Celia is so tired of being alone. All she wants is to have a family—to belong to someone. That’s why she’s going to Kindred Cove for the annual Salt Festival held by the secluded community that lives there. They promise that healing is possible. They promise that transformation is inevitable. There is no grief at Kindred Cove, because there is no suffering. Nothing is ever lost.
Celia knows that, at that mysterious island surrounded by that impossible, ever-growing reef — she will find herself.
She’s ready to be healed. She’s ready to be transformed.
She’s ready to believe.
GRADE: C
REVIEW:
I made it through Make Me Better, but it was a struggle. If I hadn’t been listening to the audiobook, this probably would’ve been a DNF for me.
The premise—a cult that promises to transform you into a better version of yourself—hooked me immediately. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t live up to the concept. The story dragged, the pacing was painfully slow, and it felt much longer than it needed to be. The only thing that kept me going was Xe Sands’ fantastic narration.
If you enjoy a slow-burn story, this one might work for you. For me, it was just too slow. That said, the ending was absolutely devastating, and it delivered an emotional punch that almost made the journey worthwhile.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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For decades, Anne Rice’s vampires have captivated readers with their blend of gothic horror, philosophy, romance, and tragedy. While Interview with the Vampire introduced audiences to the brooding Louis de Pointe du Lac, many fans have long considered Lestat de Lioncourt the true heart of Rice’s sprawling vampire mythology. With the upcoming television adaptation of The Vampire Lestat, viewers can expect a story that places one of fiction’s most fascinating antiheroes front and center.
A Different Kind of Vampire Story
Unlike traditional vampire tales that focus primarily on horror, The Vampire Lestat explores identity, ambition, loneliness, and the burden of immortality. Lestat is not a monster lurking in the shadows. He is a performer, a rebel, a philosopher, and an unapologetic rule-breaker. His larger-than-life personality stands in stark contrast to the melancholy vampires that often dominate the genre.
The story follows Lestat as he recounts his own history, challenging the version of events presented in Interview with the Vampire. Through his perspective, audiences gain a deeper understanding of his transformation from an ambitious young French nobleman into one of the most powerful vampires in existence.
Why Lestat Resonates with Modern Audiences
One reason Lestat remains so popular is his complexity. He is arrogant yet vulnerable, ruthless yet compassionate, selfish yet capable of profound love. These contradictions make him feel remarkably human despite his supernatural nature.
Modern television audiences have embraced morally gray protagonists, from antiheroes to complicated villains. Lestat fits perfectly within this tradition. He refuses to conform to expectations, often making disastrous decisions while remaining irresistibly charismatic. Viewers may not always agree with his choices, but they are rarely able to look away.
Expanding Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe
A television adaptation of The Vampire Lestat offers an opportunity to delve deeper into Anne Rice’s rich mythology. The novel expands the scope of the vampire world, introducing ancient histories, powerful immortals, and secrets that stretch back thousands of years.
This broader mythology transforms the story from a personal drama into an epic saga. Themes of power, destiny, art, and faith become intertwined with the supernatural elements, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and grand in scale.
Music, Fame, and the Rockstar Vampire
One of the most unique aspects of The Vampire Lestat is its connection to music. Unlike many vampires who seek anonymity, Lestat embraces the spotlight. He becomes a rock star, using his fame to challenge both human and vampire society.
This unconventional approach gives the story a fresh energy. The image of an immortal vampire commanding a stage before thousands of fans remains one of Anne Rice’s most memorable creations. It blends gothic aesthetics with modern celebrity culture, creating a striking contrast that feels surprisingly relevant today.
The Challenges of Adaptation
Bringing The Vampire Lestat to television is no small task. The story spans centuries, continents, and multiple layers of mythology. It requires balancing intimate character development with expansive world-building.
The greatest challenge may be capturing Lestat himself. His charm, wit, arrogance, and emotional depth are essential to the story’s success. If the adaptation succeeds in portraying these qualities, it could deliver one of television’s most compelling supernatural protagonists.
