her. However, Dorry is my favorite! Her relationship with Tuesday is both heartbreaking and touching . I just want a sequel because after finishing it, I just craved more of this world filled with ghosts and mysteries. I highly recommend ‘Tuesday Mooney Wore Black’ for anyone needing a perfect read for Halloween night or for those who devour spooky stories every day .

This book beautifully combines comedy and crime. It’s a delightful story that perfectly blends Filipino culture, culinary delights, and a murder mystery! The author’s personal experiences make it heartwarming and nostalgic (reminding me of the joy of cooking and eating with my family). I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! P.S. I love the inclusion of recipes for the foods mentioned in the story!

As someone who doesn’t typically dive into the fantasy genre, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed “Legends & Lattes.” The unique premise of an Orc opening a coffee shop in a fantasy realm instantly captivated me, and I fell in love with the concept even before I started reading. I devoured the book in one sitting on a lazy afternoon, and it was an absolute delight. The story is light-hearted, humorous, and a perfect slice-of-life tale. It was a refreshing change of pace from the usual high-stakes fantasy epics, focusing instead on the everyday joys and challenges of running a small business in a magical world. The characters are incredibly lovable and relatable, despite the fact that I am not an Orc myself! Each character brings their own charm and quirks, making them feel real and endearing. I highly recommend “Legends & Lattes” to anyone looking for a cozy and enjoyable read. Just a heads-up, though—you’ll want to have plenty of coffee and pastries on hand because reading about all the delicious treats in the story will definitely make you hungry!

‘Dial A for Aunties’ is an absolute delight! The charming characters, especially the (wonderfully chaotic) Aunties, had me in stitches , and the escalating chaos kept me glued to the pages. With each turn, the book delivered humor, chaos, and unexpected twists that had me hooked. If you need a pick-me-up after a hard day, or just have the urge to laugh your ass off, then please, give it a read! The best part? There are more books waiting for you in this hilarious series!

Unlike his debut novel, ‘Thirteen Storeys’, where each chapter introduces a new character and story, ‘Deadly Business’ unfolds with a continuous storyline, a feature that kept me thoroughly engaged. Right from the start, I found myself deeply invested in the main character’s narrative journey. The whole story was wonderfully written, interesting, and Jonathan Sims truly has a talent for creating a picture through words. Sims’ storytelling prowess shines through, making ‘Deadly Business’ an immersive and unforgettable read. However, despite my enthusiasm, I found myself compelled to dock one point from my review. At times, the narrative felt rushed, lacking the necessary buildup in certain key moments or chapters. While the story doesn’t leave you disoriented, it could have benefited from a more gradual unfolding. Nevertheless, ‘Deadly Business’ remains a captivating ghost story, inviting readers to immerse themselves in its eerie world, provoking questions like, ‘What will become of me if I vanish?’