Spooky season is finally here, so to celebrate I have ten October horror releases for you! I’m moving away from seasonal lists to monthly ones, and October felt like the month to start. Without further ado, here are my choices:
The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister on Oct 1 from Counterpoint Press
Five siblings, ancient sacrificial practices, and a cranberry bog—what more could you want from a folk horror novel? If your answer is “for those rituals to stop working,” look no further. The more I have learned about this one, the more I want to read it. It also sounds like it is walking that line between horror and literary fiction. Character driven and a family saga? Sign me up.
Coup de Grâce by Sofia Ajram on Oct 1 from Titan Books
This little book has been getting a lot of buzz—with good reason! With comparisons to House of Leaves and Piranesi, it’s an instant read for me. Ajram’s take is an infinite subway station. The narrator, Vicken, was already on shaken mental ground before ending up in this impossible space. I cannot wait to see where this one goes.
The Narrows by Ronald Malfi on Oct 8 from Titan Books
Technically, this is a re-release. I am anticipating our preorder pretty highly, though, so I’m still putting it here. The Narrows focuses on the aftermath of a disaster in a small Maryland town. In this case, what comes after the storm is much worse for the people picking up the pieces. It’s going to get dark.
All the Hearts You Eat by Hailey Piper on Oct 15 from Titan Books
Hailey Piper described this as a “seaside modern gothic vampire novel”, and I didn’t need to hear anything else. I know vampires are back and this is one of many bloody novels I’ve highlighted this year, but I’m still hungry for more. I know this one is going to be full of heart. Even after we’ve eaten them.
American Rapture by CJ Leede on Oct 15 from Tor Nightfire
If I had to pick the one book on this list I think the internet wants the most, it’s this one. CJ took us all by storm last summer with Maeve Fly, and everyone has been waiting for (or already loving) what she does next. I’ve read this one already, and while it’s far from Maeve—it’s close to CJ. Probably best described as a grief horror novel plagued by Catholic guilt, this one will be talked about for a while.
Cold Snap by Lindy Ryan on Oct 15 from Titan Books
This book would be a cover buy alone even if I never looked into it. Seeing it pitched to fans of The Only Good Indians and The Shining? I’ll probably read it in winter but it’s already ordered. It’s a Christmas grief horror novel with an antlered entity. Christmas is coming early is what I’m saying. This will also be my first read of Lindy Ryan’s, so I’m crossing my fingers.
In the Mad Mountains by Joe R. Lansdale on Oct 15 from Tachyon Publications
Speaking of new authors for me, I’ve never read Joe R. Lansdale and that feels like a horror lover’s crime. Since I’m on a bit of an eldritch kick at the moment, these Lovecraftian tales seem like a great place to start. There’s even a weird western story to serve as an introduction to his work in that genre. And a Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn adventure? This just sounds fun.
Rest Stop by Nat Cassidy on Oct 15 from Shortwave Publishing
Nat Cassidy is not a new author for me; he’s one of my favorites. When this is finally in my hands I intend to read it in about a day. The premise is simple: a musician trapped in a gas station bathroom. But nothing with Nat is ever simple and horrors threaten from within and without. I’ve heard it’s bloody. And I am very curious about all the googly eyes in the marketing.
Memorials by Richard Chizmar on Oct 22 from Gallery Books
A group of students set out to document roadside memorials and discover something sinister. A symbol keeps reoccurring on the sites, fueling paranoia and speculation in the group. This sounds like a classic 80s horror adventure and I can’t wait to see what Chizmar has planned. I’m lucky enough to read this one early, too, so look for my review on October 18.
The Queen by Nick Cutter on Oct 29 from Gallery Books
This one got pushed back, so consider this my amending of my summer list. This doesn’t sound like a Nick Cutter book. A girl searching for her missing best friend using a mysteriously delivered iPhone? But it is a Nick Cutter book and I cannot wait to see what he does with this story. I am expecting things to get dark and gnarly quickly. Or maybe it’ll be something new. Either way, I’m so excited I talked about it twice.
Hopefully at least one of these sounds like something you’d want to read! What are you looking forward to? See you next month!
Images Courtesy of Counterpoint Press, Titan Books, Tor Nightfire, Tachyon Publications, Shortwave Publishing, and Gallery Books
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