Final Thoughts
The Vampire Lestat is more than a vampire story. It is a character study, a gothic adventure, and an exploration of what it means to live forever while searching for purpose and connection. By shifting the focus to Lestat’s voice, the narrative offers a fresh perspective on a beloved universe and reveals why this flamboyant, complicated immortal has remained a fan favorite for generations.
For longtime readers, the series represents a chance to see one of literature’s most iconic vampires take center stage. For newcomers, it may be the perfect introduction to Anne Rice’s dark, seductive world of immortals.
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Lou did what the children of parents with backbreaking, poorly paying jobs are supposed to do: pulled up her bootstraps, went to college, and got an office gig with coworkers who won’t stop talking about their multilevel marketing scheme disguised as self-betterment.
When Lou accepts a property appraisal assignment in the rural hills of Ohio, she knows it’s her last chance to save her job and keep making rent. But she quickly finds herself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a sabotaged truck, her dog, and someone–or something–stalking her through the ancient Appalachian woods.
If she can’t escape the woods in time, she’ll see firsthand that her job isn’t the only thing that wants to eat her alive.
GRADE: A
REVIEW:
Morsel is a pulse-pounding folk horror novel that grabs hold from the very first page and never lets go.
Lou is sent by her boss to the remote hills of rural Ohio, accompanied only by her loyal dog, Ripley. What begins as a routine assignment quickly spirals into a nightmare when she realizes someone—or something—is stalking her through the forest. As the tension mounts, Lou finds herself fighting not only for her own survival but also for Ripley’s.
This is a fast-paced, relentless read filled with suspense and dread. The audiobook narration was particularly effective, capturing Lou’s growing fear, paranoia, and determination as she navigates the dangers lurking in the woods.
And then things get even darker.
When an ancient god awakens, the story erupts into bloody, supernatural chaos, elevating the terror to another level entirely.
If you’re a fan of atmospheric folk horror, isolated wilderness settings, and escalating supernatural dread, Morsel is well worth picking up. Highly recommended for readers who loved The Blair Witch Project and enjoy horror that blends folklore, mystery, and survival.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Camilla Black is not your average serial killer. As the editor of fashion magazine Couture, Camilla is a commanding presence. Impeccably dressed and regularly snapped at the front row of Fashion Week, Camilla is respected and revered.
And yet, Camilla has a secret.
When she’s not sipping martinis with London’s elite, she’s scouring the streets for the worst of the worst–the most despicable predators around. And then she finds them, she shows no mercy.
Camilla is the very last person a predator would ever want to meet….
GRADE: A-
REVIEW:
If you loved Dexter and always wished for a female serial killer vigilante targeting bad men, then you’ll definitely get a kick out of Camilla in Pretty Evil. Despite the graphic violence of her murders, it’s hard not to sympathize with her once you learn about the trauma she’s endured. Her revenge is fueled by pain, and there’s a heartbreaking reason behind her madness.
This is a dark, rage-filled revenge thriller that doesn’t hold back. While I know the ending may not work for everyone, I personally loved it. The audiobook narrator also did an incredible job bringing Camilla’s voice and emotions to life, which made the story even more immersive.
I’d definitely recommend this to fans of dark, gritty thrillers with morally complex characters.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Lighthouse Books for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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A sprinkling of the macabre…. A dash of depravity… And a whole lot of insanity.
PLOT SUMMARY:
Welcome to POISONED SOUP FOR THE MACABRE, INSANE, and DEPRAVED. 51 INGREDIENTS OF NOSTALGIA AND HORROR Curated by Wendy Dalrymple and Grace R. Reynolds Grab a bowl and nourish yourself with the nostalgic flavors of our favorite genre. Together, these tales create a stew of heartwarming memories and moods inspired by your favorite author’s first brush with those dark corners of film, literature, and art.
GRADE: A
REVIEW:
If you’ve ever read Chicken Soup for the Soul, you’ll have an easier time understanding the spirit of this anthology. Like that series, it’s a collection of diverse voices and styles—ranging from short stories and essays to poetry—but instead of uplifting life lessons, Poisoned Soup for the Macabre, Depraved, and Insane serves up darker, stranger, and more unsettling themes.
