As September Draws Close to an End, the Real Fall Horrors Begin
Horror fans, I know I’ve been hyping fall for a while now, but now it’s official. Fall is here! Let’s celebrate by talking all things horror and preparing for the spookiest week of 2024 yet. It’s time to savor the season. Our time has truly come.
Bookish Goods
Sandworm Bookmark by Sourgoblin
With the new Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice movie out, all I want is more Beetlejuice things in my life, including this really cool sandworm bookmark. It’s the perfect bookish accessory for anyone who loves scary movies. And it’s only $5.
New Releases
Devils Kill Devils by Johnny Compton
I really loved Johnny Compton’s Spite House, and I can’t wait to read this one. This book is a gothic horror novel filled with monsters, angels, devils, and vampires. All her life, Sarita has been watched over by a guardian angel called Angelo. And while Angelo protects her, Sarita decides to keep him a secret. But secrets can’t stay hidden forever, and after Angelo murders someone Sarita loves, he can no longer remain hidden in the shadows. Now if Sarita hopes to survive, she will be forced to acknowledge the darkness that has always surrounded her and face it head-on.
Where I End by Sophie White
Another book coming out tomorrow to get excited about: Where I End was originally published in 2022 and won the Shirley Jackson Award that same year. Now, it’s being republished by Erewhon Books, so if you missed it the first time, here it is again! This novel follows the story of a young woman named Aoileann who desperately wants a family but is stuck alone on an island with her bed-bound mother. Then Sarah shows up on the island with her three kids, and Aoileann finds something new to fixate upon.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Before September ends, let’s look back at some horror reads you might have missed that came out earlier this month.
We Are Hunted by Tomi Oyemakinde
And speaking of islands, this book is set on an island where all of the animals have suddenly gone feral. Now 17-year-old Femi and his family must work with other island resort guests to escape the island and make it home alive. This one is being called White Lotus meets Jurassic Park, which seems pretty accurate to me. A fun (and spooky) reading experience!
An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson
Alexis Henderson is one of those authors who just keeps writing hit after hit, whether it’s about witches or sapphic bloodsuckers or, with this new novel, dark academia. An Academy for Liars takes place at Drayton College, a magic school hidden in Savannah. Lennon, like the other students at Drayton College, is gifted with powers of persuasion, and she’s come to the school to learn how to channel those powers. But the more she learns, the more Lennon discovers the disturbing truth about the school.
So much to read this fall, y’all. And there’s even more that I’ll share with you next Monday. Until then, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!
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