Riot Headline Book Riot’s 2024 Read Harder Challenge

Mary Kay McBrayer

Mary Kay is a belly-dancer, horror enthusiast, sideshow lover, prose writer, Christian, and literature professor from south of Atlanta. Her true crime novel, America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster is available for pre-order, and you can hear her analysis (and jokes) about scary movies on the podcast she co-founded, Everything Trying to Kill You. She can be reached at mary.kay.mcbrayer@gmail.com.

The Best Southern Gothic Books, Classic and Contemporary

These are some of the best Southern Gothic books to get started with this fascinating genre, both classic and contemporary reads.

6 Dysfunctional Literary Sisterhoods

Sisterhoods aren't always straightforward or easygoing, and these dysfunctional literary sisterhoods highlight some of the complexities of sisterly bonds.

31 Game of Thrones Tattoos for Forever-Fans

What Do Adults Love About YA Fantasy?

Let's face it, adulthood would be so much better if us grown people were armed with magic. Right? Here's more on that and why adults love YA fantasy.

Could You be the Grand Maester? (The Hardest Game of Thrones Quiz!)

How well do you know Westeros? Take the hardest Game of Thrones quiz to find out if you have what it takes to be Grand Maester of the Wall!

9 of the Best Noir Fiction Retellings

Pop the collar of your trench coat, slip into that seedy bar, and pull out one of these noir fiction novels that do the genre a little differently.

6 Reasons GoT’s White Walkers are Scarier Than Your Average Zombie

Because they DGAF and more, here are the top six reasons why this reader thinks White Walkers are scarier than your average ghoul or zombie.

What Essay Collection Should You Read Next?

Looking for some affirming, inspiring, or eye-opening books? Take this essay collection quiz to find your next nonfiction read.

40 Magical Harry Potter Tattoos To Inspire Your Next Ink Session

15 Funny Cookbooks, From the Silly to the Macabre

These 15 funny cookbooks range from straightforward recipes with puns as titles, to themed books about your favorite TV shows, and more.