This anthology shines most when it taps into a strong sense of ’90s nostalgia. Many of the pieces feel like heartfelt tributes to horror itself, with contributors reflecting on how the genre became a source of comfort, escape, and inspiration in their lives. In many ways, the collection reads like a love letter to horror fans.
There’s a little something here for every kind of horror reader. If you grew up devouring Goosebumps, this anthology may stir up fond memories while still delivering eerie and macabre fun. I’d especially recommend it to readers who are curious about exploring horror for the first time and want to sample a wide variety of voices and styles within the genre.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Brigids Gate Press for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Hazel Russon’s life in 1882 Utah territory is defined by three things: the Mormon church, polygamy, and the men who control both. She knows she’s supposed to suppress her sinful dreams of a monogamous life with her sweetheart, and her desire for the freedom to play her beloved piano. Every Mormon woman’s duty is to live obediently and meekly, devoted to her husband and her calling as a sister wife. Her eternal salvation depends upon it.
Commanded to become the fourth wife of a man she’s never met, Hazel is relieved that Jacob Manwaring is attentive and handsome. However, she is shocked to discover that instead of living separately as is custom, all of Jacob’s wives and children live in the same house—a large, dilapidated manor that inexplicably fills Hazel with dread.
Despite Jacob’s tenderness, Hazel senses dark secrets and resentments among her sister wives. She hears strange music, sees blood oozing from the very walls, and glimpses apparitions that grow more terrifying every day. And as her nightmares worsen, Hazel can’t be sure if she has more to fear from the living—including her mysterious husband—or from a sinister presence that seems to animate the house itself . . .
Drawing on little-known Mormon folklore and the author’s own polygamous ancestors, this fascinating, suspense-filled historical novel debut is by turns darkly romantic, spine-tingling, and wholly unforgettable.
GRADE: B
REVIEW:
I went into The Fourth Wife by Linda Hamilton knowing almost nothing about Mormons beyond the idea of plural marriage—and honestly, that alone hooked me. Add in the “historical horror” label, and I was all in.
The story follows Hazel, who agrees to become Jacob’s fourth wife after learning her longtime crush won’t marry her. It’s a desperate choice… and not a great one.
Jacob initially comes across as charming, but that illusion falls apart fast. When Hazel arrives at his home, she discovers the truth: instead of wealth and stability, she’s walked into a crumbling house shared with his three other wives—and possibly something else lurking there.
Here’s the thing: if you’re expecting a full-on haunted house story, this isn’t it. The ghostly elements are interesting but feel underused, popping in just enough to remind you they exist before fading into the background again.
That said, the central mystery is compelling, and I ended up enjoying the ride—especially in audiobook form, which kept me engaged throughout.
Overall, I liked it and would try another book by this author. Just don’t go in expecting true horror—this leans much more toward historical drama with a hint of the supernatural.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Recorded Books for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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In a small town like Presnick, nothing stays buried forever…
PLOT SUMMARY:
Ava Germaine has learned her see something, don’t say something. Cast out at school, the only place she can find peace is Restoration Acres, the town’s animal sanctuary. Though the place sometimes seems more like an animal graveyard than a rehabilitation center, Ava’s job there is at least a constant distraction from the night everything went wrong—and the boy she still holds responsible.
Micah Harding is always prepared for the worst. As the sheriff’s son, he tries not to do things that reflect poorly on his family, especially since his dad helped him cover up his worst mistake yet. But he knows his secret is bound to come out.
Hailey Wagner is sick of being judged. And finally, things are going according to plan—until Ava Germaine starts talking. So if Hailey has to shut her up…she will.
As a strange entity begins to stir, ready to awaken—Ava, Micah, and Hailey find themselves wrapped in a centuries-old exchange, while barreling towards the truth of what ties their fates together.
GRADE: A
REVIEW:
Mindy McGinnis is back—and she’s as fierce as ever. What Rough Beast immediately brought to mind The Female of the Species, with its simmering current of female rage, but this time there’s an added layer of eerie, folklore-tinged supernatural elements that deepen the story’s edge.
