For today’s Horror October post, I wanted to share the books I’ve read this year that fit the theme – some are horror, others more thrillers, others just plain creepy!
Doctor Sleep (The Shining #2) by Stephen King
Doctor Sleep is definitely one of my highlights of the year! I’d been anticipating this sequel to The Shining ever since I first read about it, before the cover was even released. Hodder sent me a review copy earlier in the year, and it was definitely worth the wait. If you’ve already read The Shining then hurry up and read this!
- My review of Doctor Sleep [simple-rating stars=”five-stars”]
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is not so much a traditional horror, it is really a thriller, but it shows just how horrific humans can be to each other. It’s hard to say much about this book without giving anything away, so I won’t! I’m looking forward to seeing the film of this one too.
- My rating for Gone Girl: [simple-rating stars=”four-stars”]
The Three by Sarah Lotz
The Three by Sarah Lotz was an interesting read. It was told entirely from interviews, newspaper articles and other sources of media. Unfortunately its format meant I had no connection whatsoever to any of the characters, and the ending was just incredibly frustrating.
- My review of The Three [simple-rating stars=”four-stars”]
The Quick (The Quick #1) by Lauren Owen
The Quick was also another unique novel: wonderfully Gothic and rather slow paced. I took a while to read this one for various reasons so I think it might need a re-read at some point, but I enjoyed it a lot. I also had the privilege of meeting the author, Lauren Owen, in April, and definitely made a fool of myself. Oops.
- My review of The Quick [simple-rating stars=”four-stars”]
Red Moon by Benjamin Percy
Red Moon by Benjamin Percy had me super excited – it was a werewolf novel with a twist and had such wonderful reviews. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t agree with them. The writing was wonderful but the story just felt… lacking. Also it promised me a good scare and just didn’t deliver!
- My review of Red Moon [simple-rating stars=”three-stars”]
Midnight Crossroad (Midnight #1) by Charlaine Harris
Midnight Crossroad by Charlaine Harris was another disappointment. I really love her Southern Vampire Mysteries series (or the True Blood books if you prefer), even if the last few just felt like a chance to make some easy money. So I was hoping a new series would be a new start, and whilst Midnight Crossroad wasn’t bad, there was nothing special about it.
- My review of Midnight Crossroad [simple-rating stars=”three-stars”]
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black is another one that’s had great reviews, but I just didn’t get along with. Too many vampires and falling for the bad boy, ugh… The concept of the Coldtowns was original, but vampires? So overdone right now… It does have one of the most horrific opening scenes I’ve ever read though.
- My review of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown [simple-rating stars=”three-stars”]
Leviathan Wakes (Expanse #1) by James S.A. Corey
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey is hard to explain in terms of the horror genre without giving away some big plot points. I definitely wasn’t expecting the horror element when I started reading it, and it’s definitely a memorable part… I read it with my Goodreads book group and it was pretty well received!
- My review of Leviathan Wakes [simple-rating stars=”four-stars”]
The Screaming Staircase (Lockwood & Co #1) by Jonathan Stroud
The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud is one of my stand-out books of the year. I wasn’t expecting to love it so much, but it pulled me right in. It may be aimed at younger readers but it is SO amazing. Think a mix of Sherlock and Supernatural, with teenage protaganists.
- My review of The Screaming Staircase [simple-rating stars=”five-stars”]
Rinn Reads 
I’m reading Gone Girl at the moment and I can’t wait to see the horrific nature of humans. The coldest girl in cold town.. Hmm. I’ve seen so many mixed reviews, but I read a short story about this in her anthology and I was quite surprised by it. I might check it out anyway, but I’m definitely warned for the romance.
I read Miss Peregrine and I loved it! The cure for dreaming is set on Halloween and the pictures add a nice atmosphere, even when it’s not a creepy book. Her other book In the shadow of Blackbirds is perfect for this time of the year. (Both by Cat Winters)
Are you going to see the film?
I’ve finished Miss Peregrine now, it was great 😀 Not quite what I was expecting in terms of story though. I loved how the photos were weaved in.
The Three was one of the best books I read this year! And probably one of the creepiest too.
Did you like the ending though? It was so frustrating to me
I haven’t read any of these yet, but a couple are on my radar (especially The Coldest Girl in Coldtown).
If you get round to that one, I hope you enjoy it more than I did. I think the hype had set my expectations way too high 😦
That’s a pretty great collection of scary books. I’m currently reading The Shinning by Stephen King, so it was great to see you rated Doctor Sleep with 5 stars. I’m glad to know this series will continue to be as awesome as it is. Because I’m loving this book! I also want to read Gone Girl and The Screaming Staircase. I actually just got my copy of Gone Girl last week, so I’m very excited about it.
Glad to hear you’re loving The Shining!
Hopefully I’ll be going to see the film of Gone Girl this weekend. Are you planning on seeing it, or do you want to read the book first?