Riot Headline Book Riot’s 2025 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.

9 Sci-Fi Horror Books to Challenge and Scare You

This list is a mashup of science fiction and horror, sci-fi horror books. This list details the best new sci-fi horror books as well as the scary science fiction classics.

What Should I Read for Galentine’s Day?

Galentine's Day is all about celebrating womanhood. Here's some stuff to read that might help you celebrate.

8 True Horror Stories You Can’t NOT Know

For those who are not faint of heart, or if you need something to end unwanted conversations: a list of the eight true horror stories, and why they're scary.

5 Novels about Love for Single People on Valentine’s Day

Novels about love that aren't sentimental and won't make you gag over the sweetness.

What’s Wrong with Every Circus Story?

Where are the voices of the performers in old-time circus tales?

Why Do You Always Assign Books with Ghost Babies?

A professor's students ask the important question.