At the heart of the novel are three protagonists Ava, Micah, and Hailey, who feel strikingly real. Their voices are raw, their choices messy, and their emotions unmistakably teenage in the most authentic way. McGinnis excels at capturing that intensity, and as their lives begin to intertwine in unexpected ways, the tension only grows.
The story weaves together small-town drama with the shadow of a centuries-old curse, creating a mystery that slowly unravels. Watching the pieces connect is part of the thrill, and it kept me fully hooked from start to finish.
I won’t give away any plot details, but if you’re familiar with McGinnis’s work, this is her at her boldest—darker, stranger, and even more gripping than before. Pick this one up, you won’t regret it!
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & HarperCollins for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Riley and her brother Oliver set off in the pitch-black night, fleeing their troubled home. They are heading for Nowhere—an abandoned ranch, once the playground of its former eccentric movie-star owner, now a haven for runaways.
What awaits could be the freedom they crave.
But this mysterious clan guards dark secrets, and the scorched grounds hold the ghosts of the past. Riley quickly realizes that while she and Oliver may have escaped the devil they knew, something darker lurks in the burnt shell of Nowhere.
Something which asks a terrible price for sanctuary…
GRADE: B-
REVIEW:
Ward is usually an auto-buy author for me, so whenever I get the chance to read an ARC of hers, I jump on it. That said, this is the first of her books that didn’t completely captivate me.
What worked best for me was Riley and Oliver’s storyline. Their escape from an abusive situation is gripping on its own, but things take a darker turn when they fall in with a group of kids living alone in the woods—very Lord of the Flies vibes. That section had the tension and emotional pull I’ve come to expect from Ward.
The novel then shifts to Leaf Winham, a famous Hollywood actor who retreats to the woods to indulge his serial killer tendencies. It’s an interesting premise, but I found it less engaging than Riley and Oliver’s arc.
The final thread follows two investigative journalists trying to piece together what happened at Winham’s burned-down property—and what became of the so-called Nowhere children. This part ties the narrative together, though it didn’t deliver the level of suspense I was hoping for.
Overall, the book is compelling, but I wouldn’t classify it as horror. It leans more toward drama, and it lacks the shocking twists I usually associate with Ward’s work. I still recommend it—just go in knowing it’s less eerie and more grounded than her previous novels.
*Thank you so much to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
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Sonora Taylor is an American horror writer known for blending psychological dread with surreal and often unsettling themes. Her work frequently explores identity, body horror, and emotional trauma through novels, novellas, and short stories in the modern indie horror scene.
Can you talk about your latest book and what readers might find appealing about it
My next book is a novelette called “Passing Glance,” which appears in SPLIT SCREAM VOL. 8: CURSED PLACES. It’s about a woman who attends her friend’s 30th birthday party at an eccentric mansion filled with mirrors that may or may not be cursed. It’s based o a wild museum I went to in Washington, D.C., called the O Street Mansion, which is filled with quirky decor that gives the place a sinister vibe. I walked through it, though, I felt like the place itself wasn’t haunted, but the mirrors definitely were. I think readers will enjoy how twisty and strange it is, with something creepier around every corner. I sometimes felt as discombobulated as the main character while writing her journey! It’s coming out April 21 from Tenebrous Press, and you can preorder it here.
What’s a book you can’t stop recommending?
Sky Daddy by Kate Folk. It’s a novel about a woman who is romantically attracted to airplanes. She believes it’s her fate to be chosen by a plane who will then “marry” her by melding their bodies into one–ie, crashing. So, she spends a lot of time each month flying planes in the hopes she’ll be chosen, but this desire hits a hiccup when her best friend at work starts to hang out with her more often in their off-hours. It was so strange and wonderful, and the depiction of the female friendship was really great.
Can you explain your writing process? What inspires you?
Most of my stories start with one thought, and that thought is usually “Wouldn’t it be funny if”, but with something that’s not that funny unless you share my gallows humor. For instance, “Wouldn’t it be funny if a serial killer’s mom was so proud of them, they hung up their trophies like A+ tests on a cork board?” became Without Condition. From there, I try to dig deeper into more than just that thought, and usually end up with something much darker but also much richer.
Is there a snack or drink that gets you into a writing mindset?
Ooh, good question. Probably tea. I try not to eat while I’m writing (I’ve been trying to be better in general about not doing other things while I eat). I’m a tea fanatic and have so many different kinds.
Are there any horror tropes you especially love in books or films?
Haunted houses. I love a good ghost story. Stories from the perspective of the killer, because I find a fractured mind much scarier to inhabit.
Who’s your favorite final girl?
Selena from 28 Days Later. Though I guess both she and Hannah survived. Still, she’s amazing. 28 Days Later is my favorite horror movie. (I don’t acknowledge the sequels)
Are you currently working on anything new?
I am working on two longer stories: one about a TV cooking show host embarking on a “good for her” change in career, and a ghost story about the spirit of a little girl blamed for children’s deaths in her neighborhood, and her one surviving friend’s quest to discover the truth about her.
Bio:
Sonora Taylor (she/her) is the award-winning author of several books and short stories, including Errant Roots, Little Paranoias: Stories, and Without Condition. She also co-edited Diet Riot: A Fatterpunk Anthology with Nico Bell. Her short stories have been published by Tenebrous Press, Rooster Republic Press, PseudoPod, Kandisha Press, Camden Park Press, Cemetery Gates Media, Tales to Terrify, Sirens Call Publications, Ghost Orchid Press, and others.
Her short stories and books frequently appear on “Best of the Year” lists. In 2020, she won two Ladies of Horror Fiction Awards: one for Best Novel (Without Condition) and one for Best Short Story Collection (Little Paranoias: Stories). In 2022, her short story, “Eat Your Colors,” was selected by Tenebrous Press to appear in Brave New Weird: The Best New Weird Horror Vol. 1. In 2024, her nonfiction essay, “Anything But Cooking, Please,” was a Top 15 finalist in Roxane Gay’s Audacious Book Club essay contest.
She co-managers Fright Girl Summer, an online book festival highlighting marginalized authors, with V. Castro. She also serves on the board of directors of Scares That Care.
Her latest short story collection, All the Pieces Coming Together: Collected Works, is out now from Manta Press. She lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband and a rescue dog.
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TM Lunn is a horror writer that explores feminist themes in a provocative new ways.
Can you talk about your latest book and what readers might find appealing about it?
The Final Chapter is a standalone short novella (part of the Fight Like Final Girls series with other indie women in horror) which follows the day in the life of a thriller writer, interspersed with some fairly gruesome survival stories. If you like strong female characters and getting into some feminine rage, you’d definitely enjoy!
What’s a book you can’t stop recommending?
You Invited It In by Sarah Jules is one of my absolute favourite readers. Besides being a lovely person and supporter of fellow indie authors, Jules’ story of evil spirits and possession had me terrified the entire time.
Can you explain your writing process? What inspires you?
I would describe my writing process as fairly chaotic! I write sporadically, pretty much just when inspiration strikes and interrupts my procrastination enough. I love a project though which is why you’ll often find me in anthologies and collections. I write most of what I come up with from some version of real life and have fun twisting it into horror.
Is there a snack or drink that gets you into a writing mindset?
I’m such a snacker! Crisps are my weakness, anything salty, but always followed by something sweet. Caramel dairy milk chocolate it my favourite.
Are there any horror tropes you especially love in books or films?
I’m all about the final girls, especially those that subvert the original archetype. And to be honest, I love a bleak ending!
Who’s your favorite final girl?
That’s a tough one. I’ve always loved Sydney from Scream for her resilience and no-nonsense attitude. I also love Tree from Happy Death Day for her smarts and flaws.
Are you currently working on anything new?
I’m incredibly honoured to be featured in a horror anthology called My Friends In Hell coming May 1st. And I’m currently working on my first full length novel to release next year which I’m really excited about.
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The Inkblotters 